Edina School Board Approves Staff Contract, Reviews Academic Progress
The Edina Public Schools Board approved a two-year contract for health service associates and heard reports showing steady academic gains, though the district met only one of five achievement goals during the 2023-2025 period.
At its November 10 meeting, the Edina School Board approved a new collective bargaining agreement for Health Service Associates — staff who support student health needs — covering July 2025 through June 2027. The contract totals approximately $1.23 million, an increase of $96,181, and includes wage increases, five additional paid holidays starting in the second year, and professional development provisions.
The board also authorized the district to refinance 2017 bonds to save taxpayer money, though market volatility has complicated the plan. Director of Finance Mert Woodard explained that expected savings dropped from $250,000 to $178,000 due to federal government uncertainty and interest rate fluctuations. The district will wait for conditions to stabilize before executing the sale, provided savings remain above $150,000.
Academic reports dominated much of the meeting. Director of Teaching and Learning Jody Duc St. Hubert presented data showing steady increases in reading and math proficiency on state tests over four years. However, under the state's Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness framework — which replaced the former World's Best Workforce plan — the district met just one of five goals: kindergarten readiness. Challenges remain in closing achievement gaps and supporting students performing below grade level.
In a notable presentation, Edina High School students pitched marketing strategies to combat enrollment losses to private schools. Junior Clara Johnson explained the project aimed to address misconceptions among eighth graders, including beliefs that public school academics are weaker and lead to fewer college opportunities. The students proposed enhanced tours, student panels at middle schools, and open house events.
The board also heard an update on where to place the Spanish dual language program at the middle school level. Interim Superintendent Dr. Dan Bitman reported that families strongly prefer Valley View Middle School for continuity, as it serves as the feeder school for elementary students currently in the program. A formal recommendation is expected later this year.
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Other Topics from This Document
Student Marketing Initiative for High School Recruitment
Edina High School student council members presented their human-centered design project aimed at creating marketing opportunities to retain and recruit incoming freshmen. They identified key misconceptions about EHS including beliefs about academic rigor, class sizes, and college acceptance rates compared to private schools.
Curriculum Implementation Progress Report
Director Jody Duc St. Hubert presented updates on curriculum implementation across science, ELA, and mathematics, highlighting the collaborative design team approach and implementation science methodology. The report showed progress over four years with nearly 100 educators involved in the process.
Data Metrics Plan 2023-2025 Results and 2025-2027 Goals
The district presented comprehensive data on student achievement across multiple areas including ELA, math, science, and social-emotional learning. The report showed steady increases in academic performance while identifying ongoing challenges with achievement gaps and students below grade level.
Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Report
The district presented its new CACR plan (formerly World's Best Workforce) with five goal areas including school readiness, closing achievement gaps, college and career readiness, graduation rates, and preparing lifelong learners. The report showed mixed results on 2023-2025 goals with one of five goals met.
Spanish Dual Language Program Middle School Placement
Superintendent Bitman provided an update on community feedback regarding placement of the Spanish dual language program at middle school level. Families strongly favored placement at Valley View for continuity and logistics, while staff raised questions about programming and scheduling challenges.
Health Service Associates Collective Bargaining Agreement
The board approved a new 2-year collective bargaining agreement for Health Service Associates (HSAs) covering July 2025 through June 2027. The agreement includes wage increases, additional paid holidays, and professional development provisions.
Bond Refinancing Authorization
The board authorized the district to issue general obligation refunding bonds to refinance 2017A bonds at lower interest rates. However, market conditions and federal government uncertainty have reduced expected savings from $250,000 to $178,000, prompting a delay in execution.
Policy Reviews and Approvals
The board reviewed and approved multiple policies including District Volunteers Policy 911 and several policies under quick review process. Policy 911 clarifies volunteer management procedures and background check requirements based on level of student interaction.
Also from this meeting
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