May 19, 2015 at 6:30 PM - Education Committee - Regular School Board Meeting

1. Informational Items 

1.A. Informational Presentations

1.A.1) Duluth Head Start Self and Community Assessments Results

Pam Rees, Director of Head Start, presented the Duluth Head Start Self and Community Assessment Results.

1.A.2) Elementary Standards Based Report Cards

Working toward a smooth transition for our new elementary standards based report card, the Curriculum Department has developed multiple avenues to provide information to teachers and families. Dr. Mike Cary, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Duluth Public Schools Curriculum Coaches shared information on Elementary Standards Based Report Cards.

1.A.3) Eighth Day Specialist Rotation Schedule

Dr. Mike Cary, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, shared options being explored for the Eighth Day Specialist Rotation Schedule.

1.A.4) Summer Curriculum Work

Dr. Mike Cary, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, provided an update on the upcoming summer curriculum work, including the integration of culture and climate.

1.A.5) Summer School Presentation (This item was tabled.)

Nathan Glockle and Adrian Norman, Summer School Principals/ Coordinators, will present information on the 2015 Summer School Program along with comparison of student offerings and student numbers from past years.

1.B. Grant Applications

1.B.1) Minnesota Youth at Work Competitive Grant

The Duluth Public Schools has agreed to enter into a collaborative agreement with the City of Duluth to make an application for a Minnesota Youth at Work Competitive Grant.  If awarded funds will be used to build employment skills for economically disadvantaged and/or at risk youth, ages 14 through 24.  The total in-kind contribution from the Duluth  Public Schools will be $6,934.

2. Action Items

2.A. State Head Start Grant Approval

Pam Rees, Director of Head Start, presented the 2015-16 State Head Start Grant for review and approval.

2.B. Recommended Revisions to Policy 6140.10 - Co-Curriculuar Activities Participation Fees

Attached are recommended revisions to Policy 6140.10 - Co-Curricular Activities Participation Fees for Board review and approval of the first reading. Shawn Roed and Tom Pearson,  Activity Directors, were available to answer any questions.

2.C. Recommended Revisions to Policy 5084 - Bullying Prohibition Policy

Ron Lake, Climate Coordinator, shared proposed revisions to Policy 5084 - Bullying Prohibition Policy for Board review and approval of the first reading. 

2.D. Proposal to Create a Duluth Minnesota State High School League  Lacrosse Team

The Duluth Chargers Lacrosse Team is sponsoring and supporting the move to create a Duluth Public Schools high school team, which would be a cooperative team with Denfeld and East.  Mark Danielsen, Vice President of the Duluth Chargers Lacrosse Board, presented their proposal.

2.E. Independent Provider Request - Duluth Equestrian Club

Mike Zeman, Duluth Equestrian Club Advisor, presented the request of the Duluth Equestrian Club to become and Independent Provider. Approval of this request will give students the opportunity to participate in a sport they love in a high school environment and will help students build positive character, raise self-confidence, and improve self-discipline while pursuing excellence in school and at their riding facility. Club members will address the athletic skills needed in the areas of Western and English through one-on-one and group lessons, clinics, and attendance and participation schooling and rated shows. The Equestrian Club is open to all East and Denfeld students who want to advance their connection between themselves and their horses.

2.F. Resolution E-5-15-3267 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools

Attached is Resolution E-5-15-3267 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools, to accept and approve from the following organization:

Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation - Duluth Public Schools Endowment Fund

2.G. Diploma Requests

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

Jaymi Mara-Rae Perry - March 30, 2015
Mark Phillilp Fobbe - March 12, 2015

3. Future Items

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