August 14, 2023 at 6:00 PM - Board Retreat 2023

Discussion: 

Jason Harris, Director of Student Services and Special Education shared the information regarding the Hello Hero Contract. Mr. Harris said this is a temporary solution because special education teachers are hard to find at this time. This service would handle scheduling IEP meetings, writing the plan, writing the IEP and the final summary reports. The long-term subs that have been hired need support.  About 80% of the cost would be reimbursed through state aid. Mr. Harris said if this contract is approved he wants to move forward with the process of getting these people onboard. 

Discussion: 

Troy Loeffelholz, Superintendent, talked about the questions that would be asked of many groups. Eventually, we will decide on what the mission and vision of Columbus Public Schools will be for the future. Dr. Loeffelholz said we want the hard working people of Columbus to share their values.  He said a few years ago when we discussed values, the top three in every group polled were family, faith and relationships. We needed to incorporate that into the strategic plan.

 

Discussion: 

What does CPS do well?

Strong academic program
Responds to student needs
Includes all students regardless of ability
Student centered 
Ability to make pivots and take big swings
Strong stem program
Adapt to national needs (local)
Collaborate with the community
Offer a great variety at CHS and CMS
Students feel safe and belong to a peer group.
Opportunities for all kids with different economic backgrounds
Willingness to change direction when needed
Good cost per student-good and good stewards of tax money.
Listens to stakeholders, good or bad
We ask for teachers' input in a variety of ways.
Systematic meetings for communications
Implementation of the performance model at all levels
Make decisions made on our value system, pretty well aligned 
Offer social emotional support
Positive relationship with non-public schools
Still hiring quality teachers in an era of shortage of teachers
Supportive board

What could CPS do better?

Engage stakeholders
Help young families with parenting
Community trust both ways-Cultural differences
Building stronger relationships
Get better at social/emotional, shortage of therapists in Columbus-partnership with the hospital Not reaching family level.  We are supporting the student. 
Teach kids to have grit, they can handle problems that come up, teach perspective. Resilience, Preventative measures
MTSS training-Tier 1- be better prepared
Share the positive things, tell our stories
Retaining good staff-recruit current students, sell our profession 
Hard to fill positions need to be competitive. Location is a big deal
Emphasis on student responsibility
Reach out to minorities
CPS be more proactive with helping our teachers.
Support older teachers
Engaging the retired teachers with younger generation of teachers. Provide all staff with a mentor
Leadership diversity
Teacher diversity

What should CPS be known for?

Diversity/Inclusion
Strong education for all students at every level with different backgrounds 
Preparing students for college or workplace
CPS destination job
Develop readiness to go to college or trade at graduation
Promote overall graduation rate
Known for completion
Engaging with partnerships
Commitment to early childhood  through grade 12
Caring staff from all staff levels

What qualities or abilities should a CHS grad possess?

Ability to get tasks done in a timely manner
Work ethic
Self advocates
Civic minded, contribution and functioning member of their community
Ability to problem solve
Communicate in all modes-speaking, listening, writing
Ability to join the workforce
Ability to be accepted to college of choice and succeed
Being independent adults
Have a minimum ACT
Qualify and ability to attend any NE college
Know how to promote themselves and engage responsibility with technology
Ability to use AI, and not abuse it, independent thinker
Embrace all the technology
Ability to write, to think, to act appropriately
Speak intelligently
Ability to speak in public
Tasks done in a timely  manner

What core values do we believe in?

Family, Faith, Community
Individual responsibility
Treat everyone with respect
Relationships and honesty
Hard work
Helping others
Loyalty
Civic responsibility
Team player
Citizenship
Commitment
Diversity
Character 

 

Discussion: 

Dr. Loeffelholz talked about who should lead this conversation. He said districts are hiring someone to help build a plan around the committee's thoughts and ideas. He will make some calls and do some research on who provides these services.

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz said that NASB offers this service, he will call to get some information and cost. 

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz offered this person as an option, CPS Foundation used him to guide them through the process of creating their strategic plan.

Discussion:  Discussion on next steps includes a list of groups that we will want to engage in conversation.

 

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz asked the board to provide the feedback they have heard about the bond issue:
Much of the discussion was about high property valuations.
It was the wrong time to ask the community for money.
It was too fast.
Some people dropped of their ballot the same time they were paying property taxes.