Edina schools approve international trips, new internship program
The Edina Public Schools Board unanimously approved several initiatives on April 8, including international travel for students and a new job training partnership with Fairview Southdale Hospital. All votes passed 6-0 with no dissent.
The board greenlit two international student trips: a high school Model UN delegation to Vancouver, Canada, and a Valley View Middle School French immersion program trip to Montreal and Quebec. Both proposals were approved without opposition.
In a separate 6-0 vote, the board approved the Unified Project Search proposal, a partnership with Fairview Southdale Hospital that offers a nine-month internship for students in their final year of transition programming. The program provides hands-on learning and marketable job skills at no additional cost to the district. Chair Ellenburg praised the initiative, saying the ability to "offer enhanced programming and at the same time have it not cost the district any more money is brilliant."
The board also reauthorized the Teacher Evaluation and Alternative Compensation Program agreement, which had previously been reviewed by the teacher evaluation committee on March 14 without concerns. Additionally, the board approved eight district policies (401, 402, 404, 405, 423, 503, 513, and 719), including updates to 504 document retention procedures and clarifications on unique learning challenges. Policy 403, which addresses employee drug use in light of marijuana legalization, was removed from the vote because an outdated version was included in the board packet. It will be reintroduced next month.
During the meeting, community member Meg Carlson addressed the board regarding the suspension of two Somali students for using the phrase "From The River To The Sea, Palestine will be free." Carlson characterized the phrase as a call for equal rights for all people in the region and criticized the board's perceived lack of response.
The board also heard presentations on South View Middle School's recognition as a 2023 AMLE School of Distinction and received updates on specialized education services provided through Intermediate School District 287. Superintendent Stanley shared community appreciation for district staff, including instrumental music teachers, substitute teachers, and school leaders.
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Full analysis
Votes (4)
International Travel Recommendations
Moved by Unknown [1:06:56] · Seconded by Unknown [1:07:00]
Two international travel requests were presented for approval: a high school Model UN trip to Vancouver, Canada (an annual event held internationally this year), and a Valley View Middle School French immersion trip to Montreal and Quebec (a district-run program).
Reauthorization of the Teacher Evaluation and Alternative Compensation Program Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Moved by Unknown [1:09:00] · Seconded by Michael [1:09:06]
The reauthorization of the MOU for the Teacher Evaluation and Alternative Compensation Program was presented. It had previously been brought to the teacher evaluation committee and approved without questions or concerns on March 14th.
Unified Project Search Proposal
Moved by Unknown [1:10:58] · Seconded by Unknown [1:11:04]
A proposal for Project Search, a collaboration with Fairview Southdale Hospital, was presented. It offers a 9-month internship for students in their final year of transition programming, providing hands-on learning and marketable skills. The program has strong post-school employment outcomes and is seen as an opportunity for the district to expand transition programming without additional cost.
Approval of Policies (excluding Policy 403)
Moved by Unknown [1:14:45] · Seconded by Unknown [1:14:52]
A slate of policies (401, 402, 404, 405, 423, 503, 513, 719) were brought for approval. Policy 719 included an updated appendix regarding 504 document retention. Policy 503 included clarity on 'unique learning challenges.' Policy 403, which had been discussed regarding modifications for marijuana legalization, was removed from the action item due to an outdated version being provided in the board packet and will be re-presented next month.
Notable Quotes (2)
I know that I've spoken before with the board at a work session and also at different committee meetings and so I don't want to go through everything all over again in detail but I would be happy to answer any questions or to provide clarification on any questions you may have regarding our proposal this evening.
I really appreciate you bringing this forward... Director Remsing, I think the ability to offer enhanced programming and at the same time have it not cost the district any more money is brilliant.
Ordinances & Resolutions (16)
Community comment guidelines adhered to during public hearings.
Employee Right to Know - Exposure to Hazardous Substances; reviewed for minimal changes.
Employee Publications, Instructional Materials, Inventions, and Creations; reviewed for minimal changes including notice provision.
Family and Medical Leaves; reviewed with modifications due to 2023 legislative changes and inclusionary language updates.
Compensatory Practices; reviewed with addition clarifying agreement for compensatory time in lieu of overtime for non-exempt employees.
Assignment and Transfer of Teachers; reviewed with change to teacher definition for preschool teachers.
Employee Evaluation and Improvement; reviewed for style guide changes.
Resignation, Termination, or Non-Renewal of Activity Position; reviewed with clarifications for athletic coaches/club advisors and statutory compliance.
Outside Employment and Conflict of Interest; reviewed with addition regarding tutoring for pay and professional ethics.
Safe and Healthy Environment for Students, Employees, and the Public; reviewed to clarify district-wide emergency management plan and appendice guidelines.
Reference point for detailed Emergency Management plan information.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for reauthorization, approved by the teacher evaluation committee.
Cited as not providing for changing terms of duly elected officials against their wishes.
Addresses processes for non-renewal of head varsity coach contracts.
Referenced in Policy 439 regarding avoiding use of professional relationships for private advantage in tutoring.
Updated to incorporate state's approval of district terms application for 504 documents, specifically regarding retention policy.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Public Comment: Student Suspension and 'Free Palestine' Slogan Interpretation
Intermediate School District 287 Programming and Services for Specialized Education
School Board Election Resolution to Even Years Discussion
Policy Review and Updates (400 and 800 Series)
Board Leadership and Committee Updates
Superintendent's Updates and Community Gratitude
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