Action of the School Board 10.28.24

October 28, 2024

The School Board received testimony from Amanda Tjaden, James Tjaden and Natalie Hanson.

Anoka-Hennepin Schools has conducted an annual community survey with Morris Leatherman for over 20 years. This level of commitment for feedback allows the School Board to track data over time, monitor trends in the community, and adjust district operations to meet community expectations. Peter Leatherman presented findings and analysis from the 2024 community survey in which 500 randomly selected residents from all areas of the district were contacted via phone during the month of August 2024. This was a report only and no action was required.

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Dr. Josh Delich, associate superintendent for high schools, informed the School Board of the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Foundation Form A 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. Joel VerDuin, chief technology and information officer, shared information with the School Board about Oct. 1 enrollment numbers in the Anoka-Hennepin School District. VerDuin said K-12 enrollment was down by 358 students over last year. Enrollment at the middle school level increased by 78 students and high school enrollments are down by 212 students. District enrollment as of Oct. 1, 2024 is 36,722. The data in the report is important for district budgeting and planning purposes.

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Cory McIntyre, superintendent of Anoka-Hennepin Schools, presented a recommendation on the budget reduction and realignment process and timelines. A convergence of factors including limited and stable enrollment growth, elimination of federal pandemic relief funds, higher than budgeted employee contract settlements, inflation and increasing costs for operations along with other factors. The district is considering Phase 2 reductions of $21 million for a total reduction of $26 million prior to the 2025-26 school year. The School Board is also considering a second option to limit reductions to central services and hold a referendum election with the goal of limiting any reductions directly at school sites.

McIntyre presented the feedback collected through community meetings and an online form. Approval of Phase 2 recommendations is expected at the Nov. 25, 2024 school board meeting.

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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 academic accountability measures. The presentation 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.

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Dr. Jennifer Cherry, executive director of human resources, presented to the School Board the Anoka-Hennepin Schools 2024-26 paraeducators master agreement for approval. Terms of the agreement aim at keeping Anoka-Hennepin Schools competitive in the market for attracting and retaining quality staff and include a minimum 5% increase for every employee and increases in health insurance and other benefits. The agreement was within the budget authority provided by the school board and it was approved on a unanimous vote.

Dr. Jennifer Cherry, executive director of human resources, presented to the School Board the Anoka-Hennepin school 2024-26 education office professionals master agreement for approval. Terms of the agreement aim at keeping Anoka-Hennepin Schools competitive in the market for attracting and retaining quality staff and include a minimum 5% increase for every employee and increases in health insurance and other benefits. The agreement was within the budget authority provided by the school board and it was approved on a unanimous vote.

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. 503.0 Attendance and Absences policy, new policy.
8. New middle school courses.
9. Bid #25015B - snow plowing and removal, regions 7, 9.
10. Immunization exclusions as required by Statute 121a.15.

School Board work session, November 4 at 5:30 p.m. at the Education Service Center, 2727 N Ferry St., Anoka, MN 55303.

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