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Mahtomedi board approves three-year Achievement and Integration plan and ANI funding
Summary
The Mahtomedi Public School District board approved a three-year Achievement and Integration (ANI) plan March 23 and authorized use of the state ANI funds—just over $400,000 per year—to support intervention, AVID courses, behavior and partnership strategies.
The Mahtomedi Public School District school board on March 23 approved a three-year Achievement and Integration (ANI) plan and the accompanying budget that will use state ANI funds—just over $400,000 per year—to support interventions, teacher professional learning and partnership activities with neighboring District 622.
Superintendent Dr. Riel presented the plan to the board, telling members that the program’s stated purpose “is to pursue racial and economic integration, increase student achievement, create equitable educational opportunities, and reduce academic disparities based on students diverse racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds in Minnesota public schools.” He described the district’s role as partner with North St. Paul–Maplewood–Oakdale (District 622) and reviewed the four required goal areas and five strategies that will guide spending and programming for 2027–29.
The plan sets four headline goals the board reviewed: reduce the disproportionality of out-of-school suspensions by 30 percent; increase the percentage of students demonstrating grade-level proficiency in reading and math; increase participation by historically marginalized students in AP and College-in-the-Schools courses; and adopt a shared partnership goal aligned with District 622’s metrics. Dr. Riel described five strategies to reach those goals: behavior supports and skill building, strengthened academic interventions (including reading and math interventionists), expanded professional learning and coaching for teachers, additional AVID elective sections and systemwide use of AVID strategies, and structured partnership activities with District 622.
Board members asked for clarifications about budgeting, measurement and state review. When asked about budget size, Dr. Riel confirmed the plan anticipates “just over $400,000 per year for three years.” He also explained the district will report ANI outcomes annually and that the Minnesota Department of Education typically reviews and asks for refinements when districts submit three-year plans.
Dr. Riel said some district positions and programs currently funded from a mix of sources will continue to be sustained through ANI funds braided with other revenue (for example, AVID tutors, reading and math interventionists, and a literacy coach). He said strategies are intended to benefit all students while also targeting gaps identified in district data.
Board member discussion included questions about how progress will be tracked (surveys and FastBridge assessments were cited for academic indicators), examples of interventions to reduce suspensions, and how the district will coordinate with principals and school staff to implement the plan. After discussion, Director Donna moved and Director Dolman seconded approval; the board approved the plan by voice vote.
Next steps: the district will submit the approved ANI application to the Minnesota Department of Education and continue refining activity-level details and partnership protocols with District 622 as the plan moves into implementation.
