Official School Board Minutes

Regular Meeting of the School Board
March 1, 2022

The regular meeting of the Board of Education of Independent School District 270 was conducted in person on Tuesday March 1, 2022. The meeting was called to order at  7:04 p.m. 

School Board members present: Treasurer Steve Adams, Vice Chair Andreson Chair Jennifer Bouchard, Director Rachel Hartland, Director Jason Ross, Director Tanya Khan and Clerk Katie Pederson. School Board members absent: None.

Student Board reps present: Isabella McCoy (11) and Elif Ozturk (10). Student Board reps absent: None.

Staff members present: Superintendent Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed. Staff members absent: None.

Open Agenda

Bouchard explained that Open Agenda is facilitated through a designated voicemail box for recorded messages to be played at the meeting. Community members; Nicole, Yen, Laura, Hannah, Ellie and Zhiming addressed the board with comments surrounding the Mask Policy.

Reports

Scholar Board Representatives

McCoy and Ozturk shared that scholars will enjoy a spirit week next week for their spring fling and noted Elif’s legislative work around funding free feminine products in schools.

Superintendent

Mhiripiri-Reed spoke about district events and the success of the Transportation department, led by William Pierce and Paul Spakousky.

Approval of Agenda 

Andreson moved, Pederson seconded, to approve the agenda as presented. Carried.

Consent Calendar 

Pederson moved, Adams seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented: A) Approval of Minutes — Regular Meeting Conducted on February 8, 2022; B) Human Resources — Personnel Updates; C) Policies in Second Read [501, 505, 457, 808]; D) Resolution Directing the Administration to Make Staffing Recommendations; E) Seniority Lists: a. ABE and ECFE, b. Clerical, c. HEA, d. Kids & Co., e. Paraprofessional, f. Title 1 and Learning Support; F) Contract for Managed Detection & Response (MDR) Cybersecurity Services; G) Cooperative Sponsorship for Boys’ Lacrosse; H) Sanneah Foundation Contract; I) Tentative Agreement with Service Employees International Union Local 284 - Kids & Company/Stepping Stones Employees; J) Community Education Employee Handbook Amendment; K) Substitute Rate Recommendations; L) Ubah Lease Agreement Amendment; M) Acceptance of Contract for Purchase of ChromeBooks for Hopkins High School.

Treasurer’s Report 

Treasurer Adams highlighted expenses of interest. Adams moved, Pederson seconded, to approve financial disbursements in the amount $3,707,783.89 for the period of February 2, 2022 through February 22, 2022. Carried. 

Hopkins' Mask Policy

At the Workshop scheduled at 5:00 p.m. earlier this evening, Assistant Superintendent, Nik Lightfoot and the Monitoring Committee presented changes to the current face covering policy at Hopkins based on work from the Hopkins’ Mitigation Team. 

Lightfoot summarized topics discussed at the workshop. Our positive case rates in students and staff have dropped significantly over the last month. As a result of this shift, the COVID-19 Mitigation Team is recommending that the district adjust our district-wide masking policy from a mandate to a strong recommendation. 

Board Members continued the discussion surrounding the current policy and its roots within CDC guidelines. In light of the late addition to the Board agenda, Director Adams moved, Khan seconded, to table the vote on the Hopkins’ Mask Policy to the March 15, 2022 Regular Meeting Agenda under Unfinished Business. Carried.
 

MSBA IDEA Resolution

The MN School Boards Association Government Relations Team requested that school boards across the state pass the Congressional Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Full Funding Act resolution. The Hopkins Legislative Action Coalition reviewed the resolution and recommended passage by the Hopkins School Board.

Chair Bouchard recited the resolution:

WHEREAS, the Hopkins Public Schools District recognizes the need for a strong investment in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); and

WHEREAS, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was first enacted in 1975 to help ensure that all students with disabilities will have access to a free appropriate public education and IDEA’s enactment more than 45 years ago, the current federal investment in IDEA is less than 14 percent; and

WHEREAS, with the enactment of IDEA, the United States Congress committed to fund up to 40 percent of the additional cost of special education, thereby promising to provide up to 40 percent of the national average per pupil expenditure, which is currently estimated at $13,828 by the U.S. Department of Education; and

WHEREAS, our nation’s school districts face an increased demand for greater resources to fulfill the needs of students under IDEA, including those for students affected by multiple disabilities whose individual education plans require more resources; and

WHEREAS, with each increase in the IDEA child count, the School Board of the Hopkins Public Schools and others throughout the country continue to adjust their budgets to accommodate this increased need and ensure that each child educated through IDEA receives the appropriate supports, with some school districts dedicating forty percent or more of their general education budgets to special education services; and

WHEREAS, Hopkins Public Schools district has a $6,541,947.00 cross-subsidy for FY 20. (Link to MDE Special Education Cross-Subsidy Report FY 2020), which is a one part of the statewide cross-subsidy that was more than $673 million in FY 20, and is expected to grow to $806 million in FY 25. 

BE IT RESOLVED, that the School Board of the Hopkins Public Schools supports the IDEA Full Funding Act that will help strengthen the federal investment in special education by authorizing a ten-year plan to fully fund the federal share of IDEA; and

BE IT RESOLVED, that the urges Congress’ strong bipartisan support for and passage of the IDEA Full Funding Act; and,

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the School Board of the Hopkins Public Schools remains committed to providing students with disabilities and their families the supports they need.

Pederson moved, Adams seconded that the Board approve the presented Resolution in Support of the Congressional IDEA Full Funding Act. Those voting in favor thereof: Adams, Andreson, Bouchard, Hartland, Khan, Pederson and Ross. Those unable to vote: None. Carried.

Policies in First Read

507: Corporal Punishment 551: Student Accident Insurance Program

Lightfoot noted a minor change in language to policy 507 and no changes to policy 551. Andreson moved, Hartland seconded, that the Board approves the above policies in First Reading; further, the Board directs the Administration to prepare the policies (with suggested revisions) for approval in Second Reading at the next meeting (as part of Consent). Carried with seven ayes and zero nays.

Resolution Denouncing Racism in Athletic Activities

This resolution is in response to ongoing racism in athletic activities throughout the state of MN. Chair Bouchard worked with board members in other metro area school districts and scholar-athletes in Hopkins to collaboratively craft this resolution.

Chair Bouchard recited the resolution:

Whereas, the Hopkins School Board values our scholars and athletes who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; and

Whereas, blatant racism, cultural disrespect, and microaggressions at athletic activities in Minnesota are not new; and

Whereas, these actions are directly counter to the values of the Hopkins School District; and Whereas, as school board directors, we are deeply disturbed by the persistent and pervasive racism against community members who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color during athletic activities and events; and

Whereas, we are entrusted to prepare young people for better futures through an equitable education, including an understanding of our democracy and a commitment to equality and justice for all; and

Whereas, we are committed to ensuring our scholars do not experience trauma and harm while participating in athletic activities; and

Whereas, every scholar, coach, parent, caregiver, and community member should feel confident and safe to attend athletic events in any district; and

Whereas, a safe environment is one that is free of bullying, racial slurs, cultural disrespect, microaggressions, and other forms of bias and harassment; 
 
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Hopkins School Board as follows:
 
That we denounce all racist behavior and harassment by athletes, staff, and fans during athletic activities and games; and

That we listen to, believe, and lift up the voices of our scholars when they share their experiences with racism, microaggressions, and cultural disrespect while participating in athletic activities;

That we partner with the Minnesota State High School League to enact policies to prevent, report, address, enforce against, and hold people and institutions accountable for these harmful acts; and

That we urge communities across the state to enact and clearly communicate policies and practices to ensure that athletes, staff, and community members who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are safe and supported when participating in athletic activities in all communities.

Andreson moved, Adams seconded that the Board approve the presented Resolution Denouncing Racism in Athletic Activities. Those voting in favor thereof: Adams, Andreson, Bouchard, Hartland, Khan, Pederson and Ross. Those unable to vote: None. Carried with seven ayes and zero nays.

Resolution Calling Executive Session — Superintendent Mid-Year Review

Andreson moved, Adams seconded to conduct the Superintendent’s mid-year review for the 2021-22 school year. Those voting in favor there of: Adams, Anderson, Bouchard, Hartland, Khan, Pederson, and Ross. Those unable to vote: None. Carried with seven ayes and zero nays.

Board Member Reports

Board members reported on recent educational activities/events in which they have participated. 

Public Comment — Items Not on Agenda

Bouchard noted that no public comments were presented for items not on the agenda. Adams moved, Hartland seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 8:39 p.m. Carried.

___________________________________ 
Katie Pederson, School Board Clerk