Board Briefs - December Meeting 2021

Regular Open Meeting Brief – December 16, 2021

The entire meeting agenda can be viewed at:  December 16, 2021 BOE Meeting

School Improvement Plans (SIP) 

The Board heard SIP presentations from the principals of High Grove Early Childhood Center (HGECC), Meadowmere Elementary (MM) and Grandview High School (GHS).  Principals reviewed school data, root cause analyses, and results of their 30/60/90 day plans, as well as adjustments made to their plans based upon those results.  HGECC goal include improving Kindergarten readiness in literacy & math, enhancing family/school relationships and improved understanding of thoughts/feelings/emotions. MM is focused on increasing student achievement in math and English language arts, school culture and student social/emotional needs.  GHS aims to increase student achievement through engagement and rigor and strengthen the culture and climate.

Annual Audit Report 

A representative from the auditing firm DSWA presented the audit report for the 2020-21 year showing a clean opinion with no material weaknesses or significant findings.  Additionally, DSWA noted that a financial strength of the District is that it is well below the constitutional debt limit.  

Program Evaluation

The Directors of Instructional and Informational Technology presented an evaluation of the technology program. Strengths of the program were identified as:  maintaining a 1:1 student device ration, implementation of learning management systems for a more flexible learning environment, providing WIFI hotspots to families without internet connection, expanding online technology professional development, at-home tech support, and expanded relationships with community businesses and organizations to provide students with technology career related activities.  Recommendations included educating parents/families on technology and digital safety, continued upgrade to camera systems and implementing software/hardware solutions to streamline work efforts and improve cost effectiveness.

The A+ Program evaluation strengths include the partnership with Metropolitan Community Colleges, opportunities for A+ students to meet all scholarship eligibility requirements, and having a dedicated A+ Program Coordinator.  Due to COVID restrictions GHS A+ students had fewer opportunities to tutor younger students and volunteer for community events. Recommendations include improving student and parent awareness of the A+ program advantages in order to increase participation.