Edina Public Schools approve new academic calendars and fiscal year 2026 budget

Edina Public Schools has taken significant steps to enhance its academic calendar and support for diverse student populations during the School Board Regular Meeting held on March 3, 2025. The board approved the proposed academic calendars for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years, along with adjustments to the current calendar. This decision aligns with the district's long-term maintenance plan, which allows for an earlier start to the school year, particularly beneficial for managing construction projects exceeding $400,000.

In addition to calendar approvals, the board also endorsed the Achievement and Integration fiscal year 2026 budget. This budget remains consistent with previous presentations, reflecting a commitment to equity and multilingual learning. Board members expressed appreciation for the intentional planning that connects the budget to the district's metrics for measuring student success.

Another key discussion involved the American Indian Education Program, where the board voted to approve a vote of concurrence with the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (APAC). This decision marks a positive shift from previous years, indicating progress in meeting the committee's recommendations. The board highlighted the effective leadership of Duane, the district's full-time American Indian cultural liaison, who has developed robust programming at the elementary and middle school levels.

The meeting underscored the district's commitment to continuous improvement and support for all students, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. As the board moves forward, there is a clear focus on ensuring that necessary resources are available to sustain these initiatives and enhance educational outcomes for every student in the Edina Public Schools community.