[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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],{"_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",6126208,"mediaKeyId","2669970-12f77ec485259113f73724b237cd7f2d","parentId",2669970,"title","Richfield board approves insurance renewals and staffing cuts; roll-call votes on agenda, consent and policies","audioSeconds",3317,"startMs",995000,"endMs",4312000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2669970-12f77ec485259113f73724b237cd7f2d&start=995&end=4312","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2669970-12f77ec485259113f73724b237cd7f2d/thumbnail_995000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6126208/Minnesota/Richfield-board-approves-insurance-renewals-and-staffing-cuts-roll-call-votes-on-agenda-consent-and-policies","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126208-f86086d7ab0d6f20ffb29e96cbd8c5b3/orig.mp4?Expires=1776409845&Signature=mbSNLdxBxmfyKoryIWXUieEcxBalOXRe5nZaDomCaBbbuNm~jGosc~k0wjshhOMhS5ZKCm1Q4hTVfZZ~5~hx74pUcbnrPNTQIW9gGSJiif~m-MsG5mLEI7pRUH-YfbT7T4By8kFPa3UsXn2g7fNWAQeGSxT2WxmjefALMJejv~1ybrnQC2-cSOKUhh20yoaCm0C1stF2qd1NCtn3IGwlVrlaJdoPCHxFGkQM13SinE5BGx0vzxsWAepwHMYiEd19I7hS8wG2tdUNFL33WcvUVvNHlK1BAVWiJftEkZnmG0dERVkD0M-Dg17KEz8qdGHBUxrnoWqDsWBWefuK-LjEqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Richfield Public School District","date","2025-03-18T14:00:32Z","article","The Richfield Public Schools Board conducted several formal votes on March 17, approving the meeting agenda, the consent agenda, renewal of self-funded medical and dental insurance programs, and a resolution discontinuing certain certified positions for the 2025-26 school year.

Agenda and consent: The board voted by roll call to approve the meeting agenda and then the consent agenda without discussion. Both motions passed unanimously (see detailed vote list).

Medical and dental insurance: District staff presented analysis of the self-funded medical plan and several proposals from third-party administrators. The Insurance Advisory Committee recommended continued administration by HealthPartners with the district's current pharmacy benefit manager (Maxor) retained, and an increase of the specific stop-loss deductible from $150,000 to $175,000 per individual. Staff recommended a rate increase for the medical plans of approximately 9.5 percent (a funding approach that drew on reserves to limit the immediate premium increase relative to projected need). The board approved the medical renewal by roll-call vote.

The board also approved a recommended dental renewal with Delta Dental and an increase to the family premium contribution (single plan funding levels were maintained at current district contribution amounts). The dental reserve was described as smaller than the medical reserve and staff recommended a modest premium increase.

Staffing and contracts: The board approved a resolution discontinuing 14.37 FTE certified positions projected for 2025-26 to align staffing with projected enrollment and revenue. Staff said some of the reductions may be addressed later in the spring as enrollments and revenues are finalized, and that employees displaced by reductions are eligible to apply for open positions. The board also approved a separate resolution proposing to discontinue the continuing-contract teaching contract for one teacher and to place that teacher on unrequested leave of absence; the board will take final action on unrequested leaves at a later meeting if reductions remain necessary.

Policy readings: The board passed Policy 4.12 (public and private personnel data) after the third read and approved accompanying forms; Policy 5.82 (staff notification of violent behavior by students) was discussed as a second read and aligned to state statute with no action taken at this meeting. First reads were held for Policy 6.10 (selection and reevaluation of instructional resources) and Policy 6.12 (curriculum development).

Procedural notes: Multiple motions were made and decided by roll-call votes; Director Cole and Director Liss moved and seconded several motions in the meeting record. Chair Eric Carter and members voted by name on roll calls.

Ending: The board recessed into a closed session under Minnesota Statute 13D.03 to discuss labor negotiation strategy and then adjourned the public meeting.

Votes at a glance:
- Approve meeting agenda: Motion by Director Cole; second by Director Liss. Vote: Cole Aye; Liss Aye; Spencer Aye; Chair Carter Aye. Outcome: approved.
- Approve consent agenda: Motion by Director Cole; second by Director Liss. Vote: Cole Aye; Liss Aye; Spencer Aye; Chair Carter Aye. Outcome: approved.
- Policy 4.12 (public and private personnel data) and Form 412.1: Motion by Director Liss; second by Director Spencer. Vote: Spencer Aye; Cole Aye; Liss Aye; Chair Carter Aye. Outcome: approved.
- Medical insurance renewal (self-funded) and PBM continuation with Maxor; increase specific stop-loss to $175,000; rate increases funded to ~9.5%: Motion by Director Liss; second by Director Cole. Vote: Cole Aye; Spencer Aye; Liss Aye; Chair Carter Aye. Outcome: approved.
- Dental insurance renewal (Delta Dental) and family-rate increase: Motion by Director Cole; second by Director Liss. Vote: Liss Aye; Cole Aye; Spencer Aye; Chair Carter Aye. Outcome: approved.
- Resolution discontinuing certified positions for 2025-26 (14.37 FTE): Motion by Director Collin; second by Director Liss. Vote: Spencer Aye; Cole Aye; Liss Aye; Chair Carter Aye. Outcome: approved.
- Resolution proposing discontinuation of one continuing-contract teaching contract and placing that teacher on unrequested leave of absence (procedural step): Motion by Director Liss; second by Director Cole. Vote: Cole Aye; Liss Aye; Spencer Aye; Chair Carter Aye. Outcome: approved (proposal to place on unrequested leave; final action may follow).

The board then moved into closed session under Minnesota Statute 13D.03 for labor negotiation strategy and adjourned the public portion of the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Richfield School Board Meeting: March 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its March 17 meeting the Richfield Public Schools Board approved the agenda and consent agenda, renewed self-funded medical and dental plans, authorized a higher specific stop-loss level and voted to discontinue certified positions that could lead to an unrequested leave of absence for one continuing-contract teacher.","taxTitle","RICHFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Boards, Minnesota","taxId",58078,"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},6126213,"Safe Routes to School coordinator secures $2.56 million in grants since 2019; position funded through 2027",1000,2816000,3816000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2669970-12f77ec485259113f73724b237cd7f2d&start=2816&end=3816","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2669970-12f77ec485259113f73724b237cd7f2d/thumbnail_2816000.jpg","/articles/6126213/Minnesota/Safe-Routes-to-School-coordinator-secures-256-million-in-grants-since-2019-position-funded-through-2027","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126213-f841790929ba5c7837c10f0b50a61fed/orig.mp4?Expires=1776409845&Signature=T9vFxA8y-sWNR1urJcRc6Iqiv-OUpe8X88ehE7xeqnEAqCJAafU3pg43zmLY0H1MoY7DQKVFCJ7eVqC8FXVfn~7tTWoONw96~Qw3IRQojwG0Yu8517r0kyL02oIK7SLgu0tTEaZaG~DBTALOx2uT-gFlAtjXKg6vc2FOehbtKGiSdFKRBW0TnNae8hdI0QhrZ11R42vdggjWJ-XIK73c7XSFfgologu99jIsuNdG3JEADCk~0V-uwMogzpGe~zIRrQAB67EPkqYFM-MAylx-zXafa2GrneSNY9aqBvbAGO4V2nbCMUkY-wQGU4ElnoGtXG7Yl9trzNSiT~JNBNDZGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tim Brackett, the district's Safe Routes to School coordinator, updated the Richfield Public Schools board on March 17 on program milestones, grant funding and planned infrastructure work.

Brackett said the Safe Routes coordinator position is funded by the Minnesota Department of Transportation through February 2027. \"These are all state dollars. So regardless of what happens with federal grants, we know that this position is funded through February 2027, and that is secure,\" he said.

He told the board the district was the second-highest scoring applicant statewide in the most recent MnDOT boost-grant round and that Richfield has won three boost grants since the program started. Brackett said the district and city together have secured approximately $2,560,000 for Safe Routes initiatives since February 2019 and that the program returns roughly $5 for every $1 of local in-kind support, which he described as staff time and other contributions.

Brackett reviewed the program's education, engineering and engagement work: bike and balance-bike fleets and trainings that reached about 2,000 students in 2024; a planned permanent upgrade of a demonstration project near Centennial Elementary to create a curb-protected multi-use path; and a planned upgrade to walking and biking access at the RDLS and STEM campus this summer. He said an adaptive bicycle and equipment library will be created with recently awarded funds and that the program partners with Parks & Rec, Richfield Police and Hennepin County on community events and infrastructure grants.

The coordinator also described a trauma-informed engagement curriculum developed with MnDOT boost funding to acknowledge students' pandemic and other traumatic experiences when designing encouragement and outreach. He said the curriculum was piloted with social workers and will be shared with other Safe Routes programs in the state.

Board members asked technical and operational questions about the Centennial demonstration project's permanent form, whether sidewalks or a wider multi-use path would be installed, and maintenance responsibilities. Brackett described the permanent installation as curb-protected and extending from Bloomington to Cedar, with the mixed-use path set at a width appropriate for both walking and biking; he said city public works will clear and maintain the new curb-protected path.

No formal board action was taken on the Safe Routes presentation; it was an informational update. Brackett invited board members to participate in upcoming encouragement events and said he would follow up with date confirmations.

Ending: The board praised collaboration with the city and MnDOT and asked staff to continue coordination on Sheridan Hills, Penn Avenue redesign engagement and planned spring/summer improvements.","Tim Brackett, Richfield's Safe Routes to School coordinator, told the board the position is funded through February 2027 and the district and city have secured about $2.56 million for Safe Routes initiatives since 2019; the presentation covered bike education, infrastructure projects and a trauma-informed engagement curriculum.",{"_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},6126218,"Richfield reports rise in special-education student count; board questions screening and referral practices",1734,1071000,2805000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2669970-12f77ec485259113f73724b237cd7f2d&start=1071&end=2805","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2669970-12f77ec485259113f73724b237cd7f2d/thumbnail_1071000.jpg","/articles/6126218/Minnesota/Richfield-reports-rise-in-special-education-student-count-board-questions-screening-and-referral-practices","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126218-267f1da3b73dc38f04cb45089829a82c/orig.mp4?Expires=1776409845&Signature=NIsc4US0xfkwqyr9IbWps30k7SioOz~1V0yNbNBf-G3Jyx2RcJhdK-9e--OvvRBfhRcT-bsAusVGMXRzF1ouGzbYRCPB6EV~oSWMcSBX-aHWyz467neaTb0yQ~b6g7vvkUK4ULDN~m0O1vlX4MsgCYjW-5O8KpM3l~P58fcUXJeC-jRcs4u3tuTZM0PnxDAmDIHSxTJKiKttdBBZDfVcMnxvpEnp8S7cNcJLL2AeUlqmDPloAEqXxz89fspg7h1nqJNSdfiaBeuRZL9P0sG6ExabEGV3wPacWkL3uHRjp4ayRxs-nuSP7SRv-PD3JRiqRBJGaWUhGZFVly2RbX0ahg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jennifer Krueger, Richfield Public Schools director of special education, told the School Board on March 17 that the district's unduplicated special-education child count is 832 resident students.

Krueger said that figure represents an increase of 54 resident students compared with last year and that there are 753 students currently receiving special-education services inside the district. She described patterns in the data: higher percentages of identification among students who are Black, multiracial and American Indian, and continued above-average rates in autism spectrum and early childhood special-education categories compared with statewide averages.

The presentation and ensuing board discussion focused on what the district calls the pre-referral process, how interventions are documented and when a full special-education evaluation is started. Krueger said teams require at least two pre-referral interventions and that the district has emphasized data-based decision-making and tools such as FastBridge for progress monitoring. \"Students need to participate in at least 2 pre referral interventions,\" Krueger said, and teams \"would only go into a special education evaluation if the general ed supports were not effective.\" She added the district completes measures in other languages using interpreters and, when available, staff who can test academically in Spanish.

Board members asked for specifics on thresholds and referral patterns. One director asked whether the district reaches out to families when a child is not reading by third grade; Krueger said conferences and stat-team (student assistance team) conversations are used to engage families and that families may request evaluations but teams generally work to try interventions first. On tracking referral patterns, Krueger said each building has a special-education lead and school psychologist who review data for patterns by classroom, grade or teacher and determine whether additional training or reteaching is needed.

Krueger highlighted program-level changes and capacity planning: the district saw a roughly 7% increase in the unduplicated child count and a 3% increase in students receiving services inside the district. She reported growth in students requiring center-based programming (students receiving the majority of the day in specialized settings), particularly for developmental cognitive disabilities and autism spectrum disorder, noting many of those students come through early-learning programs and are likely to remain in more intensive programming as they progress through school.

Board members pressed Krueger on equity concerns and whether teachers hesitate to refer some students while quickly referring others. Krueger said the district is training teams on the referral process, emphasizing data collection and intervention before evaluation, and uses FastBridge and monthly lead meetings to support consistent practices.

Krueger described current special-education department focus areas, including literacy training for 48 special-education teachers and leads, expanded use of FastBridge for progress monitoring and monthly data dialogues to support general-education interventions so students can remain in the least restrictive environment when appropriate.

The board did not take formal action on the special-education presentation; the item was an informational update and Q&A.

Ending: Board members asked for follow-up reporting next year on whether the district's interventions and monitoring reduce disparity trends and whether referral-pattern analysis yields targeted training or system changes.","Director of Special Education Jennifer Krueger told the Richfield Public Schools board the district's unduplicated special-education child count rose to 832 students, prompting board questions about identification, intervention timing and disproportionality by race and language status.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Richfield board approves insurance renewals and staffing cuts; roll-call votes on agenda, consent and policies

Safe Routes to School coordinator secures $2.56 million in grants since 2019; position funded through 2027

Richfield reports rise in special-education student count; board questions screening and referral practices