Board Chair Gabler opened the Jan. 12 meeting by announcing that after interviewing Dr. Bittman last Thursday, the board "by unanimous agreement" extended a contract offer to him to serve as permanent superintendent of Edina Public Schools. Chair Gabler congratulated Dr. Bittman and the community and said the formal employment agreement (agenda item 7f) will be tabled until the board's February meeting.

Later in the meeting the chair read the board's midyear evaluation summary, reporting the board finds interim superintendent Dr. Bittman "displays many strengths, and the board feels that he has met or is in on track to meet each of his goals for the 2025–26 year." The summary praised his collaborative leadership and commitment to student learning.

The board did not take a final vote on the employment agreement at the Jan. 12 meeting; the specific employment contract language and final ratification are scheduled for consideration at the February meeting. The midyear evaluation summary was made available in the board packet for public review.