1.  We have begun MCA testing in our schools. This will continue through the middle of May.

2.  We are continuing to look at staffing for next school year.  Included in that is working to help meet the needs of our Strategic Plan, ensuring proper licenses and also completing evaluations of staff as required.
As we look to cut at least $500,000 from the budget, we have continued to ask, "How can we best use each budget dollar to achieve our long-term vision for student success?" as we make difficult decisions for staffing.

3. The class size committee provided helpful building level feedback on classroom management, student needs, space safety, and staff support. The recommendations are from the staff perspective, but did not take into account budget limits, staffing, space, scheduling and other demands of the district. Lower class sizes are desirable, adopting the recommendations would require added pieces of this list above that are not currently available. The district will continue to prioritize teacher efficacy and student needs as we plan and make decisions. We are unable to implement these recommendations at this time due to rising costs, budget pressures, and last fall's failed referendum. 
PS: 20-22 students per class
IS: 24-26 students per class
MS: 26-28 students per class
HS: registration caps based on teachers input
Additional music accompanist and cap at 70
Increased budgets for electives

4.  Legislative Update-

• Senate: The Senate advanced an omnibus education policy bill with proposed changes on student device restrictions, Read Act revisions, bullying interventions, Tier 2 licensure expansion, interstate teacher mobility, CPR/AED training for coaches, crisis planning for students with disabilities, student board representation, certain K-3 dismissals, opiate antagonist possession, and diplomas for eligible Korean and Vietnam War veterans.
• House policy: The House did not advance a full omnibus policy bill because of the tied chamber, but it did move two narrower bills on early literacy field experiences in teacher preparation and Title I paraprofessional qualifications.
• House finance: The House held an informational hearing on possible PSEO changes for future discussion and also heard bills on CTE-based scholarships, career pathways, student mental health grants, grooming offenses, and teacher retention.
• Budget/forecast: The House passed the K-12 forecast adjustment bill to align appropriations with the February 2026 forecast, while the scholarship-granting organization tax credit proposal failed on a tie vote.
• Senate finance: The Senate Education Finance Committee also discussed anonymous reporting systems, utility costs in operating capital, pool levy eligibility, and literacy aid formula changes, but took no final action.

Important Dates
March 30-April 6, 2026: Easter/Passover Break
April 17, 2026: Third Committee Deadline
May 18, 2026: Adjournment of Legislative Session
June 30: State fiscal year-end.

5. Graduation will take place on May 29 in the evening.  Please be sure to communicate with Angel if you plan to attend or not.

I recommend approving the personnel items as presented.

Policy 706 Acceptance of Gifts permits the school board to accept donations or gifts under the terms of the policy.  I recommend accepting the gifts as described in the enclosure.  Thank you to those who have donated to our schools and students. 

Policy 208, Development, Adoption, and Implementation of Policies Article IV, Subd. D allows for minor changes that do not affect the substance of policy or because of a legal change over which the school board has no control, may be approved at one meeting.  In addition, Article V, Subd. D states the school board shall review policies at least once every three years.

Changes to the attached policies may include formatting or legal references. 

Therefore, the Policy Committee recommends approving the following reviews (our current policy and MSBA's recommended changes in redline version are attached):

I recommend a first reading on the following policies:

503 (Updated):  Student Attendance
515 (Updated):  Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records
625 (New):  Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence 

*Our current policy, revised policy and MSBA's redline versions are attached.