July 12, 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) 2015-16 Annual Bullying Report and PBIS Training Update

Ron Lake, Climate Coordinator for Duluth Public Schools, will present a summary of the number of bullying reports submitted and the action taken to resolve reports. In addition, an update regarding the new schools entering into PBIS training and the training and activities of the current PBIS schools will be shared.

1.B.2) Training for Success with PLCs

Assistant Superintendent, Amy Starzecki, and Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Michael Cary, will present information regarding the upcoming Solution Tree PLC training in August 2016 and an update as to how this training relates to the District-wide Continuous Improvement Plan.

1.C. Grant Applications

1.C.1) Northland Foundation Thrive Initiative Grant - The First Year Program

Jay Roesler, Director of Community Education and Early Childhood Programs, has submitted a grant application to the Northland Foundation Thrive Initiative in the amount of $5000.  If awarded, funds will be used to support mental health services (a clinician) for participants in the Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) First Year Program. The program assists first-time parents (18 years and over) who have experienced multiple ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences), have identified mental health needs and received limited support during the critical transition time between pregnancy and actual parenthood. Through participatory parent education sessions, mental health assessment and support services, early childhood education, home visiting and other supports, the systematic barriers are removed and families find the individual and community supports necessary for successful growth. 

1.D. Regulations - PLACEHOLDER

2. Action Items

2.A. Grant Awards

2.A.1) Resolution E-7-16-3382 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools

Attached is Resolution E-7-16-3382 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools, to accept and approve grant awards from the following organizations:

Perpich Center for Arts Education (PCAE)
Northland Foundation Thrive Initiative

2.B. Diploma Requests

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

Jenna M. Atkinson - June 9, 2016
Jose Alberto Rodriguez-Ramirez - June 23, 2016

2.C. 2016 Graduates

It is recommended by administration that the official minutes include a certified list of June 2016 graduates as submitted by the respective high schools.

2.D. Other Action Items

2.D.1) Purchase of Advanced Placement United States History Textbooks

Minnesota Standards in Social Studies were adopted by the legislature in May, 2013. In addition, the College Board has made significant changes to its Advanced Placement United States History course description and advanced placement test. To continue to meet these requirements, the Advanced Placement American History teachers met during the months of April and May, 2016 to explore options in textbooks for the AP American History classes at both Denfeld and East High School. After review of the textbooks, the Department of Curriculum and Instruction under the leadership of Dr. Michael Cary, is recommending that the Duluth School Board approve the expenditure of $19,766.07 to purchase 150 copies of America’s History, For the AP Course 8e & LearningCurve & Strive for a 5 for America’s History, Eighth Edition.  Funds from the secondary adoption budget for the 2016-17 fiscal year would be used to pay for this expenditure.

2.E. Presentation Items Requiring Approval - PLACEHOLDER

2.F. Policies - PLACEHOLDER

2.G. Data Sharing Agreements - PLACEHOLDER

3. Future Items

- Policy Updates
- Regulation Updates