November 1, 2013 at 4:00 PM - Superintendent's Weekly Update to the Board of Education

Description: 
We've had a good first two months of school with only one damaged iPad by a student.  The cost to replace the broken glass/screen was $129.  Knock on wood...this is a good start.  The survivor cases do an excellent job of protecting the iPads.

We elected not to purchase the $80 two-year warranty for each of the iPads.  This would have given us one accidental repair at no cost for each iPad.  We are much better off, however, having our own internal warranty plan and repairing/replacing the iPads that get damaged.  Best Buy makes the majority of their profits from selling customers a warranty.  Even if 50% of the iPads required $129 repairs (e.g., broken glass/screen) we'd come out ahead of purchasing $80 warranties for each device.

Again, the good news is after two months only one student iPad has had to be repaired for $129.  And it is suspicious/questionable how the iPad was ever damaged.  Phil visited with the parents and they were cooperative.  We are intentionally delaying the return of the repaired iPad for one month to reinforce the importance of taking better care of the iPad or living without it.  Again, in this incident the story was more than suspicious/questionable. 

Description: 
David told me this week we're short one classroom set of iPad minis in the elementary school.  We were able to do 1:1 with 5th and 9th grade students and classroom sets of six in all elementary classrooms.  I believe they anticipated one less section of kindergarten.

I'm recommending we use capital outlay reserve funds to purchase another 10-pack of iPad minis for approximately $2,700.  We save about $20 buying them in 10-packs versus individually and the additional four iPads then become available for any new 5th or 9th grade students.

I will let David know he can purchase the 10-pack unless I receive back questions/concerns from any board member by the end of the day on Tuesday, November 5.

Description: 
At the meet and confer meeting a suggestion was brought up to move the elementary concerts to the MS/HS building.  The primary reason was inadequate gym space leading to overcrowded and uncomfortable conditions for families and guests.

Ms. Burnside and Dr. Gurbada have presented me with a solution to the problem.  They agreed to add a third performance for families and guests.  The additional performance will be at 10:00 AM.  The concert times will now be 10:00 AM, 1:45 PM and 7:30 PM.  They will send information home with the children encouraging parents to choose one performance to attend, and if possible, the earlier shows.   

Description: 
I attached an email sent out to members of the district leadership team regarding district-wide assessments.  The purpose of informing the Board is to let you know what we're working on as a team.  Next we'll be looking at the PreK-12 science curriculum.

Description: 
Please find attached the weekly bills for your approval.