Edina School Board Approves Budget Revision, Reviews Policies
The Edina Public Schools Board approved a fiscal year 2025 budget revision and reviewed multiple policies during its regular meeting Monday evening.
The board unanimously approved the budget revision, which Director of Finance and Operations Mert Woodard said reflects stronger-than-expected enrollment and a slightly higher state aid formula increase of 2.74% compared to the previously anticipated 2.5%. However, Woodard cautioned that federal funding uncertainty could impact future budgets, particularly the $1.5 million in federal funds that support special education programs.
Board members reviewed six policies for discussion, including updates to resident enrollment procedures and open enrollment priorities. Policy 509 now maintains separate waiting lists for heritage English and Spanish speakers in the district's dual language program until closer to the school year start, rather than merging lists after August 1st. The open enrollment policy reorders priorities to place staff requests second, followed by siblings of any kind.
The board also approved four policies on final reading, including updates to harassment and violence prevention policies that align with new state definitions of familial status. Policy Chair Director Alenberg noted these changes mirror language previously approved in March.
The meeting began with recognition of the boys swim and dive team's state championship victory and featured student Mari Ferrero, who won an essay contest and will speak at the AVID Summer Institute in Dallas. The board also formally recognized outgoing Superintendent Dr. Stacy Stanley for her service from 2021-2025.
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Votes (14)
Edina Boys Swim and Dive Team 2025 State Championship Recognition
Dissent: None
Athletic Director Troy Stein introduced the state championship team. Coach Scott Johnson noted this was the 16th championship for boys swimming and diving, with all four divers scoring at state—a first for the large class division. Senior Jerry was recognized as a three-time state champion in the 500 freestyle, an achievement not accomplished since the 1980s. The team also achieved the 24th conference championship and 24th section championship. Board members asked about championship times and congratulated the swimmers and coaches.
AVID Program Excellence in Action: Marari Ferrero National Essay Contest Winner
Dissent: None
Administrative Dean Jeff Pope introduced the AVID program, which has operated since 1980 to close achievement gaps and prepare students for college and career success. He noted that over 900 students nationwide apply for the speaker contest, with only 22% accepted—a highly exclusive opportunity. Marari Ferrero, a senior, shared her award-winning essay 'Becoming My Own Hero,' detailing her journey from depression and peer pressure following her grandfather's and grandmother's deaths to academic recovery through AVID support. She credited teachers Mrs. Taylor, Miss Jarrett, and Miss Disher with providing the community and accountability that helped her refocus on academics and her passion for mathematics and engineering. Board members praised her story and the AVID program's impact.
Food Service Management Contract Extension with Chartwells for 2025-2026
Dissent: None
Director of Finance and Operations Mert Woodard presented the recommendation to extend the food service management contract with Chartwells for a fourth one-year agreement. Chartwells has been partnering with the district for multiple years and was selected through a robust RFP process in 2022 for a series of five one-year agreements. Woodard reported strong financial performance: 4% increase in reimbursable breakfast participation and 3.8% increase in lunch participation following free school meals implementation; the food service fund added approximately $1 million to fund balance last year and will add considerable amounts this year; the fund operates without subsidy from the general fund. On-site Food Service Director Abby Dollar reported successful expansion of the Discovery Kitchen program in all elementary schools, where students sample fruits or vegetables before they appear on the menu. She noted parent and student feedback requesting expanded vegetarian options and reported quarterly meetings with parents. The Global Eats program was highlighted as successfully introducing students to different cultures through food. Board Member Ellenburg asked why one-year contracts were used instead of multi-year contracts given the track record of success. Woodard explained that USDA regulations and MDE protocol require an RFP process after every five years, after which agreements must be one-year templates due to annual inflationary adjustments to meal costs.
Policy 509 & 510 Discussion: Resident Enrollment, Assignment, and Open Enrollment
Dissent: None
Policy Chair Director Alenberg presented updates to Policies 509 and 510. For Policy 509 (Resident Enrollment and Assignment), sections were struck that were deemed redundant or impractical: language about temporarily living beyond district boundaries (redundant because students remain enrolled regardless of temporary living status), and a section about students qualifying for educational benefits (struck because the district cannot implement this in practice). A significant change involved the Spanish dual language program's waiting list management. The policy now maintains separate waiting lists for heritage English speakers and heritage Spanish speakers (heritage speakers defined as those who acquired Spanish through family, cultural, or community contexts rather than formal education) to maintain better balance in the dual immersion program. The previous practice of merging waiting lists after August 1st has been changed to hold separate lists closer to the school year start. An updated DOPRA form was added to the appendix. For Policy 510 (Open Enrollment), the major change involved reordering the priority structure for open enrollment students. The new priority structure is: Priority 1 (currently enrolled K-2 open-enrolled students and inter-district transfer requests); Priority 2 (staff requests including siblings); Priority 3 (siblings of any kind); Priority 4 (currently open-enrolled for any other reason); Priority 5 (residents of the City of Edina); Priority 6 (achievement and integration of non-resident students); Priority 7 (open enrollment requests submitted prior to January 15th); Priority 8 (requests not meeting the January 15th deadline). Board members asked clarifying questions about heritage speaker definitions and tuition payment language. Chair Gabler asked whether Spanish childcare settings would qualify as heritage speaker context; Assistant Superintendent Swenson clarified that heritage is specifically 'learned at home' or 'learned from family' in cultural contexts, not formal educational settings. Board Member Barry asked about clarifying language regarding tuition payments for non-residents, noting that the policy mentions tuition but doesn't clearly specify who pays it. Director Edwards acknowledged the confusion and committed to clarifying whether the policy should specifically reference EVP (Enrollment Options Program) and foreign exchange students.
Policy 527 Discussion: Student Parking, Vehicle Inspection, and Immobilization Devices
Dissent: None
Assistant Superintendent Nate Swenson presented Policy 527, which adds language authorizing the use of vehicle immobilization devices in school parking lots. Swenson noted that this practice is already in use but had not been formally documented in policy. The policy was reviewed by all principals and specifically by Alex Hatstrom and high school security staff who enforce parking regulations. Board Member Barry asked who reviewed the policy from the high school perspective and requested clarification on a statement in Appendix 2 that says 'there will be no lot assignments. All students may park in the lot of their choice.' Barry noted that this appears incorrect because students are assigned to different lots and pay different fees for parking in the main lot versus church lots. Swenson acknowledged the error and committed to clarifying the lot assignment language. Barry also asked whether students sign acknowledgment forms when obtaining parking permits, indicating awareness of parking expectations and privileges. Swenson initially said he did not know, but Board Member Alenberg interjected that students and parents do sign off on parking permit terms. Barry suggested that the policy might need to reference this acknowledgment process. Swenson noted that specific parking information is in the student handbook, which references the policy.
Policy 528 Discussion: Student Non-Discrimination Based on Parental, Family, and Marital Status
Dissent: None
Executive Director of Human Resources Sonia Sailor presented Policy 528, which protects students from discrimination based on sex, marital status, and pregnancy. The policy had minimal substantive changes. The policy committee removed the word 'normal' from language describing pregnancy-related accommodations because the word could be perceived as exclusionary. The reporting form attached to the policy was updated to use more inclusive language regarding primary and secondary home addresses and telephone numbers. Sailor noted that the policy follows MSBA guidance and that all changes were semantic or formatting in nature. Board Member Barry asked whether the reporting form is accessible to students and families and whether there is awareness that the form exists. Sailor explained that the form is likely in the student handbook at the building level but acknowledged uncertainty about other locations. She noted that students and families typically report concerns verbally to administration, counselors, or social workers rather than using the formal form, which is more commonly used by employees. Sailor indicated that the form is available if needed but is not frequently utilized even by employees. Barry suggested that the board should follow up on form accessibility and ensure that students and families understand the reporting process and whether a form is needed.
Policy 538 Discussion: Student Records and Related Matters
Dissent: None
Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning Bethany Van Osdal presented Policy 538, which had minimal changes consisting of grammar and semantic updates. An application was added to the appendix. The policy includes language regarding insurance for student records. Chair Gabler asked for clarification on the insurance language, specifically whether the district strongly recommends (but does not require) that families obtain insurance for student records. Van Osdal confirmed that the policy reflects a strong recommendation rather than a requirement.
Policy 612 Discussion: Development of Parental Involvement Policies for Title One Programs
Dissent: None
Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning Bethany Van Osdal presented Policy 612, which encourages and facilitates parent and guardian involvement for students participating in Title One programming. The policy was updated to be consistent with language in other similar policies and with MSBA model policy. Changes were minimal, consisting of minor punctuation and wording adjustments. No substantive changes were made to the policy framework.
Consent Agenda Approval
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp not specified] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp not specified]
Chair Gabler asked if any board members wished to remove items from the consent agenda. No members requested removal. The board voted unanimously to approve the consent agenda.
Recognition of Dr. Stacy Stanley, Superintendent
Dissent: None
Chair Gabler read a formal resolution commending and recognizing Dr. Stacy Stanley for her service as superintendent from 2021 to 2025. The resolution highlighted her leadership in advancing the district's 2020-2030 strategic plan, developing a comprehensive literacy plan, establishing data metrics and dashboards to track student progress, engaging stakeholders including students, families, staff, and community members, launching the Spanish dual language program, enhancing student enrollment and retention efforts, and advocating for sound fiscal management. The resolution noted that her leadership, dedication, and vision have left an indelible mark on the district. The board presented Dr. Stanley with a card and gift. Dr. Stanley expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pride in the work of teachers, students, and her administrative team in recovering from pandemic impacts.
Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Revision Approval
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp not specified] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp not specified]
Director of Finance and Operations Mert Woodard presented the FY2025 budget revision for formal approval. The revision had been reviewed at the January Finance and Facilities Committee meeting, the February board work session, and the March regular meeting with no changes proposed throughout that time. Board Member Burman asked about considerations for the revised five-year general fund forecast, particularly regarding state and federal funding uncertainties. Woodard reported that the revised forecast is actually more favorable than previously anticipated due to stronger-than-expected enrollment and a 2.74% inflationary increase to state aid (versus the 2.5% initially planned). However, he identified several concerns for future years: (1) Uncertainty regarding federal funding, which represents 1.5% of the general fund budget (over $2 million), with more than $1.5 million directed toward special education; (2) Potential cascading effects if neighboring districts lose federal funding, which could reduce state resources available to all districts; (3) Macroeconomic uncertainties including tariffs and inflation; (4) Continued tight labor market, particularly for teachers, creating upward pressure on wages. Woodard emphasized that the administration is continuing to be conservative in its approach, not adding new positions and maintaining conservative revenue assumptions. He noted that everything appears to be getting more expensive in the short term.
Rapid Review Policies 413 and 705 Approval
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp not specified] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp not specified]
Policy Chair Alenberg presented Policies 413 and 705 under the rapid review process, which allows policies with minimal changes to proceed directly from committee to action. Policy 413 updated the definition of familial status to reflect new Minnesota legislative language consistent with Policy 521 approved in March. Policy 705 (Development and Maintenance of an Inventory of Fixed Assets and a Fixed Asset Accounting System) added specification of uniform financial accounting and reporting standards limits. Both policies had minimal changes and no substantive modifications.
Action Policies 517, 519, 534, and 535 Approval
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp not specified] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp not specified]
Policy Chair Alenberg presented Policies 517, 519, 534, and 535 for approval. She confirmed that there were no changes to these policies since their review the previous month. Assistant Superintendent Swenson confirmed that the policies remained unchanged. The board voted to approve all four policies.
Leadership and Committee Updates
Dissent: None
Board Member Arum reported on a legislative day at the state capital involving approximately 30 community members and 21 students. The group met with the head of the education finance committee, both Republican and Democratic co-chairs of the committee, local lobbyists, and heard Edina families testify at Senate Education Policy Committee meetings. Arum noted that the legislative session has significant activity ongoing and may extend beyond the typical May conclusion, with potential for further community advocacy opportunities. Chair Gabler thanked Board Members Barry and Arum for their leadership of the legislative action committee and praised the quality of student participation and questions. Dr. Stanley reported on new artwork displayed in the boardroom from Edina High School, showcasing work from 17 different art courses offered in grades 9-12. The display includes foundational works in traditional materials (charcoal, ink, pencil, paint, silver gelatin prints, clay) and digital art (Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator), as well as advanced and AP studio works emphasizing student voices, technical mastery, planning, experimentation, and revision. Art teachers Kim Rascin, Dalon Town, and George Lungren organized the display. Board Member Bourbon commented that 'AI has nothing on Edina High School art students and teachers.'
Notable Quotes (40)
our state championship was the 16th championship overall for boys swimming and diving. Uh we also had four divers participate in the state meet and all four of them scored. That's never happened at our state meet for for boys in the large class division either.
Jerry here, he was uh he didn't give every all of his information, but he's also a state champion in the 500 freestyle and he was a state champion uh three years running. So that hasn't nobody's done that since uh the n 1980s.
as a former swimmer myself, I want to know today what what constitutes a championship time in the 200 IM.
When I was a child, I believed everyone had a hidden power... My love for math allowed me to advance to higher levels at a young age. As I entered middle school, I discovered another superpower, the ability to speak up for what I believe in.
High school, however, taught me an unpredictable lesson. It introduced me to one of the hardest things, the power of peer pressure. My freshman year began with grief. My grandfather passed away right before school began... I declined into depression. Feeling useless and losing interest in everything I once loved.
AVID wasn't any class. It was a community. Miss Jarrett, one of my AVID teachers, kept everyone on track, always checking in on us... knowing that someone cared, knowing that someone hold me accountable pushed me to hold myself accountable, too.
AVID didn't adv taught me an invaluable lesson. We can't rely on others to save us. We must become our own heroes... My ultimate dream as a first generation Mexican American is to become an engineer, combining my powers of problem solving and using my voice to advocate on issues that need to be heard.
wonderful story for you, also wonderful story for the amazing staff that we have that make this program happen... the thing I took away the most is that you can't wait for somebody else to save you. You have to be your own hero. That is incredibly powerful.
There are over 900 students that apply and enter this contest. Only 22% are actually accepted. This is nationwide. So, it's a very, very exclusive group of students.
The administration feels very strongly that Charles has performed quite well particularly financially for the school district and we would like to formally recommend um extending them for their fourth one-year agreement at the subsequent board meeting in May.
The fund balance in the food service fund um as a result of um Chartwell's partnership with the district has been um very robust. We added about a million dollars to our fund balance last school year. Um we'll add considerable amount to our fund balance this school year. That um fund operates without any subsidy from the general fund, which is exactly what you'd like to see from your food service program.
we've uh expanded our discovery kitchen program this year. So we have been doing discovery kitchens in all of the elementary schools once a month. In this program, we uh sample a different like fruit or vegetable menu um or recipe and then we so we sample it one day and then put on the menu the next day to allow kids to try something before they see it on the line and are too scared to take it.
one thing we've heard from um parents and students is that they want an expansion of vegetarian options. Um so that's something that you know we've heard loud and clear and are working on expanding some of these offerings for next year.
I was wondering um why we're doing one-year contracts as opposed to um since it's been five years of successful one-year contracts um why we are extending to two year or three year because it seems that if there's a track record of success um that it could potentially save time and effort on behalf of bothities.
I believe um ultimately USDA regulations, which MDE promulgates in our state, require that um after every 5 years, an RFP process is conducted. And those are just a series of one-year agreements after that five-year vendor has been selected... each school year um the the cost per meal um that we you know are paying Chartwells to perform does increase based on inflationary measures calculated by the state.
The first one was the temporarily living beyond district boundaries. And um this was struck because this statement was seen as redundant because we allow students to remain regardless of their grade or temporary living status remain enrolled in the district.
Heritage is really I learned at home. I learned from family. I learned in a cultural context. Cultural piece.
our Spanish program is a dual immersion program which is different than our French program which is a straight immersion program. And so we are trying to create a certain balance of um heritage speakers and non-heritage speakers in order to facilitate the dual immersion which is um students learning from each other's languages which is why that's written into policy.
when you added the new language around what constitutes a heritage speaker... I know that sometimes there's questions around like a student who maybe went through a a Spanish child care setting. Are they considered a heritage speaker or is that not considered community contact or however the verbiage is there?
the reordering of priority for open enrollment um students and um the the state has a set of um eligibility um for open enrollment, but then um school boards have the right to order them um in order of priority.
I had a question in our purpose. So, there's a line that says the district may also accept non-Mot residents, students through tuition payment. And I was curious um do we need to clarify that that would only be through EVP?
this was actually reviewed by all principles and but most importantly um it was reviewed by Alex Hatstrom and um and Alex works really closely with the security staff at the high school who um in large part enforce the policy with the help of the administration too.
where it says there will be it's about halfway down the the page after the list of the priorities. It says there will be no lot assignments. All students may park in the lot of their choice. I don't think that's correct. Is it? I think you're assigned to a lot.
when a student signs up to get a parking permit, um do they uh have to sign this or sign anything that kind of says I've been alerted that these are the expectations and privileges that come along with it.
They do and the parent has to sign off on it.
policy committee made the decision to remove the word normal because it could be perceived as a potential exclusionary meaning for using that word.
When a student would bring forward this type of concern, it's more likely it's going to go directly to the administration um through a verbal report, through a counselor, through a social worker, through a verbal report. Again, these are also very rare um rare concerns as well.
I was just wondering if the report form lives anywhere else that might be more easily accessible or if it gets used lives anywhere else than on the website. Um yes. Or if there's I guess notice to students where they could find such a form or just awareness that it exists.
Can I know we've talked about this policy a number of times in the last several years. Um, I saw the reference of insurance and can you remind me the discussion centered around it's strongly we're now strongly recommending that people take the insurance. We're not requiring them. Is that correct?
Dr. Stanley has been a steadfast advocate for the academic success and well-being of each and every Edina public school student. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping and advancing the district's 2020 2030 strategic plan, ensuring a strong foundation for the future.
it has been an honor to serve uh as your superintendent for the past four years. Um I am incredibly proud of just the work that teachers did, students did as we really worked to um come out of the impact of the pandemic. Um the dedication was immeasurable.
I'm just so proud of my team who uh have come on most of them honestly just within the past four years and I could not be more proud of them for the work that they have done to ensure that um Edina public schools truly defines excellence and um sets us in a place where uh we are stand out.
The forecast is actually more favorable now as a result of our fiscal year 2025 activity, particularly enrollment coming in a little bit stronger than expected, which is fantastic. Also, the commissioner of education has recently announced that um the inflationary um increase to the state aid formula is going to be 2.74% rather than the 2.5% or so um that we were planning for, which is great.
The uncertainty regarding federal funds is absolutely something that we're looking for. It's um you know 1.5% of our general fund budget which um to the lay person seems like a small number but that's you know upwards of $2 million overall. Um more than 1.5 million of that directed towards special education.
I think it's um prudent that we're continuing to be conservative. Um we're not adding a lot of new positions. In fact, we're not really adding any positions versus this year, we're continuing to be conservative with our our revenue assumptions, which I think is, you know, kind of the only thing that we can do at this point and we're hoping for good news.
the labor market does not get any looser. It's continuing to be very tight, particularly with teachers. That creates upward pressure on wages. So, everything appears to be getting more expensive as time goes on, at least in the short term.
We had a great group of about 30 people who went down, 21 students. Uh we were able to have an opportunity to speak with uh the head of the education finance committee on the house side. Um both the Republican and um Democratic co-chairs.
I want to thank uh board member Barry and board member Aram for their work on our legislative action committee. Um they read they lead a dynamic group of students and it is always impressive and whenever they're at the state capital um people notice because we bring a lot of students along and um man we have sharp students. They have some really excellent questions.
we have 17 different art courses offered at Edina High School in grades 9 through 12... The level one works show foundational skill building with traditional materials like charcoal, ink, pencil, paint, silver, gelatin, uh silver gelatin prints, and clay as well as digital art created with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
AI has nothing on Edina High School art students and teachers.
Ordinances & Resolutions (17)
Resident Enrollment and Assignment policy; updated to remove redundant language about temporary living status and struck sections about educational benefits that could not be implemented in practice
Open Enrollment policy; reordered priority structure for open enrollment students and clarified that preschool open-enrolled students must re-enroll in kindergarten except those in school readiness programs
Student Use of Parking of Motor Vehicles, Patrols, Inspection and Searches; added language authorizing use of vehicle immobilization devices in school parking lots
Student Parental, Family, and Marital Status Non-Discrimination; removed word 'normal' and updated reporting forms with more inclusive language for addresses and telephone numbers
Student Records and Related Matters; approved with minimal grammar and semantic updates; includes strong recommendation for families to obtain insurance for student records
Development of Parental Involvement Policies for Title One Programs; updated with minor punctuation and wording changes to align with MSBA model policy
Policy with updated definition of familial status reflecting new Minnesota legislative language consistent with Policy 521
Development and Maintenance of an Inventory of Fixed Assets and a Fixed Asset Accounting System; added specification of uniform financial accounting and reporting standards limits
Policy approved without changes since previous month review
Policy approved without changes since previous month review
Policy approved without changes since previous month review
Policy approved without changes since previous month review
Policy approved in March containing familial status language that Policy 413 now mirrors
Budget revision reviewed at January Finance and Facilities Committee meeting, February work session, and March regular meeting; approved with no changes; includes five-year general fund forecast
Food service management contract for 2025-2026 school year; recommended for fourth one-year extension; contract has been in place for multiple years with RFP process conducted in 2022
Long-term strategic plan advanced under Dr. Stanley's leadership; includes literacy initiatives, data metrics, Spanish dual language program, and enrollment/retention efforts
Updated form referenced in Policy 509 appendix related to enrollment procedures
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Other Topics from This Document
Edina Boys Swim and Dive Team State Championship Recognition
AVID Program Excellence and Student Achievement
Food Service Management Contract Extension with Chartwells
Policy 509 & 510: Resident Enrollment, Assignment, and Open Enrollment
Spanish Dual Language Program Enrollment Management
Policy 527: Student Parking, Vehicle Inspection, and Immobilization Devices
Policy 528: Non-Discrimination Based on Parental, Family, and Marital Status
Policy 538: Student Records and Related Matters
Policy 612: Parental Involvement in Title One Programs
Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Revision
Rapid Review Policies 413 and 705
Action Policies 517, 519, 534, and 535
Legislative Advocacy and Community Engagement
Superintendent Dr. Stacy Stanley Recognition and Farewell
Edina High School Art Program Display
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