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Board approves 2026'29 Achievement & Integration plan after debate on focus and measurement
Summary
The board voted to approve the district's three-year Achievement and Integration plan (ANI), which centers on closing racial achievement gaps—particularly among Hispanic students—using an $840,000 ANI grant and other supports; the motion carried with one recorded dissent.
Directors and staff presented the district's 2026'29 Achievement and Integration (ANI) plan, identifying three strategic goals (increase racial and economic integration opportunities, reduce achievement disparities, and strengthen adult professional learning) and associated KIPs (key indicators of progress) the district will report to the state.
Presenters said that the plan emphasizes Hispanic students because district disaggregated data showed the largest achievement disparities in that subgroup and because the ANI grant requires measurable KIPs the state can track. "That's the goal," a director said when asked whether the KIPs targeted specific student groups. Staff noted the plan includes broader activities for all students even while the KIPs prioritize groups with the largest gaps.
Board discussion probed whether the plan sufficiently addresses economic disparities in addition to racial disparities, whether the metrics (enrollment in advanced courses, AP participation, progress monitoring using FastBridge) capture meaningful academic gains, and whether past ANI spending provided adequate return on investment. One board member noted prior three-year results and questioned whether the gains justified continued investment, citing an estimated $2.4 million spent over three years and modest percentage gains; presenters responded that MDE has reviewed and described the district as making satisfactory progress and that system-level change requires long-term work.
After debate, a board member moved to approve the 2026'29 Achievement and Integration plan; the motion passed and the chair called for the ayes. One board member voiced opposition and said "nay" before the motion carried.
Ending: The plan was approved and will be submitted as the district's ANI application/plan to the state; staff said the plan will align KIP measurement with other district assessment work and return to the board with implementation details.
