cloud. It is 7 p.m. on May 19th. May May 19th, 2025. I was trying to say it twice. And I call to order this regular meeting, the Richfield School Board. Attending this evening's board meeting live and in person are pause and wait director Tim Pollus oh I say everybody's name director Kendall director Kirk Spencer director Paul Cole and I and board chair Eric Carter we're joined by our student representatives Herado Castanada Lopez Vanessa Rosa Miguel look at you while I say it and Tia Breenidge also the table of superintendent Steve Yunowski and assistant to superintendent Cassandra Kwam public schools school's mission is to inspire empower each individual to learn grow and excel and we aim to keep that focus at the heart of our discussions this evening thank you to all of all of you joining us live and here in the boardroom we also want to thank those who are streaming the meeting or watching it after the fact via YouTube we appreciate when people bear witness to our meetings where we conduct the necessary official business of the district. I want to take a moment to address the upsetting news that came out last week involving a staff member at one of our schools. As previously communicated, the district acted immediately, placing the employee on leave and notifying law enforcement as soon as the allegations came to light. I spoken with our super our superintendent, Dr. Yiannowski, and we're committed to reviewing our policies and practices to determine if anything could have been done differently or could be improved moving forward. This is an active police investigation, and we're fully cooperating. While we can't share additional details right now, our focus remains on supporting students and families and ensuring our schools are safe, respectful, and accountable. If you or your child needs support or if you have concerns to share, please speak up. It takes all of us to protect our students. Thank you for listening to my sidebar. Out of respect for the ongoing investigation and those involved, there'll be no further discussion of this issue tonight. That brings us on to our first item of business is to approve the agenda before us. Approve the agenda as a routine business item. I briefly paused if there any comments or questions related to the agenda. hearing or seeing none strike the close session. Huh? Close session. There is Sorry, we have no need for a closed session tonight. So, no need. So, then we don't like the agenda presented for us. My mistakes. So, I will move the agenda as presented with the removal of the closed session. I would like to second that. Wow, this is exciting. We have a motion and a second with a modified agenda. Any more discussion about it? I think we're all excited to hear that. We have a motion by Director Pal, a second by director Banks Cup. All in favor, please say I. I. I. All post, we say nay. The chair votes I. And we have approved modified agenda brings us to information proposal. Tonight is a night for public comment. Uh but we don't have anybody here signed up. So, uh, our next opportunity for public comment will be June I had the date right in front of me and I moved it. 23rd. Thank you, sir. 23rd. So, if there's anybody who would like to come speak, feel free to sign up before that time, which brings us to our superintendent updates. All right, we have two items on the agenda. And before we get to the director of technology, the suited up Justin Steel, uh we will have our indigenous ed coordinator, Samantha Weaver, and special guest Oliver here to present about some of the exciting things happening in RPS American Indian Education. So take it away, Sam. Welcome. Good to see you, Oliver. Thank you. Thank you for your time tonight. Yeah, Oliver is going to be my co-presenter tonight. Um, so we'll start with what IPAC is. IPAC is composed of parents and guardians of indigenous Richfield students. The group meets throughout the school year and serves as an advisory role for the American Indian Education Program as well as helping plan and hold family events. Um, our parent advisory chair is Janelle Mccardi. Co-chair Melissa Carter and members are Ryan Myro, Tony Garcia, Antonet Young, Jamie Mason, and Cynthia Bond. This slide just shows our student count and for the past several years there from there was only 42 forms uh 506 forms that were filled out. And then last year I brought it up to 58 forms and then this year we are sitting at 62 forms. These forms help with um fund getting more grant funding from one of our grants. And then the other part of the slide just shows the breakout of students at each of the sites. So these are just our funding sources. The MDE was estimated at 92,000 this year. This covers 50% of my salary. The federal funding from the title six um previously had been 10,000 and we are anticipated 14,000 this year. And part of my salary comes from achievement and integration. Student academic goals. Um this just shows the academic goals for the high school students have been met each year starting in 20 year 23 24 for the graduation and ACT. IPAC has asked that the goals be increased to match results of the white student body. Current data partnering with tech to ensure data is increasingly more accurate for our native and indigenous students. Um the MDE education program goals as part of our grant. The goal was to increase reading proficiency for indigenous kindergarteners on FastBridge from 12.5% in the fall to 40% in the spring. And smart goal is 55 or more Native American students will receive a set of school supplies at the back to school or through targeted follow-up. goal was to increase reading proficiency of Native American kindergarters on Fastbridge from 12.5 in the fall to 40% in the spring. Increase reading proficiency for indigenous third graders on FastBridge from 40% proficient in the fall to 60% this spring. The number of professional development opportunities focused on Native American cultural heritage to support Native and Indigenous students offered to staff will increase from one in year 24 to three in 2025 as measured by professional development offer offerings throughout the year, back to school workshop and profess professional development days. And then last my goal was to increase the number of students and family and family events that support positive reinforcement and self-image and Native American students from 20 last year to 35 this year. And I think we've actually exceeded that as well in [Music] this back to school event. 24 families participated in over 50 backpacks distributed with school supplies. R drum and dance richfield collaborations collaborates as one of nine districts and higher cultural experts to teach students to drum dance and drum. Native Native American college fair. All all Native American students were invited to the college fair and at the Minnesota Minnesota History Center. 22 indigenous students grade age 9 to 12 participated. Datives in STEM weekend family event at science museum. Seven families participated. Ribbon and skirt workshop. Ribbon shirt and skirt workshop. Teaching the practice of making ribbons and skirts and shirts for students creating together in community with another one another. 10 family starts participated pow-wow drum and dance practice. Richfield the 22nd annual powout all high school event followed by a time open to the community. We had all RHS in attendance and eight local vendors and community organizers that participated. New events. Moccasin workshops. Extended moccasin workshops with total nine days due to popularity. National TR National Day of Truth and Recollection. Reconciliation. Reconciliation. Orange shirt day. A acknowledgeing and honoring the legacy boarding schools in the United States. AIDS had con and continues to have on indigenous families and students. Blue hummingbird woman author night. A reading interview and a book signing. Indigenous sewing circle gathered to create together including ribbons, skirts and shirts, beading and other items. Indigenousness graduate honoring celebrating the 20 2024 2025 graduate. It's an honoring with stoalls and blankets traditional gifts. We also had one more new event but it was over the summer that was the Don Quiggly author night. And then the next several slides are just a pictures of the things that we've done throughout this year. [Music] And that's our newest event that we hosted this past Saturday. We started to call it sewing circle because moccasin workshop morphed into something so much more and we had so many consistent members and they wanted it to continue into making regalia um doing other bead work. People are just bringing in the regalia. They've already started to work on it together. So it's morphed into kind of an everything workshop celebrating Apex or IPAC now success. The IPAC has seven consistent members, diverse voices. The growth in our committee has brought in a wider range of perspective and experiences enriching our discussions and decision-making processes, strengthened community engagement. The increased number numbers represent a stronger connection to our native families, fostering great involvement and support for our initiatives. Enhanced representation. The larger membership demonstrates a more inclusive and representative platform for the Native American community. We did our annual survey with our IPAC and we created it to gather more feedback from indigenous families and engage more families, provide support, improve our communication, and use the data to improve program offerings to fit the needs of our indigenous families. Prior to March 1st of each year, the IPAC must meet to discuss whether or not they concur that with the educational offerings that have been extended to the district to indigenous students. If IPAC finds that the district and/or school board have been meeting the needs of indigenous students, they issue a vote and resolution of concurrence. If they find that the district and or school board have not been meeting the needs of the indigenous students, they will issue a vote of resolution of non-concurrence. On 21825, Richfield IPAC issued a vote of concurrence. Yes. and parents and guardians of indigenous students recognize and appreciate the work of the district has done over the pest five to 10 to 10 years to include a fuller more accurate history of indigenous people in Minnesota and provide a representation of indigenous people in a current worldview not just the past and we are trusting that this momentum and will continue because there is more work to be Um so the vote of concurrence expectations IPAC would like to see these things happen. Develop and deliver curriculum that includes indigenous history knowledge and culture for all students at RPS. Provide culturally relevant curriculum for indigenous students. Provide curriculum and culture training and accountability for all staff, not just classroom teachers. deliver better academic outcomes for indigenous students. Hire additional indigenous staff to support this work. [Music] Questions? Thank you for your presentation. Great job. Thanks. I'll open to the floor. Well, I mean, so much pride that I feel it comes up my eyeballs every time. [Music] Um, I know when I walked into the Palo and I saw that gym full of people and, you know, so many students having the opportunity to experience our culture just it felt it felt right. It felt appropriate. And you know, I think it's um I don't know. I just I love everything that's happening and I am so grateful. I'm so grateful for you being here and for um yeah, just for everything that I you know, you see I mean all these pictures and it's like there's so much stuff going on and so many more people that it's reaching and that there's this sense of community for for our people and that other people have an opportunity too to learn um I think is also what's um so important um and that you know I also am really excited about um I always think that you know one of the things that I always I used to train for the National Indian Child Welfare Association and so whenever I come across somebody who you know doesn't necessarily understand something and I always think to myself you know you don't know what you don't know and so this is an opportunity And so we have those opportunities all the time. And so you are like such a wonderful resource. Um and it would be great too if there were more of you so we can reach more people too. Um one of you for the entire district is really not enough. So yeah, it would be good if we got more more people. Um but I'm just it just I'm so happy. I'm so happy. Um, and when I am so happy, I cry. So, yes, just thank you so much, Sam. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It's I do it for the students and just watching the students grow in their confidence and their culture over the past couple years is exactly why I do this. And that was the thing, too, you know, being at the Palo like seeing the photos and just how proud they were to dance for everybody and to show them like this is a whole another side of me that you don't get to see. And it's so it's so important. It's so important too because because we get looked at as people of the past and you'd be I mean you'd be amazed at how many people think that we don't exist anymore. It's sad, but it's true because the with the eraser and a lot of especially black and indigenous students have been coming to me and saying that they want to start claiming their indigenous side now because they see their friends and that are involved in the POW and all these events and they reach out and they're like, I'm ready to start claiming this part of me. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Can't follow Rachel's. thoughts. Uh I do not say that when I and I read the bullet about five to 10 years uh the the watching the evolution of the program and seeing it become what it is today. I'm very grateful to you uh those who came before you. I learned a lot from this uh and the way that you go above and beyond the paw talking about m you know the regalia the mocha scenes uh those experiences that I had never heard about and and I think it's so important for a student to be comfortable and loving their own identity so that they can do better at school and feel more welcome and like they belong like all of those things are so connected So, thank you so much and keep up the good work. Thank you. Um, yeah, thanks for coming in. I'm thinking how much it's accelerated just in the last year. When you came to speak to us last year, this list seemed like it was twice as long as the the events that you two had last year. So, it's really exciting. Um, and having experienced the POW this year, that was really powerful. And the fact that we had that you set up a second one for the community and invited the community in after school was really cool. um I do partner with the city as one of my um roles on the board and so I'm curious what other um events or how you're partnering with the city if if we are at all from a school district or if there's things that you wish you could partner better with the school I'd love to get an email from you or meet with you and and better understand how I could take that to Mayor Suffel or others in the city and maybe we can do something a little more community based. Yeah, I think that's a good idea. Yeah. Are you doing more or other things with the community besides the pawo? Um, I haven't done anything yet, but I would keep that in mind that we could do more. Yep. Great. Thank you. Thank you. We invited Mary to school. Yeah, we do invite her to our back to school and she's more questions, comments. I just want to say I'm so glad to see you involving the middle school and the elementaryaries as well. I know you have limited you to get out there and it's it's really good to see that th those kids are getting started on recognizing who they are and where they can go. Yeah, I think we have the biggest involvement from elementary and middle school at the workshop events, the moccasin workshop and the regalia making now. So the the weekend events like that is when a lot of the younger kids attend. Thank you. Thank you. I just want to say thank you for coming out here and speaking with us. And um honestly from a student perspective, something is like uh as a pow has just been very powerful for the students. I'm someone who's like generally a little bit behind on what's going on in the school, but immediately I know when the pow's coming up because students are just talking about it all the time. And I I have friends who a couple friends who are Native Americans and just they love this. They love being able to express their culture and I and I really have seen that they've opened up a lot more to just not just me but everyone about who they are and what they and um just their history. And so thank you. Thank you. I think it helps to showcase like what success can look like when it's not just academically as well and it can then everybody seems like they're proud of them at the pow and makes them proud of themselves. Yeah. The students really love it. Yeah. Thank you. Okay. Yeah. Thank you for expressing like that culture. I think it's like really beautiful that we're able to share within the school. And then one comment I had to you was um I think it'd be cool if you like set something up like near Veterans Park. You know that stage? Like it'd be cool if you brought out music or dancers like I don't know. I was like that'd be kind of cool cuz I would definitely attend if it were in the summer. It'd be really nice. Like that's just an idea I had when you said I don't know, bring something up in the summer or Yeah, cuz I thought it'd be fun. That's it. Okay, that's a good idea. Thank you. Everybody's talking. I like this. Uh I was thinking about jumping in earlier, but I patiently waited. um you know your comment um I'm I'm ready to start claiming this part of me um lands I mean for me personally right uh you know thinking about my background being Native American and just the upbringing too you know it's people often look and see right they look at you and they say what do I see right they see that I'm black they don't see that I'm Native American and they don't hear it right and so and think about the the events that you're hosting and providing that are bringing that out in children. Um the pride that um that my son had when he came home with this this stole, make sure I say it right. And he was like showing me what he had and he was like so proud. I was like really happy for him. And so I I appreciate that. Right. It's like as a as a family or a parent, too. Um I would also say the paws are the food truck. So don't forget that. Oh yeah. We had tricksters tacos and lemonade. So, and I think that's that was a huge part of this year's POW because that's what is really culturally a a part of POW. And we didn't get to do that the first year because I didn't know all the rules. First time working in a school, but we planned better for this year and we're able to have vendors and food. So, I thought that really brought it together. I I think you know the the big thing for me is that as I look at this and I think geez you know I kind of hear the board talking about like how far we've come and I also think you know the work has been done before you and then also where we're going um you know your comments too about like I I did hear my other son talking about dancing in the pow uh which I thought was interesting right it's like um just hearing that that you know it's like the nerves and like what it would mean to go ahead and do that uh and just thinking that you start when they're younger getting them like knowing what's available, knowing what's out there, learning the culture, so that by the time that they're seniors, they're ready to participate. Yeah. But the, you know, it's the question always for me is is where's the school's line and what you're teaching, right? And so, I mean, I think this is an important part, teaching the culture. So, I appreciate it. I thank you for what you're doing and thank you for coming in. Thank you. On to the next one. Unless there's more questions, comments. Thank you again. Appreciate it. Good to see you. All right, that was a great summary of some of the excellent work going on and the things that will continue to grow. And so with that, um, we'll transition to presentation two with, uh, Justin Steel and updates in technology. I don't know. You're the tech person. You have to tell us. There we go. Now we're good. All right. Perfect. All right. Uh, good evening everyone. Thank you to the board, Superintendent Yaski, and our student representatives as well as the community. Um, I'm excited to be here. Um, this is actually the first time I've presented to a board, so you know, bear with me. Um but uh yeah so in our presentation tonight uh my goal is to provide a snapshot of the state of our district's technology department as well as provide some updates on multi-year projects and to look forwards look towards the future of our department um and our work. Uh so as you see in the agenda um we're going to just do an overview of uh it by the numbers for Richfield public schools that includes staff devices and ticketing as well as our budget status survey results with praise and growth opportunities and who knew it progress which I know has been um at the forefront of the work that we've been leading for a little while. So we'll start with our staff. Uh so our full-time staff members include two full-time tier one technicians and one part-time tier one technician. Uh we have two tier 2 technicians and then two tier three technicians with one administrative assistant who keeps us grounded and moving and uh all together. We also have seven stipended tech reps at our school sites with four part-time interns uh who will be with us during the summer. We're actually interviewing those interns this Wednesday. Um our student interns provide vital work over the summer. They help us prepare our student devices for the coming school year. Uh and they get valuable on the job experience and training related to tier one tech support and skills. And then they conclude their time with us by taking a certification exam in Chromebook repair. And on the next slide, you'll actually see uh George and Aaron, who are our tier 2 technicians at the job fair held at the high school recently, uh meeting some potential candidates. All right. And now for our devices by the numbers. Um so, you know, I like to say Richfield is is small but mighty. Um these numbers don't reflect that. We have a lot of devices and and things on hand. Um so I wanted to say that our Chrome devices uh perhaps may look inflated um due to the number of students we have in the district but this also includes our growing number of Chrome box labs that we have as well as we have begun running a Chromebook plus pilot with our staff um that is proving very um effectual and staff are enjoying the Chromebook devices for several reasons. Um, and then, uh, we have 95 approved softwares. Um, and then there's also the software that we monitor, um, outside of that, uh, for potential use in instruction and, uh, use for our staff. Um, and I did want to mention as well our interactive flat panels. That number has grown this year. Um, we see um, a desire to include those in our classrooms and we're also having an opportunity to refresh some of these devices. Um, so the devices that were purchased between 2020 and 2023 can actually be upgraded with a module that allows our teachers to go wireless with them. Um, performs as an onboard computer uh, and increases the um, uh, the the longevity of the device as well as provides the newest suite of smart apps for it as well. Uh so when we think about valuable instructional time, teachers are spending less time dealing with their computers and they can interact with the boards uh and move along more quickly with the instruction that's provided. On to our ticketing and ticket efficiency. Uh so we had 296 existing or opened uh on September 3rd. So those are some that may have existed prior to my being here um in July. That's just kind of the the focal point I chose for the first day of school. Uh and then throughout the school year, we've closed 1,846, which provides us an 88% closure or resolution rate. And that is above the industry average. If we look at uh private sector um IT environments, they typically work at around 85% efficiency. Um and this is also it's worth noting that this figure is just as it's reported in Solar Winds, which is our ticketing environment. Uh that does not include those one-off instances where maybe we're walking down a hallway and someone asks for help or anything that we can address via chat or Gmail um or when um students or staff come to our window. So this is just what's been reported in Solar Winds. We have a picture of students using their devices as well as a Smartboard in the background and our budget breakdown. Um so uh in comparing previous uh presentations with with this one uh looking historically uh the percentages are not that much off. Um we are really focusing on you see that combined we have about 26 and a half% um instructional and non-instructional licensing and subscriptions. Uh we also see around 30% for personnel. Uh 12% for hardware. Uh and then construction physical security is kind of just a catch-all. Um that doesn't necessarily reflect that we're doing construction. No one wants to see me with a jackhammer. Um but that does allow us to kind of catch several different items and throw them into one lump. Um so that we can uh view all of that uh together. Right. And then on to the exciting stuff. Um, not that that other stuff wasn't exciting. Um, but with our survey results, some of the praise that we've had, um, I'm really grateful to be a part of this team. There's been, uh, an exceptional foundation that was laid prior to my getting here, and I just get to to, you know, celebrate the team and the work that they've done. Um, so some of the highlights, um, the first one I want to call out is the best team at RPS. I'm pretty proud of that one. Um, we also have, uh, I think the tech department has done a great job of getting teacher input on district supported tech tools. I'm always satisfied with the variety of PD available and on the district technology. Uh when working with my staff and my team, one of the things that I make very clear to them is that we are a customer service organization. We live to serve the needs of our students and our staff. And so if they're not satisfied, then we're not doing our job. Um obviously there's some other things to that. There's some some caveats to that expression. But um obviously that is our our primary concern is ensuring that students and teachers have the tools they need to be successful. um and can go about their day learning without interruption or as limited interruption as possible. Another picture of our uh staff and students using the technology there. Uh growth opportunities. So for our growth opportunities, I broke them down really they in in the reporting they came to three big categories. Uh the first one being who knew it. Um, so that's why I made sure to include um that in the presentation so we could see the work that's being done there. Um, I do want to call out um, who knew it tends to be out of date with testing scores and difficult to navigate. Who knew it continues to baffle not yet finding it much more useful than synergy. I will say uh, in transparency that this year the focus has been on rebuilding who knew it and getting it into a workable state. And so some of the frustration that our teachers may have felt could have been because they were not included in training around that system. I didn't want to train them on a system that was constantly in progress. We were moving very frantically to the point that it is now. Uh and so it didn't seem beneficial to provide that training to them at that time. Um but as we'll see in future work, that is a priority for this coming year. Uh with hardware, I think the district should invest invest on a better model of laptop for staff. The Lenovo ThinkPad has lots of problems and again I go back to we're running a Chromebook plus pilot that has been very wellreceived. um it sees generous increases in battery life, u sustainability for the teachers, repair, all the kinds of support that we have to provide. So, we're we're seeing good results with that. And then the student Chromebooks are getting old. Again, we have kind of our uh student Chromebook replacement that a cycle that occurs um with uh the fourth graders, eighth graders getting new devices and that is coming up. We're purchasing those devices now. uh training uh wouldn't mind some trainings during PD for some of the tech that we have for new teachers next year shift tech training to be hands-on have teachers set up schooly sites with tech team present rather than having a session that is all talking and no doing and then need more connections to buildings possibly teach new concepts during a staff meeting or offer after school. Uh so one of the focuses again this year moving forward is going to have our tech reps um be shared stakeholders in the training that's provided to our staff ensuring that they are knowledgeable and seen as the subject matter matter experts for uh what we're providing to our staff and holding those trainings at their sites for future work on the horizon. Uh so we are moving to a new phone system uh that is completely voice over internet protocol. Um, it's going to provide some really great upgrades for our staff that we're excited to share with them. Um, one of which being there's going to be an app that would allow them to uh call from their work line from their cell phone. So, it allows them kind of that an interchange of uh functionality where they could, you know, and we have um social workers that need to contact families, they could do so far easier than they can now with the Google Voice system. And it all it all works well together. We're also moving towards updated intercoms at the remaining sites that we have that have not received upgraded intercom systems. Uh we sent a survey out today uh upgrading secondary staff laptops seeing what input was uh or what the input from our staff was and what they wanted for their devices. Um we're getting some good results there and then again preparing the new new devices for students in first, fifth, and nth grade. Uh so that's going out as well. We're we're ordering those devices. And then for uh 2526, we have a dedicated teacher training series that I'm developing for who knew it specifically or it's had about seven different names since I joined Richfield. Um it was who knew it. Then it was unified insights. Now it's analytics and insights. So that's where you know you can call it what you want. I I'll probably pick up what you mean. Um who done it? Who done it? Yes. Who done it? It's a good one too. Um but yes, so we have a a dedicated teacher training series beginning in the fall for our folks um on the ground there. uh a training library and knowledge base of videos and resources for approved district applications. So, one of the things that I'd like to do is duplicate ourselves as much as possible, make ourselves as available as much as possible, and that doesn't include physically being there. Uh that that includes physically being there, but also having a library of resources for our folks that they can refer to uh and learn. Uh promotion of self-training with certification cycles as part of the learningmies. This is something that's also in development. Um but uh in full transparency, I'm borrowing from my previous district. Uh we did two cycles called fall and spring into certification. Um and it was an opportunity for teachers to become more invested um in learning about the tools that we have and receive district created or platform created certifications so they could wear that as a badge of saying, "Hey, I know all this great stuff about Seesaw. Come ask me questions." Again, working to duplicate ourselves as much as possible, providing those folks with the knowledge and training they need. and then regular communication from tech on upcoming events and trainings. Um, one of the things I'd like to do is is get in the forefront of what teachers are are looking for and discussing around tech uh and get that information out there to them um either with staff newsletters or regular emails that they can refer to for what's going on. And lastly, who knew it updates? Um, so, uh, since July 1st, uh, that was the day I officially hit the ground, uh, here in Richfield, we've, uh, input and had 84 tickets closed with Power School. That's our partner that owns and operates who knew it. Uh, we focused our efforts, um, on the accuracy of reporting of the ABAs, academics, behavior, and attendance. Um, I've had weekly meetings with school administrators to demonstrate these updates and new features. So, I've met with um the principles at STEM, RDLS, the middle school, and the high school. Um so, apologies to Centennial, and Sheridan Hills. Um but we'll get there. And uh I've also attended PLC and faculty meetings as requested to highlight these enhancements in reporting and accuracy. Uh again, we've seen really strong results with who knew it um as we've kind of come into the spring. Um so I have I have a note down here for myself um that we when comparing the data between our triedand-true systems which would be synergy schooly or qualric to the data we're seeing and who knew it we have equal accuracy in both um so again it was it was a rebuilding year and I know that there was some pain points uh that our teachers may have felt in not having a tool um readily available for them um but that will be changing beginning in the fall we'll start that that training series with them u but with that that is all I have. So, I'd like to see if you guys have any questions for me. Thank you for that update. I'll open to the board. I just have one question about the the ticket closure rate and comparing it to others. So, I think we were at 88% and so what what happens to the 12%? It's a good question. Yeah, it's a great question. Uh, so if I'm being honest, I'm the weakest link. Um, and the reason for that is a lot of the times the tickets that are escalated to me require a little bit more in-depth uh uh researching things I have to bring to the cabinet for discussion, review, those kinds of things. Um, and so typically what happens is those tickets that I'm working on I'll put as um awaiting input status or um uh in progress whereas my team is much more effective and you know we've gotten what we need done, we'll close it out. Um, I'm trying to I'm trying to be like them, trying to learn from them. And, you know, after 10 days, if we haven't heard anything, we close it. And if there's something new you need, you let us know. And for clarity, like someone can open a ticket for like an enormously wide range of of needs, right? It can be something like I need a new cord for my laptop to something's wrong with the hard drive or I need more better access to this database and software to run it. Absolutely. Yes. It can it can be any range of things to even to things that we don't control. So as a for instance we had um a ticket come through either this morning or yesterday afternoon related to um pulling reports um in one of our systems. And so that was something that we had to navigate with our partner. Can we get this access etc etc. So sometimes it just takes a little extra time. Um another another um way that you could kind of configure or calculate is kind of first touch closures. Um, we do have the ability to run that report. So, if that's of interest, I can I can pull that. Um, but at the moment, it's just looking at just overall closure rate is is 88%. Thank you. The more numbers that are on it, the better. I mean, spreadsheets, numbers, grids, whatever. Absolutely. That's what he loves. He lives for it. Yeah, of course. I got a question. You're talking about training the different the different schools and Centennial and Sheridan Hills are where does ARP fall into all this? Are they under the opices of the high school or because they are a they are. Thank you. Yes, that that slipped my mind in speaking but I have met with Dr. Bill Height and her team on uh multiple occasions to discuss the the tech the who knew it system there. Okay. Yes. Thank you. We're all lopsided. So, what's that? We're all lopsided. I got comments from this whole side. Got comments from um Tim asked a question I had. So, that that was the first one. The other question I have is the new Ring Central phone system going in the summer. Is that a replacement of handsets as well in classrooms and things of that nature? Yes. Okay. So, the the impetus for this is NEC, which is a manufacturer for our handsets, is going out of business, which means those handsets will no longer be supported. Um, and so it was an opportunity for us to really evaluate um, kind of a cost analysis of what we're paying now for Google Voice, our current uh, phone vendor, etc. U, and look at a way to consolidate that, streamline that, and we found a solution that would accomplish all those things. Um, and so the folks we've had test the current hand or the handsets that we'll be receiving have enjoyed them. Um, and again, that cross functionality, one of the coolest features to me, um, is you can transfer to your app. So if I'm on a phone on the phone call as the day is ending I can transfer to the app on my phone and then take that with me and continue the conversation with no loss in service. When you say transfer to your phone app from what? From the handset. So the handsets are are staying in the classrooms. These are new new handsets are going into the classrooms. Yes. Yes. And they're soft phones. Yes. Okay. Good. Thank you. Sure. I guess I'll jump right on that because I've got questions. Um, how many calls do we track how many calls we make? I mean, it just with with everybody having mobile phones with Wi-Fi in all the locations with hardlines to the locations, do we really need phones? That is a great question. We we do uh desk 630 handsets. It seems like a lot in a classroom. Sure. Yes. Yes. And um so there is a statute and I'm still new to Minnesota. Um so forgive me, but it's related to 911 services. Um and so for safety um we would need those handsets in there for uh easy access to get to to emergency services. Um and we can we can run reports on the number of calls that we're making and receiving. Um if that's of interest, we can get that to you as well. I like how you're offering up tons of data, but you're also setting up for a bunch of work. So be careful. Sure. Slippery slope. It's just more curiosity of I mean I think the the requirement for us to have it for 911 services um assuming that's the case that each classroom needs it on its own but you know that the a lot of the the use of those phones is throughout the day and I think it said it will set a bad example as a teacher if I'm reaching my phone to call my colleague next door sometimes you need help from your your body next door like you're going to evacuate can I send somebody you know like the office, the secretary can call you. Well, well, that's amazing with with all of our other communication tools like chat, email, right? Um, and the ability to leverage those even to to your point, it's uh if I need to make that phone call, could I use a soft phone? There's other options other than just a handset in the wall. So, I'm curious if we've just considered it, right? It's I mean, it's I mean, you have to think too about like this being charged and you know, agree. Well, I'm going to play devil's advocate here. We just put a cell phone policy out saying that the students cannot have cell phones. And how will it look if we're always picking up our cell phones and they're like, "Dude, you know, what are you doing?" We also have some choices, right? We don't pay for employees to have cell phones. So, if we are requiring a phone to be accessed to 911 in every classroom, we would be in a situ Yeah. we'd end up having to negotiate cell phones and then in an emergency um cell service sometimes gets locked out and so that is why the the hardwired phone is one of those things also. Um well but but then to that to that end right it's like if if we worry about um if we switch to ring central and we switch to a phone does that create other concerns or other legal complexities that we need to worry about right so I again I'm making sure we're thinking through all this and as a technologist this is where I ask more questions right um so one of the things I I didn't hear AI sure I like nothing sure everybody's talking about it. Sure. Um I'm I'm Yeah, I'm so um I've had several trainings um and I'm working closely with our special education department to do a a tailored training for them. U one of the things that we focus primarily on with the use of AI is is is proper use of AI. Um and that's protecting student data, protecting teacher data, IP, those kinds of things. Um and so when I'm when I'm providing those trainings and and um what I do is is I approach it as um the case of best practice, right? Um, so I'm teaching our teachers, you know, use AI as your students would use it. Be critical of all the results that you receive. Um, and then AI is to be a uh creative collaborator as opposed to just the critical thinker for you, right? So, we want to ensure that our teachers understand that they're the experts. AI is not um I I made I made the the smart Alec remark one time in a training that AI is not intelligent. It's just presented intelligently. Um, and so when I'm working with our teachers, I want them to understand that, um, you know, they are the e experts in their field and AI should be there to assist them, not necessarily lead the way. And so, as we're developing a more um, uh, uh, robust um, approach to AI, um, I want to make sure that those things are kind of set as the foundation before we really begin to explore further implementation in classroom usage. There are a few tools that are available. Um, so Notebook LM is a great kind of walled garden that our staff can use and students in at the high school have access to. And then Google Gemini is also pushed out because with our Google instance, it is a paid platform which means we can block off the communication of um, using our input to train their model. Um, which means we have better data protections. Um, of course encouraging, asking, pleading that they don't include any identifiable information of students or staff in the usage of that. But there is there is conversation ongoing conversation and training for staff. Could you repeat that thing that you said about that really smart thing? I I want to voice memo it because it was so great. Yeah. I wouldn't say it's smart. It's smart. No, it it was uh So, yeah. So, I said that u artificial intelligence is not intelligent. It's presented intelligently. Thank you. Just pro tip. It's already recorded for and something not Hey, you know what? I just want that bit. Okay. I don't have to be like fast forwarding or winding or whatever just to get to that. So I'll repeat something you said not quite so intelligent as Mr. Steel. Um but one of the components of AI for us to be aware of is that if it is not a pay product for which we have an agreement then everything we load up is now their intellectual property and they can now use. And so we have to be very cautious in how we protect our students um from a technology perspective and protect their privacy um because AI now has access to anything you cut and paste in there is now theirs that is in the small print. So if you were to put up personal information or you put your resume in there um they now have all of that information as their intellectual property and so you are gifting know that you are gifting them all of the info that you do unless you are in a specific environment with an agreement. Um, and so that's also something for us to be very cautious of as Mr. Steel is training people. Well, I didn't dig into it much, but I saw an article recently where it talked about um switching Gmail accounts to having AI embedded in it. And I don't my understanding is there's the ability like to to either turn it on or turn it off. And I don't know if we have to do that at a organizational level and or if you've investigated it and you don't necessarily need to answer it now, but I just wanted to at least raise it to make sure you knew about it. So, as that functionality rolls out, that's something that we'll review and consider. For sure. Awesome. I think that's it for my questions. Anybody else? You guys want to ask technology guy questions? This is fun. Or insurance questions. I mean, that's right. When Tim likes it, you covered it. There's no question left to ask. You are very good at your job. What's really cool, Mr. Carter, is Mr. Steel bought a new home and if we allow him to go home to it, he can do some packing and organizing with his wife and kids and continue to move on. Congratulations. Which is really cool for Mr. Steel. So, we thank him for his input tonight. Maybe he doesn't want to go home. That's true. Whoa. Whoa. We're getting not assumptions. Don't answer that on the mic. Sure. Again, recorded. Wait, I had a question actually. You said you were able to track all of the phone calls made throughout the school or not. What was it? He said, "Oh, like a call log." Yeah, call log. Can you like the white house each phone? Like, is it counted as each phone or is it just overall? Like we get we get a sum total from each each landline. Each landline. Okay, got it. That I was just curious. Not your cell phone though, right? Every number you No. Yeah, that that's true. Yeah. Okay. I got one bone to pick. Are you the one you guys the ones that like block the websites? Technically, no. Our our vendor does that. Okay. We just tell them what's blocked. So, oh like, oh my gosh. Oh, so you're guilty by association. Yeah. You're still causing it. Yeah. He's the mastermind. There's been so many times where like there's like an educational website that like my teachers like go on there and like find something and we go on there blocked. Sure. And it's like what? It just feels like and like a lot of these websites that are just pure games and all these things are just open to the public. So I'm just not what's the process for like rocking certain websites? Great question. Yeah. So there's there's multiple avenues from which we could do that. So kind of at a a district level, we use our district firewall. Um that is probably the the strictest environment. Um, but it's also the most flexible in that it it allows us to it's it's far less granular in scope than like a GoGardian would be, right? With GoG Guardian, your teachers can actually set specific scenes and specific allowances. So, if we work with your teachers, we can say, "Oh, if you're going to use this website today, let's make sure that it's allowable in your scene, and then you can get to that website as well." Um, as far as as far as the games, that is a frustration for us, too. Um, and it's it's honestly like playing whack-a-ole. uh you block one, another one pops up, another one pops up. So, um if there's something that's instructional or of value to what's happening in the classroom, we will absolutely 100% unblock it as quickly as possible. Um just let us know and we'll make that happen. Okay. Thank you. Also, you class of 2025 never got no Chromebooks and I was so upset at that. That was before I got here. Oh, okay. That was I'll keep it up to someone else. Okay. Yeah. Things could always be worse. You could be in China or North Korea and you can't access anything. So, you know, once you leave school, you got your own device. You can, you know, I mean, handful of hours like during the day at school, it's really not that big of a deal. I wasn't talking about um using like I was thinking about like mainly just um like educational websites that are blocked. Oh, educational websites. Oh, it'll be like a like a news site or something and we're like looking at a news article and it's like, oh, blocked. Oh, blocked. Some sometimes the the news sites will get a false flag um because of the other articles that are associated with it. So, we have to be mindful of that. So I I can understand that we're preparing you for your work life where that will happen in your job too where I go to look things up and h I have to open a ticket insurance related site. Yeah. I just want to add on I had a research um project not too long ago. We had to research 10 articles and it was and it had to be about current events. So every time I tried going on to an article or try searching up news, it blocked me out. So, I went home every day just to use my personal laptop and I was like, "Yeah, it was just kind of frustrating, but I it got done." So, if that would be fixed, that'd be great, too. The lesson was tenacity. We used to have to like look things up in books and sometimes we'd have to wait a week for it to come from another library. You know, you have that world encyclopedia. The Yes. Encyclopedia Britannica. Yeah. just needs to get home to clean his house. Any more questions? Those were the good old days, Rachel. I mean, hey, is that a question? That's all right. We'll continue the conversation. Thank you for your brilliant presentation. Oh my god, you still can. Okay, done it. I will gavvel. Don't make me. Okay, next is commendations. All right, so we have a large list. Let's start with RPS. Would like to commend Assistant Superintendent Dr. Latana Daniels, who was recently hired as the next superintendent of Burnsville Egan Savage 191 School District. This is a tremendous opportunity and a well-deserved next step for Dr. Daniels. Richfield is proud. Congratulations, Dr. D. Uh, RPS would also like to commend RHS junior Francis Trronis. Francis was selected to play French horn in the Minnesota Allstate Band. As part of this exceptional honor, Francis will play alongside the best high school musicians from all over the state and perform at Orchestra Hall. Congratulations to Francis. We've got a whole list today. RPS would also like to commend RHS students involved in the recent theater production of Rald Doll's Matilda the musical. Following students were recognized by the Henipin Arts Spotlight Education Program for their accomplishments in production. Amelia Reinhardt, outstanding performance in a leading role. Be Jongsma, out honorable mention in a leading role. Gabe Hernandez, honorable mention in a featured role. Warner Larson, outstanding in technical leadership. Michelle Downing, honorable mention in technical leadership. Felix Defor, honorable mention in technical leadership. So, congratulations to all of those RHS students. Um, and as we have been acknowledging employee appreciation days, May 18th was National Speech Pathologist Day. SLPs play a vital role in helping students find their voices literally and figuratively, empowering them to communicate confidently and effectively. Their dedication to fostering communication skills ensures that every child has the tools they need to succeed academically and socially. Thank you to all our speech pathologists. Today, May 19th, is National Accounting Day. Payroll, accounting, and finance staff in schools are the unsung heroes who ensure that educators and staff are paid accurately and on time while also managing the school's financial health and supporting operations. Their attention to detail, financial expertise, and commitment to accuracy are essential in creating a stable environment where teaching and learning can thrive. So, thank you to the RPS finance department. And finally, May 19th to 23rd is National Educational Bosses Week. This week celebrates the superintendent, cabinet, and management team members. Our leaders play a role in shaping the direction of our entire district, and the leadership, dedication, and strategic thinking ensure schools operate effectively. So, thank you to our district leaders. Congratulations to all those folk for their contributions and to our successful students and the future superintendent of Burnsville Public Schools. Congratulations. I feel like I should have read that last one because it's like you just commentated yourself. It's It's all right. That's why I shrunk the amount of words in there. Was slightly awkward. Did you? The next item is approval of our consent agenda, which contains a collection of routine or fairly routine business items that we consent to pass in bulk without individual discussion. I'll pause for a moment just to see if there's any questions or requests before we proceed. Hearing and seeing none. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented? I move the consent agenda as presented. Second. Awesome. We have a motion by Director Cole and a second by Director Spencer. Uh since we don't typically have discussion on it, any discussion? I don't hear any. All in favor, please say I. I. All post, please say nay. The chair votes I and the consent agenda is approved. moves us on to old business. Before us this evening, we have policy 404, drug, alcohol, and cannabis testing. Yes, including that name change with cannabis in it because uh that is the update. And as a reminder, this is our third read. So, we have this with recommended passage. Um only minor uh formatting changes and such since the last. Um you'll notice drug and alcohol replaced by drug, alcohol, and cannabis throughout. Um and then talking about some of those rules and regulations on the second page um in regard to the newly legal cannabis which is still not allowed in schools. Um testing occurs with drivers and there are components related to uh state statutes. So you have each of those components in here and the appendices that go with it. And so with that I will pause. You all have seen this and so if there are any questions certainly ask them. Otherwise we're hoping for a motion and move it forward. Um I have one question on the changes to adding cannabis. I think last time I asked a question similar to this on another policy of when it actually goes into effect and often policies go into effect for the following school year as opposed to immediately. Is that true? Uh typically we launched in the fall. However, cannabis testing is required. So this is something that is implemented for all of our new driving employees either. Okay. So it's immediate. Yeah. Okay. We'll say this is even aligning the practice or the policy to practice that was required by state law. Okay. Yeah. Because we were covered by state law before. Okay. Uh if there no other questions then I will move uh to policy 404 as presented. I second that. We have a motion by director Spencer and a second by director Liss. More discussion about policy 404. No procedures. Feel like that's a first in a while. Does look like any discussion. Bring it to a vote. All in favor, please say I. I. All post say nay. The chair votes I. And policy 404, drug, alcohol, and cannabis testing is approved. Bring us to policy 115, title nine. All right. And loads of scrolling through the board packet. You're up to page 172 at this point. Um, and so as a reminder, we're asking for passage on a second read of Title 9. As a reminder, this is returning us to the policy that had just previously been done um in 2021. Um, and so our uh so we are looking to go back because the federal law has changed um requiring us to reiterate the old policy. And so we had that in a redline version. uh we have it now in a clear version for you all to see. This is something that had been reviewed and passed. Um and then as a reminder, it will remain in the typical cycle. Um and so we'll be looking at this again in the 5-year typical rotational cycle. So with that, we have this in front of you as a federal legal requirement for us to return to that policy. I'll move that we pass the policy as presented. I'll second. We have a motion by Director Pollson and a second by Director Cole to approve policy 115. Is there discussion hearing? And seeing none, bring it to a vote. All in favor, please say I. I. All post, please say nay. The chair votes I and N. R. Title N. Policy 115 is reapproved. Approved again. Approved. Approved. Now bring us to policy 112 wellness and administrative guidelines 112.1 and 112.2 for a second read. Correct. So second read with changes. Um this is nutrition services wellness guidelines and meal charges. Um and so this has been reviewed by nutrition services, health and wellness, uh safe and supportive schools, um parent guardian and rupt group. Uh there will be other groups taking a look at this um prior to it returning for a third read and changes are in here in redline. You'll note that since we did this in the initial component, there is free lunch for all and so that changes some of the components of that. There's also a whole set of components in here that are redundant and so those were removed. And so you'll see some pretty significant uh changes in there. Um but those are things for you to take a look at, review and examine prior to that third read. So with that, I will see if there are questions, comments, input, feedback. Otherwise, we will also have it back in a couple weeks to do this again. Doesn't look like we've got any questions for this one and we've got plenty of stuff ahead in new business. Our first item is facilities and transportation collective bargaining agreement for 2024 through 2026. Absolutely. So this is our final agreement um to bring to the board. Um, it has been passed by the union group and so we have director of human resources Michelle Axel just sitting down at the microphone. She will click it on when she is ready and she will walk through the changes um that you also see on pages 257 and 258 of the board packets. With that, uh, Michelle, it's on. It is on. Take it away. Thank you. Good evening. Tonight I'm bringing forward a recommendation for the board to approve the tenative collective bargaining agreement with our facilities and transportation employees. This is represented by SEIU Local 284 and this this agreement covers the time period from July 1, 2024 through June 30th, 2026. We reached a tenative agreement in May and since then it has been ratified by their membership. Let me walk you through some key highlights. Starting with the compensation. This agreement includes a 3.5% increase to the base salary schedules for both the facilities and the bus drivers each year of the contract. In the second year, we also added market adjustments based on how similar positions are paid in other districts. Those range from $150 to 250 per hour for several facilities classifications. An additional 25 cents per hour for bus drivers. We've also included an an a 25 courl differential for employees who are not regular drivers but maintain a CDL with school bus endorsement and are available to substitute when asked. In short, the agreement includes standard annual increases for all positions along with targeted market adjustments to help us stay competitive. On to health insurance, we're increasing the district's monthly contribution toward family coverage by 100 in the first year and an additional 200 in the second year, bringing it to 1,600 per month district contribution per family. We're also increasing VIBA contributions by 250 annually for all plans. The district will continue to cover 100% of the cost of single coverage for full-time 40hour per week employees. A few other compensation related items to note. We've increased the lensure pay for boilers licenses with a higher pay for those positions that require a secondass license or above. We've added a new lensure differential for employees who hold a certified pool operator license when required or approved. The longevity pay has been increased for employees at the 10, 15, or 20 year marks. We've also shifted the timing a step in longevity increases to align with the July 1 service credit date each year versus it being based on employees seniority date. A small group of employees experienced a shortterm impact due to this shift. So we've included a one-time stipen to offset that. There's also a $25 increase to the union to the union to the uniform allowance and we've added a new 125 annual footwear allowance. On contract language, we've added Junth as a recognized holiday. There's also a new classification added for the lead custodian at central. We've updated language to bring sick leave and PTO in alignment with the Minnesota Earn sick and safetime law. We've also are increasing the probationary period for this group of employees from 90 days to 120 work days. And we've also clarified the language around emergency closing due to weather, specifically snow or ice. We've also added or updated language to discipline, posting of new positions, and grievance timelines for clarity and consistency. This is a strong agreement that reflects both the needs of the district and the value we place on our facilities and transportation staff. A redline version of the full agreement is included in your materials for review, and I'm recommending approval of this agreement tonight. So with that, turning that to the board. We obviously appreciate the the negotiation team from both sides and we have an agreement that has already been voted on approved by the bargaining unit and so that is just here for the board for recommended approval. I just have I'll echo that just great support for the team um on our side but also the the on the employee side the the the sincerity they work in they work to to get something done. um understanding that not everyone gets everything they want and and it's um but at the same time it's a val you know like all of our groups they're valuable it's it's I I can't imagine how we would operate without people maintaining the build the facilities or driving the students to school so really appreciate it with that I will move the to accept the contract as presented I will second motion by director Paulson second by director Mike Cupro Uh, we've talked about we've talked about this a bunch behind the scenes. So, I'm assuming there's no more discussion. See, nods, shaking of heads, which sounds like we'll bring it to a vote. All in favor, please say I. I. I. All post, please say nay. The chair votes I. And we have an approved agreement. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for all the meetings. You know, as an aside, I want to thank Cassandra Quam for putting the page numbers on the agenda. It's really helpful. Teamwork. Well, thank you, Mr. Chair, as well. Brings us to 2025 2026 resolution, favorite thing in the world, for membership in the MSHL. Yes. So, Minnesota State High School League, um, for lack of a better description, there are no other alternatives for our students to compete and participate in athletics and activities that are competitive. Um, and so on a yearly basis, we must have a resolution from the board. Um, to allow our students to continue. Uh, high school league fees include a $100 overall membership, a $160 per activity, and $2.25 per student. Um so with that um we will have open us for any questions. Otherwise looking for a resolution to continue our um engagement and enrollment in the Minnesota State High School League questions. I I'll just say with the understanding that we really have no option, right? Like for those who haven't paid attention before the our our you know, you can say a lot of things about the state high school league, but it really is the only opportunity for us to to join an association where our student athletes or and other activities like can compete against other schools within Minnesota absent that we are alone and it's difficult to to to compete alone. So I'll move um the me the resolution as presented. I'll second that. We have a motion by Director Palace and a second by Director Liss to approve said resolution in front of us. Again, I'm not sure if there's a lot of discussion for this one. No eye contact from the right side means that you guys don't. I see the knowing looks from the left means we'll move on to my favorite thing of a resolution. Vote. Director Cole says, "Miss you." I Dr. Spencer I director Liss I Dr. Bangus Cupjo I director Paulus I the chair votes I and the resolution to keep us inside of the MS HSL is approved on to the Bloomington Richfield Family Services Collaborative Agreement. All right. And so just as a reminder, December 31st, 2023, the Henipin South Suburban Collaborative, a family services collaborative of which we were a partner, disbanded. Um that included us, Bloomington, and Eden Prairie. And family collaboratives provide additional services and supports to our students and to our families. Um and is a great and important um part of our overall team. And so our team um led by Amy Skory Cler has worked to create a new uh joint uh collaborative group um including us Edina uh Bloomington but then also adding Henipin County Human Services and Juvenile Division Community Action Partnership of Henipin County PHA Head Start and Bloomington Public Health um to recome together and continue to providing those additional health and support services to our students, to our families, and to our community. Um and so this is us rejoining um which then also comes with a reaccessing of funds um to support these activities. So with that um you have the agreement in our board packet and um I will open it up for questions otherwise I am hoping that we can uh join this collaborative which will take place of the collaborative we once were a part of. questions, comments, a lot of silence here. I'll move that we approve the collabor collaborative governing agreement as presented. I'll second. I I have a motion by director Paul and a second by director Spencer. I heard your voice first. He's a little closer. He is closer. speed of sound. Right. We go into science session here. Discussion questions. I'm just a bit fat of Amy, so I was hoping to get the the second, but that's okay. There's two more. There's two more. We got time. Uh questions, comments? This is a lot. Just uh so Eden Prairie dropped out. Correct. Correct. Thus the HSSC disbanded because it was required when one of the components pulled out. um then required us to scramble and work together while still trying to maintain services and then recreate a new collaborative and one of the biggest components is Henipin County has funding for this um and our ability to fully access the funding and provide the full breadth of supports means we need to be in a collaborative to make that happen and so by approving this and allowing us to do this um we access funds which allows our community to access additional supports. I guess the question for me and maybe just I don't want a typo. The 1231 2023. Yes. Is when it ended. That is when it ended. We have been cobbling things together and doing what we can and then Henipin County has been holding funding. Got it. Um and waiting for a collaborative rejoin. So Paulo who wanted to have Amy forced up to the microphone. Well done Chair Carter. Um she saw the deer in the headlights look of desperation in my eyes and said I got you. So, if there are more questions, we're going to force Amy to bail me out. Yeah. The reason it took so long, actually, Eden Prairie had the same situation, is that the Department of Health and Human Services and Henipin County had a hard time agreeing on the language. So, collaboratives who had been in force for a long time have had their language forever and they just kind of have kept updating it. When new collaboratives were starting, they would decided, "No, we want to get this right. Make sure." And I'm sure that every Henipin County collaborative will now be using the language that we use. Um so it just that you know working with big organizations took a long time to get everything kind of ironed out. Um Eden Prairie has been approved. This is basically a very similar template. So I would assume that ours is going to go through very quickly. So we'll go ahead and uh approve this here tonight. And then the expectation would be is that they sign it and then we'll hear back that it was Yeah. It's technically a governance agreement once all the mandated partners have signed. Okay. And then you can start voting on things and and and operating as an organization. Yeah. So more questions other than me apparently hearing none then we'll just bring it to a vote just like that because we have the motion in place by director false and a second by director Spencer. All in favor please say I. I. All post please say nay. The chair votes I and we have a approved joint powers agreement. Wait no Bloomington Richfield Dana family services collaborative agreement. I jumped ahead to that so I'm going let you say it. That's all right. All right. So, uh the next one is another uh joint powers agreement for the learning exchange consortium. And so this is for the 2526 agreement. Um this is a partnership with Bloomington where we collaboratively provide community ed programs and services for adults with disabilities. Um and so this provides um again an expanded set of opportunities and continues to be those types of things that our community ed department proactively makes sure that we have in place. I do have one question, so I'm glad you made it tonight. Um, so this is a one-year contract. Is it traditional that we do such a short contract for this? Is it This is one we've typically brought forth every year. It typically doesn't change a whole lot, but yeah, we bring it forth every year. Is there value in going after a longer contract next year? I mean, I do have no problem with this one, but I'm wondering if it makes it great question. Uh, MissWam, Miss Scar Cler, and I will look into that. On a yearly basis, we we have not had the HSSC or now the Bloomington the Bear Collaborative, right? Uh, but every year around this time, we have the Learning Exchange Consortium, the State High School League, and the Metro South Adult Basic Ed. Um, and so we'll check and see if the bylaws require that to be a yearly review or not. We'll find out. [Music] More questions or a motion? [Music] Sorry, I'm going back to it. So, I'm reading it correctly. I will move that we uh approve the joint powers agreement for the learning exchange consortium. I second. You got it that time. Good job. We have a motion by director Spencer, a direct a second by director Cole to approve the first joint powers agreement. Since we had our one question, all in favor, please say I. I. All oppose, please say nay. The chair votes I. And the joint powers agreement for the learning exchange consortium is approved. Bring us to the joint powers agreement for the Metro South Adult Basic Education Consortium. All right. So longtime partnership. Um, Richfield, Bloomington, Edina, and Eden Prairie provide adult basic education at Metro South. Yearly, they have a graduation, which is one of the fun events of the spring. So, this is a similar yearly uh review. Um, and we pass this on a yearly basis. So, along with the other one, we will double check to make sure to see if we can do longer agreements or if this is a yearly agreement. But again, this just empowers us to remain in the partnership and continuing providing those services to adults. uh 17 and older and continuing on all the way through adulthood. I just was laughing at something earlier when I first was looking at this. I thought I was having a flashback going from back into the military with joint services. So, I had to reread it twice, but I'm not. Is that a motion? Sure. I move that we accept the joint powers agreement for the Metro South Adult Basic Education Consortium. I will second. Thank you, director Paulus. We have a motion by director list and a second by director Paulus to approve the joint powers agreement for the Metro South Adult Basic Education Consortium. All in favor, please say I. I. I. All post, please say nay. The chair votes I. And we have another approved joint powers agreement bringing us to policy 203 organization of the board of education. All right. And so we are actually asking for a one read not our typical plan because as a reminder we have already talked about this. We have already passed this. And so there is just uh one um or two sentences that need to be changed in the organization of the board education. So I'm going to point you to page 335 on the board packet. Um and so we have added the sentence. The term of office for board members elected in 2025 and 2027 shall be three years. Uh term of office for board members in 2028 and beyond shall be four years and beginning with the year 2028 terms shall be so established that three uh expire again at the end of every calendar year. And so that is just putting into our policy the actions that we have already taken and making sure that the policy aligns um to what we have agreed to do. We have burning questions on this one. Looked like you're chomping at the bit over there. I wasn't sure. I'll move the policy as presented. I second. Thank you. Keeping us on track. Appreciate that. And then I'm assuming the the next time we'd see this, we'd strike it and then change it from every odd year to every even year. Correct. It it states that in there. Yes, when we get this back in 2028, most likely we will shift it back and remove that that and it'll just go back to the previous policy. But we'll have to change to even Yes, it's already Yes, that by just adding that paragraph, we just remove that and the policy had already stated those things. So, yeah, it'll it'll clean it up. Thank you. Okay. The brains of the operation has agreed with you. Yeah. Sorry. All right, we got it. Okay. was not fully understanding that. So good. Any more discussion? Second. I know. But okay, I check. Any more discussion? I got you. Hearing? None. We have a motion by director Paul, second by director Banks Cup Show. All in favor, please say I. I. All post, please say nay. Chair votes I. And we have a first read approved policy 203. Bring us to policy 546. And this one is not for approval. This is their typical process. Use of peace officers and or crisis teams to remove students with IEPs from school grounds. Almost all of this is clear state statutory language. Um and so you get it for the first read for review. Um and then we will provide updates based on statutory changes in our second read. And so this is just um a statutoily required first read. Questions, comments? bring us to the last item, donations. All right. And so it is recommended that the board accept the following donations with gratitude. Richfield Middle School received a donation of three benches valued at a total of $480 from Elliot Walls of Richfield. These benches have been built by Elliot for Inside the Pool entrance as part of an Eagle Scout project. RMS also received a donation of $600 for the Assistance League of Minneapolis St. Paul for a summer ropes course experience. So, thanks to the Assistance League and Elliot Walls. RHS Spartan Food Shelf received an anonymous donation of $30. So, thank you. RHS Music Department received a donation of $1,50 from the Richfield Spartan Foundation for a marching band banner. Thank you to the Spartan Foundation. Uh, Sheran Hills Elementary School received a donation of $4236 from the Sheran Hills PTO for field trip transportation. Thank you, PTO. Uh Richfield High School received donations of $120 for a summer boxing experience and $1,780 for the Boundary Waters canoe trip, both from the Assistance League of Minneapolis St. Paul. Thanks again to the Assistance League. And finally, the RPS technology department received a donation of tech equipment and furniture valued at a total $842.99 from Dan Shot of Vancouver, Washington. So thank you, Dan Shot. I will move that we accept these donations with gratitude. I'll second. We have a motion by Director Spencer and a second by Director Cole to accept these donations with gratitude. All in favor, please say I. I. All post, please say nay. And we accept these donations with gratitude for the third time. Brings us to advanced planning legislative update. All right, just a couple of things. So, the legislature by constitution is supposed to conclude today. They have not. Um, and so they will likely be called into a special session. Um, the biggest thing that is happening and we are going to encourage our board members um and anybody listening to contact their legislator or the governor um but more importantly the chairs of the major committees of the house and senate. Right now, the conversation is centered um around multiple things including some summer unemployment um health care for different folks and compensatory education hold harmless. And so, as a reminder to our board, um $1.9 million difference between compensatory hold harmless and not being held harmless. So, we have a very significant amount of money sitting there. Um right now, we are hearing that it could go either way. Um but that is one of the sticking points and so we are cautiously optimistic hopeful that compensatory held harmless will be something that the governor retains and the Senate retains. Um even though the House bill didn't have that initially. Did you say $1.9 million? $1.9 million. Yes. So a couple of talking points. If you look at free lunch for all um what that has done is there is about $400,000. Mr. Holi did some runs. $400,000 in food dollars that come to Richfield public schools. So every student who had already qualified for a free and reduced lunch is not included in there. So only people receiving those 400,000 are those who are either not filling out forms or above the poverty line. So money going to those who are not living in poverty. 400,000. Because of that, the side consequence was $1.9 million lost in revenue to support students living in poverty. So essentially, we not only took or the governmental change took $1.9 million of funding for students um but then added an additional amount for those not living in poverty. So basically we have transitioned money from poor folk um to those who are most likely not poor. Um and so that is one of our newer talking points that we have continued to push. Either way uh free lunch for all will an amazing thing and important that human uh food is a basic human right. Um it has also turned it into uh taking away reading, math and supports from students living in poverty. Um and so that is the impact on us. We are continuing to push for that. Um so again, we're asking folks to push uh these are the last few days um and we are really hoping I was part of a group pushing uh over the weekend. And then the only other thing of note for this group which will come to calendar committee next year um is not next year because the calendar set but Labor Day is very late in 2627 and 2728 and so the legislature has actually passed the ability for all districts to start before Labor Day. Um, so one of the conversations we will need to have in a calendar committee is whether or not we start, for example, September 1st, which in 2026 is a Tuesday. Um, and so it's very very early. Um, is after Labor Day as we move ourselves forward. So the legislature actually did act on that, which I appreciate, but it's often brought up as like this is a a surprise unforeseen thing, but it happens about every seven years. Apparently twice every seven years. We we have to show on over the long haul. It's Yeah. What? And it's it's just for like just the one year. It's just No, it's for two years. Um, so it's a you could have up to a 4 day week and up to a three-day week after Labor Day or after September 1st. So it's before Labor Day after September 1st, I believe. And so it would allow those as opportunities. So those will be things for our calendar committee in the So I'm guessing that Labor Day is the 7th or the 6th in the years. That's right. Which no one has ever seen before. And you're you're leading the calendar committee. I think we decide a couple months ago. Actually, there were chance for Mr. Holy to return to the calendar committee. So, he has uh fullthroated agreed to take over the reigns of calendar committee, but we'll worry about that one next Novemberish. And we'll we'll see how that one goes. I might be volunteering myself if I speak too much. They need to move the state fair those years, I think. Oh, boy. Yeah, like earlier because it's really hard to go back to teaching when this fair is still going. The struggle is real. the state fair. I know, but they should. Sounds like you guys are looking to run for office. Next topic. Now, if they extend it, we're on board, right? Yes. Yeah. Suddenly, it would be a great idea. You had also mentioned the biggest the um unemployment insurance portion. Um, did I read correctly that that is currently being funded by the state and that's extended or is it the school district that pays for that additional? Um, it is currently covered by the state, but there is not long-term funding. And so, one bill has that expiring in 2028. And then there are possibility of ongoing funding or possibility of funding coming back to districts. And so, that's that's one of the conversations. Um, there there are multiple things we could get involved in. Uh the by far the largest impact for us is compensatory education hold harmless. Um and that's that is what we are most hoping for at a long-term fix. Okay. Thank you. Uh any more questions on legislative update? If not information or questions from the board. I have one. I believe uh director Paulus last year helped uh organize uh the handing out of diplomas and since there's one particular senior that I want to make sure I extend a handshake to my son I wouldn't mind volunteering to help to organize the order of handing out diplomas. Well, Cassandra's got it. All right. So, what I'm hearing is it would be great. It would be great to get that Excel sheet that has the names. Yeah. All right. So, we will Cassandra will coordinate with the high school to coordinate with board members um to make sure that we are set um for the as a reminder Tuesday graduation ceremony and Monday was it? And Monday and Monday. Yes. Monday and Tuesday. Yeah. Some of us might be a little late to this to multiple graduation ceremonies. Yes. Thanks very much. Um, I I would say just an invitation to the board. The Spartan Foundation has their scholarship breakfast the Wednesday after Memorial Day right here in the district office. It's the 28th. The 28th, and I believe it starts at 8:00 a.m., but I could be wrong on that. I will I will um I would extend an invitation to the board. And if you could let me know you're coming so I could tell the others that you'd be there, that's great. Um I'll get you the time, but it's considerate 8ish. It's a very nice event. You said the 28th. Yes. Speaking of the 28th, uh Wood Lake is having the groundbreaking ceremony for the new for the new building on the 28th at 4:00. So, the old building's closed already. Looks like we had a bunch of updates to our calendar or it will be on our calendar. that Cassandra puts at the top here as we all know. Sure. By the time we get the next calendar, these dates will be passed. Darn it. I will update you all in my Friday letter also as to the upcoming events. There we go. Look at that. Sharing send on Wednesday. That's just to be confusing. Uhhuh. That's plenty. Mhm. Okay. No more information or questions from the board. Suggested future agenda items. I'm wondering about literacy in our schools. The kids had their MCAs. There's some fast testing that has gone on. Uh first year of Redact implementation. Mhm. So whenever it's the most convenient. I mean maybe I missed it while I was away. And so Nope. You are Well, we did have some we did have the elementary and secondary process reviews. um and talking about that overall our fast bridge data we are just wrapping up and the MCAs are embargoed but um on June 2nd um and then again at our next meeting on June 23rd uh we will be presenting vision cards and you'll see overall updates and then as you know within my evaluation which we'll be doing um at our next meeting on June 2nd we will also have updates about each of those components um because those are some of my evalu goals along with the vision card goals for the district. So, we'll be getting those in each of our next two meetings. Wonderful. Any more suggested future agenda items? brings us to future meeting dates of June 2nd as discussed at 7 pm and June 23rd a delay in our normal what is it a delay one week later? Yes, June 16th is the Spartan Foundation golf fundraiser and so we always adjust. Um and it is Rachel's birthday so we didn't want to spoil the party, right? Um and we also wanted to make sure we had full time for the budget which by statute has to be passed by the end of June and so we want to make sure that we have that um don't leave for Asia that day uh the 16th of June. Yes. Yes. And and then also then we have only one meeting in July. So we have plenty of correct plans. Are our meetings like still that long in June that we still have to do two meetings or is if are we ever going to June is June is a long set of meetings. Yes. Um, nice try. Yes, we'll go quick and we can wear shorts. One of them's budget, so it's there's a lot of detail. No, I know. I remember that. Evaluation and Yeah, she's getting her legs under. She's back. We we we we met till like midnight once, I think. I don't think we'll go that long, but No, but we have Yes, we felt that way anyway. Well, let's let's not try to when we have one meeting. I mean, sorry to interrupt. One of the things that um MissWam has done in in her organization is really had us look at what are the longer presentations and we have done done really hard work to spread them. So I don't think we will have that again. I'm not complaining. I know. I just think sometimes uh you know memory starts to you know it was it like thinking like was it really that bad and now I'm reminded that it was. It was that bad. Okay. Mhm. So that brings us to meeting was was rough. Yeah. Since we updated the agenda, I'm super excited to be able to say we're going straight to the final item of business is to adjourn. Since this item doesn't require a board vote, which I haven't read this in forever, I'll officially adjourn the meeting at 8:35. Woohoo.