Board Briefs - October Meeting 2020

Regular Open Meeting Brief – October 15, 2020

The entire meeting agenda can be viewed at: October 15, 2020 BOE Meeting

Curriculum and Instruction Update

The Board was provided with an update on virtual and hybrid learning. Approximately 900 PreK–5 students are now attending school in the hybrid A/B day model.  It is anticipated that 6-8 graders will begin in-person instruction before the end of October and select high school students may begin in-person learning in November.

School Improvement Plans (SIP) 

The Board heard SIP presentations from the principals of Martin City K-8 (MC) and Grandview Middle School (GMS). The new SIP format includes root cause analyses and 30, 60, and 90 day reviews.  Both principals reviewed the results of their 30 day plans and reviewed their 60 and 90 day plans.  Both schools will focus on increasing student achievement in English Language Arts and Math.  MC K-8 further established goals to develop student self-management tools and engage them in high rigor and critical thinking opportunities.  GMS will also focus on the school culture and strengthening their Professional Learning Communities.

Professional Development Plan

The Board approved the 2020-21 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.  Over the past four years, the Grandview C-4 School District has been able to substantially increase the amount of social/emotional services available to students, parents, and staff.  Services include training and professional development, 24 hour hotline available to staff/students/parents, social-emotional wellness groups, semi-annual universal social emotional health screenings in the elementary grade levels, establishment of the Signs of Suicide Program and the Student Assistance Program. This work has been possible in part through the District’s efforts to leverage community partnerships.

Summer Facilities Improvement Projects

Several facilities improvement projects that occurred over the summer were highlighted, including renovations to chair lifts Grandview High School, security upgrades at Meadowmere Elementary, Grandview Middle School and Transportation, exterior and store front improvements at Butcher-Greene and CAIR, and flooring upgrades in various locations around the district.