Action of the School Board 11.13.23

November 13, 2023

The School Board received testimony from Val Holthus, Mary Falk, Amelia Eric and Jennifer Walberg

Kristie Thorson, Community Education communications coordinator, and Thomas Hunt, Anoka County elections manager, presented the School Board election results. The action to approve or canvas the election results is necessary to confirm the School Board election on Nov. 7, 2023.

Dr. Josh Delich, associate superintendent for high schools, informed the School Board of the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Foundation Form A and B grant process and presented the application and resolution to the board for approval. The grant provides resources for extracurricular activities and encourages participation in high school fine arts and athletics and they were both approved on a unanimous vote.

Dr. Johnna Rohmer-Hirt, director of research, evaluation and testing, led a team of administrators presenting a comprehensive overview of the district’s efforts to meet the goals of Minnesota’s Best Workforce plan. The plan measures performance in achieving school readiness, reading well by third grade, closing achievement gaps, career and college readiness, and improving student graduation rates. The presentation also included key data points from achievement and integration programming and how they support the overall achievement goals for all district students. Anoka-Hennepin remains diligent in striving for continuous improvement in racial and economic integration, student academic achievement, equitable educational opportunities and the reduction of academic disparities based on student demographics. This presentation was a continuation of the information shared at the Oct. 23 board meeting which was suspended due to a facility issue.

Watch the presentation.

All policies will receive two opportunities for review by the School Board and also allow time for community feedback prior to approval.

Tim Palmatier, general counsel, provided a first read of Policy 413.0 Harassment Violence and Discrimination policy, a document that provides the district’s expectations for student conduct. The policy was first adopted in 1985 and is being recommended for amendment for accuracy.

Tim Palmatier, general counsel, provided a first read of Policy 506.0 District Student Discipline policy. The policy was first adopted in 1984 and is being recommended for amendment.

Tim Palmatier, general counsel, provided a first read of Policy 419.0 Tobacco and Smoke Free Environment policy. The policy was first adopted in 1988 and is being recommended for amendment consistent with recommendations from the Indian Education program.

Tim Palmatier, general counsel, provided a first read of Policy 533.5 Physical Wellness policy. The policy was first adopted in 2006 and is being recommended for amendment.

Dr. Jennifer Cherry, executive director of human resources, and Todd Mensink, director of labor relations and benefits, provided the School Board with an update on the status of negotiations for employee groups consistent with Board Policy 209, Negotiations Code of Ethics. Dr. Cherry provided an overview of the status of negotiations with the district’s 14 bargaining groups and five policy groups. This was an informational update and no action was required.

Watch the presentation.

The School Board held a closed session to deal with matters of labor negotiations, in accordance with Minnesota State Law 13D.03 sub 1.

1. Minutes from October 23, 2023 School Board meeting.
2. Retirements, resignations, terminations, layoffs and recalls, leaves and modified leaves of absence, and appointments.
3. Building naming of Franklin site recommendation.
4. Middle school transitions: 6th grade first day of school.
5. Fogerty Ice Arena lease agreement.
6. Andover Community Center ice facility lease.
7. City of Coon Rapids agreement for education services and fostering a safe and welcoming school environment
8. Immunization exclusions as required by Statute 121a.15.

Regular School Board meeting, November 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sandburg Educational Center, 1902 2nd Avenue, Anoka.

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