April 20, 2020 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Discussion:  Superintendent Hastings stated it has been going as well as can be expected, and students seem to be adapting well.  At the Junior / Senior High level, student participation is at about 80%.  Principals and staff have been striving to make contact with those who are not engaging.  The district has received positive feedback on the elementary packet-based program which allows families to complete work together and tailored to their own schedules. 

Discussion:  Lincoln Elementary Principal Pam Barker noted that all elementary students are receiving up to three calls a week.  They always get a call from their classroom teacher, a specials teacher / para-educator, and the building principals are calling certain grades each week.  This method allows families to address questions, and enlist the support of our staff.  Professional Learning Communities are meeting daily.  The food service team has been providing approximately 500 grab-and-go meal packages (breakfast and lunch) each day, and pup packs are distributed on Fridays.  

Discussion:  Principal Shawn Seiler highlighted their e-learning plan.  He commended his staff on their ability to efficiently put out great lessons that meet concepts, and build inquiry and learning with students.  Dean of Students Julie Siebke echoed his sentiments before shining a spotlight on tomorrow night's virtual orientation meeting with parents and students.  

Discussion:  Principal Rocky Schneider felt things are going really well.  He is proud of his staff for persisting through hard times, and being innovative in and around solving some problems that have arose.  Staff communication has been key.  Surprisingly, student participation has been better in core classes than electives.  Another big piece they have been working on is course registrations for next year.  Although the deadline for completion has been extended, they still only have a little over half of all students registered.  Counselors and administrators are working to engage students individually.  On Friday, May 15, GHS will host a virtual graduation ceremony for students who will be leaving for miliary service.  Assistant Principal Kory Knight indicated that teachers are concerned about students who are not participating in classes.  A plan is in place to conduct home visits in pairs this week to ensure that students are safe and have what they need to successfully finish the school year.  Although their team is very affixed on what is going on now, they are planning for the future. From a positive aspect, teachers are discovering new platforms for presenting information that they plan to continue using in the traditional learning setting.  In conclusion, Mario Chavez, current Dean of Students, expressed that our staff has done an excellent job of adapting.  He feels confident many of the techniques being used will be part of the way we educate down the road.  B.J. Peters concurred stating that his ESU team has said many times these unusual circumstances are putting new tools in the teacher's toolbelts right now with the blended type learning activities.  

Discussion:  Director of Student Services Laura Barrett indicated that adequately meeting the needs of students who were already struggling to access the current general education curriculum has been difficult.  Now they have that curriculum in an entirely different way, and it is in a new format.  Their team has really focused their goals on the safety and health of students and families, and ensuring that they have the support they need in accessing materials.  Some services have changed.  IEP meetings have been put on hold for some families to avoid adding stress, so that they do have an opportunity to be a part of the conversation.  Brian Copsey inquired about how families are assisted when they inquire about general resource needs such as internet / electricity.  Kory Knight stated they are directed to the district's FAQ page where additional local agency outreach is noted.   

Discussion:  Previously covered; Approximately 500 meal packages (breakfast and lunch) are being distributed daily per Business Manager Tim Meisner.  

Discussion:  Superintendent Hastings noted that within the proposed Action Items, a resolution is presented offering guidance on this matter.  It focuses on how grading will be handled during this extremely unusual situation we are in.  Grading is much more complicated than what you see on the surface.  When it is layered with COVID, it's hard to balance accountability with the realization that what we are doing is different than anything kids or teachers have ever experienced, and we did it blindly without previous experience or special training.  There is some fallout with no fault to anyone.  Our attendance rate is down.  Although it is currently at about 80% which is fantastic under the circumstances, if our average daily attendance were that low we would be concerned.  Some kids have thrived and excelled in this setting, but others may not be.  As we work through this, the resolution asks that the Board temporarily suspend all curriculum and graduation related policies for the remainder of this school year.  We do not want to see someone not graduate because of the fourth quarter of their senior year.  Students need to participate!  A pass-fail system would be implemented, and GPA's would be frozen as of the end of third quarter.  If students are not on track to graduate or pass a course, then we administratively have worked out a method to make sure they can achieve that.  If a student doesn't pass a course they need to graduate or move forward next year, they will have the opportunity for credit recovery in summer school.  Summer school will be held, but we are unsure what it will look like at this time.  If a student's GPA would be impacted in a positive way because they excelled in this setting administrators would move in favor of the student.  They just don't want to see anyone go backwards as the result of the current circumstances.  Mary Winn reported on the American Civics Committee which was held prior to the regularly scheduled Curriculum Committee meeting.  There was no public comment.  A specific protocol will need to be utilized for students to return library books and Chromebooks, pick up their belongings, etc., so there are still many challenges ahead of us.  Hastings indicated that classes will likely wrap-up 5-days before, so students can safely do so.  

Discussion:  Director of Curriculum Terri Martin indicated that they are awaiting completion of the registration process, so curriculum materials can be ordered.  Principal Rocky Schneider noted that they are proposing five ag science classes.  They plan to offer two introductory classes as well as at least one other ag class.  Terri added that Mrs. Johns will also be working on implementing the FFA program, and assisting with the work-related studies with the CTE programs in addition to building the program foundation; It will be a full load for her!

Discussion:  No report. 

Discussion:  Josh Lacy indicated their meeting started with discussion and review of a pending surplus sale which consists of a lot of old / obsolete equipment.  Next, the committee looked at scenarios of how COVID may affect the district's budget this fall.  Brent Holliday noted that contingencies are in place in the event they would need to resort to it.  Currently there are no pressures; This is planning for the unknown. 

Discussion:  A contract proposed for approval tonight would be an 11-month contract for incoming Student Services Director Byron Olsen.  Due to his current employment with Alliance Public Schools running through June 30, Mr. Olsen cannot legally be employed by two district's at the same time.  This will need to be rewritten into a 12-month contract at a later date.  

Discussion: 

Future Board Meetings

Second April Meeting - Tues, April 28th @ 12:00 p.m.  

Regular Board Meeting - Mon, May 18th @ 6:00 p.m. 

Second May Meeting - Tues, May 26th @ 12:00 p.m.

 

Tentative Committee Meeting Dates:

Policy Review Committee --  Mon, April 27 @ 4:30 p.m. via Zoom

Personnel Committee  --  Thurs, April 30 @ 4:30 p.m.  via Zoom

Curriculum Committee  --  Tues, May 5 @ 4:30 p.m. via Zoom

Facilities Committee  --  Thurs, May 7 @ 4:30 p.m. ????

Business Committee  --  Mon, May 11 @ 4:30 p.m.  via Zoom 

Discussion:  Mary Winn stated she is in awe of what the administrators and teachers have done.  She couldn't imagine doing what they are doing.  Keep up the great work!  Brent Holliday echoed this sentiment.  He and a friend had been talking at how they had adapted.  He likes the fact that we are doing the best we can to bring closure to the year before we start next year.  Their family had driven past Northfield, and his daughter commented that she didn't realize when leaving in March it would be her last time in that building as she will now move to the Junior High next year.  It dawned on him the impact that it has had on everyone, children included.  Teachers have gone above and beyond, and extended extra compassion.  Brady Shaul reiterated that what the teachers are doing in uncharted territory is remarkable.  Josh Lacy believes that the parents of these students are going to come away with a new respect and appreciation for what the teachers do; For what administrators do.  With two children at home who he and his wife are trying to homeschool, he knows it is tough.  Josh extended his appreciation for the willingness of everyone to overcome and continue supporting students despite the challenges.  Brian Copsey agreed with this.  There will be some positive takeaways.  The connection students have with teachers is special.  His daughter had toured the new GHS facility with another friend from Salt Lake City last summer.  As they walked out, their visitor couldn't believe how many teachers remembered them.  The board welcomed new staff members who were on the meeting.    

Discussion:  Meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m.