Shakopee Public Schools — Transcript
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Introduction of New Student School Board Member
Aspiring Teachers Scholarship Program Update
Spring Activities Update
Fiscal Year 2026 Preliminary Budget Review
Community Conversation Participation Data
District Financial Outlook and Budget Challenges
Votes (5)
Resolution for Donations Approval
Dissent: None
Moved by Brophie [0:26:02] · Seconded by Aldridge [0:26:03]
Board members expressed gratitude for community generosity, especially for Teacher Appreciation Week donations. A specific highlight was the significant contributions of instruments and money by a student for an Eagle Scout project to start a STEM program, suggesting it for future recognition.
One-Year Pilot for Enhanced 9th Grade Student Start Date
Dissent: None
Moved by Peterson [1:02:44] · Seconded by Brophy [1:02:46]
The proposal aims to provide 9th graders with a dedicated orientation day at Shakby High School, separate from 10th-12th graders, to ease transition and improve engagement, addressing low attendance at current optional orientations (51-57%). The 10th-12th graders would have an asynchronous learning day. Teachers were largely in favor (93%), but concerns were raised about the effectiveness of asynchronous learning for older students and potential attendance issues. The pilot seeks to measure success through academic performance, attendance, and student well-being.
Type 3 Transportation Vendor Recommendation
Dissent: None
Moved by Aldrich [1:13:30] · Seconded by Brophy [1:13:31]
The board approved a recommendation to award the primary Type 3 (special education van) transportation contract to Palmer Bus for a two-year term, effective July 1, 2025, with First Alt as a supplemental service provider if needed. The new contract with Palmer is projected to result in cost savings for FY26 compared to the current provider. The process involved an RFQ with nine quotes and consideration of different service models, with Palmer adopting a traditional model (owning vans/drivers) for this new endeavor.
Approval of Curriculum (9-12 Social Studies, 9-12 English Language Arts, 6-8 English Language Arts Options, K-5 Language Comprehension)
Dissent: None
Moved by Peterson [1:29:43] · Seconded by Brophy [1:29:47]
The board approved multiple curriculum adoptions, emphasizing the multi-year process involving teacher teams, data analysis, rubrics, vendor evaluations, and piloting. Recommendations included TCI and McGraw Hill for Social Studies, CommonLit for 9-12 ELA, and Arts & Letters for K-5 Language Comprehension. For 6-8 ELA, an 'unorthodox blanket approval' was requested for three nationally published curricula (Savvas, HMH, CommonLit) to allow further piloting and a final decision by June 20th. Discussion also clarified the distinction between foundational skills and language comprehension in K-5 literacy.
Resolution for Membership in the Minnesota State High School League for 2025-26
Dissent: Michelle (student board director) abstained.
Moved by Brophy [1:33:48] · Seconded by Aldrich [1:33:49]
The board approved the annual resolution to maintain membership in the Minnesota State High School League, committing to its rules. The student board director abstained due to her position. The discussion touched on membership fees, which are currently in line with expectations, and noted that revenue from state tournaments and sponsorships influences district member credits, with no major contentions currently.
Notable Quotes (10)
I noted on here that the amount of instruments and money that he has raised u with the Eagle Scout project to start them program here in Shaki um is very commendable and probably something that maybe we could highlight um at a saber spot later at the beginning of a meeting sometimes.
The practice of giving 9th graders one day in a school without 10th through 12th graders to learn their way around is a fairly common practice.
We really feel like this is that equitable approach to make sure that all students have access to getting started on this and feeling that sense of positivity on that first day of school without the stress of having everyone in the [Music] building.
I really worry about that first day for 10, 11, 12 and how much number one how much learning is actually going to happen on the first day of school typically there's not a lot of learning that probably happens. And second, um, what will it how will that impact attendance?
I would recommend asking the students in the building the freshman might know it resolution passes how much like would it have made a difference in terms of like belonging at school right now. all the stress levels if you and then maybe that could be a starting point for the data you collect next year you collect next year
Based off our current usage we're paying in the neighborhood of 1.92 million per year for our type three transportation and Palmer bus the the quote for next year is a little bit less than that. So 1.87 87 million for fiscal 26 which will be year one of the contract and 1.926 million in the second year of the contract which would be fiscal 27.
This is an area of transportation really across the state of Minnesota rife with really serious challenges in in providing adequate services, appropriate services, consistently.
One of my favorite tricks that it has is you can actually toggle back and forth between two different flexible ranges. So if you have students that are struggling to read, you can go on to the digital resource. It will switch the entire textbook to a lower reading level so students can have a better shot at access.
The conversations students had, the vocabulary they were using, the big ideas they were talking about just blew the teachers away. It will help us kind of really take that core online language and literacy reading training that teachers have been going through and put it into practice.
I will abstain from the vote house because I'm a high school board director make sure that I keep those lines separated So staying comfortable on this.
Ordinances & Resolutions (8)
Grant funding for the Aspiring Teacher Scholarship, Educators Rising Club, and FCCLA.
Preliminary budget document for the upcoming fiscal year.
District's voter-approved local revenue source, tied to inflation.
Community-approved levy for technology and capital projects.
State legislation impacting curriculum and funding for literacy initiatives.
Request for Quotations process for Type 3 transportation services.
Official approval of community donations to the school district.
Annual resolution approving the district's membership in the MSHSL.