The South Washington County Schools Board elected its 2025 officers and received a comprehensive mathematics performance report during its January 2 meeting at the district service center in Cottage Grove.

Katie Schwarz was elected board chair, with Simi Patak as vice chair, Melinda Dols as clerk, and Dana Ryan Clark as treasurer. The slate of officers was approved unanimously by the five board members present.

The board's workshop session focused extensively on K-12 mathematics performance and curriculum implementation. District officials reported overall math proficiency at 53.7% on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment, with elementary students performing at 61% proficiency compared to lower rates at secondary levels. The district's performance compares to neighboring districts including Lakeville at 58.3% and Elk River at 62.1%.

Teaching and Learning Services staff presented data showing the district is implementing new 2022 Minnesota math standards, which emphasize mathematical rigor through real-world application, conceptual understanding, and procedural skills. Elementary schools have been using the Bridges curriculum since 2018, while secondary schools are currently adopting new core resources to align with the updated standards.

The board also received the annual audit report for fiscal year 2023-24, which showed the district received an unmodified or "clean" opinion with no material weaknesses in internal controls. The district achieved its fund balance goal of 16.6% two years ahead of schedule, ending at 17.2%. The board will vote on proposed policy changes for policies 101, 101.1, 102, and 103 at its January 16 meeting.