Accomplishments and Priorities

Accelerate Learning

Metrics show that ECCS withstood the pandemic better than most of our peer districts. For instance, ECCS is the only one of our 15 district comparison group that reported math MCA scores higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2024. The efforts that have started the last two years as part of our strategic plan are gaining traction and we must continue pushing forward with them, as they are producing improved academic results.

• Chanhassen Elementary School was recognized as the district’s first-ever National Blue Ribbon School in 2023 for its strong academic performance and inclusive culture and climate.
• New “science of reading” based curriculum adopted by the district ahead of the state mandate. Since 2019, ECCS is second among our 15 district peer group in MCA score change in reading. Promising FastBridge results show that we are on the right track and should expect further gains in the future.
• “Thinking Classroom” model in middle school math has produced double-digit MCA gains at Chaska Middle School West and Pioneer Ridge Middle School. This is a teacher-driven reform, supported by school- and district-level leadership to track results and then drive adoption of the model across the middle school level.
• Resequencing and new offerings at the secondary level have opened the door to advanced classes for more students.
• Work remains to ensure that these learning gains are shared equally across all groups, but we are seeing promising trends some metrics, such as graduation rates, particularly among Hispanic/Latino students.

Build Our Future

It’s time for ECCS to stand tall and be proud of our district’s many strengths. State funding has lagged inflation for the last 20 years, keeping our district’s budget under constant stress. Despite these challenges, we must invest and promote those areas we want to emphasize as our district’s calling cards – specifically, superb academics featuring personalized learning and “big school” opportunities in academics, arts, athletics, and activities in a “small school” environment.

• 2021 operating levy passed with 69% approval, highest rate in the state, allowing a reduction in average elementary school class size. I will continue to prioritize class size at the elementary level as critical, despite fiscal pressure.
• Our schools continue to excel across the board – competing and winning in academics, arts, athletics, and activities, even against the largest schools in the state.
• New long term facilities management financing plan give the district a stable flow of funds to keep our existing building current — including the major renovations at Chaska Middle School East and Chaska Middle School West the last two years.
• New teacher contract positions the district to have one of the highest entry-level teacher salaries in the metro, while also rewarding experienced teachers with longevity pay for the first time ever in ECCS.
• We are in the process of working to identify those areas to strategically invest in over the coming years.

Culture is Critical

ECCS has done a lot of work over the last few years to improve the climate in our schools for students and staff, including the development of identity harm policies and procedures that have received statewide and national acclaim. Our strategic plan places the desired daily experience for students, staff, and families at the very center of every decision we make. We need to keep going on that work, to ensure every student and staff member is respected and valued.

• “Conscious Discipline” efforts across the district have shown improved results in school climate — fewer referrals to principals, more positive behavior recognized and rewarded. Carver Elementary’s program was recognized as part of the Schools of Excellence Showcase by the Minnesota School Boards Association in 2024.
• Renewed focus on attendance has reduced the number of students who are chronically missing class.
• District has fully complied with the federal consent decree for two years running.