December 11, 2023 at 5:30 PM - Committee As A Whole

Discussion: 

Teachers that have been piloting the CKLA Amplify resource shared the positive experience, and the benefits it brings to the district.  This curriculum offers high quality lessons that focus on specific topics. It teaches the connection between reading and writing to bolster student ideas. Great discussions and group work are very positive. There is important vocabulary growth included in the lessons to help students grow. The teachers shared the differences they see in this resource compared to what has been used. CKLA teaches sounds instead of letter names, which creates a natural progression through sounds. The curriculum is set up to prepare for the next grade or level of learning. Dibels testing is already showing high levels of learning. Assessments are embedded in the curriculum, data points will align to what students are being taught. 

Discussion: 

Nicole Anderson, Director of Marketing/Foundation Director gave information on contributions that have been made to CPS. The CPS Foundation’s mission is "Inspire learning, enrich teaching and create opportunities for students and staff through community support". Mrs. Anderson said that the current focus of the foundation is the 16 umbrella organizations, classroom grants, scholarships and the strategic plan. Kramer Child Development Center opened October 9, 2023. The center started with 18 children. Now they have 24 enrolled with infants enrolling each month for the next several months.  The center could have 122 children at full capacity.

Discussion: 

Angie Luebbe, Principal, Emerson Elementary, presented activities and events at her building. She started with HRS and talked about the safe environment, the use of expectation stations taught at the beginning of the year and again when the 2nd semester begins. Emerson has a lot of support from the student council, monthly assemblies to encourage students and the many PTO activities. Mrs. Luebbe shared the trust accelerators being used at Emerson and the effective teaching using the 4 questions of PLC’s. She shared that students are showing growth. Fewer students are being removed for behaviors. Emerson staff is working with ESU 7 Expert Mark Bradley on how to successfully help ELL students. The annual AQuESTT report shows the hard work that started last year is paying off. The latest report shows a GOOD rating. Mrs. Luebbe said her staff is looking at data closely for students with gaps, and they are making changes. She said the help they are receiving from the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment team is amazing.

Discussion: 

Troy Loeffelholz, Superintendent, shared data from the survey sent out on the bond election. He said the data shows support for projects. The two lowest are the high school addition and alternative education. A new elementary school was supported. People who participated in the survey said they received most of their information through mail, newspaper, social media. Dr. Loeffelholz said there will need to be some deeper conversations regarding the bond data. He asked the board what the next step was and gave some election cycle information. Conversations concerning options for voting and language to consider. Dr. Loeffelholz said we would start organizing some Town Hall meetings. Board engagement will be very important. The group discussed having the meetings off-site.

Discussion: 

Chip Kay, Directory of Finance and Human Resources, gave brief updates on the financial reports. He noted in the financial report M2-Cash balances, there was a transfer from depreciation to general fund. He said reimbursements should be coming soon, NDE is understaffed, there are 2–3 people handling 244 districts. Dr. Kay said he is hoping to see movement in the next few days. Other balances are where he would expect. The Nutrition Fund has a negative balance, and it is creeping up again. A bond fund payment was just made but is not yet showing on the report. The M4 detail shows a payment to the City of Columbus for the construction of Discoverer Way, and ESU 7 payment for vision services and alternative education for special education students.

Discussion:  Dr. Kay said he saw 184 UNL teachers at the UNL Teachers Fair. He is seeing an increase in people graduating to become teachers. 

Discussion: 

Dr. Kay said this week two highly skilled paras were hired.

Discussion: 

Dave Hiebner, CHS Principal, said there are 59 midterm graduates. That is 16.5% of the senior class. This number is a little lower than the last couple of years. 

Mr. Hiebner said this was the freshmen class of the first COVID year. He hopes that number will drop over the next couple of years. He said many students are actively seeking employment. 

Discussion: 

The travel report shows the SPED law conference, NATA conference, and CPM math training. Dr. Kay said he thinks the format is easier to read.

 

Discussion: 

Dr. Loeffelholz shared the Foundation Report totals for the month $53,397.82. For the years $ 940,942.73 for the year. 

Discussion: 

Teresa Hausmann, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment shared a snapshot of CPS district data.

 

Discussion: 

Dr. Kay shared the proposed TERIP policy, with a recommendation for approval. By policy, the district has to give a year’s notice. There was some discussion to clarify due dates, etc. 

Discussion:  Leonard Kwapnioski, Director of Buildings/Sites and Technology requested a review of Policy 801.01 Student Transportation, including the regulation. There are no changes recommended.

Discussion: 

Mr. Kwapnioski’s updates included information about the transportation staff being full for the first time in 18 months. The exterior of the CASSETTE House is complete except for the brick. They have set the shots off to move the geese a couple of times. 

Discussion: 

Jason Harris, Director of Student Services and Special Education updated on correctly identifying students' disabilities. He is putting together instructions on strategies to make determinations to meet the needs of our students. 

Mr. Harris shared the 24-25 non-public proportionate share amount worksheet.  He also talked about the Sixpence Data Retreat and Networking Conference. He said he would invite staff to present information on that conference. Mr. Harris spoke about the Project Para Training.

Discussion:  The Regular Meeting next week will be at CHS. 

Discussion:  The Board did go into Executive Session.

Discussion:  The meeting adjourned at 7:47.