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South St. Paul board honors retirees, student reps and spring athletics
Summary
The board’s May 27 meeting featured retiree recognitions, outgoing and incoming student school board representatives and summaries from spring activity coaches. The district celebrated multiple staff reaching 25‑ and 33‑year milestones, student scholarship totals and highlights from sports and fine arts seasons.
May 27, 2025 — Before its business calendar the South Saint Paul Public Schools board spent the early portion of its meeting recognizing long‑time employees, acknowledging outgoing student representatives and hearing highlights from spring athletics, activities and arts programs.
Administrators honored multiple retirees and long‑service staff. Terry Bridal (principal, Kaposje Education Center) introduced Brenda Miller, who the meeting identified as celebrating her 25th year with the district and described as a long‑time special education teacher; Principal Martie (Lincoln Center) recognized LaVonne Francis (unable to attend) and Kathy Ryu, who the meeting said spent 31 years with South Saint Paul Public Schools and helped start what became the district’s SUN (Students With Unique Needs) program. Middle school principal Leah Borg honored Peggy (Peggy Palumbo) and Bob Peter Feso for long careers — the meeting said Peggy taught since 1988 and served 37 years overall and that Peter Feso served about 35 years in the district.
Superintendent Dr. Zambrino and principals noted the retirees’ classroom contributions and thanked them for decades of service. The meeting also singled out several employees who reached 25‑year milestones.
Student voice: outgoing & incoming representatives
Student school board representatives Jackson Schultz and Amal (Amal Fakak) delivered their final report, summarizing student surveys, increased college‑visiting activity and student leadership efforts. They noted the Educational Foundation had awarded about $605,000 in scholarships this year and listed upcoming graduation dates: the CLC commencement on June 10 and the high school ceremony on June 12. The board introduced incoming student representatives Fannette Riso, Chloe (last name not specified) and Monty Whitaker.
Spring activities and fine arts highlights
Activities and athletics director Brady Krueger and multiple coaches presented season recaps. Highlights included:
- Girls track and field: the girls’ team won the true team section meet for the first time since 2015 and qualified for the true team state meet. Coaches noted several school records and all‑conference performers. - Baseball: coaches reported an 8‑12 record, growth in wins over the previous year and several players headed to college programs. - Softball: the team finished 10‑12 and produced two all‑conference selections (Chloe O'Neil and Audrey Madsen) plus additional honorable mentions; the team earned All‑State academic recognition at the gold level as a team. - Boys tennis, golf, knowledge bowl and theater: coaches and student participants summarized participation, academic All‑State awards for individuals and accomplishments such as the knowledgeable team qualifying for the state tournament and placing 12th in its division. - Girls flag football: a newly launched program drew more than 50 participants across grades 7–12 and fielded varsity, JV and B squads. Coach Matt Teaglin called it “an indescribable experience” to see girls access the sport; the team was undefeated at home and had players named to all‑conference lists: Alana Searing (all‑conference), Micaiah Davis (honorable mention), Aviana (last name variant in transcript) and Ava Castillo (honorable mentions listed by coach).
Administrators and coaches emphasized the combination of academic achievement and extracurricular participation. For example, softball reported team academic All‑State gold level (team GPA 3.75+), and several individual student athletes earned individual academic accolades. The board and superintendent thanked all coaches, activity advisors and the Educational Foundation for scholarship support and transportation assistance to post‑secondary visits.
Ending
After the recognitions and program highlights the board proceeded to its consent and business agenda. Administrators encouraged families to register for summer programs and public summer meal service, and the district noted continuing community education and adult basic education offerings.
