July 17, 2012 at 6:30 PM - Education Committee-Regular School Board Meeting

1. Informational Items 

1.A. Informational Presentations

1.A.1) Summer Reading Campaign

Carla Harrold, Reading Curriculum Specialist, shared updated information on the Summer Reading Program, which is an initiative to help combat summer reading loss that research shows contributes to the achievement gap.  Title I funds were used to purchase books for all students in Title I elementary and middle schools.

1.A.2) Student Support Team (SST) Review Committee Update

Members of the SST Review Committee reported on the current work the group is doing and share their recommendations for moving forward as a District in regards to the SST process, which will include a new  SST Policy  to be presented to the School Board for a first reading in the early fall.

1.A.3) Multiple Measurement Ratings (MMR)

On May 22, 2012 the Minnesota Department of Education released the Multiple Measurement Ratings (MMR) for Minnesota schools.  This new accountability system is made possible through the State's No Child Left Behind (NCLB) waiver and will replace the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) measurement that was historically used in holding schools accountable. Tawnyea Lake, Director of Performance, Evaluation, and Assessment, provided an overview of this new accountability system.  She also shared Duluth Public Schools MMR results.

1.B. Grant Applications - None

1.C. National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), Inc. On-site Evaluation and Accreditation Process

Matthew Rannila, Automotive Instructor, has applied for and been approved for an on-site evaluation of the Duluth Public Schools Automobile Technician Training Program in the areas of Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Engine Performance, and Suspension and Steering for accreditation renewal approval.  His goal is to complete all requirements and be approved for accredition by the fall os 2012.

2. Action Items

2.A. Presentation Items Requiring Approval - None

2.B. Resolution E-7-12-3040 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools

Attached is Resolution E-7-12-3040 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools, to accept and approve grant awards for the following organizations:

  Ordean Foundation
  Captain Planet Foundation
  Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation -Duluth Public Schools
  Endowment Fund

2.C. Access to Internet Student Data - Non-District Employees
(This item was pulled at the Education Committee Meeting and is pending legal consultation.)

It is requested that the following organizations be granted access to the Student Information System to support District functions from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013.

  MN Reading Corps
  UWS
  Human Development Center
  College of St. Scholastica Education Department
  Grant Community School Collaborative
  United Way of Greater Duluth
  Woodland Hills Academy
  University of MN Upward Bound
  Chester Creek & Merritt Creek
  Duluth Area Family YMCA
  MN Alliance with Youth
  Lutheran Social Services
  Men as Peacemakers

2.D. Local Education Agency (LEA) Authorizer

It is recommended that the Duluth School Board authorize Charlie Leibfried, Federal Programs Supervisor, to act as the LEA representative for the Duluth Public Schools in filing application for funds as provided under Public Law 103-382 for the 2012-13 School Year.

2.E. Resolution E-7-12-3037 - Support for the Continued Development of the Lowell to Lakewalk Trail

Attached is Resolution E-7-12-3037 - Support for Continued Development of the Lowell to Lakewalk Trail,  to accept and approve supporting the continued development of the trail, which is a planned multi-use, bicycle, pedestrian link that would increase Safe Routes to Schools for our students.

2.F. Diplomas

The following students have completed all high school requirements and should be awarded a diploma:

  Michael W. Lindorff - June 5, 2012
  Thomas G. Krause - June 5, 2012

2.G. 2012 Graduates

It is recommended by administration that the official minutes include a certified list of June 2012 graduates as submitted by the respective high schools.