Mahtomedi Public Schools — Transcript
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
MSBA Webinar on School Board/Booster Club Relations
Superintendent Duffren's Annual Performance Review (2025-2026)
June 2026 Donations and Grants
Cooperative Agreement for Safe Routes to School Project
Resolution for School Board Member Election
Votes (4)
Summary Statement Superintendent Review (Superintendent Duffren's Annual Performance Review)
The Chair read a detailed summary of Superintendent Duffren's 2025-2026 annual evaluation, praising her long-standing leadership, stability, and commitment to student success. Highlights included the successful implementation of the LETTERS and Science of Reading programs, expansion of AVID, sound financial management (e.g., multi-year budget, debt restructuring, referendum), and the creation of the district dashboard and Portrait of a Graduate initiative. Board members expressed appreciation for her integrity, professionalism, and candid communication. Superintendent Duffren humbly acknowledged her team's contributions.
Approval of Donations and Grants from June 2026
Moved by Director Stout [00:10:00] · Seconded by Director Peterson [00:10:05]
The board quickly moved to approve the donations and grants received in June 2026, with the understanding that these funds would be used in alignment with the school district's mission and donor specifications.
Approval of the Cooperative Agreement with Washington County for the Safe Routes to School Project
Moved by Director Stout [00:19:40] · Seconded by Director Witson [00:19:50]
Director Ericson presented the details of the Safe Routes to School project, explaining its history, the collaborative efforts with Washington County and the City of Grant, and the scope of work which includes trail construction, road widening, and pedestrian safety features. Discussion clarified the district's financial contribution ($59,000 out-of-pocket for professional services, with grants covering construction) and confirmed that the project would enhance safety for students walking and biking while preserving natural spaces. Questions were raised regarding remaining grant funds and potential for scope expansion.
Approval of the Resolution to the Election of School Board Members and Calling the School District General Election
Moved by Director Donna [00:20:45] · Seconded by Director Stout [00:20:55]
The board approved a standard biennial resolution that formally calls for the general election to fill three school board member positions.
Notable Quotes (8)
Superintendent Duffren's longevity as a leader has provided stability through changing educational landscapes while fostering a culture focused on continuous student success.
Under her leadership, Madameai Public Schools has become a recognized leader in Minnesota in implementing letters and the science of reading.
Board members acknowledge her careful management of district resources, the use of a multi-year budget projection, responsible debt restructuring, and proactive efforts to address rising healthcare costs through new partnerships and the exploration of self-funded insurance options.
truly that was that was not all me. That was that was a um an exceptional team that I worked with.
I I'd like to add that I I appreciate and I think the board does just the candid discussions that you always are willing to have um at the board table and in one-on-one discussions with us.
this we we are excited that we're finally able to finish this trail that will connect um two of our neighborhoods that are on the south side of um of Swater Road to our campuses.
our portion we pay anything anything for engineering soft cost engineering wetland mitigation fees and those types of things. And so when we look at that portion uh out of pocket it would be about 59,000.
I really am happy that we still have our wooded area. We that's why we have that crossing guard because we knew that students would be walking from parking lots and you've got teenagers driving. So, I just am really happy that we've kept um the the natural spaces and also making it safe and this really is makes it more conducive for bikers.
Ordinances & Resolutions (7)
Established under Superintendent Duffren's leadership for literacy improvement.
A successful initiative cited as an example of Superintendent Duffren's community engagement and trust-building.
A tool developed to define district success through meaningful measures and support informed decision-making.
Forward-thinking initiative identifying knowledge, skills, and dispositions students need post-graduation, shaped by stakeholder engagement.
Formal agreement for the implementation of the safe routes to school project.
Overall plan guiding the development of safe student pathways.
Official resolution to initiate the election process for three school board seats.