A Look Back at Innovation

Eight years ago, Minnetonka Public Schools launched an effort to expand strategic planning in support of a new culture of innovation. Since 2010, Minnetonka has become a national leader and a model in the development of a structured and research-based approach to incubating and accelerating innovative strategies to better meet the needs of students. Staff members in Minnetonka understand and see value in the District’s efforts. 

In addition to positively impacting the culture of the District, the process has produced a pipeline of excellent new programs that directly benefit student learning in many different ways.  These improvements range from big ideas that draw prospective new families to the District, to smaller ideas that improve the day-to-day operations for staff and students.

As we embark on our 9th year of our intentional innovation work, we are excited to continue to develop the mindsets and practices we’ve spent years developing and more fully ingrain them in the day to day operations of our system.

The Trades

Deep Implementation of Strategic Programs

Last Spring Minnetonka High School hosted its first ever Trades Panel. This event was a great result of our innovation work in the district and highlights the opportunity and demand for skilled positions in the Trades industry. In total, 168 students attended the fully packed (standing room only) Forum to learn more about the role of an electrician, masonry, superintendent, sub-contractor, home re modeler, and auto mechanic. These experts shared about their profession, necessary training, and answered questions. 

This year, we are excited to continue to evolve this important work and fully support the new school board Goal 2, which will focus on:

• Creating awareness and support for all students on all pathways (i.e. trades, military, gap years, technical school, colleges and universities, etc.) to promote the best match for each student.

Stay tuned for more to come!