The MHS boys soccer team and coaches Scott Johannes and Bobby Shomo were recognized at the June 3 school board meeting. The team qualified for the state tournament and finished the season with a 16-3 record.
Recognition
MHS boys soccer coaches Scott Johannes and Bobby Shomo were recognized after leading the team to the state tournament and a 16-3 season record. Mr. Johannes recently was honored as the Des Moines Register’s 2019 All-Iowa boys soccer coach of the year. Several soccer players were in attendance as well. With many of the players coming back next year, Johannes said the team has “unfinished business” for the future.
Personnel
For personnel items approved by the board, click here. It includes the resignation of Director of Human Resources Anthony Spurgetis.
Late changes to personnel items agenda below:
Additional resignations were:
Lacie Moore, instructional coach Hoglan
Jennifer Sloan, 4th grade Hoglan
Additional Appointment:
Cristina Saiz, 6th grade dual language- Lenihan
Public comment
Several teachers talked about their wishes to maintain the permissive language in the contract
Individual Career Academic Plan(ICAP)
Dee Burt, CPDL with College and Career Readiness, presented this plan. This plan was designed by 16 members.
“This is a work in progress,” Burt said. “We are continually looking at this.”
There are 5 essential components in the plan including: Self-understanding, Career Information, Career Exploration Activities and Post Secondary Exploration, Career and Postsecondary Decision.
Clarity 2019 Survey Data
David Stanfield, Instructional Design Specialist, presented these survey results. Clarity is a survey designed to help districts gather data and analyze their technology integration efforts on instruction. The survey has been taken in the spring for five years and includes certified district staff and students in grades 3-12.
It’s an excellent tool to look at our conversion into more digital platforms, Stanfield said.
The overall score was proficient with an increased score from the past and above the state average.
Digital Learning Plan Presentation
Dr. Lisa Stevenson, Director of Instruction; Josh Wesley, Director of Technology and David Stanfield, Instructional Design Specialist, Paula Johnson, technology instructional coach, presented this plan which is four months in the making.
“We’ve been working on this as a team,” Stevenson said.
The 5 big areas in the plan include Leadership, Teaching, Learning, Assessment and Infrastructure.
Overall, we’re trying to really focus on accessibility for students and staff while promoting equity, Stevenson said.
“We feel like this is a pretty good plan for our first time trying it,” Dr. Stevenson said.
7-12th Grade Math
John Fiscus, Miller teacher, Angela Pierce, MHS teacher, Pam Brewer-Michael, CPDL, and Dr. Lisa Stevenson, Director of Instruction presented this item.
This is an overview of needs assessment process. Instructors talked about the gaps from classroom observations.
This was a discussion item only.
K-4th Grade Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Into Reading and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Arriba la Lectura Presentation
Dr. Lisa Stevenson, Director of Instruction and Woodbury Principal Anel Garza presented this for approval after providing information on this at the previous board meeting.
Budget is $23,415.00 from ELL budget and $76,883.75 from curriculum budget. Total purchase is $100,298.75. The board approved the purchase.
Positive Action Guidance Curriculum
Matt Cretsinger, Director of Special Services, brought this up for approval after presenting details at the last board meeting. The cost of the materials and staff training is $50,000. It will be paid for with at-risk funds. The board approved the curriculum.
Social-Emotional Learning Overview
Matt Cretsinger, Director of Special Services, presented this update to the board. A steering committee was formed, with 5 goals previously set by the steering committee which include:
- We want staff to generally understand the impact that trauma has on the brain
- “Kids do well if they can” mindset – all staff understand there are problems to be solved, not just a behavior to be stopped
- Staff trained in Tier I of Collaborative Problem Solving will model and introduce common SEL language to all staff
- All staff will know the 5 categories of thinking skills our SEL will focus on
- All staff will understand the relationship between challenging behaviors, problems to be solved, and lagging skills
Mr. Cretsinger presented staff surveys from these goals and a timeline of professional learning throughout the past year.
The next steps include:
– SEL Steering Committee is working to develop new goals for next year
– Continue to grow the number of people trained in the Collaborative Problem Solving approach
– Continue to offer professional learning that emphasizes the mindset and actions aligned to our learning
– Including paraeducators
– Offer online learning opportunities
– Bring Capturing Kids Hearts to Miller, MLA, and MHS
2019-2020 School Meal Prices
Lynn Large, Director of Food Service, presented this proposal to raise breakfast and lunch by 10 cents at the 7-12 level and adult lunches. She expects increase expenses in labor and insurance.
Kindergarten through 6th grade meals will be free due to the Community Eligibility Provision. Fifth and sixth grade are added to the CEP this fall.The board approved the changes
2019-2020 Paraeducator Agreement
Anthony Spurgetis, Director of Human Resources, presented this agreement with the paraeducators.
The is no added money to wages but the advancement in steps for the group equates to a 2.85 percent package increase.
The board approved the agreement.
MHS Roundhouse Phase II Change Order
Charles Springer, Director of Buildings and Grounds, presented this change order in the amount of $31,516. This would take the total contract sum to $6,763,522. It was approved by the board. There are four additional change orders being negotiated on.
Woodbury Playground Bid
Charles Springer, Director of Buildings and Grounds presented this for approval. This is for a rubberized surface of the new the KaBoom playground, which we are receiving a grant for. The board approved the bid from Taylormade Company (Eco Turf) in the amount of $30,576.00. Public Education and Recreation Levy dollars will be used to cover the costs. The community build of the playground will be July 19.
Proposed 2019 Summer Projects
Charles Springer, Director of Buildings and Grounds, presented this list by school. The overall amount of the projects will be $385,535. Physical Plant and Equipment Levy dollars will be used to fund these projects.
Board Policies
First reading
710.5 Financial Support-Food Service – Deleted and waived second reading
711.1-R(new 711.1-R1) Student Eligibility for Bus Service – Deleted last sentence in policy – Approved as amended and waived second reading.
Initial review
New policy 502.13 – Student Name Changes – This is a formalized process with how name changes can take place within the scope of the law. To come back before board
New exhibit 502.13-E1 Student Name Change Application Form- To come back before board.
711.2 Student Conduct on School Transportation- Change to whom discipline issues are reported to- Marked as reviewed
711.3 Extra -Curricular Activities Bus Service- Transportation Director has made changes- To come back before the board.
711.4 Summer Program Bus Service- – Changes to come back
The board then went into an exempt session for negotiations
The next regular board meeting will be at 5 p.m. on June 17
The board will meet in special work sessions on building data reports from 5 to 7 p.m on June 10 and 11.
From Board President Bea Niblock
“The work of the school district is never done. With summer school, professional development opportunities and work on the infrastructure being done, the summer months are busy in their own way.
That being said, it is also a time for staff to let down and rejuvenate. Enjoy your summer plans; sleep in; have a beverage on your deck/patio or just plain do nothing for a while. I do remember that it takes a few weeks to get out of the school mind set and to rest enough to enjoy the rest of the summer.
Wishing you all relaxation in your time away. And, remember to send Andrew those pics of all the fun you had over the summer months!” – Bea Niblock
The Board Report 