Board members, the more we look at school systems, not just across the United States, but around the world that are improving student learning at higher rates, the more clear it becomes that knowledge-rich curricula is an indispensable component of the formula for success. That what we teach really matters, along with, of course, how we teach and how we test.

I appreciate how there will be an opportunity to identify diverse points of view and describe how one's frame of reference influences historical perspectives. [...] That it uh It's based on understanding to one's own one's own social identity and other groups living in Minnesota centering on those whose stories and histories have been marginalized, erased, or ignored.

Active and responsible citizens identify and analyze public problems, deliberate with other people about how to define and address issues, take constructive collaborative action, reflect on their actions, create and sustain groups, and influence institutions both large and small. Teaching students to act in these ways as citizens significantly enhances preparation for college and career. Many of the same skills that are needed for active and responsible citizenship are also crucial to success in the 21st century workplace and in college. A rich social studies education is an education for college, career, and civic life.

I will say that this, of course, as board members know, is the culmination of a year-long process that has involved a lot of analysis, input from many stakeholders. I want to thank Andy and the team because, in addition to running the budget process, as board members know, for the second year in a row, we've completely reinvented a core aspect of our uh financial structure. This year, we did the central office redesign. And last year, we did the school-based budget redesign. And so, this has been the quintessential reinventing the airplane while you're flying it.

The recommendation around Eid, which has generated good discussion, was driven by the same rationale. We saw significant increases in absenteeism on multiple instances of that holiday. This is not a statement about the official approach to that holiday just as it is not a statement about the Christian holiday of Christmas. It is tied to absenteeism.

By closing for one religious holiday based on attendance, this board is inevitably placing itself in the position of sitting in judgment of which faiths deserve similar recognition in the future. Moreover, regardless of the rationales provided, the public perception is bound to be that the board has established a hierarchy of religious observance where some want a school closure and others do not.

And yet at the same time, I fully recognize that uh as I uh hold as a uh uh priority for me to observe and engage in my religious observations, I recognize that others have that same right. Uh regardless of their uh religious uh denominational or um belief.