Saint Paul Public Schools — Transcript

Monday, May 18, 2026

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SPPS Students Soar with STEM and Aviation Achievements

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Saint Paul Public Schools Celebrated for Robust Early Childhood Partnerships

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Approval of the main agenda

Public comment

Recognitions

Career pathways and certifications

History Day program

World language instruction awards

Mentor-mentee program awards

New educator support

Votes (1)

Approve the order of the main agenda

Passes unanimouslyAll 'yes' votes

Moved by Chair · Seconded by Vice Chair Valiant

Notable Quotes (6)

How I felt uh before taking the test was feeling of nervousness and dread. During the test, I felt comfortable with the environment and how official it felt. After taking the test, I felt nervous about the results, and the results came as I, uh, felt proud and accomplished when I found out that I passed.
— Dave Lee Stow

Student achievements in STEM and aviationDescribing his feelings before, during, and after the FAA drone certification test.

This program gave me direction. It made school feel connected to the real world. I could see how I, I could see how what I learned could lead into the future in aviation engineering or technology.
— Adam Scholl

Student achievements in STEM and aviationHighlighting the impact of the aviation program on his career aspirations.

It means so much to be recognized for this award, and I hope that more students from Saint Paul Public schools will consider entering the field of computing technology and apply for awards like these.
— Anika Fulkin

Student achievements in STEM and computingExpressing gratitude and encouraging other students to pursue computing.

This program started at East African magnetic School. Although we did not have, uh, a solid curriculum that I can follow, we built a great, uh, curriculum for the students, and I'm so happy to be part of that.
— Ibrahim Hussein

World language instruction awardsDiscussing the development of the language program at East African Magnet.

We've gone from an MOU, where it's literally spelled out Saint Paul does, Head Start does, Saint Paul does, Head Start does. Uh, really pretty rudimentary, and we are now at a point where I'm calling Head Start and saying hey, I have this idea, can we do this? And the answer is yes.
— Doctor Laurie Erickson

Community partnerships in early childhood educationIllustrating the progression from a basic MOU to a collaborative partnership.

As a special education teacher, witnessing my students' growth is the ultimate reward. However, my mentoring work has shown me that guiding new educators creates an even greater lasting difference for our school community.
— Salma Siddiqui

New educator supportReflecting on the impact of her mentoring work.

People (32)

Director ValiantDirector

Participated in roll call and seconded the motion to approve the agenda.

Director HendersonDirector

Participated in roll call and voted on the agenda approval.

Director WardDirector

Participated in roll call and voted on the agenda approval. Also addressed speakers during recognitions.

Director LoweDirector

Participated in roll call and voted on the agenda approval.

Director AllenDirector

Participated in roll call.

Doctor CarrilloDoctor

Participated in roll call and voted on the agenda approval.

Director FrancoDirector

Participated in roll call and voted on the agenda approval.

Superintendent StanleySuperintendent

Introduced Anna Chan and presented recognitions.

Anna ChanCareer Pathways Coordinator

Presented on career pathways programs and recognized students.

Dave Lee StowStudent

Shared his experience obtaining an FAA drone certification.

Coach KCoach

Presented Dave Lee Stow with a special pin.

Adam SchollStudent

Shared his experience with aviation programs and FAA certification.

Doctor YanowskySenior Executive Academic Officer

Presented a recognition to Anika Fulkin.

Anika FulkinStudent

Received the Minnesota Aspirations in Computing Award and spoke about her experiences.

Chang ZhangK-12 Social Studies Coordinator

Presented on the History Day program and recognized student participants.

Carrie NewmanTeacher

Recognized her History Day students from Murray Middle School.

Laura BonninTeacher

Recognizing her History Day students from American Indian Magnet.

Theodore YangStudent

One of the History Day students advancing to nationals.

Dante ChapelStudent

One of the History Day students advancing to nationals.

Ewe sureStudent

One of the History Day students advancing to nationals.

Dylan KerrStudent

One of the History Day students advancing to nationals.

Megan BuckyImmersion Indigenous and World Language Coordinator

Presented the Early Career Award to Ibrahim Hussein.

Ibrahim HusseinSomalian Arabic Language Teacher

Received the Early Career Award and spoke about his program.

Jackie TurnerExecutive Chief of Operations

Presented the National Head Start Association award.

Kerry KearnsDeputy Director of Head Start

Spoke about the partnership between Head Start and SPPS.

Nicole MensingDirector of Head Start

Spoke about the partnership and collaboration.

Doctor Laurie EricksonAssistant Director of Pre-K

Spoke about the evolution of the partnership with Head Start.

Stacy JonesPrincipal at Agape

Part of the team recognized for the National Head Start Association award.

Casey UlrichNew Educator Program

Presented the Mentor of the Year award finalists and winner.

Carrie FeldhamerMentor

Finalist for the Mentor of the Year award.

Annie BachmanOccupational Therapist and Mentor

Finalist for the Mentor of the Year award.

Salma SiddiquiSpecial Education Teacher and Mentor

Winner of the 2025-2026 Mentor of the Year award.

Places Mentioned

Board of Education websiteHumboldt High SchoolJohnson Senior High SchoolHighland Park Senior High SchoolMinnesotaMaryland College ParkAmerican Indian Magnet SchoolMurray Middle SchoolCapitol Hill MagnetOpen World LearningEast African Magnet SchoolConcordia College in Moorhead, MinnesotaRamsey CountyWashington CountyAgape SchoolBruce Vento ElementaryBattle Creek ElementaryHorace Mann ElementaryComa Park ElementaryHighwood Hills Elementary

Events & Meetings (6)

May 19, 2026, 5:30 p.m. - Regular meeting of the Board of Education
Public comment sign-in ended at 5:30 p.m. on May 19, 2026
National History Day competition in College Park, Maryland in mid-June (next month)
Harvard Open Bio Student Research Institute in the summer of 2025
SPS Commerce internship over the summer (Anika Fulkin)
National Head Start Conference on May 5, 2026

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