Minnetonka Public Schools — Transcript

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Story

Minnetonka Schools approves 2027-28 calendar with Chinese New Year holiday

Minowashta Elementary School Report on Belonging and Inclusion

Scenic Heights Elementary School Chinese Immersion Program Report

Community Comments on Technology Usage in Schools

Update on Citizens Academy Initiative

Votes (4)

Approval of Waivers of Physical Education Requirements

Motion carries (Unanimous 'I' vote)

Dissent: None

Moved by Tanya [0:00] · Seconded by Karen [0:00]

The board considered and approved waivers for physical education requirements for Minnetonka High School students who met specific criteria, as certified by the principal. This was a routine administrative item with no discussion.

Acceptance of the Minnitanka High School Class of 2026 Graduates

Motion carries (Unanimous 'I' vote)

Dissent: None

Moved by Mike [0:00] · Seconded by Sally [0:00]

The board formally accepted the Minnetonka High School Class of 2026, granting final authorization to students who completed the district's graduation requirements. The superintendent noted the list was accurate as of the meeting date. This was a celebratory, administrative item.

Approval of the 2026-27 School Board Goals

Motion carries (Unanimous 'I' vote)

Dissent: None

Moved by Mike [0:00] · Seconded by Megan [0:00]

Dr. Jackie Getty presented the proposed school board goals, emphasizing revisions based on community and staff feedback, especially concerning technology. Board members reiterated that these goals are 'living documents' guiding the superintendent's work for the year and acknowledged the significant community concerns about technology, promising intentional, systematic changes rather than hasty ones, while also balancing diverse stakeholder views.

Approval of the 2027-28 Calendar

Motion still carries (6-1)

Dissent: Karen [0:00]

Moved by Mike [0:00] · Seconded by Megan [0:00]

Angie Flowers presented the proposed 2027-28 school calendar, notably including the addition of Chinese Lunar New Year (January 26th) as a non-instructional day. Karen voiced concerns about the calendar committee's divided vote (16-11), potential childcare challenges for working families, the impact of extending the school year into June, and the loss of instructional time crucial for AP/IB students. She also questioned the transparency and consistency of future processes for adding cultural holidays. Other board members supported the calendar committee's thoughtful deliberation and the cultural value of the holiday, acknowledging the complexity of balancing diverse needs.

Notable Quotes (6)

Tonight, you're going to hear the board goals, including significant input that we just heard tonight. Detailed changes are going to be processed and shared in August before we start the school year. And part of the reason that we can't share those tonight is we need to meet with all of our teachers and specifically talk about, you know, related to technology. What are the things that we absolutely have to have and what are all the areas that we can eliminate technology and go back to paper and pencil?

Superintendent Law [0:00]
Approval of the 2026-27 School Board Goals

And indeed like they've like the the all of the the work about experiential learning and the goals around the intentionality of technology. Those are new since we first pulled these together back in November and they have changed a lot. And um you know as a parent like I share a lot of the same concerns of the parents that were speaking in the room tonight. Not all of them but a lot of them. And I can see in our board goals where we have the room to address those and where we can prioritize them and how we can do that.

Dan [0:00]
Approval of the 2026-27 School Board Goals

What I can't commit to is a promise of hasty change. Whatever changes we do make, and I've not heard a single district employee or board member say that there shouldn't be any changes. But I think those changes should be intentional, systematic, based on best practice and expert guidance. And in the interest of all almost 12,000ish of our students... Any change we make has repercussions.

Megan [0:00]
Approval of the 2026-27 School Board Goals

The first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year, if approved, will be observed on January 26th... I also just want to mention again that we'll be updating the assessment calendar that we post online um to avoid any huge projects, testing, assessments on those days. And we also provide a comprehensive list of observances just so that our educators in our communities are aware.

Angie Flowers [0:00]
Approval of the 2027-28 Calendar

The committee consists of 27 members, 20 district employees, four high school students and three parents. This the final vote was 16 in favor of adding Chinese Lunar New Year and 11 opposed... My broader question right now is how the district will respond consistently if add additional cultural holidays are brought forward in the future as requests for non-instructional days. What transparent and equitable process will we use to guide these decisions and how will we communicate them clearly?

Karen [0:00]
Approval of the 2027-28 Calendar

But um I don't think uh uh for for me a hypothetical about how we might evaluate something in the future doesn't diminish the cultural value of this holiday in the present. and I don't doubt that our calendar committee is capable of crossing those other bridges if we ever cross them.

Dan [0:00]
Approval of the 2027-28 Calendar

Ordinances & Resolutions (13)

Escape the Vape video contestOther

Statewide video contest sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Health, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, and other health organizations.

Minnesota Aspirations and Computing AwardOther

Annual awards program by the Minnesota Technology Association recognizing students for technology interests, skills, and accomplishments.

Borlo Rouan InternationalOther

Initiative by the World Food Prize Foundation for students to engage in agricultural research projects globally.

Lrand ConcursorsOther

National French contest administered annually by the American Association of Teachers of French to measure French language knowledge.

Scholastic Art CompetitionOther

A national art competition recognizing student artists.

City of Chanhassen Art ContestOther

Local art contest where students received recognition.

Hennepin County Art AwardsOther

County-level art awards that resulted in exhibition at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

Boundary Waters Conservation Art AwardsOther

Art awards focused on conservation, resulting in work displayed at the Minnesota State Capital.

George Massa Foundation National Photo ContestOther

National photography contest where students received recognition.

Tonka Creative Arts AwardsOther

Inaugural art contest hosted by the Minnetonka High School Art Department.

Read ActOther

New literacy mandate implemented in English and Chinese immersion programs.

IEPOther

Individualized Education Program mentioned by a parent regarding accommodations for technology use.

2025 building bond referendumOther

Publicly approved bond referendum for facilities projects, being implemented as part of the board goals.

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Minnetonka Public Schools - Woodland Recorder