Action of the School Board -2.24.25

February 24, 2025

Dr. Mary Wolverton, associate superintendent of elementary schools, introduced school leaders from five Anoka-Hennepin elementary schools that were recognized nationally for excellence by Magnet Schools of America.

Honored schools include:

• Champlin-Brooklyn Park Academy for Math and Environmental Science.
• Hoover Elementary School - Biomedical, Health Sciences and Engineering.
• Lincoln Elementary School for the Arts.
• Monroe Elementary - Mathematics, Science and Children’s Engineering.
• University Avenue Elementary - Aerospace, Children’s Engineering and Science.

These honors demonstrate Anoka-Hennepin’s commitment to providing quality school choice options for families and students.

Denise Schabel, principal at Ramsey Elementary School, was recognized for receiving the Minnesota Elementary School Principals Association (MESPA) Division Leadership Award for the Northern Division.

The School Board received testimony from Pankuri Goraksha-Hicks, Angela Nelson, Paula Mohr, Aaron Peterson, Angela Bragelman, Elizabeth Kiekhafer and Rod Kuehn.

Tom Shaw, director of student services; Tony Drews, chair of the American Indian Education advisory committee; and Kimberly Brendan, vice-chair of the district’s American Indian Education advisory committee joined Mindy Meyers, American Indian education coordinator, in sharing an informational update on the district’s Indian Education program. Presenters shared data on MCA test proficiency levels, college-level course participation and graduation rates. They also shared highlights of cultural activities for students and families, and presented a resolution of concurrence as required by state law. The School Board approved the resolution of concurrence on a unanimous vote.

Watch the presentation.

The Anoka-Hennepin School Board sets direction for the district through the development, implementation and monitoring of a set of strategic priorities. Superintendent Cory McIntyre provided an overview of action items in the three priority categories including increasing academic achievement, maintaining safe and welcoming schools, and ensuring effective operations.

The School Board approved the strategic priorities on a unanimous vote.

Tim Palmatier, general counsel; and Noah Atlas, child nutrition director, provided a first read of Policy 533.5, which provides policy direction to promote and protect the health and physical well-being of students with the goal of ensuring a learning environment conducive to learning. The School Board will consider approval of the policy at a future meeting.

Michelle Vargas, chief financial officer, presented an amended budget for the current school year for School Board consideration. This is considered a routine business action and a necessary step for stewardship in financial management. The mid-year adjustment updates student enrollment and updates revenues and expenditures based on prior year actuals and current year trends. The recommendation adjusts general fund revenue by $20,394,167 or 2.8% and increases revenue by $15,420,072 or 2.1%. The unassigned fund balance is projected at 10.8% of expenditures, within school board policy guidelines. The School Board will consider approval at a future meeting.

Watch the presentation.

Michelle Vargas, chief financial officer, presented a preliminary FY26 general budget timeline for decision making which includes a series of financial planning assumptions for the district. She also provided a snapshot looking forward to the FY27 budget. The School Board is expected to consider approval of the 2025-26 budget in June. By state law, the School Board is required to approve a budget by July 1, 2025.

Watch the presentation.

1. Minutes from the Feb. 10 School Board meeting.
2. Retirements, resignations, terminations, layoffs and recalls, leaves and modified leaves of absence, appointments.
3. Cash disbursements report.
4. Cash balance report.
5. Donations and scholarship report.
6. Monthly revenue and expenditures.
7. Summary of executive session of Feb. 10, 2025.
8. Immunization exclusions as required by statute 121a.15.

School Board work session, March 3 at 5:30 p.m. at the Educational Service Center, 2727 Ferry St., Anoka, MN 55303.

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