Action of the School Board Action of the School Board 03/16/15 | Page 2

2012 and 2013 when the test changed. Linda Anderson, director of student services, discussed the importance of closing the achievement gap, WBWF goal three, so all students are ready to compete and contribute in a global society. She provided data on the progress the district is making in closing the gaps. Ellen DeLaney, director of secondary curriculum, reviewed information on WBWF goal four regarding career and college readiness. She reported that the percentage of students meeting all four college readiness benchmarks on both the PLAN and ACT assessments increased last year. Students did particularly well in English on both tests. DeLaney also summarized progress toward goal five regarding college graduation. The percentage of students graduating in four years increased last year, and the dropout rate remains low. She pointed out that the district sticks with students who don’t graduate in four years and many continue on to earn their diploma or GED. Board Vice-chair Marci Anderson commented that the district was already doing what was required by the new legislation. She thanked the group for their work. The full presentation is available on the March 16 School Board agenda. Recognition Champlin-Brooklyn Park Academy Champlin-Brooklyn Park Academy for Math and Environmental Science (CBPA) Principal Brian Mann announced the school has been named a Magnet School of Excellence by the Magnet Schools of America (MSA), a nonprofit organization that provides support and assistance to magnet schools across the nation. Just eight schools in the state and 74 across the nation were named schools of excellence. It’s the second straight year CBPA has been named a school of excellence, Mann said, which is the highest honor MSA bestows. Communications, Delegations and Petitions Michele Weitzel spoke to the board about the Coon Rapids High School Biomedical Sciences Program partnership with Gillette Children ’s Hospital. Finance Financing approved for Johnsville, Wilson additions The School Board approved a lease purchase finance agreement and sale of just under $9 million in certificates of participation to fund additions at Johnsville and Wilson elementary schools this summer. Stacy Childers of Springsted Inc., the district’s public finance advisors, said the interest rates were very favorable, lower than the financing for a number of school additions constructed last year. Legislative update and budget reduction update presented Michelle Vargas, chief financial officer, shared how Anoka-Hennepin would be impacted by the Governor’s proposed one percent increase in the state’s basic education formula, which is the most significant source of funding for schools. 2 ACTION Considering some basic assumptions, Vargas determined that a one percent increase would result in an estimated $4,783,496 deficit in 2015-16, and an estimated $14,911,125 deficit in 2016-17. In order to make up for the shortfall, the district would use its reserve or fund bal-