before you for action tonight are policy 609 religion, policy 613 graduation requirements, policy 615 testing accommodations, modification exemp exemptions for IEPs section 504 plans and leap and students with linguid limited English proficiency. And then policy 618 copyright we did pull 617 just to let everybody know. Um, we're going to go back and make sure that is that was for the um, tutoring for pay policy. Wanted to make sure that we added one. Um, and thank you Wendy for bringing forth some questions. We want to go back and have the policy committee study in addition to that. But otherwise, these four are ready for action tonight.

As the board is aware but I think it's important the whole community understand the Orno excellence fund was created as a result of the generosity of the Orno schools community. The $1 million pledge was made to Orno School District and is dedicated to expanding the resources in innovation and excellence through professional development for our staff and dedicated in honor of Dr. Karen Orchid. We're thrilled to build opportunities for our students through investing in our incredible Orno faculty.

So, one of the biggest things that we focus on at the high school is making sure that each and every student has a plan when they leave the high school. And so while we do focus quite a lot on college admissions and our training around that is pretty substantial, the reason is that such a large number of our students are applying to college. It's nearly 100% of students applying to some form of post-secary education. So, we spend a lot of time in that area. However, we are also seeking out opportunities for learning about workforce opportunities, gap year programs, military options, and a range of other things.

And for the last maybe four or five years, um, our staff has had that as their building goal, uh, one of their building goals. And so, two years ago, students reported 86.8% of our students reported either they agree or strongly agree with that statement. And so, we had a goal of 2% increase, 88.8% % and last spring we actually outperformed that. We had 91% of our students and we had over 600 students um take the survey. So we had a really good um respondent rate um and and it just um it that is really so important and I think nationally I don't know um I can't give you hard data but I believe it's about 50 or 60% at the high school level. 91% is just really off the charts.

As a result of this role that I have as student life coordinator, I have more time to dedicate to student leadership, school culture, inclusion, all of those great things. And I've also taken on new initiatives within this realm such as coordinating districtwide mentorships and volunteer opportunities, link crew, senior Spartan experience, and the Spartan Cup, which is kind of our new initiative, student section leaders, and the Spartan Cup.

Yeah, the my comment uh it is amazing what you guys have created with the connectedness, right? I know you we give credit to the you know to the funds and the resources, but it's you guys that bring it to life and to have 91% of the kids feel connected in this environment. It's incredible. Thank you.

The resolution for action before you tonight is from the governing board supporting the Minnesota State High School League Foundation to authorize Orno Public Schools to apply for funds through the MSHSL's foundation grant program and designates the superintendent or designate to complete and submit all required application materials. And this would be our athletic director, Paul, Mr. Paul Bruner. This is an annual resolution.

I would just like to say that I know as a district we would find a way to make this work anyway if we needed to. This is obviously a priority that we have, but that they are able to step in with that. It enables us to use those funds in classrooms and other things as well. So, excellent point.