Board hears Achievement & Integration plan update; asks for clearer KPIs and evidence of impact

Prior Lake‑Savage Area Schools administration presented proposed changes to the district’s Achievement & Integration (A&I) plan at the Feb. 23 study session, outlining priorities intended to promote racial and economic integration, reduce disparities, and direct resources to early literacy, targeted interventions and family engagement.

Dr. Michael Thomas told the board A&I funding mixes state aid and a 30% local levy contribution; administration said current A&I revenue is “just under $1,000,000” and forecast next‑year eligibility around $970,000. The superintendent said the plan will sharpen strategies and carry forward promising work while aligning to Minnesota Department of Education templates and the district’s strategic plan.

Board requests and evidence

Several directors asked for clearer key performance indicators and baselines. Director Mason requested concise progress indicators; Dr. Thomas said the district will baseline the three‑year cycle in fall 2026 and present KIP metrics in March. Director Atkinson, who dissented on the original plan three years ago, said she expected more clearly different or new programming and cited declines in some proficiency metrics as a reason for skepticism: “What are we doing differently? Because I just — I’m — it’s really hard to believe that we spent all this money and we widened the achievement gap,” she said.

Administration said A&I can supplement but not supplant existing state‑mandated services and pointed to student success coaches (three new positions targeted at specific schools), cultural liaisons and translation supports as examples of how funds will be allocated. Dr. Thomas said the district is testing more flexible summer and tutoring models that rely less on centralized transportation, and he noted some work will be evaluated and adjusted based on outcomes.

Notable program elements

- Targeted uses: instructional supports, professional learning, family engagement, translation/interpretation, tutoring and mentoring, transportation supports for events tied to A&I objectives. - New staff investments: three student success coaches aimed at targeted schools; continued funding for elementary/secondary deans to support triage and intervention protocols. - Reporting and timing: administration committed to returning with KIP pages from the MDE template and a more detailed March presentation.

What’s next

The board asked administrators to provide a clearer map linking each proposed staffing or program change to measurable outcomes. Administration said the March study session will include more detailed baselining and the MDE template KIP pages. Public and board feedback will be taken at a town hall scheduled for the week following the meeting.

Ending note: This was a report‑only item; formal board action on the A&I plan is scheduled for the March business meeting.