Approval of Meeting Agenda
Approved unanimously
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [0:20:10] · Seconded by Unknown [0:20:10]
Chair called for motion to approve agenda for January 6th work session meeting. Motion was made and seconded without discussion.
EPS 2024 Resident Survey Results Presentation
Informational presentation; no vote required
Dissent: None
Peter Letherman presented comprehensive survey findings showing 90% favorable rating on education quality (down from 93% in 2020 due to shift from 'excellent' to 'good' ratings). Survey revealed high community trust in district financial management (80% favorable vs. 59% state norm), strong support for broad curriculum and academic excellence, and 46% perceiving positive momentum compared to three years ago. Key concerns identified: high property taxes (28%), staff shortages (14%), and lack of funding (9%). On potential bond referendum, 58% of respondents were persuadable, with median support at $12/month ($150/year). All four proposed funding purposes (safety/security, early learning, transition programs, sustainability) showed majority support, with safety/security at 78% and early learning at 73%.
Superintendent Search Process and Governance Committee Update
No formal vote; board consensus to proceed with four search firms for RFP, with detailed recommendations at January 21st work session
Dissent: None
Governance Committee (Chair, Dan Arum, Eric Allenberg) presented findings from landscape analysis of superintendent hiring market. Key challenges identified: shrinking superintendent candidate pool due to position stress, reluctance of licensed administrators to pursue superintendent roles, difficulty attracting out-of-state candidates due to salary differentials (out-of-state superintendents earn $100,000+ more), and many long-tenured superintendents at larger districts nearing retirement. Assets identified: Edina's reputation as 'marquee district' across Minnesota, functional and desirable board, ability to attract robust candidate pool, and average Minnesota superintendent search duration of 3.5 months (range 3-6 months). Committee recommended vetting three search firms: School Exec Connect (used previously, strong Minnesota/Edina knowledge), Hazard Young (national firm, finalist in previous search), and ران Associates (top-ranked national firm, local Iowa presence). Board discussed whether to emphasize in-state/regional candidates versus national search, with consensus favoring regional emphasis while remaining open to exceptional national candidates. Committee recommended keeping search oversight with Governance Committee rather than creating separate task force to avoid open meeting law violations and bandwidth issues. Three potential pathways identified: (1) interim superintendent route pending contract negotiations with St. Paul Public Schools, (2) search firm engagement with tentative interview completion by end of January 24th week, (3) evaluation of internal administrators. Board approved moving forward with four search firms (added BWB Associates) for RFP process, with detailed firm information and cost estimates to be presented at January 21st work session.
Academic Calendars for 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 School Years
Informational presentation; calendars will be discussed at February board meeting and voted on for action in March
Dissent: None
Calendar Committee (18 members including staff and parents) presented proposed academic calendars developed through iterative feedback process. Both calendars begin week before Labor Day (accommodating 6 remaining years of summer construction exceeding pre-Labor Day limits per board parameters). Key features: (1) Two K-5 connecting assessment days moved from Monday-Tuesday to Friday-Monday to allow Tuesday data review; (2) Three data days (post-semester 1, end of year, floating teacher data day); (3) Two-day MEA break, three-day Thanksgiving break, two-week winter break, one-week spring break; (4) Balanced semesters (2626-27: 84 days semester 1; 2627-28: 85 days semester 1); (5) No-student days on November election day and March primary election day (2627-28) for building safety as polling places; (6) One early-fall PD day aligned with cultural observances (Yom Kippur in 2626-27, day before Rosh Hashanah in 2627-28); (7) Tuesday after President's Day as PD day to create four-day weekend and balance Monday absences; (8) Spring break and PD conference days strategically placed (March for elementary, late April for middle school). Board discussion focused on Ramadan/Eid accommodation in March 2627 (Friday no-student day with Monday-Wednesday Eid observance creating potential three-day absence for observant families). Committee acknowledged inability to perfectly accommodate all cultural observances due to lunar calendar variability and emphasized rotating impact across years to avoid consistent disadvantage to any group.
Board Retreat Postponement
Board consensus to postpone winter retreat
Dissent: None
Governance Committee recommended postponing the winter board retreat due to superintendent search timeline. Rationale: if superintendent search results in new hire, timing would be better after leadership transition is complete; if interim superintendent is appointed, timing would allow new leader to participate in retreat planning.
Budget Sessions Participation
Informational; no vote required
Dissent: None
Finance Committee will participate in budget sessions. Chair to coordinate with Finance Committee members on scheduling.
Adjournment of January 6, 2025 Work Session
Approved unanimously
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [1:59:04] · Seconded by Unknown [1:59:04]
Chair called for motion to adjourn the meeting.