[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",6220035,"mediaKeyId","3619242-d46f46f3f45302e035bb249520296803","parentId",3619242,"title","Board renews Minnesota State High School League membership as activities director reports new programs and state finalists","audioSeconds",1117,"startMs",6431000,"endMs",7548000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3619242-d46f46f3f45302e035bb249520296803&start=6431&end=7548","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3619242-d46f46f3f45302e035bb249520296803/thumbnail_6431000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6220035/Minnesota/Board-renews-Minnesota-State-High-School-League-membership-as-activities-director-reports-new-programs-and-state-finalists","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6220035-c55e4fecb76c3c09e597945f48291cf7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770566655&Signature=iuYGqANsR-Ie3z7O25diGQEWLKaMG4GNzwxnmQRZ3J1KMBk5q7k8Pr6tq6HQwrhosCTBZzGQJ1U-StmoQIqCnZbwhNYPOoQdsQN8di3jhcL5U4pTFhRDiW23~e0t5Eylym3ERHBYa9qNcX-wY9l8Mvri5uhM5xxO14b9rpPjSdOgGAVjyND199Vm1KY-3M~0Ff3QPTaVEYQlf~Iw1gms9aO-mz~pRfHlj6ljbOG--dG9ZuB6UBdqdbsQvlVzlDB4xKjgDTGXZKpYUlsL4hcMU6nrfkZFonnTDfKP3ZT7b-pwO1Dtg4l2duUJ5YU4~P7MCJnXRxpD-qE1R5gW9sEQfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC SCHOOL DIST","date","2025-06-02T08:34:57.607Z","article","The Columbia Heights School Board on May 27 voted to renew the district’s membership in the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), a step board members said is necessary to allow school teams and activity groups to compete in league‑sanctioned events.

The membership resolution delegates interscholastic control to the MSHSL under Minnesota statute and the league’s handbook; the board approved the resolution by roll‑call vote.

Activities Director Jake Henderson gave a spring update before the membership vote, highlighting new programs and postseason participation. Henderson said the district ran inaugural girls flag football at the middle school and launched boys volleyball at the high school; boys volleyball’s season ended in a section loss to Brooklyn Center. He also noted Columbia Heights had a state speech champion (Taymoy Epps), multiple state qualifiers in speech, a synchronized swimming team that attended state and visual art entries that scored among the highest in the Minnesota State High School League judging.

Henderson told the board about a busy summer slate of camps and activities, including dance, tennis, theater and strength camps, and emphasized efforts to keep activity costs affordable and to publicize fee‑reduction and scholarship options for families. He noted the district offers a sliding fee scale tied to free and reduced‑price lunch status and said scholarship requests have not been turned away.

Why it matters: Membership in the MSHSL is the standard mechanism by which Minnesota schools compete in athletics, speech and fine arts; renewing membership ensures Columbia Heights can continue to enter teams and students into league competitions. The activities update illustrated program growth and student achievement, from state finalists to new seasonal offerings.

What’s next: The district will move forward under MSHSL rules for the coming seasons; Activities will continue summer programming and work to improve outreach about fee assistance for families.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board Meeting May 27th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Columbia Heights board unanimously renewed membership in the Minnesota State High School League on May 27; Activities Director Jake Henderson reported inaugural seasons for boys volleyball and girls flag football, a state speech champion and other spring highlights.","taxTitle","COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PUBLIC SCHOOL DIST, School Boards, Minnesota","taxId",38741,"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},6220044,"AVID program credited with college preparation; seniors report $2.3 million in scholarship applications so far",749,3266000,4015000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3619242-d46f46f3f45302e035bb249520296803&start=3266&end=4015","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3619242-d46f46f3f45302e035bb249520296803/thumbnail_3266000.jpg","/articles/6220044/Minnesota/AVID-program-credited-with-college-preparation-seniors-report-23-million-in-scholarship-applications-so-far","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6220044-2ba4e1388b0d65065edc97d15866a212/orig.mp4?Expires=1770566655&Signature=K~ZIJY60RteCipNpejpBgaAMYX4JE3vRc5hJIwlwE~~78d02Z6KuA2E6w3O~1saccYOSB030NU3W2BMTO-l3DBPxMyjRfvILEC2KOnNToBDVkiL2zoLKXHEeTmYbcDDTKZDSfjGGE31Wv12wcm39kpmf~WhSLSGSokKFkklduvOnR~P-qMlSueW85LDKpiKfBfKz2YkGmrxEWf9N5hOyab4qE2zgaeFSNsEz3aoiGMzXYEUqXbvhwOUUu6hMJKpuOtERmBG5-CH3pBH059NdonSohtl9o2YDm6brbm4y22CIC9QimXRmcsjvSniHK-UECf5qLHpm8aY4sNOmOLP1LQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Columbia Heights teachers and students told the school board on May 27 that the district’s AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program has expanded across grade levels and is supporting students’ college and career preparation, academic skills and scholarship applications.

AVID teachers and coordinators said the district now offers eight elective AVID sections at Columbia Heights High School (two sections at each grade, 9–12) and multiple AVID elective sections at Columbia Academy and school‑wide AVID strategies at elementary schools. Coordinators reported 186 high‑school AVID students and 109 AVID students at Columbia Academy this year.

AVID teacher Darcy Hedin described WICR‑based instruction (writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, reading), group tutorials, college campus visits and career exploration as core program elements. Hedin said participating students demonstrate higher attendance rates, greater enrollment in rigorous coursework and higher rates of postsecondary enrollment in district data.

Student senior Fernanda Mendez Chamba told the board AVID helped her learn the college application process, prepare for standardized tests and set and track SMART goals. “I was wrong, totally wrong” about how college applications work before AVID, she said, and described using tutorials, writing practice and scholarship databases as concrete benefits.

AVID staff said seniors had already applied to about 232 college scholarships totaling roughly $2,300,000 as of the prior week; that figure does not include FAFSA or Dream Act funding. The high school also visited multiple campus partners and ran an e‑mentor program with UnitedHealth Group for juniors.

Teachers said staff professional development this year included four days of AVID training for Columbia Academy and high‑school teachers focused on academic language, literacy and application of AVID strategies school‑wide. Board members praised the student testimony and asked staff to continue linking AVID work to parent communications and earlier grade levels’ planners.

Why it matters: AVID is a district strategy to close opportunity gaps by giving students organizational, academic‑language and college‑readiness skills; staff and students described measurable outputs (applications, campus visits, scholarship activity) and sustained staff professional development.

What’s next: AVID coordinators plan to continue college and career visits, scholarship supports and expanded parent‑facing communications about AVID strategies implemented in elementary and middle school classrooms.

","Columbia Heights staff told the board AVID electives and school‑wide strategies have expanded across the district and that seniors had applied to roughly 232 scholarships totaling about $2.3 million so far.",{"_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},6220030,"Student representatives present districtwide feedback: uniforms, recess timing, bathrooms and post‑secondary supports",392,2344000,2736000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3619242-d46f46f3f45302e035bb249520296803&start=2344&end=2736","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3619242-d46f46f3f45302e035bb249520296803/thumbnail_2344000.jpg","/articles/6220030/Minnesota/Student-representatives-present-districtwide-feedback-uniforms-recess-timing-bathrooms-and-postsecondary-supports","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6220030-9a92fe5f8b691ee95ef6a4a2d752c116/orig.mp4?Expires=1770566655&Signature=menih-jcQZe5S~xKWwsxBxxeV~MzNNrtllZp54pNCDuww7vHLv2GjhCHwMk2iIgzy2cGKv0vlh0Fpzrl16VTlsC83wDJZijqLQlFPrcBv8qmwbBZm92QblMl3QX9xr2CFZr6NPtwxjhIjJGzh7Hm97ytZJUGw7795A19RUUv8pztnomyEtfO3XnfbGs14R5mDh4rwscjmo-IlfISTMYuBQHRW-J~IogZR5~Fvm7EhgMZ42N~m3d~fpD7ilk80bcVniqKjLoAz-gg0LFaO38Bw0CpDE3zOEzhdEftcB8uVbuaVjihrYUbfhodkmoUWr-eg2-4f1hIm-KFn~b~B86VJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Student school board representatives presented a districtwide summary to the Columbia Heights School Board on May 27 after meeting with students from Valley View, Highland, North Park, Columbia Academy and Columbia Heights High School.

The student team said they met with groups across grades 2–12 and asked what students value, what they enjoy about the school day, what changes they want and what matters most. The presentation reported school‑level highlights and specific recommendations:

- Valley View (35 students, grades 3–5): Students said they value kind classmates and staff, specialists and recess. Recommendations included removing the uniform requirement, improving the playground, involving students in lunch planning, improving bathrooms and extending recess. Students had raised nearly $2,000 for SECA, the presentation noted.

- Highland (grades 2–4): Students valued math and reading projects, science and outdoor activities, and connections with teachers. Recommendations included moving recess before lunch, safer play at recess, more outdoor eating on nice days, more free time and reduced phone use.

- North Park School for Innovation: Students highlighted caring teachers, STEM curriculum, a bio digester (noted as a distinctive facility feature) and creative specialists. Requests included fewer tests and more projects, leadership jobs for students, and more field trips.

- Columbia Academy (grades 6–8): Students valued after‑school programs, course offerings and community events. Concerns included the cost of uniforms and extracurriculars, limited color choices for hijabs and pants, restricted phone access and lunch line processes; students also wanted larger lunch portions and more cold‑lunch options.

- Columbia Heights High School (14 students): Students stressed the value of PSEO and stacking AP/ARCC classes, a wide variety of courses and the 2‑day, 4‑block schedule. Recommendations included expanded post‑secondary resources and counseling, updated sports equipment, more social workers and better Wi‑Fi and filtered site access; vaping education and elimination was a recurring request.

Representatives said next steps include following up with principals (student leaders will connect with Principal Wynne for high‑school topics) and sending a welcome‑back letter in September to inform students of items the board and administration will address. Superintendent Stenvick and board members thanked the students for the “connection”‑focused presentation and asked staff to circulate the full slide deck in the Friday packet.

Why it matters: The report brings student voice into district planning on uniforms, recess scheduling, facilities, mental‑health supports and college‑and‑career resources, and sets clear follow‑up steps for administration.

What’s next: Administration will coordinate with principals and the superintendent’s office to respond to the student recommendations, and the student team will receive a written follow‑up in September.

","Student school board representatives reported input from students across Columbia Heights schools on May 27, with recurring themes of connection, concerns about uniform costs and calls for more post‑secondary supports and better Wi‑Fi.",{"_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},6220049,"Columbia Heights board hears $14.5 million Valley View indoor-air-quality plan; vote set for June 10",754,5575000,6329000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3619242-d46f46f3f45302e035bb249520296803&start=5575&end=6329","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3619242-d46f46f3f45302e035bb249520296803/thumbnail_5575000.jpg","/articles/6220049/Minnesota/Columbia-Heights-board-hears-145-million-Valley-View-indoor-air-quality-plan-vote-set-for-June-10","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6220049-35a40493eb0fb062dd1935ab9bae173a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770566655&Signature=SgvYszYwUlHoIBGTJyF4jvgTw~oBnkaHHn~5X33Cu1viU-BD0EQrgQ0zz~oCfm2HYKPKSMmVvYl8c87Rh6-w5zgEMdJvmsHY4rnk-dtoRwjLtDZhiAOasJ705hgG8R4lPOSeaZCnS7ijkzh1mXpsDJglTfdI5J7xCbXeyTOoCYfQqbgB3UHUTapXD1vW14iGBhJyodgpgC6ogB9KmXbShkGxxk0ecpogOCe32Kl1PA5Ecq5RZ5EboCXnUp~rgiwKCzlM5~uG56LqGGJ7UhcLfgtJLThb2AMwgr-Gcv-soOFtrVeZWwkHUbII2q5GPas6F8SuykQSxsyKHabyvzLCiw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District facilities staff on May 27 laid out a multi‑year long‑term facility maintenance (LTFM) program that centers on a $14.5 million indoor air quality project at Valley View Elementary and a continued push to address deferred mechanical and roofing needs across Columbia Heights Public Schools.

The plan was presented to the Columbia Heights Public Schools School Board by Director Hennikins, who said the Valley View project is the largest single item in the district’s near‑term LTFM work and that the board’s formal approval will be requested at the June 10 meeting.

The presentation framed the project inside a broader 10‑year LTFM outlook. Director Hennikins told the board the district’s 2026 budget year shows a one‑time spike driven by the Valley View indoor‑air‑quality scope and that district deferred maintenance needs — particularly mechanical systems — remain substantial. He said a prior mechanical study had estimated about $46 million in mechanical needs and that later estimates put the district’s deferred mechanical needs closer to roughly $80 million.

The board heard specifics for near‑term projects: roof work at Columbia Academy (three roof sections, “just under a million dollars”), continued district mechanical work, casework and flooring projects and a future increase in mechanical allocations once the district’s roofing backlog is addressed. Director Hennikins explained the district will include asbestos abatement allowances within project budgets and said some annual asbestos work is routine.

Board members asked about how the district manages cost volatility for materials and whether membership in the Northeast Metro 916 consortium affects the process. Director Hennikins and Superintendent Stenvick said most major projects for fiscal year 2026 are already in procurement or planning stages, which limits immediate cost exposure, and noted that membership in cooperative entities like Metro 9‑16 involves oversight by member districts and by board representatives and finance directors who meet regularly.

No formal action was taken on May 27. Director Hennikins said the district will return the LTFM resolution and the detailed 10‑year plan to the board for a vote on June 10, when the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) will also be asked to confirm the project approvals required under state LTFM procedures.

Why it matters: Valley View’s indoor air quality and the district’s mechanical backlog are priority capital and health‑and‑safety concerns that drive how the district plans facility spending and uses LTFM funding. The board’s June decision will determine whether the district moves forward with state‑approved project funding and levy allowances for indoor‑air‑quality work.

What’s next: The board will consider a resolution to approve the district’s LTFM plan, including the Valley View indoor‑air‑quality project, at its June 10 meeting. Staff said MDE review is required after board approval and that detailed project budgets and timelines will be presented with the action item.

","District staff presented a proposed long‑term facility maintenance plan that includes a $14.5 million indoor air quality project for Valley View Elementary, roofing work at Columbia Academy and an increased focus on mechanical systems; the board did not vote and will consider the resolution and related approvals at its June 10 meeting.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6220039,"Board approves Amplify ELA, Envision math for grades 6–8 and adds high‑school personal finance course",260,7713000,7973000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3619242-d46f46f3f45302e035bb249520296803&start=7713&end=7973","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3619242-d46f46f3f45302e035bb249520296803/thumbnail_7713000.jpg","/articles/6220039/Minnesota/Board-approves-Amplify-ELA-Envision-math-for-grades-68-and-adds-highschool-personal-finance-course","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6220039-2341f3b44b2879f6a35c1e61268c1f2c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770566655&Signature=kCtOcwBldzIwxXH0hVYYxYeQsk0ka2hqUcpDg72suR-byDVU~lYtuvBgWvgCSlUoGQ6aNomJJvawym01swqIe0kk88fr0CC-eRmNZ~jhgo1uRs9i-xRvmu0DvpjqYYy6khYpQdoDNgxV-LXS1XUZZTr7syBOvKR7Th45wing9up2N0QPklFHT4edOpTpj8n-LU3jjBo-CawHJr1DEGxAz5MtieQimQDQ4igzmMksLWOzcWDVuGQsAGncgnNPudJujM0LB~s7EDcBawxBZYzukWrlbskhuTBpuYg0YHk-ImgHGrKu9n-HkgSa5ifjcKVUET0zNPeLaWoqJjc1NHBXGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbia Heights Public Schools School Board voted May 27 to adopt new middle‑grade curriculum materials and to add a high‑school personal finance course for 2025–26.

Director Tuckrell and coordinators Gartner and Matusovic summarized the district’s curriculum review and recommended adoption of Amplify for English language arts and Envision for grades 6–8 math. The board was also presented with a legislative requirement to provide a personal finance course at the high‑school level; the board approved adding that course beginning with the 2025–26 school year.

Board discussion reiterated that the materials and the adoption process were reviewed with teachers and made available for public review prior to the vote. The administration said families who want to review curriculum materials can contact principals or teachers or visit posted resources. The motion to approve the ELA and math adoptions and the personal finance course carried on a voice vote.

Why it matters: Adoption of updated ELA and math materials and the establishment of a required personal finance course will shape instruction and course offerings for incoming middle and high‑school students. Staff said the materials reflect district priorities and that teacher feedback guided the recommendation.

What’s next: The district will implement Envision and Amplify in grades 6–8 and add the new personal finance course to the high‑school catalog for 2025–26; teachers and coordinators will continue rollout and family engagement opportunities ahead of fall classes.

","After a May 13 informational presentation, the Columbia Heights board voted May 27 to adopt Amplify for English language arts and Envision for grades 6–8 math and to add a legislatively required personal finance course at the high school beginning 2025–26.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board renews Minnesota State High School League membership as activities director reports new programs and state finalists

AVID program credited with college preparation; seniors report $2.3 million in scholarship applications so far

Student representatives present districtwide feedback: uniforms, recess timing, bathrooms and post‑secondary supports

Columbia Heights board hears $14.5 million Valley View indoor-air-quality plan; vote set for June 10

Board approves Amplify ELA, Envision math for grades 6–8 and adds high‑school personal finance course