Annual Report for Our Community

Annual2010 Report for our Community Our Mission

The mission of Edina Public Schools, working in partnership with the family and the community, is to educate all individuals to be responsible, lifelong learners who possess the skills, knowledge, creativity, sense of self-worth, and ethical values necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing, culturally diverse, global society Superintendent’s Perspective

CREATING LEARNING CONNECTIONS

This annual report for the community demonstrates that our students are great learners. Their abilities are truly impressive. I believe that our great learners benefit from the great connections that are occurring in our classrooms and beyond the school walls.

Edina Public Schools places a high value on bringing learning alive for our students. We know that for deeper, more layered and lasting learning, students need to connect their learning to:

• Meaning and Relevance: Our curriculum and instruction continue to create personalized learning experiences for all of our students—experiences that both support and challenge students in their learning and self-development. Ric Dressen, Ed.D. • Real World Issues: All of our students are involved in service-learning Superintendent projects integrated into the classroom, which enhance their personal and social responsibility skills for the world around them.

• Emerging Technologies: Our teachers access technology devices and applications to motivate, expand and enhance learning experiences for our students.

• Extracurricular Opportunities and Activities: The District provides extensive extracurricular opportunities and activities at all age levels, allowing students to explore and expand their curiosity, interests and talents.

The staff is strengthening their learning connections as well. Staff training and development programs are connecting our staff to new and improved approaches for delivering instruction, especially in the areas of writing and technology. Our School Board, administration and teachers are strengthening their partnerships by expanding opportunities to communicate and problem-solve on an ongoing basis.

Edina Public Schools is working to enhance connections with families and the community. We are using new, online technology tools to share information with families and students through timely communications and updates. The District’s volunteer program continues to grow, with volunteers of all ages working to support our students in their education.

The Connection Challenge Our challenge will be to continue to strengthen these connections. We need to advance our learning and partnership connections in order to advance the District’s mission of “educating all individuals to thrive in a rapidly changing, culturally diverse, global society.” The opportunities are limitless. I encourage all of us to create new connections in the upcoming year. Our community and our schools National Context The reputation of Edina Public Schools has grown nationally in the past decade. • 1,180 students (14.77%) attended Edina schools We are the only district in the country to through state open enrollment programs. The be recognized by all five of the following majority of open-enrolled students come from publications. Minneapolis, followed by Hopkins, Richfield and St. Louis Park. In 2009-2010, they Forbes.com named Edina among brought approximately $7.3 million in state “America’s 25 Best Schools for Your funding to the District Housing Buck” (April 2010). • 15% of Edina Public Schools students report minority status US News and World Report named • Edina’s English Language Learner program Edina High School a Silver Medalist serves 2.5% of students who qualify as Limited School for high performance on state English Proficient assessment tests and college readiness • Edina students speak 41 languages other than scores. EHS had the highest college English at home, with Somali and Spanish the most readiness index of any of the 11 Min- common nesota schools recognized (2009 and • 7.7% of students qualify for Free and Reduced Price Lunch 2008). • 11% of students receive personalized support from Edina’s Special Education Support Services Family Circle Magazine identified Edina • 11% of students receive personalized support from Edina’s Gifted Education as one of its top 10 towns in the nation Program for families. Edina Public Schools stood • Enrollment at EPS is predicted to increase by about 471 students (5.9%) in out as the only district in the survey to the next five years, the majority from resident enrollment (5.4%) earn a perfect 10 of 10 school ranking • District buses travel approximately 3,300 miles and transport (August 2009). approximately 5,500 students to and from school every day

Newsweek included Edina High School in its list of “America’s Best High Schools,” basing the ranking on the number of AP tests taken per student. Only 6% of US high schools make the list (2008, 2007, 2003).

Sports Illustrated Magazine ranked Edina’s athletic program the eighth “Best K-12 enrollment by building High School Athletic Program in the Concord Elementary 715 Nation” (2005). Cornelia Elementary 551 Countryside Elementary 570 Creek Valley Elementary 585 Highlands Elementary 549 Normandale Elementary 635 South View Middle School 1,222 Valley View Middle School 1,302 Edina High School 1,861 TOTAL 7,990 Our community and our schools Student achievement

In 2009-2010, Edina educators administered over 20,000 standardized assessments. More than 11,000 were Minnesota assessments required by the federal No Child Left Behind Act, with another almost 700 writing tests part of Minnesota’s Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (GRAD). These results are used largely for accountability purposes at the District and school level, with GRAD assessments linked to diplomas at the individual student level.

The District also conducted over 5,500 Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments. These computer-administered tests assist students, parents and teachers as well as school and District administrators in monitoring student academic growth, informing student placement decisions and reviewing curriculum decisions.

In 2010, Edina students placed first among Minnesota public school districts when reading and math scores on MCA-II Comprehensive Assessments are combined. Edina High School was the top Minnesota high school in both reading and mathematics. When reading and math scores are separated, Edina students across all grades were first in mathematics, and second (by 0.3%) in reading.

Top five Minnesota districts in reading State Standardized Rank 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

assessments provide 1 Edina Edina Edina Edina* Minnetonka a one-day snapshot

“of student perfor- 2 Wayzata Wayzata Minnetonka Minnetonka* Edina mance. The chal- “ Chokio- Minnetonka Wayzata Wayzata Wayzata lenge is to make the 3 Alberta data meaningful 4 Eden Prairie Orono Orono Westonka St. Croix Prep and personal for students, teachers Minnetonka Delano Westonka St. Croix Mahtomedi 5 and families. Prep

— District administrator Top five Minnesota districts in mathematics

State Rank 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-2010

1 Wayzata Edina Edina Edina Edina

2 Delano Wayzata Wayzata Wayzata Minnetonka

3 Edina Chokio-Alberta Delano Delano Wayzata 4 Orono Minnetonka Minnetonka Westonka Delano Chokio- Westonka Waconia Minnetonka St. Croix 5 Alberta Prep

NOTE: Results determined by percentage of students who meet or exceed Minnesota State Standards across all grades tested. On both state and national standardized testing measures, Edina students perform well What tests does the Theabove details: their peers. 2008-09 As students MCA-II progress results through Edina Public Schools and build cumulative District administer? skills, their learning accelerates, widening the gap relative to their peers in other districts. By 11th grade, up to 32% more Edina students are proficient than the state average. Minnesota Comprehensive

Assessments II (MCA-II) Spring 2009 MCA-II Science Assessment All public school students in 2009-2010 MCA-II Results Percentage of Edina Students Proficient or Better Minnesota are tested in reading and Edina students groups defined by the No Child Left Behind Act showed solid growth in a mathematics in third grade through number of categories. The following groups demonstrated proficiency gains of nearly 4% or eighth grade and in 10th grade more in reading: Free and Reduced Price Lunch, Limited English Proficient, Special Educa- (reading) and 11th grade tion, and Black. In mathematics, Free and Reduced Price Lunch, Black and Hispanic student (mathematics). A science groups made gains of more than 6%. assessment is administered in fifth grade and eighth grade and when students complete high school biol- ogy. Results are used primarily for Spring 2010 MCA-II Reading: public accountability. Percentagepercent of students of students proficient proficient or above Spring 2010 MCA-II Reading: on 2008-2009Percent MCA-II of Students reading Proficient Measures of Academic 100 94.9 89.7 89.3 91.0 91.3 89.9 86.3 Progress (MAP) 90 Edina Public Schools administer 80

MAP tests to students in second 70 76.3 76.4 75.3 72.5 71.6 through seventh grade to help 60 66.1 68.1 parents and educators monitor 50

individual student growth, determine Percent 40 Percent Proficient student placement, and improve 30 curriculum and instruction. Results 20 Edina 09-10 also help gauge Edina student 10 MN 09-10 achievement nationally. 0 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 Grade Cognitive Abilities Tests (CogAT) Grade measure individual student developmental cognitive abilities. Percentage of students pro- Spring 2010 MCA-II Mathematics: Results can identify student percentSpring of students 2010 MCA-II proficient Mathematics: learning styles, strengths and areas Percent of Students Proficient for improvement. These tests are 100 94.7 91.7 89.8 administered in second and fourth 86.0 90 85.4 85.1 grade. 80 75.3 82.1 70 77.0 GRAD Writing Assessment 60 68.6 69.0 Minnesota schools administer this 64.4 50 58.6 assessment in ninth grade. Students Percent Proficient

Percent 40 must pass this test to receive a 43.3 diploma from a Minnesota public 30 Edina 09-10 high school. 20 MN 09-10 10 0 3 4 5 6 7 8 11

GradeGrade

Note: Students who “Meet” or “Exceed” standards are deemed “Proficient” and are performing at grade level or above. Spring 2010 MCA-II Science: Fall 2009-2010 MAP Reading: percentSpring of 2010students MCA-II Science:proficient percent of students above national average Spring 2009 MCA-II Science Assessment Fall 2009‐10 MAP Reading: Percent of Students Above National Average 100 Percent of Students Proficient 100% Percentage of90 Edina Students Proficient or Better 90% 86.1% 80 81.3% 82.0% 70.7 80% 76.2% 73.8% 66.2 71.2% 70 63.4 70%

60 Average 60%

50 National 50% 51.8 47.9 Edina Percent 40 At/Above 46.0 40%

Percent Proficient Nation

30 Percent 30%

20 Edina 09-10 20%

10 MN 09-10 10% Percent

0 average national above Percent 0% 2 3 4 5 6 7 5 8 HS GradeGrade GradeGrade

Student performance on the science test was lower than The results show that Edina students far exceed national aver- on math and reading, but still near the top performing ages. Combined results across all six grades tested in 2009-10 districts in the state, with 70.7% of students proficient. indicate that 71.2% to 86.1% of Edina students scored above the national average.

GRAD WritingSpring Assessment 2010 GRAD Writing: Percent of Students Passing 96.9 96.8 97.9 98.1 100 90 80 90.8 89.5 89.6 90.6 70 60 50

Percent Passing 40 Edina 30 Minnesota Percent passing Percent 20 10 0 06-07 07-08 08-09 09-10 Year

In 2009-10, 98% of Edina ninth-graders passed this element of Minnesota’s Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (GRAD). Over the four years the assessment has been used, the percentage of Edina students passing has continued to improve. Advanced Placement testing Edina High School student achievement

Advanced Placement Testing Edina High School offers 23 Advanced Placement courses as well as a number of enriched courses that will prepare students for AP exams. In spring 2010, Edina administered over 2100 AP exams—almost twice as many AP exams as any other high school in Minnesota (the largest number in the Midwest). Edina High School won the national 2009 Siemens Award for Advanced Placement.

Most US colleges and universities accept AP exam scores of three or higher for credit; each year, the value of college credits granted to Edina students as a result of AP tests is estimated to be $6.5 million. Edina High School Advanced Placement Exams at a glance Taken by EPS Students 2400

2181 • A US Department of Education National 2200

School of Excellence, a Minnesota 1998 1989 2000 1923 Department of Education Five Star 1865 School, and a US News and World Report 1800 Silver Medal School

No. of Sts 1600 • A comprehensive curriculum of over 140 1400 courses, including study in eight 1265 1288

Number of AP tests taken Number of AP tests 1226 languages, emphasizes preparation for 1151 1200 college

1000 • 145 students lettered in community '01-02 '02-03 '03-04 '04-05 '05-06 '06-07 '07-08 08-09 09-10 YearSchool Year service in 2010, contributing a collective ACT Testing 15,000 service hours to the community In 2009-10, 518 high school seniors took the ACT test, posting an average composite score of 26.2. According to ACT, the percentage of Edina students • 90% of students participate in ready for college level course work is twice as high as the typical Minnesota co-curricular activities; one in three take high school. on a leadership role

28.0 • 99% of students graduate and 95% .2 .2 6 6 2 2 .3 .3 pursue higher education .1 5 5 26.0 7 5 2 2 .6 . 2 4 4 2 2 .8 3 2 • 86% of Edina students graduate from 24.0 college in five years

22.0

Composite Average 20.0 Composite average Composite

18.0

16.0 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010

U.S. MN EHS

National Merit Scholars Year In 2009-10, five students earned National Merit Scholarships. An additional 12 students were named semifinalists. Edina High School has had National Merit Semifinalists and Finalists each year the National Merit Foundation has been in existence. Meaningful learning connections

Standardized tests can measure only a portion of the knowledge and skills students need to thrive in our complex and changing world. Authentic knowledge must be connected: to a student’s personal experiences, interests, and strengths, to real world issues, to emerging technologies, and to co-curricular activities. Edina Public Schools builds outstanding collaborations between staff, parents, and the community, helping students to develop and strengthen these learning connections.

Personalizing learning experiences to support and challenge students

Choices at every grade level

• Parents can choose half- or full-day kindergarten. • Elementary school choices include neighborhood schools, French Immersion and multi-age Continuous Progress learning. • Middle school students may choose enriched or accelerated course sections. • Project Lead the Way offers five hands-on courses that teach 21st century skills and open career paths to a host of fields that use design, science, mathematics and technology skills. A focus on health and wellness • AVID (Advanced Via Individual Determination) is a software program that prepares students in the academic middle for • Steamers in Edina cafeterias have replaced deep success in preparing for college. fat fryers to provide healthier foods during the • In 2009-10, 35 Edina seniors enrolled in the Post Secondary school day. Enrollment Options program, taking course work at • Bus mechanics inspect buses top to bottom, inside Minnesota public and private colleges. and out, every 1,000 miles. Drivers perform daily • Non-traditional learning experiences at Edina High School pre-trip inspections, MN State Patrol checks buses include Cyber School, May Term Project, Mentor Connection, annually, and all students receive bus safety Technical Career Education, Performing Arts Center and more. training. • Options is Edina’s state-approved alternative learning program • New bike racks have been installed at several Edina located within Edina High School. It is designed to provide schools to promote more physical activity. motivated at-risk students who qualify with a second chance at • Edina High School’s Sober Squad was named the designing and pursuing a graduation plan. 2009 Outstanding Youth Group by the Minnesota Prevention Resource Center. Personalized learning experiences to support and challenge every student

Special education highlights

• In 2009-10, Edina’s Special Education Services program served 903 students, ranging in age from birth to 21

• Individualized plans are designed to meet the special needs of each learner Customized teaching methods, a blend of general and special classes, adapted materials and specialized equipment—these and other strategies allow more equal access to our educational environment

• Most students receive services in their neighborhood school and, when possible, in their regular class setting

• Speech/Language was the disability area with the largest percentage of total special education population (26%), followed by Learning Disabilities (18%), Other Health Impairment (17%), Autism Spectrum Disorder (16%), Early Child- hood Developmental Delay (7%), and English as a Second Language (2.5%)

• Edina is the only district in the Twin Cities metro area to sponsor Special Olympics, and the only metro-area district to provide support for children through eighth-grade to participate in community education enrichment programs—ensuring that all students can participate in extracurricular and community activities, Edina offers Adapted Athletic programs sanctioned by the Minnesota State High School League in soccer, floor hockey and softball

Every child has an advocate My son gets extra help in areas most challenging“ for him, but his special education team also helps him identify his “sparks” and nourishes his amazing gifts. These rock star teachers inspire our whole family!

“ — Edina elementary parent Gifted education highlights

At the elementary At the level, services offered may secondary level, services include: all-school enrichment pro- may include: enriched and AP grams, cluster grouping in classrooms, classes, mentorships, focus groups services from a gifted education resource and peer group meetings, extracurricular teacher, including pullout sessions related to competitions, and college planning. A classroom curriculum, field trips, and peer full-time gifted resource teacher at each group meetings. A half-time gifted middle school and a .4 gifted dedicated resource teacher delivers services at counselor at the high school serve each elementary building students

Approximately 11% of Edina students in grades 3-12 are identified The needs of every child are identified and addressed to receive Gifted Education services • Response to Instruction, a method for using data and teacher collaboration to accelerate learning for all students, is used in sites throughout the District. • Equity teams at every school increase awareness and improve proficiency in serving students of color, eliminating barriers to student success. • 40 students who Dare2BReal at South View Middle School are confronting and disabling racism by talking about it, educating others and mentoring younger students. • In its pilot year, Edina High School’s STRIVE program (Students Taking a Re- newed Interest in the Value of Education) received the Mayor’s Connecting with Kids Commendation. • Edina Mentor Connection, a newly-expanded course at Edina High School, pairs highly motivated students with adult mentors and offers students year- long opportunities to work with an expert in their field of interest. Connecting to real-world issues

Edina students in every school are involved in service learning projects that bring learning to life. Service learning projects integrate extended, intensive community service projects with classroom curriculum, and include time for reflection, analysis and personal connections. Examples of recent service learning projects include:

A rain garden at Concord Elementary to alleviate parking lot and playground run off. As part of the project, students conducted plant research and infiltration ground water testing.

Creek Valley Elementary was given a Promising Practices Award from the Minnesota Schools of Character program in recognition of its Pride Day Assemblies, a consistent part of its ethical values program.

Valley View Middle School sixth-graders pulled invasive buck- thorn and garlic mustard at Eden Wood, a camp for people with disabilities. Students replanted the areas with native seeds they grew from seeds in egg cartons in their classrooms.

Going greener

Sustainability is a real-world issue that resonates strongly with our students, teachers, staff and community. We are working together to ensure that sustainable practices become an integral part of the District’s planning, decision-making, and day-to-day practices.

A 23-member Go Green Committee, consisting of staff, students, parents and community representatives, meets regularly and grows best practices relating to the energy and resources we consume, the waste we produce, the natural resources on school grounds, and educating the community.

All nine schools now compost lunchroom organics. This initiative has decreased lunch trash by 50-80% (depending on the school) and currently saves the District $20,000 per year in waste hauling and taxes.

In the summer of 2009, the District initiated a comprehensive Healthy High Performance Cleaning Program for all nine buildings. Aiming to create healthy and comfortable indoor environments, the program uses products that cause less toxic pollution and waste, conserve resources and habitats, and minimize global warming and ozone depletion.

All District buses have enhanced emission controls.

A variety of outdoor learning spaces have been created for students to explore and interact with their natural environment, including a floating boardwalk and outdoor classroom at the high school, numerous native prairies and rain gardens throughout the District, and the Highlands Elementary produce garden. Connecting to information, media and technology

Edina Technology Highlights

• Edina Open: free wireless internet access is now available, but restricted to a safe Edina School Libraries “walled garden.” In 2009-10, Edina students and • Edina Apps is a collection of educational applications—including Google Apps and teachers had access to a total of Moodle—that provide staff and students a common, defined set of tools to 164,141 books and checked books out communicate and collaborate. of libraries a total of 308,446 times. • Two Edina teachers were named TIES Exceptional Teachers for modeling best Library media specialists collaborate practices for engaging students in learning by using technology in their classrooms. with teachers to engage students with • In 2010-11, a new Technology Cohort of Edina Teachers will partner with Hamline relevant, real-world information, media University to explore innovative ways to leverage technology to deepen student and technology. learning.

Teaching media literacy is not just bells and whistles, les-

sons in how to operate computer hardware or software. “ It’s teaching“ students how to use technology as a tool for organization, communication, research and problem solving. Those are crucial 21st century skills.

— Edina High School teacher

Edina Education Fund Driving a culture of innovation and possibility, the Edina Education Fund raised over $508,240 in private donations in 2009-10 to support teachers and learners at every level and at every school in the District, including: • $53,000 for 22 Teacher Innovation Grants • Updated technology at each elementary school, including iPod touch devices, SMART Boards, and document cameras • Principles of Engineering was added to the Project Lead the Way curriculum. Four courses Edina Education Fund are now certified and eligible for three college credits each; over 1,300 students participate in this program each year • Personal Finance Literacy curriculum and laptops to enhance District Economics classes • A Writing Cohort collaboration with the University of Minnesota is providing intensive training for 18 District teachers • The Writer’s Block, Edina High School’s new Writing Center, had over 600 visits last year Edina High School Co-curricular activities building life and career athletic teams

Edina students are developing socially, emotionally, physically and ethically as well as Fall academically. Athletics and other co-curricular activities provide opportunities for students to develop leadership and responsibility, initiative and flexibility, and social and cultural Adaptive Soccer awareness—life and career skills that are increasingly important in complex life and work Cheerleading environments. Performance Dance Team Boys Cross Country Running Athletics Highlights Girls Cross Country Running Football • 1,724 students participated on one or more Edina High School athletic teams. An Girls Swimming and Diving additional 150 students participated in Intramural sports. Girls Soccer Boys Soccer • To date, Edina students have won 141 state championships, making Edina number Girls Tennis one among the 500 members of the MN State High School League. Volleyball • In 2009-10, 10 teams advanced to state tournaments. The following teams won state championships: Girls Tennis, Boys Swimming and Diving, Competition Cheer Team Winter and Boys Hockey. The Comp Cheer Team went on to place fifth in the nation.

Adaptive Floor Hockey • In 2010, 138 seniors were honored as Scholar-Athletes, lettering in at least one varsity Alpine Ski sport and earning an “A” average in the classroom. Boys Basketball Girls Basketball Competition Dance Team Girls Gymnastics 2009-2010 Boys Hockey Girls Hockey State Nordic Ski Championships Boys Swimming and Diving Boys Hockey Boys Swimming & Diving (True Team & MSHSL) Competition Cheer Spring Girls Tennis

Adaptive Softball Baseball Boys Golf Girls Golf Boys Lacrosse Girls Lacrosse Softball Synchronized Swimming Boys Tennis Boys Track and Field Girls Track and Field Fine Arts Highlights

In 2009-10, 1,120 Edina students participated in fine arts programs.

385 students participated in Edina High School Thespians. Their fall musical production, “Curtains,” earned eight Hennepin Theater Trust SpotLight Musical Theatre awards. Thespian Boosters raised $20,000 and assembled in-kind donations to complete Edina High School’s Black Box Theatre. Students celebrated the small, versatile theatre’s grand opening with a performance of “Death of a Salesman” in July 2010.

298 high school students participate in Concert, Varsity, Symphonic, and Marching Bands in addition to jazz bands, pep bands, and numerous small ensembles. The Edina Hornet Marching Band performed in the 2009 Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. For over 50 consecutive years, the Concert Band has received a “Superior” rating at MN State High School competitions, and each year numerous soloists earn “Best in Site” and “Superior” ratings at the Minnesota State High School League Solo and Ensemble contest.

128 Symphonic, Chamber and Philharmonic Orchestra students learn and perform music from all periods of history. In 2010, the orchestras presented a variety of concerts during their tour of Puerto Rico and performed a collaboration concert with the MacPhail School of Music entitled “A Night at the Opera.” Edina string groups earned two Minnesota State High School League “Best in Site” awards.

309 students participated in Edina High School Choirs and Ensembles. For more than two decades, choirs and individuals have received “Superior” ratings at Minnesota State High School competitions. Several students were selected to sing in the Minnesota State ninth and 10th grade Honor Choir and the Minnesota All-State Choir.

Clubs and activities Edina High School clubs 212 Leadership Mock Trial • Over 15 Youth Serving Youth programs are focused Breakfast Book Club Quiz Bowl on leadership, community service and social Debate Ping Pong awareness. DECA Robotics • 145 students lettered in community service in 2009- French Science Club 10, completing a combined total of 15,000 community German Sober Squad service hours. Hip Hop Spanish • Over 1,200 students participate in Edina High School Images Student Council clubs throughout the year. Latin Windigo Math Zephyrus Teacher connections

Edina Public Schools attracts and retains expert teachers who are knowledgeable, passionate, and committed to teaching and learning. Accomplished Edina teachers are regularly honored both locally and nationally for their skills and innovation. Edina teachers continually improve their teaching and learning skills through personal and professional development opportunities as well as frequent and extended collaboration. • 591 teachers were employed in the 2009-10 school year • 146 are men (24.7%); 445 are women (75.3%) • 2.4% report minority status • 82% hold a Master’s Degree or above • Average salary: $56,286 (includes extended year pay and overload assignments) • Average years of experience in Edina is 9.27 years

Edina teachers help make the connection

• In its second year, Edina’s Alt Comp initiative continued to show positive results —99% of teachers demonstrated proficiency in goal areas and 98.7% of teachers fully implemented their action plans. • 18 Edina Writing Cohort teachers are completing six graduate-level courses at the University of Minnesota as part of a joint project between the Edina I have spent the last year Education Fund, Minnesota Writing Project, University of Minnesota, and

studying with colleagues — Edina Public Schools.

across all grades and disci- • Three Edina teachers achieved National Board Certification in 2009-10—the plines —who are committed highest credential offered in K-12 education. “ to fostering communities of “ • Two Edina Public Schools teachers were named semifinalists for MN Teacher enthusiastic writers in class- of the Year. rooms throughout our District. This has been a gift — both to me and to my students.

— Writing cohort teacher Lifelong learners: Edina community education services

Lifelong learning is vital in an increasingly knowledge-based world where skills need steady updating, employment patterns continue to evolve, and more people are searching for opportunities to make meaningful connections to their community. Edina Public Schools supports a comprehensive program of lifelong learning opportunities.

Early education • Learning begins at birth. The Edina Family Center supports learning in the crucial early years with high-quality, cutting-edge information for families and caregivers, and guided, age-appropriate learning and play opportunities for very young children. • Edina Family Center’s School Readiness Program and Kindergarten Camp offers an integrated curriculum of language and literacy, math, science, and dramatic play as well as educational field trips targeted at children who are otherwise at risk for not being fully prepared for kindergarten.for school-aged children • Kids Club (grades K-3), Wise Guys (grades 4-5), and Surge (grades 6-9) provide quality curriculum enrichment and care before and after school, on school release days and during the summer. All programs are accredited by the National Afterschool Association. • Youth Enrichment options include fun and flexible camps, classes and activities for ages pre-K through grade 12 year-round. • Our Youth Serving Youth program, focusing on leadership, community service and social awareness has over fifteen groups.

Center for Adult Learning

Connections to Community Support In 2009-10, the Edina Resource Center provided information and connections to community resources and services for over 9,700 people in our community. A successful partnership between the City of Edina and Edina Public Schools, the Resource Center is located in the Edina Public Schools Welcome Center. It provides information, resources and assistance with services ranging from school registration, new immigrant and senior supports, and coordinating health and human services programs and applications. ERC services are free and confidential. The Center for Adult Learning continues to evolve and innovate with vibrant adult community education programming:

• Look Who’s Talking, a free community speaker series, featured Daniel McLaughlin, Mark Seeley, Syl Jones, Michele Tafoya and Elizabeth Craig. • Out of Work Camp 2010 won the Minnesota Community Ed Association 2010 Outstanding Project Award. • Fitness classes, including new yoga classes, pilates mat and reformer classes and Zumba continue to thrive. • Online learning through ed2go is one way adults are keeping their technology skills up-to-date • Local chefs shared techniques for cooking Indian and Italian cuisine as well as sushi. Local establishments hosted wine and cheese tastings and speakers. • Field trips to the Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, a Girl’s Night Out at a local spa and a spring break trip to France encouraged adults to get out and about the community. • Bridge classes had over 150 new students this year; the community woodshop is open for area woodworkers.

The Community in the Schools

• For over 37 years, Edina Public Schools has valued volunteers who are willing to share their expertise. According to a recent survey, • The Community Volunteer Program has been 99% of community members expanded to serve student needs as well as who participated in Edina provide new involvement opportunities for Community Education community members who do not have students Programs were “Very Satisfied” in school. In 2009-10, community volunteers contributed over 2,500 hours with their experience—the of service to reinforce skills in the classroom. highest approval rate in the • Cornelia Elementary received a $60,000 grant from Hennepin County to state partially fund a new, 21st century playground for the school and neighborhood. The new playground will be more inclusive and accessible 112 community members for students with disabilities, and will include sports and fitness features to volunteer their time to serve on benefit all ages. seven different community • A $20,000 grant from the Kern Family Foundation will allow Project Lead education advisory councils, the Way to expand teacher training at the high school and engage more ensuring that programs run students in the core 21st skills of innovation, imagination and smoothly and both reflect and critical thinking. serve the entire community • Over $100,000 in scholarships were awarded at the May 2010 Local Scholarship Awards Breakfast. • In a spring 2009 survey, 87% of parents indicated that an adult in their household had volunteered at school one or more times during the school year. Edina School Board

Seven elected School Board members serve three-year terms. In addition, each Edina school has a School Board member liaison. Primary duties of the board include:

• Establish a vision for education • Design a structure to achieve the vision The Edina Board of Education • Ensure that schools are accountable to the community • Advocate for continued improvement in learning”

The Edina School Board, District administration, and leaders from Education Minnesota/Edina implemented the practice of meeting regularly to open regular communication channels and find common ground through discussions of shared values and priorities. All have expressed a desire to continue the process on an ongoing basis.

Service on the Board is a way to give back by supporting this team of exceptional teachers, dedicated “ administration and caring school : Regina Neville, Cathy Cella, Lonni “ community. Listening to the From back left Skrentner, Idith Almog, Bert Ledder, Randy Meyer and compassion and expertise of the Peyton Robb. Edina community is an honor.

— Edina School Board member

Edina Public Schools (EPS) offers adults, age 60 or better, free general admission to school events. The Edina Events Card allows the card holder and one guest a free pass to theatrical, musical or home-played athletic events. To qualify for this benefit, you must live in the EPS District and be 60 years of age or older. For more information, visit the website. Funding an excellent education

Edina is committed to delivering an excellent education for its students, despite uncertain economic times and budget challenges. We have always worked to maximize available resources. After nearly a decade of continued budget reductions, the 2010-11 budget relies on one-time fixes—federal stimulus dollars and spending down the fund balance. We are entering a new era where we will need the entire community to work with us to identify priorities, make tough choices, and recognize trade-offs as we develop a funding approach that is stable and sustainable. We are confident that by working together proactively, we can emerge stronger, more focused, and more prepared for the future. Edina’s Careful Stewardship of Tax Dollars is Consistently Recognized • Edina enjoys Moody’s Aaa rating—the highest rating that Moody’s assigns, and one attained by only a handful of districts in the state. • An August 2008 resident survey found that 92% of residents feel they get a good value from their investment in Edina Public Schools.ing Challenges • Edina has made budget reductions totaling nearly $5 million over the past ten years due to continuing State education funding declines. In spring 2010, Edina cut an additional $160,000 from the General Fund budget. • A portion of State payments will be deliberately delayed in coming months, requiring the District to short-term borrow to meet cash flow demands. This will cost the district approximately $200,000 over a two-year period. • Edina was one of 24 districts in the state that failed to reach a contract settlement with teaching staff prior to January 15. The district was penalized over $200,000. • Increased testing required by No Child Left Behind laws and other un-funded mandates mean that districts including Edina have less control and flexibility in other spending. • A major Minnesota tax reform in 2003 transferred about $1 billion in school funding from local property taxes to state-wide funding as a way to ensure that all school districts could afford to provide schools of comparable quality. However, the state had trouble maintaining this commitment once fiscal challenges began. The result is that E-12 funding has gradually declined since 2003.

Support Systems

• The 2010-11 budget benefits from $800,000 of federal stimulus funds. This is the second (and final) year these dollars are available. • The 2010-11 budget spends down $540,000 of general fund balance. In recent years, we have been able to protect a fund balance of approximately 9%. School Board policy sets a 6-12% fund balance target. • While 87% of Minnesota school districts are experiencing declining enrollment and the resulting funding drain, Edina has benefited from a steady enrollment increase of 1-2% per year. • The new economy requires new models for funding public education. Administration, staff and community members have begun to develop innovative solutions and sustainable, stable funding approaches for our district into the future. • Our community has overwhelmingly voted to support the maximum in local operating levies for our schools, enabling us to meet student learning needs. • Strong community partnerships and resources, including the Edina Education Fund and school PTO and PTA groups, provide private funding to support innovation and targeted programming. Combined statement of budget revenue, expenditures and projected changes in fund balance INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT # 273 Fiscal Year ending JuneCOMBINED 30, 2011 STATEMENT OF BUDGETED REVENUES, EXPENDITURES, AND PROJECTED CHANGES IN FUND BALANCE

Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2011

Projected Projected Balance Budget Budget Balance June 30, 2010 Revenues Expenditures June 30, 2011

General Fund Reserve Severance $ 850,167 $ - $ 11,129 $ 839,038 Designated Severance/Heath Benefits 1,108,247 - 255,493 852,754 Reserve Learning & Development - 1,804,900 1,804,900 - Reserve Basic Skills - 279,663 279,663 - Reserve Career & Technical - 31,497 31,497 - Designated Q Comp 64,894 2,100,958 2,069,578 96,274 Designated WMEP & Intergration 14,363 2,050,305 2,031,671 32,997 Designated Unemployment (243,334) 41,597 100,000 (301,737) Designated Carryover - - - - Unreserved - Undesignated 7,071,861 71,948 72,202,909 68,817,586 Total Gerneral Fund 8,866,198 78,257,554 78,786,840 8,336,912

Transportation Unreserved - Undesigned 101,740 3,278,247 3,331,370 47,617 Total Transportation 101,740 3,278,247 3,331,370 47,617

Total Unreserved - Undesignated 7,173,601 75,226,881 75,534,279 68,866,203

Capital Reserve Health & Safety (1,312,990) 679,947 540,000 (1,178,043) Designated Lease Levy 49,973 347,949 315,000 82,922 Designated Carryover - - - - Reserve Operating Capital 91,619 2,100,000 2,100,000 91,619 Total Capital (1,171,398) 3,127,896 2,960,000 (1,003,502)

Food Service Unreserved - Undesignated 252,514 3,205,000 3,203,250 254,264 Total Food Service 252,514 3,205,000 3,203,250 254,264

Community Services Reserve Community Ed 363,376 4,445,163 4,574,069 234,470 Designated All Day Kindergarten 74,971 1,072,500 1,102,225 45,246 Reserve Family Center 557,906 733,000 573,923 716,983 Reserve ECFE (141,718) 626,588 798,643 (313,773) Reserve School Readiness 4,453 49,704 49,792 4,365 Ureserved - Undesignated 1 177,610 177,610 1 Total Community Service 858,989 7,104,565 7,276,262 687,292

Total Operating Funds 8,908,043 94,973,262 95,557,722 8,323,583

Building Fund Technology Down Payment Levy (1,267,661) 1,000,000 901,671 (1,169,332) Alernative Facilities - Levy (536,154) 500,000 500,000 (536,154) Total Building Fund (1,803,815) 1,500,000 1,401,671 (1,705,486)

Debt Service Unreserved - Undesignated 81,846 10,057,991 10,040,265 99,572 Total Debt Service 81,846 10,057,991 10,040,265 99,572

Internal Service Fund Dental Unreserved -Undesignated 97,625 1,000,000 1,000,000 97,625 Total Internal Service Fund 97,625 1,000,000 1,000,000 97,625

Total All Funds $ 7,283,699 $ 107,531,253 $ 107,999,658 $ 6,815,294 Contact Information

Elementary Schools Secondary Schools

Concord Elementary (K-5) Principal: Rick Sansted South View Middle School (6-9) 5900 Concord Avenue S. Principal: Beth Russell, Ed.D. Edina, MN 55424 4725 South View Lane 952-848-4300 Edina, MN 55424 952-848-3700 Cornelia Elementary (K-5) Principal: Chris Holden Valley View Middle School (6-9) 7000 Cornelia Drive Principal: Shawn Dudley Edina, MN 55435 6750 Valley View Road 952-848-4600 Edina, MN 55439 952-848-3500 Countryside Elementary (K-5) Principal: Julie Hatzung 5701 Benton Avenue S. Edina High School (10-12) Edina, MN 55436 Principal: Bruce Locklear, Ed.D. 952-848-4700 6754 Valley View Road Edina, MN 55439 Creek Valley Elementary (K-5) 952-848-3800 Principal: Kari Dahlquist, Ph.D. 6401 Gleason Road Edina, MN 55439 952-848-3200

Highlands Elementary (K-5) Principal: Peter Hodne 5505 Doncaster Way Edina, MN 55436 952-848-4500 District Office Normandale Elementary (K-5) 5701 Normandale Road Principal: John Devine Edina, MN 55424 French Immersion School 952-848-3900 5701 Normandale Road Fax: 952-848-3901 Edina, MN 55424 [email protected] 952-848-4100

Student Registration Superintendent Ric Dressen, Ed.D. Welcome Center 952-848-4000 Room 171 [email protected] Edina Community Center 5701 Normandale Road Web site: www.edina.k12.mn.us Edina, MN 55424 952-848-3934 Contact Information

Departments/Services Activities Edina Resource Center/ John Soma, Director Curriculum Resources and Programs Business Services 952-848-3816 Valerie Burke, Coordinator Margo Nash, Director [email protected] 952-848-3938 952-848-4004 [email protected] [email protected] Buildings & Grounds Steve Bristor, Supervisor Community Education 952-848-3999 Services & Community [email protected] Relations Douglas Johnson, Director Gifted Education Services 952-848-3960 Debra Richards, Coordinator [email protected] 952-848-4935 [email protected] Human Resources & Administrative Services Health Services Gwen Jackson, Ph.D., Director Betty Elliott, Coordinator 952-848-4946 952-848-4890 [email protected] [email protected]

Media & Technology Services Transportation Services chool oard Steven Buettner, Director S B David White, Supervisor 952-848-4849 952-848-4979 Randy Meyer, Chair [email protected] [email protected] 952-920-4373 [email protected] Research & Evaluation Community Education Chad Schmidt, Ph.D., Director Idith Almog, Vice Chair 952-848-4942 5701 Normandale Road 952-920-9423/9421 [email protected] Edina, MN 55424 [email protected] 952-848-3952 Special Services Bert Ledder, Clerk District Office Penny Kodrich, Director Youth Services/KIDS Club 952-941-9083 952-848-4960 Meg Barrett, Coordinator [email protected] 5701 Normandale Road [email protected] 952-848-3961 Edina, MN 55424 [email protected] Peyton Robb, Treasurer 952-848-3900 Teaching & Learning 612-669-2488 Fax: 952-848-3901 Jenni Norlin-Weaver, Ed.D., Director Adult Enrichment [email protected] [email protected] 952-848-4951 Marsha Buchok, Coordinator

[email protected] 952-848-3956 Regina Neville, Asst. Clerk Superintendent [email protected] 952-351-4164 Administrative Services [email protected] Ric Dressen, Ed.D. Mary Manderfeld, Asst. Director Edina Family Center 952-848-4000 952-848-4961 Laurie Denn, Coordinator Lonni Skrentner, Asst. Clerk [email protected] [email protected] 952-848-3968 952-994-7804 [email protected] [email protected] Web site: www.edina.k12.mn.us