Public Comment
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Several community members spoke during the public comment session. Terry Ross mentioned transportation concerns. Lanea Soby expressed deep concern and disappointment regarding the situation of EL (English Language) students at a high school program, specifically the loss of summer school jobs for 3 EL teachers on June 26th. She questioned the district's actions in light of stated goals to inspire students and support vulnerable populations.
Approval of Consent Agenda Items (2C and 5G Pulled)
7-0 Approved
Moved by Chair Ward [00:19:07] · Seconded by Director Franco [00:19:35]
The Consent Agenda was approved with two items, 2C and 5G, pulled for separate consideration. Director Franco noted her abstention on Item 2C due to a conflict of interest related to her employer.
Separate Discussion for Item 2C: 3M Foundation STEM Programming and Literacy Grant Program
6 Yes, 1 Abstention. Motion passes.
Dissent: Director Franco abstained.
Moved by Chair Ward [00:21:40] · Seconded by Vice Chair Valiant [00:22:15]
This item concerned authorizing the Superintendent to submit a grant application to the 3M Foundation. Director Franco abstained from the vote due to a conflict of interest, as her employer (City of Saint Paul Right Track) was referenced in one of the grant applications.
Separate Discussion for Item 5G: Middle School Athletic Registration Fees
7-0 Approved
Moved by Chair Ward [00:23:55] (to table until expert arrives) · Seconded by Director Henderson [00:24:25]
Item 5G was pulled from the consent agenda as it was a late addition. The Superintendent indicated that the Director of Athletics, Andrew Schmidt, was not present to discuss it. The board initially voted to table the item until the expert arrived, and later, it was decided to table it until the August Board of Education meeting. Superintendent Stanley confirmed that this delay would not impact operations for fall sports due to an existing emergency provision.
Motion to Table Item 5G until the August Board of Education Meeting
7-0 Approved
Moved by Chair Ward [00:41:27] · Seconded by Director Carrillo [00:41:59]
Following the initial tabling of Item 5G, Superintendent Stanley informed the board that the item would need to be moved to a subsequent meeting. Director Carrillo inquired if this would impact fall sports, but the Superintendent confirmed it would not.
Policy 602.00: Curriculum Instruction and Accountability Revisions
7-0 Approved
Moved by Chair Ward [00:31:21] · Seconded by Director Lowe [00:31:54]
This was the third and final reading of Policy 602.00. Revisions included adding a policy purpose and statement for consistency, updating definitions for curriculum, instruction, and assessment, and revising accountability standards with specific attention to stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement evaluation.
Policy 602.01: Inclusive and Equitable Education Revisions
7-0 Approved (with amendment)
Moved by Chair Ward [00:39:35] · Seconded by Vice Chair Valiant [00:40:24]
During the third reading of this policy, Vice Chair Valiant questioned the specified scope of 'pre-kindergarten through grade 12' and advocated for broader language to include all students, such as those in ECFE, 18-22 programming, and adult learners. An amendment was proposed and approved to change the language to 'for all students' to ensure inclusivity.
Policy 607.00: Selection and Adoption of Instructional Materials Revisions
7-0 Approved
Moved by Chair Ward [00:46:17] · Seconded by Director Carrillo [00:46:58]
This policy, undergoing its third reading, was revised to provide a general statement and purpose, clearly outlining that the school board retains the final authority to approve all curricular materials. It also details the process involving the superintendent's designee leading review with community, staff, parent, and student input.
Policy 607.01: Textbook Selection and Adoption Rescission
7-0 Approved
Moved by Chair Ward [00:48:42] · Seconded by Director Henderson [00:49:15]
The board considered the third reading of the rescission of Policy 607.01. This policy was being rescinded because its content had been incorporated and merged into Policy 607.00 and relevant parts of Policy 602.00, streamlining district policies.
Motion to Table Facilities 5-Year Plan
6 Yes, 1 Abstention. Motion passes.
Dissent: Director Carrillo abstained.
Moved by Director Franco [01:39:46] · Seconded by Director Henderson [01:39:53]
Director Franco moved to table the Facilities 5-Year Plan presentation until after the discussion and approval of the Long-Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) Revenue Program. She argued that understanding the full financial implications of the LTFM plan was essential for fiduciary responsibility before approving the related 5-year facilities plan.
Fiscal Year 28 Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Revenue Program and Bond Issuance
7-0 Approved
Moved by Chair Ward [01:53:30] · Seconded by Director Alan [01:55:00]
The board considered a resolution for the annual review of the LTFM plan and the authorization to issue up to $48.4 million in general obligation facilities maintenance bonds and $15 million in general obligation school building bonds for FY28. Michael Hart from PTMA explained that this funding supports the SPPS Build program, with an anticipated $76 increase for the median single-family home in Saint Paul for 2027 taxes. Director Franco inquired about the long-term debt trajectory, acknowledging the necessity of facility investment.
Facilities 5-Year Plan (2027-2031) Adoption
7-0 Approved
Moved by Chair Ward [01:59:36] · Seconded by Director Henderson [02:00:23]
After the LTFM discussion, the Facilities 5-Year Plan was brought back for approval. Senior Executive Officer Jackie Turner clarified that adopting the plan confirms prioritization but does not financially commit the board, as specific projects require further gate checks and votes. Director Carrillo requested that future presentations include a risk assessment related to climate change resilience for facilities. The plan outlined major projects, green energy initiatives, and athletic improvements.
Board Initiated Goals Governance (BIGG) Report (Fastbridge Data)
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Senior Executive Officer Yowski presented an interim report on student achievement, using Fastbridge data in lieu of the forthcoming MCA results. The report highlighted positive trends in reading proficiency for K-1 students (up 9 percentage points) and overall for K-10 students (up 4 percentage points), despite challenges from the previous year. Multilingual students showed strong growth but continued to lag in overall proficiency. Math data for K-5 and 6-8 also showed modest increases in students on track.