June 14, 2016 at 4:15 PM - Education Committee

1. Informational Items - These items are provided for informational purposes only and no action is required.

1.A. Assistant Superintendent's Report

As part of her monthly report, Assistant Superintendent Amy Starzecki will highlight efforts in teaching and learning across ISD 709. Updates will be shared regarding implementation of District initiatives to support teaching and learning.

1.B. Informational Presentations

1.B.1) Positive School Climate

Amy Starzecki, Assistant Superintendent, and Ron Lake, Climate Coordinator for Duluth Public Schools, will present information and updates regarding the district-wide Positive School Climate initiative.

1.C. Grant Applications

1.C.1) Bush Foundation Grant Application

Annette Petersmeyer, Woodland Hills Academy IDT, has submitted a grant application to the Bush Foundation in the amount of $5000. If awarded, funds will be used to continue the partnership between Woodland Hills Academy and Animal Allies Humane Society to provide at-risk students the opportunity to interact with animals and give back to their community while strengthening relationships with each other and with other adults. Research shows that animals are calming to students with mental illnesses and the students can provide calm to animals in a shelter. Overall students are more relaxed and they have shown a greater care and concern for others.

1.C.2) Action For Healthy Kids Grant Application

Rachel Thapa, Lincoln Park Middle School, has submitted a grant application to the Action for Healthy Kids in the amount of $5000.  If awarded, funds will be used to purchase equipment needed to increase utilization of the universal school breakfast program via grab and go style breakfast after 1st period. Pam Bowe, District Food Services Director has approved any in-kind support needed for this initiative.

1.D. Regulations

1.D.1) NEW Regulation 532R - Regulations and Restrictive Procedures Plan

In moving toward alignment with MSBA Model Policies, administration is recommending moving Policy 5093, with adjustments and updates to comply with changes in state legislation, to serve as NEW Regulation 532R. Attached is Regulation 532R - Regulations and Restrictive Procedures Plan. Ron Lake, Climate Coordinator, Jason Crane, Director of Special Services and Chris VanHouse, Masters of Social Work intern, will be present to answer questions.

1.E. Externally Sponsored Trip Requests

1.E.1) World Language Exploration Group - Trip to Germany, Italy and Switzerland

LaDonna Bergum, teacher at Duluth East High School, will travel to Germany, Italy and Switzerland from June 14 - 23, 2016 with a group of Duluth Public Schools students as an externally sponsored event. The Acknowledgment That the Trip is Not Sponsored by the School District forms have been completed, signed, and turned into the Assistant Superintendent by the parent(s)/guardian(s) of all traveling students along with the Externally Sponsored Trip form signed by Laurie Knapp, Principal at Duluth East High School.

1.E.2) Xperitas - German American Partnership Program (GAPP) - Trip to Germany

Lynn Hinzmann and Emily Lull, teachers at Duluth East High School, will travel to Germany from June 18 - July 9, 2016 with a group of Duluth Public Schools students as an externally sponsored event. The Acknowledgment That the Trip is Not Sponsored by the School District forms have been completed, signed, and turned into the Assistant Superintendent by the parent(s)/guardian(s) of all traveling students along with the Externally Sponsored Trip form signed by Laurie Knapp, Principal at Duluth East High School.

2. Action Items

2.A. Presentation Items Requiring Approval

2.A.1) Federal Head Start Grant - Expanded Schedule

Pam Rees, Director of Head Start, will present for review and approval the Federal Head Start Grant to expand the weeks and hours of the Head Start schedule for FY17.

2.A.2) Head Start Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) Grant

Pam Rees, Director of Head Start, will present the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) Grant for review and approval.

2.B. Policies

2.B.1) 5093 - Duluth Public Schools ISD 709 Restrictive Procedures Plan - DELETION

In moving to the MSBA Model Policies, administration is recommending the deletion of Policy 5093 which will be replaced with MSBA Policy 532.

2.B.2) NEW Policy 532 - Use of Peace Officers and Crisis Teams to Remove Students from School Grounds

Attached is revised MSBA Model Policy 532 for second reading. This policy would replace the current policy 5093.

2.C. Grant Awards

2.C.1) Resolution E-6-16-3380 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools

Attached is Resolution E-6-16-3380 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools, to accept and approve grant awards from the following organizations:

Perpich Center for Arts Education (PCAE)
Education Minnesota Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and Learning

2.D. Data Sharing Agreements

It is requested that the following organizations be granted access to the Student Information System to support District functions from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017:

- College Possible
- The College of St. Scholastica, Trio Talent Search
- The College of St. Scholastica, Upward Bound
- Lutheran Social Services
- The College of St. Scholastica
- University of MN, Duluth
- University of WI, Superior (UWS)
- YWCA, Girl Power
- Men as Peacemakers

2.E. Diploma Requests

The following students have met all graduation requirements for the Duluth Public Schools and should be awarded a Diploma:

Miranda Rae Johnson-LeBlanc - April 20, 2016
JaMece L. Turner - April 29, 2016
Lisa Flynn - May 26, 2016
Chaya M. Diver - May 26, 2016
Dollie Evans -  June 7, 2016

3. Future Items

- Policy Updates
- Technology Innovations