April 10, 2017 at 7:00 PM - Work Session

Description:  Demuth, Habben, Hesse, Humbert, Schurman, and Wesenberg. 

Student Members:  Lisa Volkers, Taylor Dingmann, and Nick Warne.

Description:  Board action to approve the agenda for the meeting is expected.

Description:  Items on the discussion agenda are issues that do not require immediate action but are presented for information and potential future action by the board.

Description:  The senior class of 2017 has submitted a request to be excused from classes on May 31, 2017 through June 1, 2017.  This request does have the approval of Principal Jenson.

Description:  This portion of the agenda has been designated to highlight programs and initiatives within the district or to invest extended time to discuss issues of strategic direction. 

Description:  Stephanie Hillman, Community Education Director, is expected to be present to share information regarding the work and direction within the Community Education program.  She is likely to review some of the program issues since her arrival in September but also to look forward to ideas for future work.

Description:  As the district continues to develop the budget for FY2018, the process has included discussion about the broad parameters and goals the school board may wish to pursue.   The district has established a target figure for budget adjustment and a list of items has been offered for improvements within the district as well as potential reductions.  Action has been taken in areas required, but continued discussion related to the list of potential adjustments is expected.  Action is not expected at this point in time, but discussion about priorities and points of emphasis is desired.

DESIRED OUTCOME:  Discussion regarding board priorities for budget adjustments.

RECOMMENDATION:  No action is expected at this time; the issue will return for formal action with superintendent recommendations at the April 24th meeting.

Description:  At the last meeting, specific discussion occurred regarding the Academic and Principal structure of the district.  The process of replacing a Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment and the resignation of the Richmond/Rockville Principal have created opportunity to look at the district leadership structure.  

Although the Negotiations/Personnel Committee had brought forward a recommendation regarding a teacher-directed academic leadership team and a proposal for elementary principal leadership, discussion leading into the meeting and at the meeting adjusted plans.  The outcome of the discussion was to look at placing principals at each site but to include specific district-wide academic duties within their leadership roles.  The School Board desired to hear feedback on the proposal before "finalizing" an approach at this meeting.

Within the discussion, there are multiple levels of issues to consider including the ability to address building, students, academic, and district needs.  The overall workload of positions, the ability to respond to issues as they occur, consistency of program and opportunity across the district are also issues to consider.  In addition, long-term plans and strategic direction for the district are also important factors to weigh during the decision-making process.

Feedback and ideas that have surfaced during the discussion will be offered.  

Desired Outcome:  Discussion of key elements of the leadership direction.  Consensus on direction is desired.

Recommendation:  Endorse the path chosen at the previous meeting.

Description:  The Negotiations team is expecting to engage the full board in conversations about negotiations strategy to determine the parameters and direction of negotiations with the organized bargaining groups.  The meeting would be closed pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 179A.14 subd. 3 and Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13D.03 subd. 1 and subd. 2 regarding closed meetings for labor negotiations strategy.

Desired Outcome:  School Board strategy determined for negotiations with organized bargaining groups.

Action required:  Motion to close the meeting for negotiations strategy.  Motion to return to open meeting upon completion.

Description:  At the previous meeting, information related to the progress on the goals of the superintendent was shared.  The progress on the goals is related to the overall performance of the superintendent.  The meeting will be closed for the performance evaluation of Superintendent Scott Staska pursuant to Minnesota Statues Section 13D.05, subdivision 3(a).

DESIRED OUTCOME:  Review of progress on Superintendent annual goals.

RECOMMENDATION:  Motion to close the meeting for evaluation of progress.  Motion to reconvene for open meeting with statement of outcome.