April 10, 2023 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion: 

• Board President Desh called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
• Board President Desh led the board and the patrons in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Discussion: 

• Board President Desh identified the location of the updated Open Meetings Act Poster on the wall in the meeting room.

Discussion: 

• Special thanks to Mr. Smidt, Mrs. Conn, and Mrs. Lisa Dowding for sharing their knowledge and this information with the board.
  • Mr. Smidt talked about the online review process for reviewing books, media center literacy standards, and Quiz Bowl students competed in an abbreviated Quiz Bowl event. Special thanks to our Quiz Bowl students for their participation and engagement.
• The Educating Today's Kids presentation is attached to this agenda item. 
  • Mrs. Conn and Mrs. Dowding shared information about technology integration in the primary elementary school grades (grades 1-3). The presentation included information about class websites and the process for daily activities, the use of the digital student management system (Canvas), instructional support resources like Khan Academy, Boom Cards, Xtramath.com, etc., and how students are assessed and can access and monitor grades in a digital manner. 

Excellence in Education Award Information

• The nomination form for the Excellence in Education Award is also attached to this agenda item.

Discussion: 

• No further discussion. 

Discussion: 

• Public Comment was provided by Jan Svoboda of Bennet and Craig Bolz of Palmyra. 

Discussion:  Superintendent Hart presented information on the following topics:

• Student and Staff Kudos: Special thanks to all of our students for their hard work in all activities this past school year. Special notes were provided for our families who have loved ones in the military, Quiz Bowl students, and staff and students working on our "Community Unity" projects. 
  • Foreign Exchange Students: We are scheduled to have three FE students this next school year.
  • Second Grade Student Letters: Students wrote individual letters to our Board of Education members and presented a variety of very creative ideas to help assist with school operations and facility improvements at Bennet Elementary. 
  • Kindergarten Roundup: Kindergarten roundup was held on Friday, April 14th at Bennet Elementary School.  
• Staffing Update: Superintendent Hart provided an update on the new certified staff members joining the district next year and thanked the staff leaving the district at the end of the school year for their service and dedication to our district. 
• Facilitity Expansion Update: More specific information regarding construction schedules for the summer will be available in the coming weeks. This will also be discussed in more detail at the May 8th regular board meeting.
• Legislative Update: See attached document
• 2022 General Obligation Bond Update: See attached document
• Student Enrollment Update: See attached document

Discussion:  Superintendent Hart and the District Policy Committee members update the board and patrons in attendance on its review of the 1000, 2000,aqnd 3000 Series policies. Additional discussion also revolved around social media usage with students and how cell phones and electronic devices should be monitored and utilized at the high school building.. 

Discussion: 

• Mr. Johnson and Ms. Walter provided updates and information on our Continuous Improvement process and the upcoming external team accreditation visit scheduled for Wednesday, April 12th and Thursday, April 13th. 
• Board members were also updated on student activities and events, staff development training, and student standardized assessment information. 

Discussion: 

• Students in Grades 3-6 will get an opportunity to try track as an activity at this community youth event scheduled for Saturday, May 6th at the Olson Complex. 
• Please see the attached flyer for more information about this event. 

Discussion: 

• Superintendent Hart provided a brief update to board members on the following items at the Olson Complex.
  • Team room drywall repairs, concession stand windows, goal post boxes, and press box window leakage.
  • Panther Ball Club Update
  • Baseball Infield Update
  • Upcoming Olson Complex Events

Discussion: 

• Finalized building plans are scheduled to be made available the week of April  24th, 2023.
• No further discussion. 

Discussion: 

• A Transportation Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 25th at 2:00 p.m. at Palmyra High School. 

Discussion: 

• The board reviewed the Option Enrollment Policy # 5006.
• All special education programs are at capacity.
• Some grade levels are considered "closed" to option enrollment students for the 2023-2024 school year due to high enrollment numbers.
• Option enrollment applications are considered on a "case by case" basis in the order that they are filed and until capacity at that grade level or program has been reached.

Discussion: 

• Committee members and Superintendent Hart discussed the review of the following policies. 
  • 1000 Series: Community Relations
  • 2000 Series: Adminstration
  • 3000 Series: Business Operations
• No substantive changes were suggested and the review dates for these policies will be updated as soon as possible.

Discussion: 

• No further discussion. 

Discussion: 

• Highlights of the discussion included finding the right balance of students for each grade level and building. This balance consists of weighing factors such as optimal class sizes, student demographics, adequacy of resources, alignment with state requirements and policy parameters, budgetary impact, and operational efficiency.
• The updated Appendix is attached below for reference. Please note that this Appendix will continue to be monitored and adjusted as needed to meet our changing circumstances with student growth and enrollment.

Discussion: 

• No further discussion. 

Discussion: 

• No closed session. 

Discussion:  The topics for next month's regular board of education meeting scheduled for Monday, May 8th, 2023 are listed below:

• Facility Expansion Update
  • Summer Construction Information
• Strategic Planning Update
• Staff Handbooks
• Student Handbooks
• Graduation Review
• Legislative Session Review
• Summer Building Projects Update
• "End of the Year" Activities
  • Graduation
  • Summer Enrichment Update
• Finalize Board Retreat Logistics

Discussion: 

• The meeting was adjourned at: 9:30 p.m.