04-04-16 CC-School Board Worksession CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
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Special Concurrent City Council/
f'1�b.ln Hornetown Richfield School Board Worksession
April 4, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
The worksession was called to order by School Board Chair Toensing at 6:00 p.m. in the
Richfield School District Board Room, 7001 Harriet Avenue.
ROLL CALL
Council Members: Debbie Goettel, Mayor; Pat Elliott; Edwina Garcia; Michael Howard;
Present: and Tom Fitzhenry.
City Staff Present: Steven L. Devich, City Manager; Kristin Asher, Public Works Director; John
Stark, Community Development Director; Jay Henthorne, Public Safety
Director; Jim Topitzhofer, Recreation Services Director; Wayne Kewitsch,
Fire Services Director; Pam Dmytrenko, Assistant City Manager/HR Manager;
Mike Koob, Deputy Public Safety Director; Mike Dobesh, Assistant Fire Chief;
and Theresa Schyma, Deputy City Clerk.
School Board Peter Toensing, Chair; John Ashmead; Christine Maleck; Crystal Brakke;
Members Present: Paula Cole; and Tim Pollis.
School District Steven Unowsky, Superintendent; Leadriane Roby, Assistant Superintendent;
Staff Present: and Anthony Padrnos, Director of Technology.
Item # 1 DISCUSSION TOPICS
Superintendent Unowsky presented the 2016-2017 school district calendar. He noted that all
K-5 schools would be closed for a staff development day on November 8 for student safety and to
avoid disruption on Election Day. School staff partnered with election judges to help facilitate this
proactive change for an election that is expected to bring high voter turnout.
The City Council and School Board discussed the following topics:
RPS Update
1. Technology Update
2. Student Achievement Update
3. Facility Study Update
Assistant Superintendent Roby and Technology Director Padrnos presented an overview of
the Richfield Public Schools Innovation and Strategic Plan.
Special Worksession Minutes -2- April 4, 2016
Superintendent Unowsky stated the district's focus is on student instruction and reducing
class size.
Superintendent Unowsky discussed the upcoming facilities study to determine the status of all
facilities in the district.
City of Richfield Update
1. Current Housing & Development Projects/Affordable housing opportunities
2. Possible partnership with China
3. School program that addresses families with a service member
Mayor Goettel provided an update on the housing situation at Crossroads/Concierge. She
stated that with a transition in ownership, like with Crossroads/Concierge, old infrastructures are
being updated and overcrowding issues are brought to light. The new owners have the right to
decide whether or not to accept housing assistance.
School Board Member Pollis responded that the school district needs stability because losing
100 students does affect the district's budget. Housing has the biggest impact on the City and school
district.
Community Development Director Stark stated that with private sales, like
Crossroads/Concierge, City staff does not always know in advance. Mr. Stark added that when he
was informed the sale was going to occur, he promptly contacted Superintendent Unowsky with the
information.
Mayor Goettel detailed her recent trip to China to further develop a relationship between
Richfield and Shouyang County, China. She also discussed the potential of a student exchange
program to bring 20 Chinese students to Richfield for the upcoming school year.
Council Member Fitzhenry stated that Richfield's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee has
requested a contact at the school district to help the children of military personnel. He stated the
committee's goal is to identify and support students whose parents are serving overseas in the
military.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:54 p.m.
Date Approved: April 26, 2016
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