OF

THE MEETING RECAP I ISSUE 87 , VOL . 13 I 08 / 22 / 2022

COMMUNICATIONS , DELEGATIONS AND PETITIONS

Kathy Johnson and Tom Pavel presented testimony for School Board consideration .

ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

Closure and repurposing of Franklin Elementary School and relocation of the Bridges and Pathways special education programs

Greg Cole , chief operations officer ; Dr . Mary Wolverton , associate superintendent for elementary schools ; and Becky Brodeur , associate superintendent for middle schools and student services , discussed facility challenges with the School Board and made recommendations to alleviate those challenges .

Currently , the Bridges and Pathways special education programs operate from leased spaces in Andover and Coon Rapids . In order to consolidate programs to improve services , improve student safety , and to invest in facilities owned by the district rather than leased spaces , district leaders proposed closing and repurposing Franklin Elementary School . Rationale for the recommendation is based on continued declining enrollment in the Franklin Elementary attendance area , available classroom space in other elementary schools in the Anoka cluster and a defined facility need for Bridges and Pathways students . The board approved the recommendation on a 5-1 vote with Audette voting no .

Temporary closure of River Trail Learning Center at Verndale

Greg Cole , chief operations officer , and Becky Brodeur , associate superintendent for middle schools and student services , discussed facility challenges with the School Board and made recommendations to alleviate those challenges . Brodeur recommended a temporary , year-long closure of the Verndale location of the River Trail Learning Center due to staffing shortages . The Verndale location services students who qualify for level IV special education services and currently has four students enrolled . These students will receive services at the River Trail Learning Center L . O . Jacob location for the 2022-23 school year . The board approved the recommendation on a unanimous vote .

OPERATIONS

Safety and security update

Tim Fournier , manager of security and emergency operations , and Greg Cole , chief operations officer , provided the School Board with an update on safety and security of district buildings . They detailed the technology investments that have been made to improve school security , crisis plans , school resource officers , and the human factors for creating and maintaining safe schools , such as building a positive school culture and climate , building relationships , partnerships with local law enforcement and early intervention . District leaders said over $ 3 million has been invested in safety improvements over the past three years , including the purchase of radios , K-12 cameras , the Raptor visitor management system , expansion of the interior electronic lock system , emergency notification system , and collaboration with student services for a more comprehensive crisis response .

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