The South Washington County School Board approved a preliminary levy for 2026 and heard comprehensive reports on summer learning programs that served hundreds of students during their September 18 business meeting.

The board unanimously approved the preliminary levy request at the maximum allowable amount, which must be submitted to the Minnesota Department of Education by September 30. Superintendent Julie Nielsen explained the district requests the maximum to allow for potential adjustments, noting that levy amounts may decrease but cannot increase after the deadline. A truth and taxation hearing will be held in December for final levy approval.

Summer programming reports dominated the meeting's information session, with district officials presenting data on four major programs. Credit recovery served 467 students who earned 567 credits over an 11-day period in June, with Woodbury High School students earning the most credits at 256. Extended School Year programming served over 400 special education students across six locations for three weeks in July, focusing on academic, social, emotional and behavioral needs.

Targeted services programming for students entering grades 1-8 operated at three sites from July 7-31, though enrollment decreased by 41 students compared to the previous year. The Kids Club childcare program served approximately 800 students daily across four sites, providing 11.5 hours of programming Monday through Friday throughout the summer.

The board also approved eight policy changes in transportation and community education areas, appointed election judges for the November 4 election, and authorized a one-year girls hockey cooperative agreement between Woodbury High School and St. Croix Prep. Nielsen announced the district plans to bring a 2026-2027 school calendar recommendation to the board November 6 and will conduct a community survey in November with results expected in early 2025.