Action of the School Board Action of the School Board 02/04/2019 | Page 2

Strategic priorities 2019-20
The Anoka-Hennepin School Board uses a continuous improvement cycle and works to refine and improve the system
to support outcomes for students and increase effectiveness of staff members. The board sets direction for the
district through the development, implementation and monitoring of a set of strategic priorities. Superintendent David
Law provided an overview of action items in the three priority categories including increasing academic achievement,
maintaining safe and welcoming schools, and ensuring effective operations. Strategic Priorities for 2018-19 were approved
by the School Board on an unanimous vote.
School-based mental health therapy services expansion proposal
The Anoka-Hennepin School Board has been monitoring service delivery for mental health therapy for students in a
school based setting. Cory McIntyre, associate superintendent for middle schools and students services, and Dr. Nita
Kumar, mental health consultant, presented a recommendation that aims to expand service with dedicated staffing at all
elementary schools. The recommendation includes eight additional therapists, increasing the number of students who
would receive service and reduce wait times. The recommendations were approved by the School Board on an unanimous
vote.
Multi-tiered system of supports
The Anoka-Hennepin School Board set a strategic priority to establish multi-tiered systems to support social-emotional
learning needs of students across the district. Dr. Timothy Gadson, associate superintendent for high schools, Cory
McIntyre, associate superintendent for middle schools and student services, and Dr. Mary Wolverton, associate
superintendent for elementary schools, presented a recommendation for board consideration. Goals of the system are
to increase academic achievement, and decrease student conduct problems and emotional distress. The School Board
endorsed a plan to form committees to review options for curriculum at the elementary and secondary levels and a
timeline and process to bring resources to support defined student need.
Middle school social-emotional learning intervention materials for special education
The Anoka-Hennepin School Board completed a comprehensive audit and plan of action regarding delivery of special
education services to support the social-emotional needs of students. This proposal followed analysis of current course
materials and review of three options for consideration by district teachers. Cory McIntyre, associate superintendent
for middle schools and student services, Stacey Dahlby, director of special education for secondary schools, and
recommended a resource called “Why Try” along with professional development to ensure successful deployment in
district schools. Jennifer Kettering, special education lead at Anoka Middle School for the Arts, provided testimony
regarding how the materials will be used to support middle school students in the system. The recommendation was
approved on a unanimous vote.
Consent agenda
All items were approved as presented.
A.
Minutes from Jan. 14, 2019 School Board meeting.

B.
Retirements, resignations, terminations, layoffs and recalls, leaves and modified

leaves of absence, appointments, extra service agreements, and curriculum writing.

C.
Cash disbursements report.

D.
Cash balance report.

E.
Donations and scholarship reports.

F.
Monthly revenue and expenditures.

G.
Investment report for calendar year 2018.

H.
AP statistics materials adoption.

I.
K-12 Calendar 2019-20.

J.
Anoka land lease agreement- amendment.

K.
Pay equity.

L.
Immunization exclusions.
Next meeting
School Board regular meeting, Monday, Feb. 25, 2019 at 6:30 p.m., Sandburg Education Center, 1902 2nd Ave., Anoka.
Complete minutes of the meeting are published on the district’s website and in the district’s legal newspapers: Anoka County Union Herald, Blaine/Spring
Lake Park Life, Brooklyn Center Sun-Post, Brooklyn Park Sun-Post, Press & News: Champlin and Dayton. Document published by communication and public
relations. For information, contact Jim Skelly, director of communication and public relations, at 763-506-1111. Download current and past issues of Action
of the School Board.
This document will be provided in an alternate format upon request in order to accommodate individuals with disabilities. A minimum of three days notice
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is needed. Please call 763-433-4680 to request an alternate format.