Grundy Reporter

Saratoga Community Consolidated School District 60-C Board of Education met Dec. 10.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Superintendent Perry called the meeting to order and led the pledge to the flag. Upon roll call the following board members were present: Brett Geiger

Absent: Anne McDonnell, Scott Thorson, Mike Wright, Ginger Jones, Kurt Barth, and Brittany Brandt

Also present were: Superintendent Kathy Perry, Principal Joe Zweeres, Assistant Principal Ashley Ringler, Director of Special Services Lacey Anderson, Board Secretary Marsha Henne; Community Members: Stephanie Norris, Rita Smith; Staff Representatives: Molly Allsopp, Gianna Eber, Christi Punke, Sally Hausken, Kelli Simpson, Monica Gabehart, and Sheila Welch

There were no public comments.

Construction Update

Supt Perry shared finish details and pictures of the new building construction. Sheila

Welch asked about sliding white boards in classrooms and if they are durable and if they lock in place. As of date contractor is pleased with how construction is going as far was staying within timeline.

Finance

a. 2019-20 Budget

Supt. Perry shared there is no deficit this year with no transfers going into the education fund.

b. 2019 Levy Request

Supt. Perry said she has talked with both Tom Hougas and Carrie Hall at the county. She stated the tax rate will not increase with the tax rate being around 2.94.

Family Engagement

a. Family Reading night –

Joe Zweeres shared that food was a hit during this event b. Family Fitness Night - Feb. 21st

Joe Zweeres shared that PTO wants to do a family fitness night and combine this with jump rope for heart day

c. Preschool - Halloween Family Event

Halloween event was a great turnout with about 60 families attend.

d. Math & Science Night in the Spring

e. PTO & Music Boosters are planning events for this year as well.

f. Grandparents Day

Curriculum and Instruction

a. E-Learning Program

Ashley Ringler shared details on the plan to implement e-learning for students for snow days. A draft plan is ready and public hearing will be held on December 16th at the board meeting. With construction needing to be done these e- learning days are critical so school year is not extended. Upon board approval the local Regional Office has to approve the plan.

b. Science Curriculum

Ashley discussed how new Science Curriculum is going. She expressed her thanks to teachers who have been implementing the new curriculum.

c. ELA curriculum work continues - Kindergarten through 4th grade teachers have been subbed out to at various times to continue building their ELA curriculum. Third grade will be standards based next school year.

d. Health Class

Ashley Ringler shared that the Health class has begun for junior high.

e. Report Cards

Report card changes to Power School worked out great.

f. Data Meetings – 1st round was held after benchmarking

g. Teacher Led Clubs

Ashley – discussed current clubs; 2nd grade game club, Jayme Johnson – book club, Origami Club

h. Strategic Coaching Support - Kindergarten and first grade teachers have been receiving focused coaching support in the area of ELA from Sandy. The support has consisted of: attending planning meetings, giving mini pd sessions during their curriculum work days, pushing into the classroom to model, working with students, and assisting in obtaining resources.

School Report Card/Commendable Rating – Joe Zweeres shared that the district did very well – rating was commendable. Chronic absenteeism was area discussed to work on.

a. Improvement Plan

b. School Improvement Plan – Joe shared this will be presented to Board for approval.

Special Services Update

a. New academic and social emotional screening tools

Lacey Anderson shared that staff feel the new screening tools are easier to use and like the data that is compiled.

b. Community mental health partnership

Kathy Perry shared that the Board approved an intergovernmental agreement to partner with mental health agencies to work with kids in Saratoga School.

Professional Learning – Ashley Ringler discussed PD that has been completed

a. City Wide Institute Day- will be done in January – details to be shared soon.

b. Stop the Bleed

c. Book Studies

d. Diabetes Training

e. Autism Training

f. Transgender Awareness Training

Other

Meeting ended 6:15 pm

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ow8UjDgIxF8GtBW9JTNfXWST4ujAWLKK/view