194NOW: April 18, 2024
Student Focused. Community Connected.
District-Wide Updates
Negotiations Update
We recognize the importance of keeping the community informed about the ongoing mediation process between Lakeville Area Schools and Education Minnesota-Lakeville (EML), the teachers’ union. These discussions directly impact our students, staff and school operations. Although the latest mediation developments remain confidential, we can share some recent updates. Throughout it all, Lakeville Area Schools remains fully supportive of our amazing educators and staff, who are so important to the education and well-being of our students.
On February 22, a tentative agreement (TA) was reached between Education Minnesota-Lakeville and Lakeville Area Schools. While both negotiation teams agreed to these tentative terms, on March 7, EML membership voted not to accept the agreement, which is why this information can now be shared. If you would like more information regarding the tentative agreement, please visit our negotiations webpage.
Both parties met again on March 27, negotiating for 9.5 hours. Despite the challenges, the parties are continuing to work towards an agreement. This session followed nine negotiation meetings and two mediation sessions, which demonstrates how hard the parties are working to find a solution. The School Board and Administration met again in a closed session on Wednesday, April 10, to discuss negotiation matters further. The District has been and continues to be ready and eager to return to the mediation table, and is awaiting a response from EML regarding mediation next steps.
The School Board and the Administration are grateful for our educators and staff. As a unified entity, we remain committed to working together with EML to secure a contract that supports our employees, aligns our resources, and sustains our schools. For information about the negotiations process and answers to frequently asked questions, please refer to our negotiations webpage: isd194.org/negotiations.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work towards a resolution.
Sincerely,
Lakeville Area Schools Board of Education and Administration
Everything to Know in 194
Everything to Know in 194: April 2024
In this episode of Everything to Know in 194, Executive Director of Business Services, Bill Holmgren, provides an update on the District's budget including information on the funding and mandates recently passed by the state legislature. Sandy Giorgi, Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning, provides more in depth information on how Lakeville Area Schools is implementing one of these mandates, the Reading to Ensure Academic Development (READ) Act.
April 16 Board of Education Meeting Recap
Among the agenda items on April 16, the Board of Education discussed:
2024 Community Survey: Annually, the District conducts a random sample community phone survey to understand community beliefs, values, and needs related to Lakeville Area Schools. This data helps inform decisions regarding facilities planning, educational programming, operations, leadership, and communication.
Long-Term Facilities Planning: The Administration presented input gathered from two years of discussions with its facilities task force members. The task force input and community survey aims to incorporate stakeholder input into the District’s plans for future educational facilities and operational needs. The facility task force report outlined various options for the Board of Education to consider as the District develops a comprehensive long-term facility plan into the future.
Policy Updates: The School Board and Administration discussed updates to policies 401, 402, 407, and 701.
Legal Matters: Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 13D.05, subdivision 3(b), the Board of Education held a closed session to discuss legal matters with our counsel. This included litigation filed against the District, seeking advice on the status of the matter, alleged claims, legal analysis, and potential responses.
For a meeting recording of the work session, please visit LETV or YouTube.
The next Board of Education meeting will be held on April 30, at 7:00 p.m. at the District Office
Attendance Area Adjustments Updates
Connecting with your new school community
Lakeville Area Schools is committed to supporting families as they transition to new school communities. We understand that attending a new school may cause some anxiety and stress for many of our students. Watch this video to hear directly from two of our principals about how they plan to welcome you and your students, and ensure students are connected socially and prepared to achieve academic success.
Watch your inbox for details from your new school about events this spring and summer for impacted families to familiarize themselves with the new building and meet school staff and new classmates.
Additionally, you are encouraged to review this parent/caregiver guide for supporting your child through this transition.
Transportation update
Since the boundary adjustments were finalized, a district transportation committee has met to thoroughly review and determine school walking zones and safety zones aligned to the new boundaries. Lakeville Area Schools provides free transportation for special education students, and regular education students who qualify, which includes:
K-5 students to students who live 0.8 miles or more from their elementary school
6-12 students who live 2 miles or more from their secondary school
Students who live in a designated safety zone
Families living in a zone that does not qualify for free transportation will have the option to pay $500 per student for transportation for the 2024-25 school year. Affected families will receive an email notifying them when the payment portal opens in July.
You can look up your transportation zone for next year using the Attendance Area Search Tool.
Bus route information including stop time, location and bus number will be available in the Parent Portal approximately one week before school starts, as in years past.
Visit our website for more information about the boundary adjustment process and transportation.
Points of Pride
Lakeville Area Schools awarded Certificate of Excellence in Financial reporting
The Lakeville Area Schools Businesses Office achieved the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) for the eighth year in a row.
“Communicating the financial and economic state of a district is so important when engaging with the school community and building their trust. Districts that receive the COE Award have demonstrated their ability to do that at the highest level," said Executive Director Jim Rowan, CAE, SFO to ASBO International, in a press release from ASBO.
Upcoming Meetings and Events
Board of Education Regular Meeting, April 30, 7 p.m., District Office
STAY CONNECTED WITH LAKEVILLE AREA SCHOOLS
Connect with your School
Peachjar Digital Flyers
- Go to isd194.org/flyers-peachjar to find digital flyers from the District, your school and community groups.
Youtube Channel
- Visit the Lakeville Area School's Youtube Channel