Strategic Plan Overview and Department Introductions

Jeremy provided an overview of the district's 2022-2027 strategic plan, highlighting its foundation from stakeholder input, mission, vision, and five focus areas. He introduced the cabinet members presenting and noted that this is the final year of the current plan, with new planning to begin after January.

Curriculum and Instruction Update

Carla presented on student growth and achievement, and safety and well-being. She shared current progress towards goals for school readiness (70% vs 80%), K-12 reading (66% vs 70%), and social-emotional well-being (87% vs 90%). Updates included 'Letters' training for elementary teachers, implementation of new ELA and social studies curricula, and future plans for math curriculum review.

Elementary Information and Literacy Initiatives

Dale elaborated on elementary student growth and achievement, focusing on the implementation of 'Letters' training for all staff and UFI phonics-based instruction in K-2. He described fidelity checks for curriculum implementation, progress monitoring using UFI and FastBridge, and the positive impact of the 'Arts and Letters' core curriculum on comprehension and writing.

Technology Department Updates

Shane provided insights into the technology department's focus on preparing for summer migrations, particularly the complex transition from Skyward SMS to the more robust Skyward Cumulative system. He also mentioned network infrastructure upgrades and efforts to optimize data flow architecture for increased efficiency and automation.

Human Resources Initiatives and Staff Retention

Jenny Loren detailed significant changes in HR, including navigating new leave policies (ESST, Minnesota Paid Leave) and a major health insurance transition. She highlighted the successful shift to digital onboarding (DocuSign) and paperless timekeeping (Frontline), leading to a more robust onboarding experience. Critically, she reported the lowest staff turnover in district history and Becker's strong reputation as a desired employer, attributing success to relationship-building and contract alignment.

Secondary Education Curriculum and Development

Chantel Boyer reported on staff development at the middle and high school levels, including continued work on proficiency scales and new initiatives related to the 'Read Act' (CAPI) for assessing student reading. She outlined curriculum updates in ELA (Common Lit) and social studies, preparations for new math standards in 2027-2028, and teacher training for the Skyward Cumulative migration. The department also developed a rubric for the ethical and effective use of Artificial Intelligence in the classroom.

Early Education Program Enhancements

Jeremy, presenting for Michelle Anderson, detailed significant changes in early education, including new leadership and program additions like two sections of all-day PreK, a new half-day Small Wonders option, and weekly ECF classes. Current enrollment figures were positive, and new family engagement events are being planned. A major future change is the requirement for early education staff to be licensed by the 2027-2028 school year.

Activities and Facilities Management

Dave Nimi outlined the long-term strategic approach to managing district facilities, noting that many key assets like the performing arts center, pool, track, and tennis courts are now 12 years old and require ongoing maintenance. He highlighted current projects like the tennis court resurfacing, needs for athletic fields, and equipment updates in the fieldhouse and pool. Dave also announced the district's transition from 'School Arbiter' to a new athletic scheduling system called 'Bound'.

Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Review

Jeremy, presenting finance updates, confirmed that the district successfully negotiated state revenues and is projected to maintain the school board's 8% fund balance policy. He stated that the final project from the referendum (roofing) is nearing completion. The district proactively reduced next year's budget by $600,000 following the failure of a recent referendum.

Concluding Remarks and Future Outlook

Jeremy wrapped up the meeting by emphasizing the collaborative effort across all departments and the interconnectedness of their work, including community involvement. He expressed excitement for the upcoming year, noting that with major tasks like negotiations and initial training for the 'Read Act' completed, the district can now 'double down' and 'catapult' improvements based on the strategic plan to the next level.