Edina Board Reviews Six Years of Academic Gains Under Strategy A
Vice Chair Cheryl Barry walked the school board through new curricula, assessments and literacy training adopted since the district's 2019 strategic plan.
Edina Public Schools' board revisited the academic pillar of its 2019 strategic plan this week, with Vice Chair Cheryl Barry delivering a recap of Strategy A and the curriculum, assessment and teacher-training changes it has produced across the district.
Strategy A, Barry told the board, centers on academic excellence, student growth and readiness. In the years since the plan's adoption, she said, the district has adopted new curricula in English language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and early learning, including the Benchmark and Amplify programs.
The district has also put new assessment tools in place, Barry said, citing FastBridge, aCappy and Benchmark measures used to track student progress. Teachers have participated in LETRS training, a professional development program focused on the science of reading and foundational literacy instruction.
The teachers were really excited. It was really energizing to be in that room to see how excited everyone was about the new curriculum.
Expanded course offerings
Beyond curriculum adoption, Barry's recap highlighted new Advanced Placement courses at the high school level and middle school exploratory days designed to introduce younger students to a wider range of subjects and potential pathways.
Routine business handled quickly
Board Chair Gabler called the meeting to order with a quorum present. The agenda was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote with no opposition. No members of the public signed up to speak during public comment, and the consent agenda was approved by voice vote with no items removed.
Other Topics from This Document
Agenda approval
Chair Gabler called the Nov. 9 meeting to order with a quorum; agenda moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Consent agenda
No items were removed; consent agenda approved by voice vote.
Board feedback summary and December bond proposal
Supt. Dan Bitman sought informal confirmation that the board still backs 'Option C' (76% safety/security, 24% six facility enhancements, plus land purchase authority) for a Dec. 7 review-and-comment document, and whether to include ~$2M–$2.7M added Coleman Stadium seating. One director objected to lack of documentation/transparency.
Combining polling places for 2027
Executive Director of Finance and Operations Mert Woodard explained the board may combine Edina's 16 established polling places in a non-general-election year; administration recommends combining to four sites arranged by quadrant for a potential 2027 referendum.
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