April 17, 2018 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) Duluth Public Schools / Duluth Preschool Governing Board (School Board) Annual Training

Pam Rees, Duluth Head Start Director, shared information and updates regarding Duluth Head Start/Preschool programming.

1.B.2) 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: Homecroft Elementary, Myers-Wilkins Elementary and Ordean East Middle School.

1.B.3) Duluth Public Schools, MN Department of Education & MN Department of Human Rights Update

Assistant Superintendent Amy Starzecki provided an update regarding the work being done in cooperation with the MDE and MDHR to address disproportionate student discipline and suspension rates across the district.

1.C. Grant Applications

1.C.1) MDE Federal Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy (SRCL) Program Grant

Assistant Superintendent Amy Starzecki has submitted grant applications to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) for the Federal Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy (SRCL) Program on behalf of Denfeld High School, Lincoln Park Middle School, Piedmont Elementary, Lowell Elementary, Laura MacArthur Elementary, Myers Wilkins Elementary and Chester Creek/Merritt Creek Residentials in the total amount of $1,419,886. If awarded, funds will be used to improve reading goals. This is a 2 year grant.

1.C.2) MACAC National College Fair Grant

Marilee Tusken, Denfeld High School, has submitted a grant application to the Minnesota Association for College Admission Counseling (MACAC) in the amount of $300. If awarded, funds will be used to pay for busing to the Minnesota National College Fair in Minneapolis next fall, October 24 or 25, 2018. Denfeld Juniors and Seniors are given the option to attend this event.

1.C.3) MDE Families in Transition Program Grant

Katie Danielson, Families in Transition Program Coordinator, has submitted a grant application to Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) in the amount of $50,000. If awarded, funds will be used to continue to support the Families in Transition Program within Duluth Public Schools.

1.C.4) Action for Healthy Kids Grant

Rachel Thapa, Lincoln Park Middle School, has submitted a grant application to Action for Healthy Kids in the amount of $1,000. If awarded, funds will be used to support nutrition and physical activity efforts in schools through nutrition education and healthy food taste testings and cooking classes/opportunities during out of school time.

1.C.5) Scott D. Anderson Leadership Foundation Fund Grant

Duluth Public Schools has submitted for and received a grant from the Scott D. Anderson Leadership Foundation Fund of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation in the amount of $14, 593. Funds will be used to support the annual, week-long Scott Anderson Leadership Forum.

1.D. Regulations - None

2. Action Items

2.A. Presentation Items Requiring Approval

2.A.1) FY19 Federal Head Start Grant

Pam Rees, Head Start Director, presented an overview of the FY19 Federal Head Start Grant application for approval.

2.B. Policies

2.B.1) 5010 - Age of Entrance - DELETION

In moving to the MSBA Model Policies, administration is recommending the deletion of Policy 5010, which will be replaced with MSBA Policy 607.

2.B.2) 6085 - Organizational Plan for the Delivery of Instruction - DELETION

In moving to the MSBA Model Policies, administration is recommending the deletion of Policy 6085, which will be replaced with MSBA Policy 607.

2.B.3) NEW Policy 607 - Organization of Grade Levels

Attached is revised MSBA Policy 607 for the second reading. This policy would replace Policies 5010 and 6085.

2.B.4) Policy 513 - Student Promotion, Retention, and Program Design

Administration is recommending the revision of Policy 513. Attached is revised Policy 513 for the second reading.

2.C. Resolutions

2.C.1) Resolution E-4-18-3535 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools

Attached is Resolution E-4-18-3535 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools, to accept and approve grant awards from the following organizations:

DSACF - Duluth Public Schools Endowment Fund
DSCAF - Scott D. Anderson Leadership Foundation Fund

2.D. Diploma Requests

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

Samarrea Pearson - March 27, 2018
Rebecca L. Rutka - March 28, 2018
Adam Brickley Witta - March 29, 2018
Seaneen E. Aili - April 10, 2018

2.E. Extended Trip Requests - None

3. Future Items

EEAC Advisory Committee Update - May
Response to AIE Resolution of Concurrence & Non-concurrence 2017 - May
Policy Updates