November 21, 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 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) Record of Continuous Improvement (RCI) Presentations

Throughout the school year, each school will be providing an update to the school board regarding their school improvement plan called Record of Continuous Improvement. The work on the RCI is being led by the Continuous Improve Team (CIT).  Each school has gone through a comprehensive needs assessment and developed action steps to improve student outcomes. This month, the following schools reviewed the continuous improvement process for their site: Duluth East High School and Congdon Park Elementary School.

1.B.2) Secondary Schedule Task Force Update

As a school district, we recognize that our community would like more course options than can be accommodated under our current secondary schedule (6-period day). Dr. Michael Cary, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, was tasked with creating a process to gain community feedback and engage district staff in reviewing and recommending potential schedule options. Dr. Cary provided an update on the progress of the Secondary Schedule Task Force.

1.B.3) Advisory Committee Update

The district has a variety of advisory committees that inform our work. This month, we heard an update from the Education Equity Advisory Committee (EEAC). William Howes, Office of Education Equity Coordinator, and Diana Lawrey, EEAC Chair, presented.

1.B.4) Course Guide Update

Each year, the courses at the secondary level are reviewed by counselors, content specialists and the Director of Curriculum and Instruction to make recommendations for changes to the course catalog and supplements. Dr. Cary provided an update regarding these proposed changes.

1.C. Grant Applications - NONE

1.D. Regulations - NONE

2. Action Items

2.A. Presentation Items Requiring Approval

2.A.1) Changing the Name of Woodland Hills Academy to Rockridge Academy

Woodland Hills Academy will soon be relocating their school operations to the Rockridge building. Therefore, district administration is recommending the name change from Woodland Hills Academy to Rockridge Academy.

2.B. Resolutions

2.B.1) Resolution E-11-17-3490 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools

Attached is Resolution E-11-17-3490 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools, to accept and approve grant awards from the following organizations:

Northland Foundation

2.C. Extended Trip Requests

2.C.1) Extended Trip Request - SkillsUSA Leadership Conference

SkillsUSA students from Denfeld and East High Schools traveled to Holiday Inn Alexandria in Alexandria, MN to participate in the SkillsUSA Fall State Leadership Training Professional Conference from October 26-28, 2017. This conference offered training for local officers and advisers on how to run a local chapter. The total cost of this trip was $2,400 and was funded with grant dollars and student fees.

2.C.2) Extended Trip Request - Denfeld High School - MN HOSA Fall Leadership Conference

Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) from Denfeld and East High Schools traveled to the Minnesota Marriott Northwest in Minneapolis, MN from November 2-3, 2017 to participate in the Minnesota HOSA Fall Conference.  During the conference they ran for state officer positions.  They will also took part in lessons in leadership, parliamentary procedures, and career development.  The total cost of the trip was $2,216.75 and was funded with student fees and grant dollars.

2.C.3) Extended Trip Request - MN HOSA Emergency Preparedness Camp

Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) from Denfeld and East High Schools will be traveling to Camp Ripley in Little Falls, MN to participate in the Minnesota HOSA MRC Camp/Workshop from November 30 - December 2, 2017.  They will take part in emergency preparedness lessons in authentic settings in the areas of CPR and First-Aid.  The total cost of the trip is $2,120 and will be funded with grant dollars and student fees.

2.C.4) Extended Trip Request - MN HOSA Officer Training & Spring Conference Planning

Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) from Denfeld and East High Schools will be traveling to the St Paul Holiday Inn East in St Paul, MN from December 10-11, 2017 to participate in state officer training and Spring Leadership Conference planning. The total cost of the trip is $700 and will be funded with student fees and grant dollars.

2.C.5) Extended Trip Request - Lester Park - Wolf Ridge ELC

Fifth grade students from Lester Park Elementary School will be traveling to the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, MN from March 9-11, 2018. This trip will provide students with an experiential learning opportunity, which will help them develop teamwork skills and provide a chance for personal growth. The trip is organized by parents, financed through fund raising activities and student fees and will take place outside of the regular school schedule.

2.C.6) Extended Trip Request - Homecroft - Wolf Ridge ELC

Fifth grade students from Homecroft Elementary School will be traveling to the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, MN from March 12-15, 2018. This trip will provide students with an experiential learning opportunity, which will help them develop teamwork skills and personal growth and cover several MN science standards. The total cost of the trip is $10,800 and will be funded with student fees and donations.

2.D. Diploma Requests

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

Courtney Lynn Andrick - September 6, 2017
Brandan M. Cheetham - October 3, 2017
Dominic Romagnoli - November 7, 2017
Justin L Knight - November 7, 2017

2.E. Policies - NONE

3. Future Items

2018-19 Calendar
Policy Updates