Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Agate Program topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Brainerd board pauses kindergarten testing for AGATE program for one year to study design
Summary
The Brainerd Public Schools Board voted to pause kindergarten testing for the AGATE (AIG) program for the coming year to allow a study of program design and implementation; the motion passed after board discussion about evaluation timing and the program’s effects on first‑grade placement.
The Brainerd Public Schools Board voted to pause kindergarten testing for the district’s AGATE (AIG) program for one year, saying the temporary suspension will allow staff and outside partners to study the program’s design and implement improvements.
"We have a motion by Director Edelman and a second by Director Heidman to pause testing for kindergartners for the AGATE program this year only," the chair announced before the roll‑call vote.
Board discussion before the vote focused on consequences of a pause. Directors clarified that pausing kindergarten testing this year would mean fewer evaluated students available for AGATE seats in first grade next year because the district would lack fall evaluation data. Some directors described the step as a measured way to review program design; others said pausing testing is not the same as ending the AGATE program.
Director Edelman moved the action and Director Heidman seconded it. The clerk conducted a roll‑call vote; the motion carried with the board recording one explicit 'No' vote from Dzia Dunlinger and multiple 'Yes' votes from other directors as listed in the roll call. The motion was described in meeting minutes as a one‑year pause to study implementation.
A related financial number discussed in the work session and referenced during the new‑business discussion was an estimated $70,000 in short-term savings tied to the temporary change in testing; administration said program design work remains necessary to evaluate longer-term cost and equity implications.
The board did not direct a program elimination; staff and board members said the program will be studied and redesigned as needed, and that first‑grade access for students could be affected for the coming school year by the pause. Administration indicated they will return with findings and recommendations at future work sessions.
Outcome: Motion carried (pause for one year). The board asked staff to study program design and report back in follow-up sessions.
