[{"_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",6592766,"mediaKeyId","2769840-3fe0ea70a0640f45fb3cf3c50c473809","parentId",2769840,"title","District reports mixed results on state 'World’s Best Workforce' goals and launches summer learning design team","audioSeconds",960,"startMs",6397000,"endMs",7357000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769840-3fe0ea70a0640f45fb3cf3c50c473809&start=6397&end=7357","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769840-3fe0ea70a0640f45fb3cf3c50c473809/thumbnail_6397000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6592766/Minnesota/District-reports-mixed-results-on-state-Worlds-Best-Workforce-goals-and-launches-summer-learning-design-team","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6592766-7785b56469e293d5149ccd5f227cfe44/orig.mp4?Expires=1771095766&Signature=RhmiQZpjZogjf~ClkCu2a4tiEcv-wPTY6uzw8BaxQzStkpo-iteYo8j1RXDfSttD8gQlmtb0mQFLXfKHHXcurJhL8s~AmvfrlN0S~OamuzjFEF3aeG-TgnX3pO8DsWVEAF0nOLA0p-I-UM2mMOkrKn5vT3E0JyUcezP5U1jMqQQKpo3qoToPVaIoYRIOtUvZm2AvZ~A1eerw4QpifgMUFH0KmITV0tTRLC5t5Tnj8Ju9~iXnIv11IfnjxqMkQ4EVJAv1qgWvwpUqLKZFKZjrk5bytFFamzNP1yRI2AA5SSsb8DFOEMCPn~OIH8O-6LRWcP~kpBDI4-zrI8xxsQMQGg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","St. Louis Park Public School District","date","2025-03-26T02:26:42.91Z","article","Saint Louis Park staff presented the district’s World's Best Workforce report on March 25, 2025, showing that several district goals were not met at the district level, though individual grade teams recorded notable gains. The board also heard an introductory report from the Phase 1 summer learning design team, which intends to plan an inclusive, identity-affirming summer program.

Data and outcomes: Dr. Becca Starr, the district’s data scientist and Title coordinator, summarized the four statewide WBW goals (ready for school, close achievement gaps, ready for career and college, and graduate). The district set modest year-to-year goals (generally a 2% improvement) for several metrics and reported mixed results:

- Early literacy (kindergarten): the district did not meet the target increase; Aquila Elementary met its own goal but other schools had declines in the measured fast-bridge early-reading composite scores.

- Achievement gap (Black/White reading and math proficiency measured by MCA/MTAS): the district did not meet its goal; the gap increased by 1% in the period reported.

- College/career readiness (ACT composite): target was a 2% increase (0.41 points); the district rose by 0.1 points. The district remains above Minnesota’s state average on ACT composite scores.

- Graduation: the district recorded a 0.4% increase in four-year graduation rates; the district rate is about 4 percentage points higher than the statewide average.

Starr and others highlighted notable localized gains that do not show up in single aggregated metrics: Aquila fifth-grade math proficiency rose by 14.6% and fifth-grade reading by 17.1%, and Peter Hobart fifth-graders increased math proficiency by 11.6% and reading by 13.1% (figures presented by Starr and discussed in data-team context).

Summer learning design team: the board then heard a Phase 1 update about a planned Summer Learning Academy presented by team members including Jenna Shad (academic testing/system support specialist), Phil Stern (Aquila teacher and parent), Kate Fother (middle-school science teacher), and others. The group described summer learning as an “extended school year” opportunity and said the design team’s equity purpose statement will prioritize access for students from historically marginalized communities. Team members said they will study research, consult with students and regional partners, and emphasize reducing administrative barriers that previously blocked some families from enrolling.

Why it matters: the WBW report is Minnesota’s statutorily required accountability report and informs district continuous-improvement planning. District staff said the single reported metrics do not capture classroom-level practice and urged families to ask principals and teachers for local context. The summer-learning design team said it will pursue inclusive registration policies and curricular approaches aimed at re-engagement and “spark”-oriented experiences.

What’s next: district staff said building-level continuous-improvement planning will continue, monthly principal-led learning walks and data-team meetings will monitor implementation fidelity, and the summer learning design team will continue research and community outreach this spring and summer.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","St. Louis Park Schools School Board Business Meeting 3/25/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Saint Louis Park presented state-required World's Best Workforce results showing some gains at individual grade teams but that district-wide goals were not met; the board also heard a Phase 1 update from a new summer learning design team focused on equity and accessibility.","taxTitle","ST. LOUIS PARK PUBLIC SCHOOL DIST., School Boards, Minnesota","taxId",56357,"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},6592771,"Board approves FY25 midyear budget update and sets FY26 assumptions as state and federal funding uncertainties loom",198,4762000,4960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769840-3fe0ea70a0640f45fb3cf3c50c473809&start=4762&end=4960","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769840-3fe0ea70a0640f45fb3cf3c50c473809/thumbnail_4762000.jpg","/articles/6592771/Minnesota/Board-approves-FY25-midyear-budget-update-and-sets-FY26-assumptions-as-state-and-federal-funding-uncertainties-loom","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6592771-709f0e73ac5b56e4f16586b1d9504566/orig.mp4?Expires=1771095766&Signature=VIn-Gvtx0JPTNpfbWEZ20f-2rpKvGcg~B~74qoOM54uPtaH8koIYqFTc7jUswCNxN0Upz0aCxbD1WlhMwxerQN9y-5xq9GgZYhGIc9kL69GXSdicEPsrufBQG9eEz8axZaOux0ZhmRpHnZZIr1H-Aw~~FrU-Ho-7SUuz5gxKwX2ntpyCQIbncuF3s8RQh5e4I6HuSzbhqhr49mVk-fKaB0GCobeBlH4Z4MwhYR8nq3Ki4P-aSx0sthMwrtvfm8nMjzqhPe58pWCsURsp2NzpBP7yoIfOZ1ya1G61HxQNWCGCm0NbDKdMI09rjwdwFz216Lbut0tCW82o~F6JiyuBgw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Saint Louis Park School Board voted unanimously on March 25 to approve a midyear budget update for fiscal year 2025 and to adopt budget assumptions to guide preparation of the fiscal 2026 budget.

The board approved a midyear general-fund revenue estimate of about $82.8 million and reported expenditures running near $84 million after adjustments, driven primarily by salaries and benefits and special-education costs. Director Magnuson summarized the midyear adjustments as incorporating “the impact of our enrollment increase this fall, special education revenue increases, actual staffing costs, and revised projections in other areas like utilities and transportation.”

Why it matters: the board acknowledged a projected $2 million budget shortfall first announced in October 2024 and chose to preserve an unreserved fund balance of roughly $5.6 million, about 8% of the budget, as contingency against further cuts. Administrators recommended a longer-term target fund balance of 12%–16% but did not build that growth into the FY26 assumptions.

Key board actions and outcomes

- Midyear fiscal 2025 budget adjustment: approved (vote 7–0). The district said the midyear update reflects higher revenue largely from state special-education aid but also higher staffing costs; the update leaves the unreserved fund balance at about $5.6 million (≈8.2%).

- Fiscal 2026 budget assumptions: approved (vote 7–0). The board approved assumptions that will guide building next year’s budget; those assumptions do not incorporate potential losses in federal or state funding but preserve an 8% fund balance. Superintendent Carla Hines told the board the district will not “try to predict either” possible state or federal funding losses as it builds next year’s budget.

Board discussion cited several risks. Magnuson warned transportation, utilities and insurance are major cost drivers. Board members and staff also noted the governor’s proposed cuts — including a proposed 5% cut to special-education transportation reimbursement — and the potential for federal funding reductions. During discussion a board member said federal funds account for approximately $2,000,000 of district revenue (roughly 3% of the general fund).

On fees and revenue: the board agreed to add a modest technology damage/loss fee (described in discussion as intended to cover less than $20,000 of losses) and to consider differentiated rental fees for premium spaces. The district is encouraging creation of a district-wide booster club to support extracurriculars. State law will raise the basic per-pupil funding factor by 2.74% under current law, the district said; the legislature had not adjourned and final numbers could change.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of meeting agenda (vote 7–0). Motion moved by Taylor; seconded by Sarah.

- Consent agenda (payroll, accounts payable, minutes, personnel): approved (vote 7–0).

- Policy 5.15 (Protection and privacy of people’s records), second reading and adoption: approved (vote 7–0).

- FY25 midyear budget adjustment: approved (vote 7–0).

- FY26 budget assumptions: approved (vote 7–0).

What the board said: Director Magnuson said the district is recommending holding the fund balance steady rather than spending reserves now, and described an ongoing effort to control cost drivers. Superintendent Hines said changes were made to address both academic achievement and the district’s $2 million projected shortfall and reiterated that principals and teachers will participate in schedule and implementation decisions. Board members urged continued advocacy at the state level and noted the difficulty of additional local revenue because the district is at the referendum cap for operating levies.

Ending: Board members framed the approvals as preparatory steps in a multi-step budget process. The board plans to present final proposed budgets in June and adopt budgets at the last June meeting as required by state law.","The Saint Louis Park School Board on March 25 approved midyear budget adjustments for fiscal 2025 and adopted budget assumptions for fiscal 2026, keeping an 8% fund balance and warning of possible future cuts tied to state and federal funding uncertainty.",{"_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},6592776,"Teachers and parents urge Saint Louis Park schools to abandon proposed 5.5 teaching schedule and cuts to specialists",2692,558000,3250000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2769840-3fe0ea70a0640f45fb3cf3c50c473809&start=558&end=3250","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2769840-3fe0ea70a0640f45fb3cf3c50c473809/thumbnail_558000.jpg","/articles/6592776/Minnesota/Teachers-and-parents-urge-Saint-Louis-Park-schools-to-abandon-proposed-55-teaching-schedule-and-cuts-to-specialists","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6592776-5289ae6b9eed4f2d514cd2051cc19d25/orig.mp4?Expires=1771095766&Signature=lDPo2ZqLYLGB19j86EWFdCxrj4hFrf8d8aaXdky8QqGkPYgaxAyjkjVzlPmFGK8rbX9f-kNCCfGP0XpdlVIcrUzcao2fOoQFPkO-B17CPdDziinfBHyCfLKkvVBd7PF~Sz7dhXIwy0x-zsnAJDK3aR6d4I502yiuifATVYOJj8TYSSKI-Z3Xx5cqmJLwRmTaYzDE8fNZAv4ey0Dy~u39A3HzkR1eu7cuGBXgWKyeZa~z2YO1kF4nsNZuJ1ml4fGuZeFZYsVDnXYxgXUMErAP9Tsn5nHJ2bSOxPhj3kToSUJuoYlK7Ro9AjQQ7nG2Z9zDHO7OkfccVw4hAk9Pv99oCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of Saint Louis Park teachers and parents pressed the school board on March 25, 2025, to drop a proposed shift that would have secondary teachers teach 5.5 out of 7 periods and reduce specialist time at elementary schools. Speakers said the changes would significantly increase teacher workload and reduce students’ access to physical education, library and other specialist instruction.

The speakers’ concerns centered on a proposed “transition year” in which some secondary teachers would teach six classes for one semester instead of the current five instructional classes plus a supervision/prep period. “We have been informed that we will be teaching 5.5 sections out of 7 next year … This means that for 1 semester of the year, we would be teaching 6 classes out of 7 periods daily,” said Keisha Peel, who identified herself as a Saint Louis Park resident, parent and high school teacher and as a teachers-union representative. Peel and other teachers said the change would be unusually heavy compared with neighboring districts and would sharply reduce prep and student support time.

Why it matters: parents and teachers said increased classroom loads would reduce teachers’ ability to provide individual help, advise clubs or coach sports, and would cut time for specialist classes that families said are essential to child development and curriculum breadth.

High-school teachers emphasized the human cost. “That schedule change puts in jeopardy our ability to have close relationships with students, provide them with high levels of support while holding high expectations,” Peel said. Several other teachers and parents described personal and professional strain from similar past experiences. “The added workload impacted the quality of my teaching, my relationships at home, and my overall health,” said Anson Opara, who identified himself as a resident, high-school math teacher and varsity soccer coach.

Parents described being blindsided by the timeline and said they had not seen notices explaining the rationale. Several speakers said elementary changes would sharply reduce the frequency of gym classes and library time. “Reducing the frequency of the gym classes so dramatically — daily to one to two times per week — is something parents really appreciate and choose Saint Louis Park for,” said Laura Kipers, who identified herself as a parent of a third grader at Park Spanish Immersion. Another parent estimated library visits would move to an “every eight days” rotation, a roughly 48% reduction from the current schedule.

Speakers repeatedly urged the board and administration to pursue alternate budget reductions and to include teachers and families in planning. “If there is a need to go forward with a block schedule … please meet that with a high level of communication and support to our families,” parent Robert Ankel said.

District response and context: Superintendent Carla Hines said the district proposed schedule changes to address “low academic achievement and the $2,000,000 budget reduction that was projected and announced in October of 2024,” and asserted the changes were intended to increase core instructional time while preserving specialist access. Hines said the district had sought input through listening sessions, surveys and design-team recommendations and noted recommended increases in “movement throughout the school day,” additional teacher professional development on mindful movement, flexible classroom furniture and a 10-minute recess increase at elementary schools. She said principals and teachers would continue to be involved in finalizing middle- and high-school block schedules.

Speakers asked for specifics about how the district measured benefits and how schedule changes were communicated. Several parents said they could not find prior notice of the proposed changes in strategic plan surveys or focus-group invitations and called for additional community consultation before implementation.

What was not decided: The board did not vote on schedule changes at the March 25 meeting. The speakers’ remarks occurred during the public comment portion of the meeting; the board heard testimony but took no formal action on the schedule item that night.

Ending: Parents and teachers requested more detailed data, clearer communication and alternatives that would preserve specialist time and teacher prep. Multiple speakers said they would consider enrollment decisions based on the outcome. The district’s next formal steps on scheduling were not finalized at the meeting; board members and principals were described as continuing to work with teachers to determine final schedules.","At the March 25 Saint Louis Park School Board meeting teachers, coaches and dozens of parents urged the board to reverse proposed secondary schedule changes that would require teachers to teach an extra half-class during a transition year and to preserve elementary specialists such as daily physical education and library time.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

District reports mixed results on state 'World’s Best Workforce' goals and launches summer learning design team

Board approves FY25 midyear budget update and sets FY26 assumptions as state and federal funding uncertainties loom

Teachers and parents urge Saint Louis Park schools to abandon proposed 5.5 teaching schedule and cuts to specialists