Minnesota / School Boards / South Washington County Schools
Business director Chris Blackburn told the board the district’s revised budget shows roughly $4.8 million in revenue gains and a $500,000 improvement from the original plan but still forecasts a $1.4 million deficit; board members pressed him on special-education aid and summer unemployment funding.
Minnesota / School Boards / South Washington County Schools
Presenters laid out additions and renovations at Bailey, Grey Cloud, Pine Hill and Red Rock elementaries, including new capacity (Bailey and Grey Cloud to 835), pre-K classrooms, code-required storm shelters and interior pod renovations; exterior additions will continue through August 2027.
Minnesota / School Boards / South Washington County Schools
The board ratified the sale of Series 2026A general obligation bonds, with Bank of America winning the competitive sale at a 3.45% interest rate; financial advisors said the refinancing and lower rates increased anticipated taxpayer levy savings to about $5.9 million.
Minnesota / School Boards / South Washington County Schools
Superintendent Julie Nielsen presented 13 policy revisions that largely move into the student handbook; the board approved the package after prior review and public comment opportunity.
Minnesota / School Boards / South Washington County Schools
The board approved a three‑year renewal for Superintendent Julie Nielsen, effective July 1, 2026, including a market‑based salary adjustment with a 2.5% increase in subsequent years, a 403(b) match increase from $7,000 to $10,000, a car allowance rise to $700 per month and one additional paid holiday (Juneteenth).
Minnesota / School Boards / South Washington County Schools
At public comment, parent Jeremy Rivera said the district’s shift from reading specialists to instructional coaches risks students’ reading progress; his daughter Juliana described reading gains tied to her reading specialist. A separate speaker, Roger Green, urged the board to endorse the Achievement and Integration plan.
Minnesota / School Boards / South Washington County Schools
The board unanimously approved a state‑required three‑year Achievement and Integration plan on Feb. 19, 2026, outlining goals to close opportunity gaps, increase teacher equity and expand integration programming; district leaders said the plan includes measurable KPIs and annual progress reports.
Minnesota / School Boards / South Washington County Schools
Administrators previewed the district’s 2026–29 Achievement & Integration (ANI) plan, which focuses on closing achievement gaps, diversifying staff, and boosting community engagement; final vote is scheduled for Feb. 19 with state submission by March 15.
Minnesota / School Boards / South Washington County Schools
District leaders and the indigenous education coordinator reported NAPAC concurrence on a six‑focus plan funded in part by state American Indian Education Aid (about $222,000 for 2025–26), outlining college prep, literacy supports and culturally grounded curriculum.
Minnesota / School Boards / South Washington County Schools
District presenters described a multi-year rollout to align K'12 math instruction with the Minnesota math standards, introduced new elementary enrichment "concept quests," and said a new secondary curriculum will be phased in ahead of MDE's assessment changes; students and board members raised questions about assessment comparisons and course pathways.