[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6297738,"mediaKeyId","2507591-ca1b6c7ed7b2ab1dacf1324be2c5514f","parentId",2507591,"title","Votes at a glance: Edina board approves literacy adoption, calendars, budgets and policy updates","audioSeconds",705,"startMs",3325000,"endMs",4030000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2507591-ca1b6c7ed7b2ab1dacf1324be2c5514f&start=3325&end=4030","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2507591-ca1b6c7ed7b2ab1dacf1324be2c5514f/thumbnail_3325000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6297738/Minnesota/Votes-at-a-glance-Edina-board-approves-literacy-adoption-calendars-budgets-and-policy-updates","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297738-ea929e01cfe28902e931a38cb8f2d3ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182212&Signature=nkum6q2jb95-xGOS6P2iAp~~EAaj~BuZM8uuGYxRxuBjBybUlhwAl6JFNOSw2GePlghDAGDzdkUPUH2F~TbMbt1pKZ6n9IAx9tzKpLiXvSn5SFz6ku638MqmOIU32V6UEsOKGLZh4a~q6BwOYIoBjWXvPgMmdHeAS24JEdBiP~h-e2PZO5suoLWg8vr5hmEHffB5rJQ4B3QXcmmfrn7J~rzf65-RqOway5bHPagdKZ3awcEDdb-sjkM7pSVYnam~i7ms2u64MjZ6ygmhgmBmE-y53RcKm6jdwjd~nUwtKVJpIH8iYldICjXIlizQK2BkexN9dQ7kERw0c0DkZHDtoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Edina Public School District","date","2025-03-04T14:45:58Z","article","The Edina Public Schools Board of Education took multiple formal actions at its March 3 meeting. The board recorded voice votes on the following items (motions were made orally; the meeting audio recorded affirmative voice votes with no roll‑call tallies provided):

1) Elementary literacy curriculum adoption — Benchmark Advance (approved)
Motion: \"Approve the elementary literacy curriculum adoption recommendation of Benchmark Advance.\" Outcome: approved by voice vote. Notes: Administration will finalize vendor contract and payment terms; early implementer rollout continues. (See detailed article on the adoption.)

2) Edina Public Schools proposed academic calendars (2026–27 and 2027–28) and adjustments to 2025–26 calendar (approved)
Motion: \"Approve the Edina Public Schools proposed academic calendars for 2026–27 and 2027–28 and adjustments to the 2025–26 academic calendar.\" Outcome: approved by voice vote. Notes: Adjustments include moving K‑5 connect/assess timing to allow teachers time to review assessment data and correction of a clerical date duplication. Board discussed rationale for starting before Labor Day tied to long‑term maintenance projects.

3) Achievement and Integration FY2026 budget (approved)
Motion: \"Approve the Achievement and Integration fiscal year 2026 budget.\" Outcome: approved by voice vote. Notes: Minor budget formatting change to match MDE submission format; staff said no substantive program changes since the prior presentation.

4) American Indian Education Program vote of concurrence (approved)
Motion: \"Approve the American Indian Education Program vote of concurrence.\" Outcome: approved by voice vote. Notes: The American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (APAC) voted concurrence, citing progress on prior recommendations and work led by the district’s American Indian cultural liaison.

5) Multiple policy approvals (approved)
Motion: \"Approve policies 5‑13, 5‑20‑1, 5‑20‑4, 6‑04, 6‑17, 6‑19, 6‑20‑3 and 6‑32.\" Outcome: approved by voice vote. Notes: The policy committee reviewed updates for clarity and alignment with state/federal law and MSBA model language; most changes were non‑substantive edits or administrative updates.

Several of these items (budget revisions presented; K–12 social studies resources recommended) were discussed at length earlier in the meeting; administration indicated some items will return with final contract language or clarified dollar amounts for formal action as needed. If a board member or community member needs roll‑call tallies for these votes, the district records will provide official minutes and any roll‑call results if taken in future actions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Edina Public Schools - School Board Regular Meeting March 3rd, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At the March 3 board meeting the Edina Public Schools Board of Education approved the elementary literacy curriculum (Benchmark Advance), adopted two academic calendars and several budget and policy items. Listed below are the formal actions, outcomes and brief notes.","taxTitle","EDINA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Boards, Minnesota","taxId",38366,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6297742,"Normandale students demonstrate STEAM coding and design projects at board meeting",527,293000,820000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2507591-ca1b6c7ed7b2ab1dacf1324be2c5514f&start=293&end=820","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2507591-ca1b6c7ed7b2ab1dacf1324be2c5514f/thumbnail_293000.jpg","/articles/6297742/Minnesota/Normandale-students-demonstrate-STEAM-coding-and-design-projects-at-board-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297742-b464e444f4fcd2d6b27ae7ae051b3202/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182212&Signature=L-FewaPVpl8eIRW3x6rhMJs-8EDIob3kmA2nVBJmWNBBkAYEAsAz1MgDAmT9I~e1sY5zvg92OBNqCzmAK6VgmKTguj~Tyh8AlIm9nHRiiB-cIBJwQJeQudyuZTaP810LWotphNoTJn2K6jnDPrWf7iWrTg8atYk5ZP4J6fTGUUfVPXcl8XtUozt8PHY77X9MCSOtgKgBhEHhouBbuz1wiHtCtwgCnbU5ZpdBObRkUok4eWxtg2poF~79ktRULHU0Pb6-Px6mkfj~p-rr6ffWKNObMaDtsBfp8KPJ~iqe5lIeKzVqA7FI1ZHbslM1ybcMkOIt~7KNDmgKLRfnk-2UCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Edina Public Schools’ “Excellent in Action” segment featured STEAM demonstrations by Normandale Media Center students and media specialist Linnea West.

West introduced a group of second‑ and third‑grade students who showed LEGO builds that were connected to coding hubs and iPads. Students described design thinking, prototyping and coding blocks used to make models move or carry out programmed behaviors. Second grader Alicia said she liked Legos because she can “use my imagination to code and if I make a mistake … I can easily fix it and learn from it.” Jack said coding lets him “figure things out,” and other students discussed collaboration and storytelling tied to their builds.

Board members praised the students and noted district extracurriculars such as robotics that extend early STEAM experiences into later grades. The board and audience applauded the students after the presentation.

District staff said the Lego education initiative is called “Build the Change” and connects STEAM, design thinking and literacy to give students hands‑on, creative problem‑solving experiences.","Students from Normandale Media Center showcased LEGO‑based STEAM activities and coding tied to the district’s STEAM initiative during the meeting’s Excellent in Action segment.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6297747,"Finance director outlines budget revisions; district projects $1 million fund‑balance increase",650,2018000,2668000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2507591-ca1b6c7ed7b2ab1dacf1324be2c5514f&start=2018&end=2668","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2507591-ca1b6c7ed7b2ab1dacf1324be2c5514f/thumbnail_2018000.jpg","/articles/6297747/Minnesota/Finance-director-outlines-budget-revisions-district-projects-1-million-fundbalance-increase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297747-043484c1d9192a6e7cb1d2f605792266/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182212&Signature=JJVaKotxHhkpLIFrnNpkesUu-FlXofVS81q9MiEzfPB1yDSzQ9KS6Zgm07~aAEPzmvcG-TMxaPnz3QRSIxd2Z0HlvGCBIWJhnPkzBsmOq-TQFN9u2BBa9cu7n9xUL8cQ5Ncagd5JODofd6JE4DMGbyiaN4fid-wBybb7AV94sLy6ZinUrGLMha1j9WDLXjRk1HQoATCZdS~9Viecs5rB5xKBJ7fDG9eFqbaUG4J4bzU2Me7LYy6xieQPht~8oWDoIaMv17427QIvZRqla3xmS7OZxFn2ZVlMAvfyyomv0WkBVWjgseMozLRdZv9W7x~L9cFcNdAc2894q6vVf-iEzQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Director of Finance and Operations Mert Woodard presented proposed revisions to the current fiscal year budget and the planning framework for fiscal year 2026.

Woodard told the board enrollment has come in above projections — roughly 8,670–8,675 ADM compared with the budgeted 8,630 — producing an estimated $540,000 in additional general education revenue. He also said the district will receive about $312,000 in school‑term unemployment aid reimbursements, and one‑time state REED Act aids and teacher compensation funding expected to total about $654,000; those are restricted to REED Act‑eligible spending.

The finance presentation noted one purpose of the 2024A general obligation bonds was to finance bus purchases; $1.5 million will be deposited to the operating capital fund for that purpose. The district also added approximately $6.6 million to the building construction fund tied to long‑term maintenance projects funded by the bond issuance; those proceeds are largely offset by debt payoffs and issuance costs connected with refunding 2014A and 2015A bonds.

On expenditures, Woodard said salary and negotiated increases and late bus deliveries required recognizing additional expenditures of roughly $2.6 million above the original budget; net of additional revenue the district expects to add about $1,000,000 to the general fund balance. The food service fund is running strong under universal free meals and will add an estimated $228,000 to its fund balance because participation increased by about 130 meals per day.

Woodard reiterated the district’s conservative forecasting and warned that although short‑term position is stable, the district faces budget reduction pressures by fiscal 2027–28. He said the proposed revisions were reviewed at recent work sessions and that administration will bring the revised budget back for board action at the next regular meeting.

Board members thanked the finance team for conservative budgeting and asked for continued community engagement via the district’s Budget and Enrollment Review Committee (BERC) process.","Director of Finance and Operations Mert Woodard reviewed proposed FY25 revisions and FY26 budget parameters, citing higher enrollment, additional one‑time state aids and bond proceeds; administration will return to the board with the formal budget for action next meeting.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6297751,"Edina board reviews recommended K–12 social studies resources amid state standard uncertainty",966,944000,1910000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2507591-ca1b6c7ed7b2ab1dacf1324be2c5514f&start=944&end=1910","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2507591-ca1b6c7ed7b2ab1dacf1324be2c5514f/thumbnail_944000.jpg","/articles/6297751/Minnesota/Edina-board-reviews-recommended-K12-social-studies-resources-amid-state-standard-uncertainty","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297751-1adb7cc203a6663c70f6114d289c9550/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182212&Signature=WYYPyeJoC9nP8zeE9AEpliNwix~EQVcK9vDx-PWEGEaOQ22NV74vldgAkvU2DqrdgRSOv2NUvi2eurVjlluDXiTzoAlokm3oD0UASoB6RKDDUzkXQILwFn-N5FemTUG1Rrjl5Fk5RsfKtVfsd8v1Zv3KK1GaZ8jNz821FMSPQelwJC5MUYh5ahLPyWo7195ciNjhgxNXV1ok3ldNKRyzS~mx-6Dh-YQxwUHiSD7lEm34-Mfc4I5Z9nkpycwE1WvHN86RZvGqObTbSFIg9lLySaJDhTRFmphnr-a3Gr12u~K7hCNNLv5LTKsgTEHopJdTRUiwgkJy9XYo3fILHl8j1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Edina Public Schools administrators presented a recommendation to update K–12 social studies instructional resources and outlined a multi‑year review and design process.

Bethany Van Ostel, assistant director of teaching and learning, told the board the district began the curriculum design in 2022 and that teams of teachers and leaders reviewed possible resources, considered alignment with both the 2012 and 2021 standards, and prioritized vertical and horizontal alignment across grades. “We feel very strongly about this recommendation going forward because our teachers haven’t had updates in a long time,” Van Ostel said.

Jamie Hawkinson, who led the K–5 design team, described K–5 priorities including explicit connections to literacy, accommodations for varied learning needs, and print materials for younger grades alongside online components with language overlays for Spanish and French. “This is a beautiful complement to Benchmark Advance,” Hawkinson said of the recommended elementary resource (Studies Weekly), emphasizing teacher resources, scope and sequence, and transfer to ELA strategies.

Board members asked whether the district would pilot materials at the secondary level and how rollout timing and costs would be phased. Van Ostel explained the district follows an implementation science approach: secondary content specialists typically implement together; elementary rollout usually begins with a small early‑implementer cohort to work out technology and resource issues before full adoption. She said the board packet shows color‑coded rollout years and that some grades may not require changes.

Board members also asked about alignment if the legislature changes state standards. Van Ostel said the district consulted vendors and believes recommended materials would remain aligned whether standards reverted to older versions or updated. She repeated that advocacy and questions about state standards are matters for the legislature and Minnesota Department of Education rather than district curriculum interpretation.

Board members requested clearer dollar estimates for early implementation costs; Van Ostel agreed to include estimated year‑by‑year expense lines in the next report. The administration said the full K–12 recommendation will be presented for board action at a future meeting (anticipated next month for some items) after further review and final budgeting.","Teaching and learning staff recommended updated K–12 social studies materials after a multi‑year design process; staff said recommended resources remain aligned even if state standards change. The board discussed rollout, pilot timing, and budget implications.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":104,"_45":46,"_47":116,"_49":107,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6297756,"Edina board adopts Benchmark Advance as new elementary literacy curriculum",3086,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2507591-ca1b6c7ed7b2ab1dacf1324be2c5514f&start=944&end=4030","/articles/6297756/Minnesota/Edina-board-adopts-Benchmark-Advance-as-new-elementary-literacy-curriculum","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297756-ee8bc6958cd63271e52c3444d39a38e2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182212&Signature=hTMUUKCfvq-V0IkMEMJH6KS7BGYCDYLhKyqB7Ptb18MeeSPvLzp0AX9jBjdPl-eo~1Cn1Ou1OLKkCZ01GtJ97pIJVIqQgWx3jaKKexeRjw3G7ieg8roMWEiWXdB7Hv-NuN3F2Bn3j87KafydYpzSXOG5EDIHxygpDaORQTcM1oppGRM4xHgvPXaJls7hJ1J9TT9wroXlTZR63v3ekynm-iPkKwM~QbVmD3i3PclIyV7CCFG8INaDBqkbbWAdFSMNVRX7XyoEL6Va7~OXJtLQcvzeQe6B6ilh1IMzid3SNDLypCFfk6FJjKrKoKidWvoXxeFTePMKaAFTkLKs7wvU~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Edina Public Schools Board of Education voted to adopt Benchmark Advance as the district’s elementary tier‑one literacy curriculum after a multi‑year review and pilot work.

Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning Bethany Van Ostel presented the final recommendation and told the board the choice followed a three‑year review process that used rubrics aligned with the Minnesota Department of Education and the science of reading. “This program has the knowledge‑building small‑group sets, it has interdisciplinary units, and it was a comprehensive program that rose to the surface unanimously,” Van Ostel said.

The board heard that the selection process included teacher design teams, special education and English‑learner representatives, and building pilots. Jamie Hawkinson, dean at Creek Valley Elementary School, described K‑5 teacher involvement and said the committee prioritized alignment with existing literacy strategies and supports for multilingual learners. “We found a very big energy around connection to literacy, K‑5 alignment across sites, accommodations for multiple learning styles, and increased opportunities for depth of knowledge,” Hawkinson said.

District staff told the board Benchmark Advance will replace the current tier‑one materials (Making Meaning/Being a Reader/Being a Writer) and that intervention programs such as Sonday are expected to remain for targeted supports. Van Ostel said the program includes resources that support Spanish dual‑language classrooms through a companion program called Adelante; she added that French immersion materials are not available in translation and the district is working on an implementation plan for that program at Normandale.

Board members asked about cost and payment timing; Van Ostel said the vendor quote changed slightly to include Adelante and additional small‑group materials, and that payment terms (upfront vs. installment) are negotiated with the vendor. A district finance official will finalize procurement details. On tiering and outcomes, Van Ostel emphasized Benchmark is intended as the universal (tier‑one) curriculum; intervention resources remain separate.

The motion to approve the elementary literacy curriculum adoption recommendation of Benchmark Advance passed by voice vote; the board recorded an affirmative voice vote and no opposition was raised at the meeting.

District staff said early implementers have already begun using the program this year and reported positive classroom engagement and early indicators of stronger student writing and text engagement. Staff will continue implementation supports and collect student outcome and implementation data under the district’s implementation science approach.

The board directed administration to bring any required contract documents and final procurement terms back to the board as needed.","After a multi‑year review, the Board of Education approved Benchmark Advance for tier‑one elementary literacy instruction. District leaders said the program aligns with the science of reading; implementation will begin with early implementers and include a Spanish companion program (Adelante).","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Edina board approves literacy adoption, calendars, budgets and policy updates

Normandale students demonstrate STEAM coding and design projects at board meeting

Finance director outlines budget revisions; district projects $1 million fund‑balance increase

Edina board reviews recommended K–12 social studies resources amid state standard uncertainty

Edina board adopts Benchmark Advance as new elementary literacy curriculum