September 19, 2017 at 6:30 PM - Education Committee - Regular School Board Meeting

1. Informational Items - These items are provided for informational purposes only and no action is required.

1.A. Assistant Superintendent's Report

As part of her monthly report, Assistant Superintendent Amy Starzecki highlighted efforts in teaching and learning across ISD 709. Updates were shared regarding implementation of District initiatives to support teaching and learning.

1.B. Informational Presentations

1.B.1) College and Career Readiness Project Update and ACT Results

Dr. Michael Cary, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, presented an update regarding College and Career Readiness as part of World's Best Workforce. Dr. Tawnyea Lake, Director of Assessment, Evaluation and Performance, also presented the most recent ACT results for ISD 709.

1.C. Grant Applications

1.C.1) Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless Grant

Katie Danielson, ISD 709 Families in Transitions Coordinator, has submitted for and been awarded a grant from Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless in the amount of $3,000. Funds will be used for the educational pursuits of students who are homeless.

1.C.2) MN Department of Agriculture - Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program

ISD 709 Child Nutrition Department has submitted for and been awarded the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Grant for Stowe Elementary School in the amount of $14,484.  The budget for the program has been approved by the MDE Safety, Health and Nutrition Division.  Funds will be used for produce and equipment.  The Child Nutrition Department will submit the claims to the state for reimbursement.

1.C.3) Dakota and Ojibwe Language Revitalization Grant

The Duluth Public Schools Misaabekong Ojibwe Immersion Program submitted for and was awarded a Minnesota Affairs Council grant in the amount of $80,063.43 for the 2017-18 school year. Funds will help cover the costs of a much needed Ojibwe Immersion Coordinator, technology for students, curriculum development and family/teacher Ojibwe Language Camps.

1.C.4) Minnesota Department of Education Grant

Tom Albright, ISD 709 Civic Engagement Coordinator, has submitted a grant application to the Minnesota Department of Education in the amount of $99,479.37. If awarded, funds will be used to support Full Service Community Schools and Health/Phy Ed. The grant program through MDE had three focus areas. The application sought funds through two of those areas - "Well-Rounded Education Opportunities" and "Technology Enhancement". The Well Rounded Education Opportunities portion will focus on OST programming by providing funds for club and activity leader stipends as well as transportation costs at Myers Wilkins, Lincoln Park, and Denfeld. The Technology Enhancement portion will utilize funds to purchase chromebooks for secondary health classes and projectors for physical education classes at all levels.

1.C.5) Northland Foundation - ECFE - The First Year Program Grant

Jennifer Jaros, Early Childhood Family Education, has submitted for and received a grant from the Northland Foundation in the amount of $5000.  Funds will be used to continue to support the Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) First Year Program. The program assists first-time parents (18 years and over) who have experienced multiple ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences), have identified mental health needs and received limited support during the critical transition time between pregnancy and actual parenthood.

1.D. Regulations - NONE

2. Action Items

2.A. Presentation Items Requiring Approval

2.A.1) American Lung Association Duluth “Lethal Lure” Campaign Presentation

Pat McKone, Director Mission Programs at the American Lung Association in Minnesota shared information about the Duluth “Lethal Lure” campaign.  Ms. McKone discussed  and answered questions about menthol and flavored tobacco use among Duluth teens and the research and rationale behind efforts to pass a city ordinance to restrict the sale of menthol and flavored tobacco to adult only tobacco retailers. Ms. McKone asked Duluth Public Schools to join a broad coalition of supporters that includes: the Duluth Human Rights and Indigenous Commissions, Essentia Health, St. Lukes, Community Action Duluth, the NAACP, CHUM and the St. Louis County Department of Health and Human Services. 

2.B. Policies - NONE

2.C. Data Sharing Agreements

It is requested that the following organizations be granted access to the Student Information System to support District functions from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018:

Myers-Wilkins Community School Collaborative

2.D. Resolutions

2.D.1) Resolution E-09-17-3478 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools

Attached is Resolution E-09-17-3478 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools, to accept and approve grant awards from the following organizations:

Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless
Minnesota Department of Education - Safety, Health and Nutrition Division
State of Minnesota Indian Affairs Council
Northland Foundation

2.D.2) Resolution E-09-17-3479 - Support of Restricting Youth Access to Flavored Tobacco Products

Attached is Resolution E-09-17-3479 - Support of Restricting Youth Access to Flavored Tobacco Products, to accept and approve Duluth Public Schools' support of current efforts to reduce access to products such as menthol and other flavored tobacco products that appeal specifically to children.

2.E. Diploma Requests

The following students have met all graduation requirements for the Duluth Public Schools and should be awarded a Diploma:

Kailey Rya Engstrom - June 8, 2017
Melissa Marie Tveiten - August 16, 2017
Abrianna V. Harney - August 16, 2017

3. Future Items

Policy Updates