Burnsville Schools Just Mapped Out a Big 2026-27
TLDR
The superintendent laid out a long list of priorities for next school year.
Highlights: new reading and K-5 science curriculum, dyslexia screening for grades 4-12, and a new "learning coach" model (11 hired so far).
The district is bringing in an outside firm, TeamWorks, for a full strategic-planning process next year.
The board's main note: keep it clear, and bring families along.
At the May 28 meeting, Superintendent Dr. Daniels walked the Burnsville school board through what District 191 wants to focus on in 2026-27. It's a big list — and the board had thoughts. Here's the breakdown.
A long list, on purpose
Dr. Daniels grouped the work into buckets: routine "technical" tasks, ongoing improvement work, and bigger "new learning" initiatives. The list covers a lot — a new literacy curriculum, new K-5 science curriculum, dyslexia screening for students in grades 4-12 who aren't reading at grade level, a review of special-education identification, safer threat-assessment steps, and clearer internal communication.
She was clear it's not a wish list she made alone. Principals, directors, and building teams all helped build it, and she said it's mostly about organizing work that's already happening. As one director put it: "It's a lot. You're going to have your hands full."
The new "learning coach" model
One of the bigger changes is a new learning coach model — coaches who help teachers get better and keep grade levels aligned, all aimed at student achievement. The district has already announced 11 hires, with another round of interviews coming. It's a structural shift, similar to staffing moves other districts are making, like Lakeville's special education staffing changes.
Bringing in outside help
Here's the part that's genuinely new: the district plans to hire TeamWorks, an outside firm, to run a full strategic-planning process next school year. Consultant Julie Babe explained their "classroom to boardroom" approach — they start by talking to students, staff, and families, then build a long-term roadmap. The process runs about 6-9 months, starting in the fall.
Board members liked the depth but kept hitting one theme: communication. Several directors said the district has to explain all this in plain language so parents actually get it — one even floated building a simple webpage to track it. Another asked that the priorities be ranked into tiers, so if something big comes up mid-year, the district knows what to focus on. It's the kind of long-term planning that pairs with big financial moves like Lakeville's recent school bond sale.
The Bottom Line
Nothing here was a final vote — it's the plan that'll shape next year's training, curriculum, and budget. The strategic-planning work will include focus groups with families, so parents will get a chance to weigh in. Want to see how a neighbor district runs its meetings? Here's our recent Lakeville school board recap. You can read the district's mission and values on the ISD 191 "Discover" page, learn more about the TeamWorks process, or see how MSBA supports strategic planning.
FAQ
What's actually changing for my kid next year? Big ones: a new reading curriculum, new K-5 science curriculum, and dyslexia screening for grades 4-12 who aren't reading at grade level.
What's a "learning coach"? A staff member who helps teachers improve their teaching and keep grade levels on the same page. The district has hired 11 so far.
Who is TeamWorks? An outside firm the district plans to hire to run a full strategic-planning process next year, including focus groups with families.
Will parents get a say? Yes — the strategic-planning process includes focus groups and surveys for families, students, and staff.
Was any of this voted on? No. This was a presentation and discussion. It sets the direction for next year's budget and training.
