Achievement Awards

Moved by Unknown [0:26] · Seconded by Unknown [0:34]

The board recognized two students, CeCe Gaki and Eliana Dollar Simmons, for their election as President and Secretary of the Capital Division of the Minnesota Association of Student Councils. The students shared their excitement about interacting with other student councils, learning new ideas (e.g., Polar Palooza), representing their school, developing leadership skills, and planning upcoming events like the Fall Conference at North High. The board members expressed congratulations and pride.

Grant Acceptance

Moved by Dan Peltzman [1:15] · Seconded by Nancy Livingston [1:15]

Initially part of the consent agenda, this item was pulled for separate discussion to highlight the district's success in securing grants. Superintendent Tui Osorio detailed the strategic effort, led by the new Director of Grants and Special Projects, Rebecca Doyle, in bringing in over $3.5 million since November. She emphasized that grants are aligned with the district's strategic plan and are not 'chased' indiscriminately. Specific high-impact grants were highlighted, including the 'grow your own' teacher pathway, a $1.5 million after-school community learning grant, a planning grant for a full-service community school at Richardson Elementary, McKinney-Vento funds for homeless students, 3M contributions for career exposure and energy efficiency, and a Prairie Care grant for mental health services in Early Education.

Superintendent Report: New Secondary Assistant Superintendent Introduction

Superintendent Tui Osorio introduced Andy Beaton as the new Secondary Assistant Superintendent. She noted that Beaton replaced Ty Thompson, who was promoted to Deputy Superintendent at Minneapolis Public Schools, expressing pride in district leaders moving to higher roles in public education. Andy Beaton shared his 31 years of experience in public education, including roles as a special education paraprofessional, social studies teacher, dean, and principal at three metro-area high schools (Columbia Heights, Bloomington Kennedy, Edina). He cited the district's focus on equity and excellence, and its stability in enrollment and leadership, as attractive factors. He also shared personal details about his family, including his son, daughter (U of M soccer player), and English teacher wife, and his adjunct work at St. Mary's University.

Student Board Representative Report

CeCe Gaki, the student board representative, provided updates from the student perspective. She announced laptop pickup on Wednesday and open house on August 29th. Fall sports have started, and North High is fully staffed. Student Council (StuCo) is actively planning Homecoming events (Pet Fest, Spirit Week, dance themes, Polar Palooza, scheduled for September 28th), with the Polar Bowl also being planned by Superfans. She mentioned the Fall Conference will be hosted at North on the 25th and a blood drive on October 29th. She also clarified she isn't playing tennis due to recovery but hopes to return for spring sports like dance and softball.

Renewal of an Expiring Referendum

Moved by Dan Peltzman [1:21:08] · Seconded by Caleb Anderson [1:21:15]

Josh, the Director of Finance, presented the proposed one-time renewal of the 2016 operating levy, which generates $8.8 million annually and is adjusted for inflation. He explained that Minnesota Statute 126c.17 allows school boards to renew an existing operating levy with the same terms without a voter election. This was an AMSD/MSBA priority due to high costs of elections and nearly 99% voter approval for non-increase renewals. Superintendent Tui Osorio added that this addresses 'election fatigue' and community frustration with frequent requests to 'keep the lights on.' She also noted that while this levy provides operating funds, the district still lacks a Capital Projects Levy for technology funding, which would require voter approval and would spread the tax burden more widely. The renewal would extend the levy for 10 years, starting with taxes payable in 2027.

Superintendent Report: Back to School Update

Superintendent Tui Osorio reported an overwhelmingly positive morale among staff for the new school year, contrasting with the challenges of the pandemic and facilities changes. She highlighted stability in school leadership, with a new principal at Justice Alan Page Elementary and the introduction of 65 new educators, including 11 international teachers from the Philippines, all highly qualified (many with master's/PhDs). Vacancies are down from last year, with strategic in-house hiring for transportation. Professional development is robust, teacher-led, and curriculum-aligned. New technology includes the My Ride K12 bus app and in-bus tablets. Nutrition Services is launching 'Taste of the World Wednesdays' to diversify menus. Construction continues at Tartan High (with parking solutions) and Webster Education Center (renovated for Harmony K12 and future health clinic). The Minnesota RE Act requires significant teacher training. A major focus is student attendance, with school-specific plans, advocacy efforts, and the new Promise Fellow AmeriCorps program. Enrollment projections are positive. The new strategic plan will guide all initiatives, with regular reporting to the board.

Superintendent Evaluation Summary

Chair Yang presented the summary of Superintendent Tui Osorio's annual evaluation, which took place on June 18th. The evaluation commended her leadership, communication, advocacy, and commitment to equity, achievement, and belonging, particularly in addressing post-pandemic challenges like learning loss and chronic absenteeism. Her successes included leading construction efforts, developing the new strategic plan, and avoiding significant budget cuts. While acknowledging that district learning outcomes are not yet ideal, the board expressed continued high confidence in her leadership and strategies for improvement. Board members, including Nancy Livingston, thanked Chair Yang for the inclusive evaluation process and praised Superintendent Osorio's 10 years of consistent leadership and the board's collaborative spirit.

Acknowledgement of Contributions

Moved by Dan Peltzman [1:19:54] · Seconded by Caleb Anderson [1:19:59]

The board reviewed and accepted monetary and in-kind contributions for July and August, as permitted by Minnesota Statute 123b.02. Notable monetary contributions included $5,000 from Best Buy for the BSU's fall college tour, and $14,178 from the Knights of Columbus and Gladstone Kenny Family Foundation for enrichment activities for adults with cognitive disabilities at Community Bridge Gladstone. In-kind donations included a large surface rug from Ryan Lote for Sky View's Epic program, and multiple coffee makers and snacks from various individuals for senior interest groups. The total monetary contributions for the current fiscal year reached $15,228.

Calendar Revision

Moved by Caleb Anderson [1:23:25] · Seconded by Dan Peltzman [1:23:25]

Superintendent Tui Osorio explained that this is a minor, annual adjustment to the 2024-2025 school calendar. The revision officially designates April 8, 2025, as an in-person school day for 10th and 11th grade students for ACT and MCA testing. For 9th and 12th grade students, it will be a remote learning day. This change incorporates the ACT Testing date, which is determined after the initial calendar adoption, and ensures compliance with state-required minimum instructional hours and days.

Policy Revisions and Adoptions

Moved by Nancy Livingston [1:37:39] · Seconded by Caleb Anderson [1:37:39]

Superintendent Tui Osorio presented two new policies for adoption and 37 existing policies for revision, necessitated by recent legislative changes and recommendations from the Minnesota School Boards Association. Due to the start of the school year and legal allowances, the board proceeded with two readings. New Policy 66.5, 'Library Materials,' addresses statutory language regarding selection criteria, a licensed media specialist's oversight, and challenge procedures. Policy 522, 'Student Sex Non-Discrimination Title IX,' is a substantial rewrite to comply with significant 2024 legislative changes, detailing roles, grievance procedures, and data requirements. The 37 revisions cover minor statutory updates across various policies, including changes to public hearing address requirements, drug/cannabis testing, tobacco-free environments, student discipline, journalist law, and credit for learning (e.g., weighted grades for PSO, which the district had already implemented).