February 25, 2020 at 12:00 PM - Board of Education Special Meeting

Discussion:  Student Service Director Laura Barrett provided a detailed analysis of special education enrollments which continue to increase.  The district's early childhood services have nearly doubled in the past three years while the largest population overall is developmental delays.  In a survey of students one year after graduation, 25% of special education students were enrolled in a trade school or other post-secondary institution at least part time while 75% of students were employed.  Barrett credited this success to the district's secondary teams offering work experiences and job coaching to transition students.  She also commended our community for their willingness to allow students to welcome students in and establish relationships.  With this, work is better matched the to the student's interests.  Next, Barrett assessed the district's High Ability Learners (HAL) program.  She is working to better identify eligible students, and program content.  Currently, the program only has approximately 1% enrollment whereas the state average is 14%.  In the past, the district had tried hosting school clubs and summer camps with little participation, so the committee has started working program content into classroom enrichment programs.  Principal Morris and Mr. Tofflemire attended a HAL conference last week.  Board member Brent Holliday expressed concern regarding the elimination of extracurricular content outside of the classroom as he contrasted the program to participation in sports stating "If parent's want their student's to be a part of the HAL program, they will make it a point to get them there - just like basketball practice."  Barrett agreed indicating they are still determining what will work best while still considering all socioeconomic backgrounds.  

Discussion:  This fall, educational requirements for early childhood teachers will increase.  At least 75% of program teachers will need to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree, and all must have at least an associates.  At the January school board meeting the new guidelines were discussed as attendees discussed the future of programming as well as how that would align to the district's strategic plan.  Barrett indicated it was decided to not apply for a an expansion grant, and wait another year to gather more info from families.  There is now some uncertainty surrounding the half day Head Start programs hosted at Lincoln Elementary.  Initial reports indicate the fulltime program at Northfield would not be impacted.  Additional information is anticipated to follow in March at which time the district will address any potential needs through partnerships.  

Discussion:  In June Laura Barrett will be leaving the district to return to ESU13.  Supertinendent Hastings indicated a job posting will follow in the weeks ahead.  Curriculum Director interviews took place on Monday, and Hastings indicated he is doing reference checks on an internal candidate.  Current GJHS english teacher Brianne Osborn-Combs will move into the art teacher vacancy which created the 0.5 FTE english position. 

Discussion:  President B.J. Peters reviewed the names of potential candidates.  Mail was received from a firm intrested in providing a service proposal this fall.