January 13, 2025 at 5:30 PM - Committee As A Whole

Nominations were open, and the board elected Mke Jeffryes as the Board President for a 2-year term.

Committee members will be appointed and published at next week’s regular meeting.

Dr. Kay spoke of the C-4 form that each board member needs to read and sign per statute. It will be kept on file at the district office. 

The Americanism Committee Meeting was opened by Theresa Hausmann, Director of Teaching and Learning. She introduced Mikke Wilcox and Kristin Loosvelt. They shared information on what the civics unit includes for second grade.
The proficiency scales share how the civics curriculum is teaching students how to be good citizens, defining law, the voting process, development of rules. The major holidays and why we celebrate them. The students are very serious about the rules, rights and responsibilities. Ms. Loosvelt and Ms. Wilcox said classes in their buildings say the Pledge of Allegiance each day. They also talked about how the CKLA curriculum includes all subjects and brings the students learning full circle.

Angie Luebbe, Emerson Elementary Principal presented information from her building, including enrollment numbers, EL, special education, free and reduced and staff numbers. Ms. Luebbe talked about their hard work to bring their AQUESTT DATA designation to "Good". The hard work has included supporting students through instruction, making great strides in decreasing absenteeism, and using the UpBeat Survey data to create building goals. Ms. Luebbe talked about the CKLA curriculum and how this brings fidelity to core classes with interventions and it includes all subjects. She  talked about the family engagement at Emerson which includes movie nights, book bingo, and holiday celebrations. Student engagement includes bringing in high school students as mentors. Ms. Luebbe talked about the great addition of the Family Literacy Program.

Jason Schapmann, Director of Human Resources and Fiscal Support, gave an update on the financial reports. He talked about the revenue detail including the Early Childhood Endowment Grant. IDA reimbursements and expenditures. He also introduced the new report the shows the QCPUF fund revenue and expenditures.

Nicole Anderson, Director of Foundation/Communications, talked about the Foundation Report. She said the reports show the reimbursement for the stem plasma table from the reserved funding. Ms. Anderson said they are paying out dual credit scholarships, and family fun nights are being paid out. She shared information on Grand Friends Days. Senior scholarship applications are due tomorrow and dual credit scholarships are due at the end of the month. 
Total contributions for the month of November were $51,014.05; for the 2024 total is $561,945.67.

Jason Harris, Director of Special Education, talked about staffing. He updated on the upcoming job fairs on his calendars. He said his priority is special education positions that have been open, and he is looking ahead at what will be opening up.  He is hoping to hire people to reduce the need to contract for services. 

Sara Colford, Assistant Director for Student Services shared information on opening the Rule 17 program. She said a Para was hired for the program. Ms. Colford said they have placed six students in the program. She shared the parent letter and contract which states the expectations of students. 

Ms. Colford talked about attending the job fairs that are upcoming in hopes of recruiting student teachers for next school year.

Looking ahead, CPS will have preschool registration in February, and kindergarten registration in March. Also, planning on what summer registration will look like for incoming students.

Mr. Schapmann talked about a new fee platform called My School Bucks. This program translates much better for all families. 

Leonard Kwapnioski, Director of Operations, updated the progress on the Kramer project. He said it is completely framed. The framing and plumbing has passed inspections. He said by the end of week 70% of the drywall will be done. Mr. Kwapnioski met with the flooring contractor, they have decided to use the stock we have to carpet and tile some of the new spaces. He said everything is coming in on time. Bathroom tiling should start next week. June 1 is the deadline.  

Dr. Kay spoke on the growth report, including goals. He want to address some projects that came up two years ago. At the end of the month he will bring the bond committee back, he wants to present them with an idea to use them as a focus group with the current information.

Dr. Kay talked about a community survey to see where things are at this time. He said he is not able to get people involved with the new industry that is coming in town. No one want to discuss the plans at this time. Information at this time is showing there will be 1070 new doors by 2027. He believes CPS will be looking at growth of 500 students in the next 5 years. Dr. Kay talked through some ideas to create 800 seats in the district. He is looking forward to conversations regarding non bond projects. Dr. Kay shared that there is a Immigration Reunification plan in case we become involved in some type of action by ICE. Our priority will be to keep our students safe. 

Dr. Kay said the CASSETTE House has been appraised, and they are getting paperwork finalized to list the house. At this time, our student enrollment is 4087. Dr. Kay said that Jay Spearman has taken a position with another company. He has such great confidence in what Mr. Spearman brings to the table the second half of the QCPUF funding may be with a different underwriter.

We have received 16 applications for the North Park Elementary Principal position. Interviews will begin Friday and continue next Tuesday. Four candidates have been invited to interview. Dr. Kay said there will be a review of the superintendent's mid-year evaluation during the executive session at the next meeting. 

Mr. Kwapnioski spoke about the mowing bids and shared information on why this will help with grounds maintenance. At this time, the grounds crew is 3 people. The maintenance staff is subbing for custodial staff in buildings which takes them away from maintenance responsibilities. The contract is for mowing all areas around buildings except six playing fields. Our grounds people will still maintain those areas. Mr. Kwapnioski said the RFP was sent out to the six companies that responded. The RFP defined all the areas that would need to be maintained. He has called all references. This company has enough people to do the job. The bid shows amounts for 3 one-year contracts. Mr. Kwapnioski said CPS will not buy new mowers, there will be savings on fuel and transportation of equipment. Seasonal help is very difficult to find.

Dave Hiebner, CHS Principal, shared the reason for the mid year changes to the handbook. This is because of the vape protectors that are now being used at CHS. The changes include the procedures for searching a student and disciplinary action that could be used. This information will be sent out to the parents via the newsletter.