School board approves student handbook with real-time update capability
The Woodbury School Board unanimously approved the District Student Handbook on August 6, endorsing an electronic version that can be updated throughout the school year to reflect policy changes without waiting for annual revisions.
Director Porb moved to approve the handbook, with Director Petot II seconding the motion. Dr. Funk presented the document, explaining that the district publishes it electronically and requires parents to sign off on it through the PowerSchool student information system. She noted that while the handbook is updated annually to reflect legislative and policy changes, this year's version contained only standard updates with no dramatic changes.
A key advantage of the electronic format is its flexibility. Dr. Funk explained that the district can make real-time updates to the handbook throughout the school year as policies change—such as updates to cell phone rules—without waiting for the next annual revision. However, she clarified that any new board-approved policies would take precedence and be added to the handbook once officially adopted.
The board also heard updates on two other significant matters. The transportation department is transitioning from outdated Versatrans routing software to a new system called Traversa, which integrates with PowerSchool. The transition has encountered technical challenges with data imports and system compatibility, causing delays in notifying families about route changes. These changes stem from budget reductions that implemented a 2-mile walk zone for secondary students and hub transportation for gifted and talented (GATE) students. The district expects smoother operations and automated notifications once the new system is fully operational.
Separately, World Architects presented the third iteration of design plans for two new elementary schools—one in Bayport and one in Lake Elmo. Both designs emphasize flexibility, nature integration, and community accessibility. The Bayport school draws inspiration from the St. Croix Watershed, while the Lake Elmo school reflects the Prairie landscape. The designs include flexible classroom configurations with operable walls, security features like lockdown lines and secure vestibules, and compliance with Minnesota State Building Code requirements for tornado shelters. Architects confirmed that budget tracking and approvals from the city, county, and watershed district are ongoing.
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Votes (1)
Approval of District Student Handbook
Dissent: None
Moved by Director Porb [8:50] · Seconded by Director Petot II [8:51]
Dr. Funk presented the District Student Handbook, noting it's updated annually to reflect legislative and policy changes, is published electronically, and requires parental sign-off. She clarified there were no dramatic changes this year beyond standard updates. Discussion included the ability to update the electronic handbook in real-time if policies, like cell phone rules, change mid-year, with the understanding that board-approved policies would take precedence.
Notable Quotes (1)
What we have tried to do by having an electronic is that we can do those updates throughout the school year so it's always live in real time um as far as a policy update if you do approve a policy that's going to obviously be on the books when it's approved um and we would add information then at that time to the handbook.
Ordinances & Resolutions (6)
Required annual information for parents on policies, rights, and responsibilities, published electronically.
Student information system used for handbook sign-off forms and integrated with transportation software.
New routing software for transportation, replacing Versatrans.
Older, antiquated routing software previously used by transportation.
Requires tornado shelters in new buildings, influencing gym design.
City of Lake Elmo ordinance related to planting new trees on site.
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Transportation System Update and Challenges
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