Votes are added when the district posts this meeting's minutes, about a month after it.
At Superintendent Dr. Eric Melbye's request, the board voted to cancel its December 14, 2026 study session and hold a business meeting at 7 p.m. that night, following a 6 p.m. listening session. It also voted to cancel the December 28 business meeting because of winter break. Melbye described the statewide constitutional amendment on next Tuesday's ballot, which would change how Minnesota's Permanent School Fund distributes revenue. He said it could bring Bloomington $250,000 to $300,000 a year and noted that a blank ballot on the question counts as a no vote.
The board approved a services agreement with CESO (Center for Effective School Operations) to band district jobs under Minnesota's pay equity requirements. Mary Burroughs, executive director of human resources, said the state-approved system the district uses, the Decision Band Method, is best applied by an outside party so job reviews stay impartial. She said few vendors are trained in the method. The resolution passed without opposition.
The board approved a partnership with Colleague AI Inc. and a University of Washington center to implement and study the Colleague AI platform. The study will look at whether the platform is linked to measurable gains in student learning. Dr. Melbye, presenting for the research and assessment director, said the pilot will involve a small group of volunteer teachers, who will be trained on the tool. Board members asked why the pilot comes from research rather than technology, and confirmed that the technology department had reviewed it and that students will not use the platform. The resolution passed without opposition.
The board approved an agreement with ASL Interpreting Services, Inc. running through June 30, 2027. Andy Kubas, executive director of learning and teaching, said demand for American Sign Language interpreting has outpaced what the district's current vendor can provide. The new contract adds to the existing one rather than replacing it, so families have interpreters at conferences and IEP meetings. Services are provided both in person and remotely.
The board approved the district's Language Access Plan, which Minnesota statute now requires every district and charter school to adopt and publish. Kubas said the plan covers public availability, trained interpreters, notice of rights, review every two years, and an appeals process for families. The plan was presented in full at an earlier study session. It will be posted on the district website following approval.
The board set 2027 commencement for Wednesday, June 2, 2027, at U.S. Bank Stadium and approved the stadium agreement. Jefferson High School graduates at 2 p.m. and Kennedy High School at 6 p.m. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jenna Mitchler said the stadium costs slightly more than the Convention Center but meets the district's security and space needs. The schools will return to alternating which one goes first, and the second ceremony moves up half an hour from last year. A board member raised last year's limited access to water in the hot venue; Mitchler said the district will budget for water and look at placing water stations around the building.
The board approved one additional professional learning day for early childhood and elementary teachers in each of the 2027-28 and 2028-29 school years. Dr. Mitchler said the extra day, used for the past two years and typically held at the end of the first week of October, lets teachers analyze student literacy data and group students. The work supports literacy instruction under the READ Act. The days will be built into upcoming calendars.
On a 6-0 roll call vote, with Director Nelly Korman absent, the board ratified the sale of $41,510,000 in General Obligation Facilities Maintenance Bonds, Series 2026B. The district's financial advisor, Ehlers, reported that 15 bidders competed that morning and JP Morgan won with the low bid at 4.55%. All bids fell within five basis points of each other. The advisor credited the district's AA rating from S&P and its state credit enhancement. The bonds fund part of the long-term facilities maintenance plan the board approved in May.
The board approved an agreement making Ehlers Investment Partners LLC the investment advisor for bond proceeds and named U.S. Bank as the depository. Rod Zivkovich, executive director of finance and support services, said the district owes arbitrage payments to the IRS on its last two bond issues. He said the change is meant to keep future arbitrage payments as small as possible. Asked about using one firm for both bond advising and investments, he said the investment arm is a separate entity and auditors would treat it that way.
The board reviewed revisions to Policy 410, Family Leave, presented by Director Ted Moore as policy committee chair. The changes follow the state school boards association's model policy and narrow the policy to federal FMLA leave, since earned sick and safe time and Minnesota paid leave have changed state law. Burroughs said new employees still receive notice of their state leave rights, and that information is posted on the district website. The policy will come back on the next meeting's consent (Part A) agenda.
