November 13, 2023 at 5:30 PM - Committee As A Whole

Discussion:  Dr. Larianne Polk and two of the ESU 7 Board Members, Jack Young and Bob Arp presented information about the growth and services that are provided by their organization. ESU 7 supports 7 counties, 19 school districts, 14,000 students, 1200 teachers and 70 administrators. Dr. Polk said the relationship with CPS is richer than ever. She credits that to the CPS Board of Education, Dr. Loeffelholz, CPS Superintendent, and the leadership staff at CPS. 

Discussion: 

The Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Department presented information regarding the adoption of Amplify for the ELA curriculum. Presenters included Brandi Fleming, Kristie Hacket and Michelle Oppliger along with Teresa Hausmann, Director of CIA. They explained that shifts in state standards require the district to look at new curriculum materials for our students. The group talked about reaching benchmarks and setting goals to have skilled readers by 3rd grade. They have piloted this program and have seen phenomenal results. This resource comes with an intervention tool kit, that provides lessons and activities for a 10 day cycle and ties into the CPS MTSS Intervention Plan. This curriculum will be available for 30 days for inspection at the Administration Building.

Discussion: 

Amy Haynes, CMS Principal, presented information on the middle school students, staff and events. She presented numbers of students which included 8th grade, which is bursting at the seams. There are 100 more 8th graders than 7th graders. She said there are 63 more students this year, and 30 new students in the recently arrived program. Mrs. Haynes said the leadership team has developed building goals and an action plan. She gave some data from the Fall UpBeat Survey. Mrs. Hayne shared events that were happening to show staff appreciation. The staff  is reviewing PLC leadership using "Data Into Action". Students are being recognized for their academics and behavior by receiving Discoverer Bucks that can be spent twice a year at the Discoverer Den. She said kids lined up around the building, it is very popular. Staff uses Well Managed Classroom to teach expectations. Common area expectations are taught with videos and posters that students created. Mrs. Haynes said the students love the Activity Nights for each grade level. The students had a food drive and collected 4000 pounds of food to donate.

Discussion: 

Chip Kay, Director of Finance and Human Resources, summarized the financial reports. The M2 Financial Report shows the Nutrition Fund  to break even, the state reimbursement is not in yet.

The M3 Financial Report shows an early reimbursement of the 30% property tax draw. He said he's still unsure of what the SPED reimbursement will be. The M4 is expenditures and shows 3.7 million for payroll.

Discussion:  Dr. Kay said there has been a hire for 8th grade physical education.

Discussion:  The new report was shown, Dr. Kay said the board can define what they want to see on the report.

Discussion:  Troy Loeffelholz, Superintendent, summarized the Foundation report: $49,627.02 for the month; $887,544.91 for the year. 
Dr. Loeffelholz said that PACS and PTOs are required to be under the Foundation. He said Nicole would come in December to share more information. 

Discussion: 

Teresa Hausmann, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment,  shared quotes for personal financial planning, a dual credit through CCC. The quote is for a classroom set of books. Discussion regarding teaching these classes was touched on with the information being that teachers must have an MBA to teach dual credit classes.
The Intro to Business quote was presented. There have been updates in standards for technology. Purchasing classroom sets for 9th and 10th graders. The two textbooks will be set out for a month for community inspection. 

Discussion:  Leonard Kwapnioski, Director of Building/Sites and Technology updated the board on the progress of the CASSETTE House project. He said it is 95% enclosed. He said to notice the signage locations at Kramer. 

Discussion:  Jason Harris, Director of Student Services and Special Education was asked about special education programs and where descriptions could be found. Mr. Harris said the website has explanations and what buildings are used for programs.

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz talked about the election dates, what members of the board will be up for re-election and said the deadline to file is February 15. Discussion regarding bond data that has been gathered and the state convention. 
The National Convention is April 6-8.