Action of the School Board Action of the School Board 12/14/15 | Page 3

ucation. The 891 schools that qualify for federal Title 1 funds in Minnesota are measured on
proficiency, academic growth and achievement gap reduction through a multiple measures
rating system. Three schools in Anoka-Hennepin earned the reward status – Eisenhower,
Madison and Adams elementary schools.
For Eisenhower Elementary School in Coon Rapids, this marked the fourth consecutive
year that school has achieved a reward designation. Principal Amy Reed commented on the
efforts by staff for continuous improvement and dedication to the success of each student.
Reed noted that Eisenhower achieved a 96.13 percent rating on the scale, which is one of
the top scores in Minnesota. Teachers and staff recognized along with Principal Reed included Jackie O’Connell, Heidi Peterson, Nicole Sobania, Jen Mares, Kris Richardson, Kim
Sagan, Sue Denlinger, and Tim Geisenhoff.
Hard work and persistence from staff was a key element for Madison Elementary School in
Blaine to achieve reward status. Principal Dorothy Olsen described a coordinated program
of grade level goals and action plans has led to improvements in math and reading performance for students. Staff recognized along with Principal Olsen included Tim Peterson,
Traci Intihar, Vicki Carlson, Carol Leafblad, Mary Roth, and Liz Harvey.

Communications, delegations and petitions

Rick Heller, presented a packet of information for School Board consideration and provided
testimony regarding suggested improvements to district communications to persons with
visual disabilities.

Finance

Budget reductions

The School Board approved a budget reduction plan that protects classroom instruction
and school based operations for the 2016-17 school year. Anoka-Hennepin set a $4-$6 million reduction target in June following an unsuccessful attempt to secure necessary funding
to maintain operations from the legislature. Work done by district staff to identify reductions over the last several months intersected with the news that district enrollment projections had increased beyond projections. This factor reduced the budget challenge to $1.8
million and allowed for approval of a plan to make reductions from central services while
leaving a deficit risk that could be met by continued enrollment growth or additional support from the legislature in the upcoming session.

Tax levy final certification for adoption

The school board approved a final tax levy for taxes payable in 2016 of $92,253,192.56, an
increase of .2 percent over the 2015 amount. As a result this modest increase and changes in
formulas, taxpayers who did not experience an increase in property value will see a slight
decrease in taxes paid to Anoka-Hennepin.

General Counsel

Principal’s association terms and conditions of employment

The School Board approved terms and conditions of employment with principals and assistant principals at an amount within established budget parameters. Paul Cady, general
counsel, outlined elements of an agreement that included step movement and a 2 percent
salary increase in each year and the adoption of an incentive pay plan to reward performance.

Consent agenda

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ACTION

The School Board approved:
a. Minutes from Nov. 9, 2015 work session.