Highlights from Feb 6th Board of Education Meeting
Below are highlights from the February 6th Board of Education meeting. Please note these are just highlights and should not be considered the official minutes.
The work session focused on a middle school theme and was hosted at Oak Ridge Middle School. Special thanks go out to the Oak Ridge staff for getting everything ready for the meeting and for their extra efforts for clean up after the meeting. Oak Ridge Principal Erica Rausch, Excelsior Principal John Christian, Director of MS Teaching & Learning Bob Read, Excelsior Instructional Coach CJ McDonald, and Oak Ridge Instructional Coach Nicole Redington presented information on middle school grading, levels of proficiency, Professional Learning Communities (PLC), the cycles of teaching and student learning, and participation in Marzano professional development opportunities. A lot of work and focus has been ongoing regarding the use of districtwide middle school curriculum/lessons, assessments, and goals that allow a more open and knowledgeable discussion between teachers to assess student needs and learning levels.
During the regular session the Board reported they enjoyed their visit to Linn Grove Elementary and shared they are always excited to hear what the buildings are doing. The Board congratulated Linn Grove for celebrating their 10-year anniversary with the theme Re-Imagine Education.
The Equity Committee met in early February and discussed nominations for the Shirley Pantini Award, reviewed the Thoughtexchange data that focused on equality throughout the district, and talked about the district presentation to the Marion Civil Rights Commission that occurred in December.
Superintendent Shepherd highlighted some items from the Board Book drawing attention to the many achievements and honors as well as the updates on the district’s external partnership with Iowa BIG, the Facilities Committee, and building renovations.
Highlights were shared on the launch of the district’s new website that occurred on January 24th. Continued work is being done to enhance the website. Currently, more than 500 teachers/staff sites have been created.
The Board approved the resolution directing the sale of general obligation school refunding bonds with JP Morgan as part of the restructuring plan for the district. They also approved a field trip for FFA to attend the state leadership conference in April and a fundraising request presented by our new Head Football Coach Paul James for hosting various football camps to raise funds for equipment.
The next meeting of the Board will be on Monday, February 20th.
To access the agenda, exhibits, and additional information about the Board and district policies, be sure to visit the Board of Education website.