THE

MEETING RECAP I ISSUE 22, VOL. 09 I 03 / 20 / 17

Recognition

Anoka Halloween check presentation

Anoka Halloween community volunteer leaders Liz McFarland, parade chair and Mary Litke, treasurer presented a $ 1,500 donation to Anoka-Hennepin Schools and outlined a scholarship program for graduating seniors in the district.

Communications, delegations and petitions

Jacqueline Washburn provided commentary regarding curriculum materials. She was followed by more than 70 minutes of testimony from 30 persons regarding issues of facility access for transgender students.

Community and governmental relations

Legislative activity update

Steve Kerr, executive director of community and governmental relations, provided an update on legislative activity. Kerr stated that stated funding levels for education are inconsistent with budget targets set by the governor and legislature, and that these must be negotiated in the weeks and months ahead to set to establish funding for schools over the next two years.

Operations

Referendum projects and tentative timeline

Chuck Holden, chief operations officer, and Michelle Vargas, chief financial officer, presented a timeline for decision-making and preliminary facility planning decisions that are currently taking place. Holden discussed how design elements for new schools will be based upon the existing Oxbow Creek and Rum River elementary schools with upgraded elements incorporating flexible learning spaces that exist in other district schools. Vargas outlined a calendar for decision making and opportunities for School Board and community input as part of the process.

Elementary and secondary education

Achievement and integration budget and three-year plan

Cory McIntyre, executive director of student services, led a comprehensive presentation of a proposed budget and work plan aimed at increasing academic achievement for students of color and reducing the achievement gap. Dr. Jennifer Cherry, director of special services and James Greer, diversity and inclusion coordinator, were joined by student leaders from district schools in the presentation.

Action plans within three goal areas were shared. Goals included reducing the achievement gaps for students of color and students of reduced economic means, increasing college and career preparedness, and maintaining the district’ s ongoing programming to support student achievement for all students.

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