The South Washington County Schools Board approved placing an assistant principal on unrequested leave of absence during their April 24 business meeting, along with commissioning new demographic studies to guide future facility planning.

The board unanimously approved the resolution placing the unnamed assistant principal on leave effective at the end of the current school year. According to Executive Director of Human Resources Abby Baker, the assistant principal will have the opportunity to request a hearing and would have recall rights if a similar position opens within three years.

In facilities planning updates, Assistant Superintendent Tyrone Brookens reported the district faces capacity challenges with 2,000 empty elementary seats while five schools are projected to exceed 90% capacity by 2028. The board approved commissioning a new demographic report to account for enrollment trends and emerging impacts, including expansion of the Math and Science Academy which will add approximately 350 elementary seats and 500 secondary seats by 2027.

The meeting featured recognition of 10 National Merit finalists and seven Presidential Scholar candidates from Eastridge and Woodbury high schools. Student ambassadors from three schools also presented highlights of their leadership activities to the board.

The board approved nine policy updates covering areas including student dress codes, disability non-discrimination, and crisis response procedures. The policies were revised to reflect updates in Minnesota statute and legal references, according to Superintendent Julie Nielsen.