Regular Open Meeting Brief – October 17, 2019
The entire meeting agenda can be viewed at: October 17, 2019 BOE Meeting
Annual Performance Report (APR)
The Board heard a presentation on the Annual Performance Report (APR). The reporting by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has changed in regards to measuring and reporting APR. Historically districts received a percentage score of available points for each of the five standards (academic achievement, subgroup academic achievement, college and career readiness, attendance and graduation rate). In 2018, the District received 90.2% of available points. For 2019, rather than calculating a point score, DESE used a color coded spreadsheet to show whether districts have demonstrated growth, are on track or exceeding targets, or are performing below targets.
As compared to 2018, Grandview C4 saw small to moderate gains in four of the five standards - academic achievement, sub-group academic achievement, college and career readiness, and graduation rate, and a small drop in attendance rate.
School Improvement Plans (SIP)
The Board heard SIP presentations from the principals of Martin City K-8 (MC) and Grandview Middle School (GMS). SIP goals included increasing achievement in English Language Arts (ELA), math and science on standardized tests, increasing attendance, and nurturing a positive school culture/climate.
Professional Development Plan
The Board approved the 2019-20 Professional Development (PD) Plan. Goal II of the District Strategic Plan in the focus area of Workforce Excellence is to create a culture of employee empowerment to provide each student access to a qualified and effective teacher in every classroom, an effective principal in every school, and an effective employee in every position. PD activities are designed to improve student performance by providing high quality adult learning opportunities.
Social/Emotional Programming Update
The Board was provided with an update regarding social/emotional programming across the district. The district has made a concerted effort to add supports in this area over the past 3 years. Through partnerships with community organizations, the 2019-20 school year started with the addition of a therapist and family resiliency navigator for the middle schools and two therapists added at GHS.
Summer Facilities Improvement Projects
Several facilities improvement projects that occurred over the summer were highlighted including renovations to student restrooms at Grandview High School, and Belvidere and Conn West elementary schools, as well as upgrades to the GHS tennis courts and stadium.