Roseville Area Schools — Transcript
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Student Achievement and Demographics Review
School and District Gifts
Policy Revisions: Drug-Free Workplace, Drug-Free Schools (Policy 406)
Policy Revisions: Chemical Use and Abuse (Policy 404)
Nutrition Services Employee Contract Approval
Intent to Refinance School Bonds
Acceptance of Minnesota State High School League Foundation Funds
Votes (6)
Student Achievement and Graduation Report
Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, Jake Von De Lindy, presented a comprehensive report on student performance in reading, math, and science, utilizing MCA and FastBridge data. The report highlighted district goals, significant demographic shifts, and persistent racial disparities. Discussion covered the transition to new MCA 4 tests, specific areas of growth or decline across grade levels and student groups, and the district's ongoing efforts in structured literacy training (LETTERS, CARRIEL) and cognitively guided instruction (CGI) for math to address these trends.
Policy 406: Drug-Free Workplace, Drug-Free Schools - First Reading
Associate Superintendent D'Lian Smith presented revisions to Policy 406, driven by new state mandates concerning cannabis, the need for a comprehensive substance abuse education program (including fentanyl), and the formalization of existing event entry alcohol screening practices. The policy was expanded to include specific cannabis products, broaden the definition of school locations, outline violation consequences for various groups, and detail screening procedures to promote student safety. The board discussed how privacy is maintained during screening and the historical rationale for implementing the practice.
Policy 404: Chemical Use and Abuse - First Reading
Associate Superintendent D'Lian Smith presented revisions to Policy 404, focusing on aligning it with the proposed changes in Policy 406. The updates include referencing the alcohol screening procedures outlined in Policy 406 and introducing a formal definition for 'chemical abuse,' which was previously absent. The board engaged in a discussion regarding the best approach for detailing violation consequences—whether to duplicate the full section from Policy 406 or simply include a clear cross-reference to ensure consistency and ease of future updates. The board leaned towards cross-referencing.
Approval of Nutrition Services Conditions of Employment Contract (2026-2028)
Moved by Director Morse-Swett [01:21:44] · Seconded by Unknown [01:21:56]
Executive Director of Human Resources Kinyana McCarty presented the negotiated contract for the Roseville Area Schools Nutrition Services Association for approval. The contract, ratified on October 7, 2026, includes a 2.5% salary increase over both years, additional certification pay levels, a 13% increase in district contributions to insurance benefits in the first year, new language for retired staff as substitutes, an increase in uniform allowance, and improved personal leave provisions. The agreement is within budget and aligns with the district's strategic plan.
Resolution on Intent to Issue Refunding Bonds
Moved by Acting Clerk Treasurer Boguszewski [01:26:09] · Seconded by Unknown [01:26:44]
Director Sherry Thompson presented a resolution declaring the district's intent to issue General Obligation School Building and Facilities Maintenance Refunding Bonds Series 2027A, totaling approximately $106.8 million. The purpose is to refinance existing 2017 and 2018 bonds to potentially leverage volatile interest rates for taxpayer savings by reducing the annual levy. The resolution provides the district with flexibility to proceed with a pre-sale without delaying board action, while retaining the option to decline if market rates are unfavorable.
Resolution Supporting Minnesota State High School League Foundation Applications
Moved by Unknown [01:28:09] · Seconded by Unknown [01:28:16]
Superintendent Lake recommended adopting a resolution to support Form A and Form B applications to the Minnesota State High School League Foundation. This action enables the district to accept foundation dollars, such as the $11,000 received in the previous year, which are specifically utilized to broaden opportunities for students who qualify for educational benefits.
Notable Quotes (12)
We know that achievement tests are typically a one-time snapshot that don't always provide a great look at individual growth or achievement, especially the MCA tests. However, they do provide us with district trends over time and an overall summary of how well we are meeting the state standards as a system.
Roseville Area Schools has more than tripled in our students that qualify for educational benefits. In 2000, we were well below the state and in a quarter century, we are now well above the state.
I think the most impactful thing that we're that we are doing right now is is the professional development that we're bringing to our to our teachers. And like that um that's going to have the most significant impact on on our students.
The school district will implement a comprehensive education program on cannabis use and substance abuse, including but not limited to the use of fentanyl or mixtures containing fentanyl for students in middle school and high school in accordance with Minnesota statutes section 120B.215 subdivision 1 and subdivision 2.
in that time, approximately 2010, we were going through a time where there was just too much use and too much suspicion. And we also don't want to make that direct referral to law enforcement. So, this is also about keeping students safe because if we don't have the passive device, and we're making assumptions, we wouldn't want to send a student home under the influence.
We often worry about in cases like this, if we change it in one place, will we know or remember to change it in the other? So, for that reason, then I might lean towards not having it here. But in here, maybe say drug-free schools violations apply in accordance with with 406 drug-free workplace drug-free schools. And maybe even say section 4.0 violations of policy, so that it guides people to the specific section.
I did wrestle with that because the policy didn't have any definition in in the first place. But the simple fact that the policy is called chemical use and abuse, I felt like we at least need to say like what does that mean?
some of the adjustments that we made to the salary schedules include 2 and 1/2% on both years of the full matrix, and we also added additional levels to the certification pay that's in their contract for level one and level two employees and so that have certification in those areas.
I also want to recognize all of our nutrition services staff for providing exceptional high-quality meals to all of our students. Thank you. And and they're very innovative, too. That's really impressive to me. Very creative and innovative in in menus and food choices and sources.
And we have um an opportunity, a potential opportunity coming up to uh refinance our our bonds...And right now, the reason that we're bring I'm bringing an intent on a resolution is as all of you know, uminterest rates are a little volatile right now. So, this just puts us in the position to move forward with a sale if it makes sense.
It lets it happen and then your next action is if we decide to move forward because things look favorable, the board's next action is you still have if you decide if the results come back and it's higher than what you thought or the board's the board still has an out. Does that make sense?
I bring forward a recommendation that the board approve a Minnesota State High School League uh resolution so that we are able to accept Form A and Form B Foundation dollars from the High School League. Last year we received $11,000 and this effort supports students who qualify for educational benefits in terms of widening opportunities for more students.
Ordinances & Resolutions (15)
An item recommended for future board consideration, related to Minnesota State High School League.
State-mandated achievement tests for reading, math, and science used for district trend analysis.
District-administered growth assessment tests for early reading and math skills.
The new version of the reading and science assessment tests, marking a shift in standards and performance levels.
Drug-Free Workplace, Drug-Free Schools policy undergoing first reading for revisions related to cannabis, comprehensive education, and event alcohol screening.
Model policy from the Minnesota School Boards Association, used as a basis for language on comprehensive education programming for cannabis and substance use in Policy 406.
State mandate referenced in Policy 406 regarding comprehensive education on cannabis use and substance abuse.
Student Discipline policy, referenced in Policy 406 for procedures related to student violations.
Tobacco Commercial Tobacco policy, referenced in Policy 406 for consistency in violation procedures for the public.
Chemical Use and Abuse policy undergoing first reading for revisions to align with Policy 406 and define chemical abuse.
Refunding bonds intended for refinancing existing 2017 and 2018 bond series, with an aggregate principal amount of approximately $106.8 million.
Application forms for funds from the Minnesota State High School League Foundation, which support students qualifying for educational benefits.
Act referenced in Policy 406 regarding the treatment of private student data from alcohol screenings.
Act referenced in Policy 406 regarding the treatment of private student data from alcohol screenings.
Bylaws referenced in Policy 406 for mandatory penalties that may apply to students testing positive for alcohol.