February 27, 2018 at 6:30 PM - Education Committee - Regular School Board Meeting

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 Starzecki highlighted efforts in teaching and learning across ISD 709. Updates were shared regarding implementation of District initiatives to support teaching and learning.

1.B. Informational Presentations

1.B.1) Record of Continuous Improvement (RCI) Presentations

Throughout the school year each school will be providing an update to the school board regarding their school improvement plan called Record of Continuous Improvement. The work on the RCI is being led by the Continuous Improve Team (CIT).  Each school has gone through a comprehensive needs assessment and developed action steps to improve student outcomes. This month the following schools reviewed the continuous improvement process for their site: Piedmont Elementary School and Denfeld High School.

1.B.2) True North AmeriCorps and K.E.Y. Zone Partnership(s) Update with Grant Results

Sara Hendrickson, Interim Director of True North AmeriCorps and Chris Lund, Program Coordinator of True North AmeriCorps, provided an update on the True North AmeriCorps partnership with Duluth Public Schools. Presentation included program impact from the third year of the True North AmeriCorps Grant.

Melissa Fanning, Interim Executive Director of the Community Services YMCA, and Jay Roesler, Director of Community Education for ISD 709, provided an update on the K.E.Y. Zone partnership with Duluth Public Schools. Presentation included outcomes from the fifth and final year of the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant.

1.B.3) Secondary Schedule Task Force Update

As a school district, we recognize that our current secondary schedule (6-period day) could be improved to allow for broader program options for students and more support for teaching and learning. Many different types of schedules exist. Before making a selection on a potential schedule change, the full range of options should be considered. As a district, we have engaged in a local process to gain a wide range of feedback from our stakeholders groups, consider our organizational priorities in best supporting our students and consider other factors that impact the school day. In the coming month(s), the process will yield a recommendation of well researched potential schedule alternatives that will position ISD 709 for long range success in supporting our students and community. Dr. Michael Cary, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, shared an update regarding this ongoing work.

1.B.4) Career Technical Education (CTE) Program Update

February is CTE Month. CTE Month is a public awareness national campaign held each February to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of Career and Technical Education programs and students across the country. In honor of CTE Month, Bradley Vieths, Vocational Program Coordinator, provided an update regarding the Career Technical Education (CTE) Program within Duluth Public Schools.

1.C. Grant Applications

1.C.1) Rotary Club 25 Grant Application

Kellie Mulliner, teacher at Lester Park Elementary School, has submitted a grant application to Rotary Club 25 in the amount of $1,500. If awarded, funds will be used to purchase 15 hammocks for the Lester Park Elementary School forest. The hammocks would be used by all students at Lester Park (kindergarten-5th grade) both for reading and learning about our environment.

1.D. Regulations - NONE

2. Action Items

2.A. Policies

2.A.1) 6098 - Credit for Learning - DELETION

In moving to the MSBA Model Policies, administration is recommending the deletion of Policy 6098, which will be replaced with MSBA Policy 620.

2.A.2) NEW Policy 620 - Credit for Learning

Attached is revised MSBA Policy 620 for the second reading. This policy would replace Policy 6098.

2.B. Resolutions

2.B.1) Resolution E-2-18-3524 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools

Attached is Resolution E-2-18-3524 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools, to accept and approve grant awards from the following organizations:

Pachel Foundation

2.C. Diploma Requests

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

Casiana S. Siegle - January 17, 2018
Benjamin S. Monahan - January 26, 2018
Carson Austin McClarey - February 7, 2018
December Jo Simmons - February 7, 2018
Spencer R. Simonson - February 7, 2018
Keegan Lee Carlson - February 7, 2018
Carlito Miguel Kingbird - February 16, 2018

2.D. Presentation Items Requiring Approval - NONE

2.E. Extended Trip Requests - NONE

3. Future Items

Achievement and Integration (AI) FY19 Budget Presentation - March
Head Start/Duluth Preschool Update - March
Policy Updates
Advisory Committee Updates