Board Briefs - June Meeting 2021

Regular Open Meeting Brief – June 24, 2021

 The entire meeting agenda can be viewed at: July 24, 2021 BOE Meeting

Program Evaluations

The Board reviewed program evaluations for Nutrition Services, Facilities and Grounds, and Health Services.  Each program faced unique challenges and navigated trough some unchartered territories due to the pandemic.  District nurses provided on-site COVID-19 testing for staff members exhibiting symptoms.  Nutrition Services provided 99,908 breakfasts and lunches last year between March and May when schools were closed due to COVID-19.  The Custodial Department implemented four UV light disinfecting mobile machines to alleviate the need for outside vendors to clean known or suspected COVID-19 exposed areas.

Curriculum and Instruction (C & I) Update

The C & I team presented spring iReady and USA Test Prep assessment data to the Board and discussed areas where gains were made in math and reading district-wide as well as areas where improvement is needed.  Improvement was most evident between fall and spring data in the lower elementary grades.

Student Assistance Program

The Board authorized the renewal of a contract with New Directions Behavioral Health to provide free services to students including face-to-face short term counseling, 24-hour telephone access, a mental and emotional health resource library, and on-site crisis management services.

Safety Survey

Results of the spring safety survey were shared with the Board.  The survey indicated that 94% of elementary students know how to report an unsafe situation (an increase over last year), and over 90% of middle schools students respect differences in gender, race and culture.  Ninety-three percent of staff members fell safe in their buildings and agree that visitors are identified and accounted for at all times. Parents (92.7%) feel their child’s school is safe. While the results of the study show many positive trends, they also indicate where improvement is still needed.