March 24, 2015 at 6:30 PM - Education Committee - Regular School Board Meeting

1. Informational Items 

1.A. Informational Presentations

1.A.1) East High School Student Presentation

Tim Renier, a senior at East High School, presented information on a science project he has been working on for most of his high school years entitled, "Sick of Getting Sick", which he will be bringing to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) being held in Los angeles, California from May 11-16, 2015.

1.A.2) 2014 Graduation Data

Dr. Tawnyea Bolme-Lake, Director of Assessment, Evaluation, and Performance, presented information on the 2014 Graduation Rates for the Duluth Public Schools, which was released by the Minnesota Department of Education on February 24, 2015.  Ed Crawford, Assistant Superintendent, and Dr. Mike Cary, Director of Curriculum, were also be available to answer any questions.

1.A.3) Community Education Presentation

Jay Roesler, Director of Community Education, provided an update on the Duluth Public Schools Community Education Program.

1.A.4) 2014-15 Kindergarten Roundup Dates

Ed Crawford shared the dates and times of Kindergarten Roundup at our elementary schools this spring.

1.A.5) Discussion Regarding Challenges Facing Denfeld

Superintendent Gronseth and Assistant Superintendent Crawford facilitated a discussion regarding challanges facing Denfeld, which were addressed in letters of concern received from Denfeld's English and Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies Departments.  Bernie Burnham, President of the Duluth Federation of Teachers, and a staff member from Denfeld High School were also be present for the discussion.

1.A.6) High School Grading Periods

Ed Crawford, Assistant Superintendent, and Dr. Mike Cary, Director of Curriculum, presented information regarding adjusting the high school grading periods from six to nine weeks for the 2015-16 school year.

1.B. Grant Applications - None

2. Action Items

2.A. Presentation Items Requiring Approval

Achievement and Integration Budget for 2015-17

William Howes, Coordinator of the Office of Education Equity, presented the Achievement and Integration Budget for 2015-17 for review and approval.

2.B. Extended Trip Requests

Lowell Elementary's fourth grade students will be traveling to Wolfridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, Minnesota from April 22-24, 2015.  The focus of this trip will be to provide experiences that are sustaining through engaging students in a variety of ways such as strengthening their abilities to self-monitor, becoming more aware of their responsibilities, and continuing to build self-confidence. The cost of the trip is $150 per student and will be funded with student fees.

2.C. Diploma Requests

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

Malcom Tyree - February 27, 2015
Jacob Michael Marciniak - January 29, 2015
Austin Thomas Muklebust - January 29, 2015
Cecilia Marie Colburn - February 10, 2015
David Joseph Berg - February 10, 2015

3. Future Items

- Musical Instrument Rental Dollars
- Career Centers
- Specialist Overview
- Middle School Programming