Saint Paul school board approves preliminary district goals, schedules broad community engagement

The Saint Paul Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously Jan. 21 to approve a set of preliminary district goals for student achievement and program priorities and to launch a second phase of community engagement to refine those targets.

Vice Chair Gregor Ward, who led the board’s goal‑setting work, told colleagues the draft goals grew out of district surveys and listening sessions with students and staff, and were developed with district research staff. "We came together, talked through our shared desire to be more organized and proactive as a board," Ward said, framing the package as a set of measurable targets the board wants to pursue over the next five years.

The preliminary student‑outcome goals set baseline targets and multi‑year targets tied to state assessments and graduation measures. Among the draft outcomes included in the board packet:

- Reading proficiency: increase…