January 8 Meeting Highlights

Oath of Office for Newly Elected School Board Members
Vice-Chair Sarah Larsen administered the oath of office to the newly elected School Board members – Tim Aune, Byron Schwab, Morgan Steele and Randi Walz.

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Election of Officers

Action Item - School Board Chair:
Current Vice-Chair Sarah Larsen called for nominations for School Board Chair. Jon Vaupel nominated Sarah Larsen. Vice-Chair Larsen called for nominations three times. No other nominations were made.

Sarah Larsen was elected as School Board Chair (7-0).

Action Item - Vice-Chair/Clerk:
Chair Sarah Larsen called for nominations for Vice-Chair/Clerk. Marcus Hill nominated Jon Vaupel. Chair Larsen called for nominations three times. No further nominations were made.

Jon Vaupel was elected as School Board Vice-Chair/Clerk (7-0).

Action Item - Treasurer:
Chair Sarah Larsen called for nominations for Treasurer. Tim Aune nominated Byron Schwab. Chair Larsen called for nominations three times. No further nominations were made.

Byron Schwab was re-elected as School Board Treasurer (7-0).

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Action Item - Approval of the Agenda
The site report from Pilot Knob STEM Magnet School was removed from the main agenda. 

The motion carried (7-0).

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Action Item - Approval of Consent Agenda
Approval of the appointment of the ISD 197 School Board Member to the ISD 917 School Board was added to the consent agenda.

The motion carried (7-0).

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Listening Session Report
Board member Vaupel stated that no one attended the Listening Session.

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Recognitions
The following students were recognized for National Mentoring Month - Quetzalli Cardoso and Axel Klemme from Heritage and Vivienne Douah and Sol Mogelson from Friendly Hills. Board members thanked them for their leadership.

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Recognitions Continued
Two Rivers High School senior Arina Axinia was in attendance as she has been awarded a full-ride, four-year scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania through the QuestBridge National College Match program, which connects high-achieving high school seniors with scholarships to top colleges. Out of nearly 21,000 applicants, Arina is one of only around 2,000 students in the U.S. to receive a full four-year scholarship through the 2023 QuestBridge National College Match program.

Two Rivers High School senior Arina Axinia pictured with Superintendent Peter Olson-Skog and Board Chair Sarah Larsen.

 

 

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Student Representative’s Report
Student Representatives LaRae Dodson and Samantha Villa stated that Garlough is hosting a Culvers night tomorrow from 4:00-7:00 pm in West St. Paul. They will also host a Pie Night on January 23 from 5:30-6:30pm while Mendota will have a sledding party on that same date. Kindergarten registration will be held on January 18. Friendly Hills will be hosting winter music concerts on January 9 and 11. Heritage is hosting the LGBTQIA+ Parent/Guardian night on January 10 from 6:00-7:30 pm. They will also host a Traditional Winter Storytelling and Family Resource night on January 18 from 5:00-7:00 pm. Finals are approaching for students at Two Rivers. Winter sports are underway. Highlights include the varsity jazz dance team took first place at their invite; the Nordic Ski team took first place at their last race; and Speech and Debate took second overall at their first tournament. Musical rehearsals are underway for “Big Fish”. On January 15, Key Club is hosting an MLK Day of Service on a non-student day.

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Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Olson-Skog began with a list of accomplishments the school district celebrated in 2023. Two Rivers High School was named a Top High School by U.S. News and World Report. Two Rivers inducted an inaugural class to the Warrior Hall of Fame. Staff members from across the District received awards for their exceptional work. Students from all of the schools continue to shine both inside and outside of the classroom. On to 2024, students at Moreland Arts & Health Sciences Magnet School have kicked off their large-scale community mural through a school-wide residency project. Students and staff will be working together to create a mural for the backside of the school building, scheduled to be installed later this spring. The annual district survey is now open and will remain open for families through February 2. The goals of the survey are to gather feedback from district parents and guardians and measure progress toward the strategic goals. Each parent/guardian should have received a personalized link to their survey. Board member Byron Schwab has attained the Minnesota School Board Association Directors’ Award for 2023-2024. This recognition is reserved for board members who complete 100 or more hours of attendance at MSBA sponsored meetings and activities within a four-year period of time. Byron will be honored at the Leadership Conference Recognition Luncheon later this week.

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ISD 917 Program Overview
Board member Byron Schwab introduced ISD 917 Superintendent Dr. Michael Favor. The purpose of ISD 917 is to offer member E-12 school districts’ students and families services in the areas of special education for birth to 21, and career and technical education and alternative education for grades 10-12. Nine school districts are members of ISD 917. Benefits of membership include access to programs and services, representation on advisory groups, representation on the board, and some of the costs are covered through a levy rather than the general fund. For the 23-24 school year, 9 School District 197 students are participating in CTE, 88 students are receiving special education services while 34 students are enrolled in the Dakota County Area Learning School.

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Site Report from Two Rivers High School
Principal Al Johnson provided a site report for Two Rivers High School. Two Rivers offers an outstanding academic program and a personalized learning environment that prepares students for post-secondary education and careers. Dr. Johnson shared these points of pride: growing school spirit; growing student population; students achieving academic success; and creating unique opportunities. New in the 23-24 school year is the work-based learning center and supporting the social/emotional needs of all students.

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Focus Area Update on Equity
Peter Mau, Assistant Superintendent, and Kevin Sheridan, Educational Equity Coordinator, presented an update on the implementation target of equity within the Strategic Framework. The school district strives to have diverse classrooms and schools as well as a quality and diverse staff. School District 197 commits to promoting equity in educational programs and extracurricular activities, and strives to recruit, hire and retain a diverse workforce that reflects the demographics of the student population. Staff strive for equitable resource allocation that ensures that all students have the access and opportunities necessary to succeed. Relevant curriculum, equitable rubrics for decision-making and inclusive instructional practices are provided. Staff seek to gather and understand student perspectives, especially those from historically marginalized groups, in decision-making processes, create spaces for student affinity groups, and provide leadership opportunities. The district strives for equitable family and community partnerships as well to help staff better understand the perspectives, goals and priorities of the communities.

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Action Item – Approval of Proposed 2024-2025 School Board Meeting Dates
Superintendent Olson-Skog presented the proposed 2024-2025 School Board meeting dates. Generally, School Board meetings will be held on the first and third Monday of the month, with some exceptions due to holidays and non-student contact days. There is not a proposed meeting in July and only one meeting in December. Proposed dates include August 5 and 19; September 9 and 23; October 7 and 21; November 4 and 18; December 9; January 6 and 21; February 3 and 18; March 3 and 17; April 7 and 21; May 5 and 19; June 2 and 16.

The motion carried (7-0).

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Adjournment

The motion carried (7-0).