The board unanimously approved its meeting agenda and took no formal votes on major items, instead reaching consensus on next steps. The most significant action was approving a request for proposals (RFP) to four executive search firms—School Exec Connect, Hazard Young, ران Associates, and BWB Associates—to help identify the next superintendent. The board will review detailed information about each firm's qualifications and costs at its January 21 work session, with the goal of completing interviews by late January.

The Governance Committee identified three potential pathways forward: hiring an interim superintendent (pending contract negotiations with St. Paul Public Schools), engaging a search firm, or evaluating internal administrators. Board members discussed whether to emphasize regional candidates or remain open to national searches, ultimately favoring a regional focus while staying open to exceptional national candidates. The committee noted that Minnesota superintendent searches typically take 3.5 months and that Edina's reputation as a "marquee district" should help attract strong candidates despite challenges like salary differentials and a shrinking pool of interested administrators.

In a separate presentation, surveyor Peter Letherman shared results from a November 2024 survey of 400 residents and 400 parents. The survey found 90% favorable ratings on education quality—down from 93% in 2020, though Letherman noted this decline mirrors statewide trends following the pandemic. Community trust in district financial management was strong at 80%, well above the state average of 59%. However, 28% of respondents cited high property taxes as a concern, a significant shift from 2020. On a potential bond referendum, 58% of respondents were persuadable, with majority support for all four proposed purposes: safety and security (78%), early learning (73%), transition programs, and sustainability.

The board also received an informational presentation on proposed academic calendars for 2026-2027 and 2027-2028. An 18-member calendar committee developed schedules that begin the week before Labor Day and include strategically placed professional development days aligned with cultural observances. The board will discuss the calendars further in February and vote on them in March. The board postponed its winter retreat, deciding it would be better timed after the superintendent transition is complete.