May 5 Regular School Board Meeting – All members were present except Mr. Eaton. 

IB Textbooks

The board saw a list of textbooks for IB, including a macrobiology course not yet taught at Minnetonka. The books, including the core text for the Theory of Knowledge class, were to be on public view until May 19 at the District Service Center during regular business hours.  Dave Eaton took them around midday Monday, May 16; as of mid-afternoon Tuesday they had not been returned, so call before you go. 401-5010 or 401-5013, Claudia Risnes, Exec. Dir. Of Teaching and Learning

   Have you seen the books?  Let the school board know what you think by e-mailing schoolboard@minnetonka.k12.mn.us. Do you trust Dr. Ann Swanson, IB Director, to choose appropriate texts?  You could e-mail the board to say so.                                                   

   The board is expected to vote on the purchase on May 19; the public may comment on this at the start of the board meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Graduation Credits

   Also discussed were options for the number of graduation credits Minnetonka should require and how they should be configured, with some flexibility in Social Studies, Art, PE and Health.  Polly Patrick, MHS Social Studies teacher, made an entertaining argument for requiring more credits rather than less, as several offerings are most appealing to, and most needed by, older students. She said “high-flyers” will take 4+ credits; we need to reach the “low-flyers.”  She also reminded the board to allow for failure, but not to plan for it.  At this, Dave Adney, MHS principal, was smiling and nodding.  The board will discuss this May 19; expected vote June 2.

World Language Standards

   The board approved World Language standards after Bill Wenmark questioned the need for 3-4 years of foreign language courses and asked what are we preparing students for - diplomatic corps? ( Mr. Wenmark raised similar questions when the World Language teachers made their presentation at an earlier meeting.) Discussion included college requirements, and advantages for students who might want to minor in a language at college with a view to future employment in a variety of fields.

Question on low enrollment

   Mr. Wenmark also wondered if the district can cancel courses with low enrollment, such as IB.  Dr. Peterson explained that the high school can combine some classes with low enrollment, such as Art, to serve students who’ve requested a class.  This has been done with IB/AP in some cases, too; students are registering for classes to obtain an IB diploma, so there are limits to how much can be cancelled.  Dr. Peterson stated the district is committed to nurturing IB until enrollment increases; enrollment is increasing more quickly than expected; he will have more information for the board to discuss soon.

School Reports

   The board heard presentations by ECFE and Scenic Heights – both had really wonderful slide shows.

   The board heard a legislative update and thanked CASE volunteers, Scott Larson, Lisa Wagner and Cathy Maes for their work to secure education funding.  See CASE on the district web site http://www.minnetonka.k12.mn.us/CASE  for an update of this last crucial week at the MN legislature.

This report was filed by TonkaFocus volunteers present at the meeting.