Special Meeting 3/1/11 (Agenda)
Board member Iannone did not attend this meeting.
Superintendent Malay began the meeting by asking the board to watch a short internet video on The Ten Commandments of Leadership. You can watch it at www.the10commandmentsofleadership.com/.
Superintendent Malay then spoke briefly about the needs of gifted students in the district. In the past, potential clients from all our elementary schools were tested for admission to the district's gifted program housed at Starline Elementary. Next year the special program will be downsized, going from a staff of two teachers to just one. Ms. Malay told the board that measures will be taken to make sure gifted students are well served at all our elementary schools.
Board member Rooney asked about an agenda item for the March regular board meeting. As mandated by the State, the board will review and consider adoption of age appropriate dating abuse information in existing health curriculum for grades 7-12. Mr. Rooney wondered if such material could not be covered via the school's daily in-house, Channel 1 television broadcasts. Students watch Channel 1 anyway, and it would not take away from class time to use this resource. Director of Special Services Aggie Wolter said that was one option being considered.
Board member Troyer asked about a software purchase that was on the agenda for the march meeting. Aggie Wolter said it was being purchased for special education, but would be available to all students on all district computers. The software allows students to work on credit recovery, passing a class by repeating only what they did not understand the first time around. This will help students be successful and could help our graduation rate as well.
The district's Director of Educational Services resigned effective June 30. Until then he will be working from home. The board discussed whether or not to hire a replacement to take over in July. The board and administration felt this was too important a position to lose, and that a replacement should be sought.
The board also discussed the possibility of creating a new administrative position, director of operations. This position would supervise the transportation, maintenance, warehouse, food service, and technology departments. The consensus was that this was something to keep in mind for the future, but could and should not be implemented now in difficult economic times.