North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District — Transcript
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Student Athlete Achievement Recognition
Bed Bug Infestation and School District Response
6-12 Online Enrollment Parameters
Votes (4)
Recognition of Student Athlete Sydney Johnson
Andy Navis from North High School introduced Sydney Johnson, highlighting her exceptional achievements in gymnastics, including two state championships and a section title, as well as her active involvement in the Black Student Union. The board congratulated Sydney and participated in a photo opportunity.
Public Comment on Bed Bug Infestation in Schools
Several individuals, primarily paraeducators and a special education teacher, provided detailed accounts of an escalating bed bug issue in JPE and Eagle Point schools. They described finding numerous bugs, staff's untrained efforts to manage them, and concerns about the district's inconsistent response, lack of clear protocols, and refusal to notify families. Speakers requested formal training, adequate resources, and transparent communication.
Consent Agenda Items A-H
Moved by Mrs. Anderson [00:16:34] · Seconded by Anderson [00:16:40]
The board approved routine consent agenda items without discussion, as per standard procedure. Item I, the 6-12 online enrollment parameters, was removed for separate consideration.
6-12 Online Enrollment Parameters (Item I)
Moved by Rosemark [00:19:15] · Seconded by Swor [00:19:20]
Board member Katie, who requested the item be pulled, explained her initial skepticism regarding potential limitations on student opportunities. She confirmed that further discussions and a presentation by Stephanie Goken, principal of Sand High School and online, addressed her concerns, leading her to strongly support the parameters as beneficial for meeting student needs in a supportive online environment.
Notable Quotes (6)
Tonight, we are proud to recognize and celebrate Sydney Johnson, an outstanding student athlete athlete who has represented North High School and Polar Nation with excellence, dedication, and pride.
It wasn't just that the power was out. It was that the dryers weren't working. And if the dryers weren't working, how could we heat treat the clothes? And if we can't heat treat the clothes, how do we prevent bed bugs from spreading within the school?
In year one, we found nearly 30 bed bugs. In year two, only seven. This year, over 60 and counting. The district's response has been inconsistent at best.
We are not trained in this protocol. We have received no formal guidance, no materials, and no visual references. We have not been told how to protect our own homes.
This is a health issue. This is a workplace safety issue, and this is a community issue. And here's what we feel needs to happen. Clear district-wide protocols for bed bug response. Formal training for all affected staff. Adequate supplies and support. Timely and transparent communication with families and staff involved. Proactive action before spread, not after.
I admit when this first came to the board, I was really skeptical. Um I didn't want any opportunities taken away from our students. I didn't want there to be um kind of too too high a bar for um what we were doing, but I want to say that through the the discussions and further understanding and talking with um or having the presentation with um Stephanie Goken, the principal of both the Sand High School and online, um I I really am in favor of this now.
Ordinances & Resolutions (12)
Award for student athlete Sydney Johnson.
Achievement of student athlete Sydney Johnson.
Achievement of student athlete Sydney Johnson.
Routine item approved as part of the consent agenda.
Routine item approved as part of the consent agenda.
Routine item approved as part of the consent agenda.
Routine item approved as part of the consent agenda.
Routine item approved as part of the consent agenda.
Routine item approved as part of the consent agenda.
Routine item approved as part of the consent agenda.
Routine item approved as part of the consent agenda.
Policy item discussed and approved, establishing standards for online enrollment for grades 6-12.