January 27, 2025 at 5:00 PM - DOUGLAS SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION

Rationale:  At our January 6, 2025 Special Meeting, Casey from Studer was here to provide the board with an update on our partnership with Studer.  During that time, she shared information about the District Scorecard and the potential for several different experience surveys.  

Our executive leadership team met with Casey on January 8 to further refine and focus the scorecard.  We have a document that is close to 85% complete and I plan to share that document with you Monday night.  One of the initial components to gain stakeholder input is the Parent/Caregiver Experience Survey.  Current plans are to launch the survey in conjunction with parent teacher conferences on February 10, 2025.  

Rationale:  Our first committee meeting with the Facilities Committee is scheduled for February 25, 2025.  We have sent invitations to approximately 30 individuals to be a part of the committee.  Jared with COOP, Ellie with Leadership Matters, and myself have been planning the process.  The committee's charge is as follows:   The Facilities Master Planning Committee will provide a recommendation to the BOE regarding ALL future district facilities needs.  The following considerations will be taken into account, but not limited to:  Historical District Perspective, Existing State of Facilities,  Potential Changes to Building Configurations, an awareness of the impact of potential growth on ALL facilities, including transportation, maintenance, central office, technology, auxiliary services, potential specialized programming needs for students with disabilities, and the 18-21 Transition Program.

Rationale:  During the Governor's Budget address, she rolled out what she is calling  Education Savings Accounts, which is just another fancy name for Vouchers. She is proposing 4 million dollars for this initiative.  I wanted to take a moment to make sure you were aware of the proposals, and from what we are hearing, the first of several measures along this line that we continue to see each year during the legislative session.  This is informational only at this point.  I have included a sample resolution that ASBSD has prepared for districts to oppose school voucher proposals. 

Rationale:  The proposed update to Policy AF - Dangerous Weapons in the Schools is necessary to ensure alignment with current state legislative requirements and safety standards. This revision will provide clear guidance for school administrators, staff, and students while maintaining compliance with the most recent state legal mandates.

Rationale:  The proposed policy revision establishes clear, comprehensive guidelines for financial accountability and oversight within the district, ensuring that all payment claims are processed, verified, and authorized through a structured system of checks and balances. 

Rationale:  This policy update reinforces our commitment to protecting students by implementing comprehensive criminal background check procedures for employees, volunteers, and contractors, while establishing clear protocols for handling and protecting sensitive criminal history record information.

Rationale:  This revision recognizes the need to update graduation requirements to align with current South Dakota Administrative Rules, including the removal of the mandatory 0.5 credit computer requirement, to better reflect evolving educational priorities.

Rationale:  The addition of the TOSA (Student Success Coach) position aligns with our commitment to fostering the academic, social, and emotional development of our students by addressing barriers to success and providing targeted support. This role will enhance collaboration among educators, families, and community partners, ensuring a positive school climate and student achievement.

Rationale:  The heating systems in Vandenberg Elementary, Carrousel, and the Central Office require upgrades to ensure consistency and efficiency across the district. Transitioning to a single heating system provider will streamline maintenance, reduce costs, and improve operational reliability. Addressing the immediate needs at Vandenberg presents an ideal opportunity to align the entire district with one company, creating long-term benefits for facilities management.

Rationale:  Given our new calendar format for the 2024-25 school year, I wanted to take a moment to update you on inclement weather days.  The following communication has been drafted to be sent out to update families on the impact of inclement weather days.  

Rationale:  Two bills have been introduced in the Senate (South Dakota Legislature) to support the Douglas School District. 

1. Senate Bill 6 makes an appropriation to support capital and infrastructure projects necessitated by the expansion of Ellsworth Air Force Base and to declare an emergency; and
2. Senate Bill 16 sets aside certain contractor’s excise tax collections relating to the Ellsworth Air Force Base, to create a fund for the collections, and to provide an appropriation therefor.  
3.  $42 Million Federal Appropriation For Elementary School #1 - We are currently waiting for the federal budget to be passed. They passed a Continuing Resolution in December until March.  Hopefully, we will know more by March 12, 2025 when they pass the federal budget.   

Rationale:  BOE Monthly Meeting Planning Guide and Big Picture BOE Concepts