Hopkins Public Schools — Transcript
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Back to School Operations and Logistics
Transportation Services and Challenges
Staff Recognition and Professional Development
School Board Governance and Policy Review
District-wide Community Engagement Initiatives
Advocacy for Public Education and Student Health
Votes (1)
Policies in First Read
Dissent: None
Moved by Clerk WG [1:18:28] · Seconded by Director Hyman [1:18:31]
The board conducted the first reading of several policies. Policies 208 (on policies) and 214 (out-of-state travel) were annual reviews with minor or no substantive changes, primarily nomenclature edits for 208. Policy 402 (Disability Non-Discrimination in Employment) was introduced as a new policy, driven by new state statute requirements and the need for explicit clarity for federal grants and compliance. It formalizes existing protections, with Assistant Superintendent Lightfoot designated as the ADA Section 504 coordinator. Policy 531 (Pledge of Allegiance) was reviewed, affirming the board's annual practice of waiving weekly recitation requirements based on state statute.
Notable Quotes (3)
In particular, we wanted to make sure that we were intentionally making sure that we had this policy as we look at federal grants, as we look at other reporting agencies, to be able to identify that we have a specific title and a specific policy, especially if there is deeper level of audit or compliance. That is the reason for adopting 402 with this specific information, contact information, and additional inclusion in our policy lineup.
And I particularly appreciate that applicants and employees here are given instruction on what to do should they need such an accommodation. And my question for you, Dr. Lightfoot, given that you are the person to whom this policy refers, questions to what kinds of things do you do, what kind of support do you have if someone asks for such an accommodation?
The actual Pledge of Allegiance is 121A.11. That work is part of the pledge itself. Subdivision three requires all schools to recite the pledge of allegiance on a weekly basis. It does also allow that for an annual vote, which the school board does, when it looks at this policy. Through that annual vote, it does allow that the waiver of the requirement for the recitation of the pledge can be done through board action.
Ordinances & Resolutions (20)
District's strategic vision for which community input is considered crucial.
A web link provided for community members to contact the board via email.
A technology application for coordinating bus services and communicating with families.
A new data-driven feature implemented to track and monitor bus patterns and service issues closely.
A document outlining school assignments for board members, located on the primary agenda landing page and shared via Google Docs.
A platform used to share the school board director assignment protocols and other documents.
The website address for viewing the full schedule of the Listening and Learning Tour.
A promotional video showcasing the positive impact of public education across Minnesota.
The Student Code of Conduct, referred to regarding consistent student behavior discipline practices across the district.
The Student Transportation Services policy, which details specific rules and consequences for conduct on school buses.
Policy on Development, Adoption, Implementation, and Communication of Policies; reviewed annually with minor nomenclature edits.
Policy on Out-of-State Travel by School Board Members; reviewed annually with no recommended changes.
A new policy on Disability Non-Discrimination in Employment, adopted in response to new state statute requirements and for enhanced clarity regarding existing protections.
An existing policy where some information regarding disability non-discrimination was previously contained before the introduction of Policy 402.
The Pledge of Allegiance policy; an annual review item that allows the board to waive the weekly recitation requirement through annual board action.
The state statute requiring weekly recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, which also allows for a school board waiver.
A resource used by the district for reviewing and adopting new policies, such as Policy 402.
An upcoming ballot measure in Minnesota to increase school funding by updating a permanent trust fund.
A packet created by the MSBA to support advocacy efforts for the school funding amendment.
A book mentioned by Chair Andreassen, focused on creating safe and welcoming classrooms for LGBTQ+ students.