Council asks Osseo Schools to focus on AI, more clubs for middle schoolers

Ideas abound for the Osseo School District’s future.

On May 21, the Osseo Area School Board saw a presentation from the District Planning Advisory Council with recommendations on things ro can address in the future.

Chair Rose Tonn explained that the advisory council is composed of various community members who evaluate district programs and initiatives and make recommendations for improvements.

“We are asking Osseo Area Schools to provide middle school scholars with expanded extracurricular opportunities, leverage emerging AI technology to enable educators and scholars to learn and innovate at all levels, provide expanded curriculum opportunities and partnerships with professionals to bolster our scholars’ college and career readiness, and partner with a mental health agency that specializes in providing culturally sensitive training,” Tonn said.

Student clubs

Parent Angel Becker explained the middle school extracurriculars. Currently, all four middle schools have different programs available.

“There are a few programs, such as Destination Imagination and drama, that are available at all of the schools, as well as the opportunity to join the high school sports teams beginning in the seventh grade. Unfortunately, this is where the similarities end,” said Becker.

Chess, math, robotics, cooking, dance and more are only offered at select buildings.

Often there is a lack of staff interest or availability, which Becker suggests can be fixed by involving district employees. The district can also incentivize teachers or involve parents. DPAC recommends surveying students to see which activities they are interested in, and pilot a new activity at each school.

AI in schools

Parent Amanda Heller addressed AI integration.

“Currently, the ways that AI is used vary by individual across the district. Some district educators prohibit AI in the classroom, others have already incorporated AI into their curriculum. Yet another group of educators is interested, but doesn’t know where to start,” she said.

Her team at DPAC recommends a multi-year plan to integrate AI into classrooms while providing resources to staff and students so they can use AI technology effectively.

AI also has analytical capabilities that can be used beyond the classroom to improve feedback and streamline learning strategies. The district can use a multi-year plan to implement AI in this capacity.

College and career readiness

Parent Bao Vang’s group recommended that the district implement a program teaching college and career readiness that would be required for each student.

She said this would help students identify the post-secondary option best suited to their goals, and teach them how to apply for financial aid. It would also include many strategies for preparing to graduate.

One way to do this would be through a credit-based course required for graduation. Another would be assigning each student a mentor who they would be in regular contact with. The third would be ensuring that college and career readiness information is consistent across all schools.

Student Services Coordinator Laura McLuen recommended that the district pursue a partnership with a culturally sensitive mental health agency to reduce stigma and make students more comfortable seeking help.

There would also be training for all school psychologists, counselors, and social workers.

Board Vice Chair Tanya Prince said the board should discuss how to take action on the recommendations. She is particularly interested in the middle school extracurriculars because it has been a recurring theme.

Easy action items

The School Board passed or approved all action items and all items in the consent agenda without discussion. Some of those items included the following.

Executive Director of Human Resources Laurel Anderson presented the action items to the board, which included a renewal of health care and dental insurance premiums for district staff and updates to the terms and conditions of district employment.

There will be a 16.3% increase in insurance premiums with United Healthcare. There have been significant high health insurance claims in recent years. The change will not affect the district budget, and will be covered by employee and retiree premium increases.

Anderson named some specific changes to the terms and conditions of district employment, including a 5% increase to base salary in year one, and a 3% increase in base salary in year two. The minimum and maximum salary ranges were increased by 9.3%, and payment for performance will be added as a stipend rather than added to the base salary.