January 15, 2016 at 4:00 PM - Superintendent's Weekly Update to the Board of Education

Description: 
One board member added 7 discussion items to the board agenda last Monday evening.  Although all of them were good discussion items I'm concerned about the process in which they were added.  I was unaware of any items requested for addition to the already published board agenda.  

The first I had heard about any of the discussion items was at the open board meeting like everyone else.  It is important for board members to have good lines of communication with the other board members and superintendent.  MSBA has shared/trained all of us to avoid surprising fellow board members and the superintendent.  This is why I spend so much time on Friday letters each week.

Again, all of the discussion items were in my opinion good.  It is the process we cannot forget.  The discussion items could and should have waited for the next published agenda.  This would provide the opportunity for other board members and the administrators to be best prepared.  And it gives our public an opportunity to know what is planned for discussion.

Description: 
Board Minutes on June 16, 2014

It was moved by Director Block and seconded by Director Justin to support no parking for one stall on each side of each access point along the east and west side of CSAH 54 and two blocks sound of CSAH 26. Motion carried by 4-2 vote

Description: 
It's interesting to know as the national economy improves the opportunities for high school graduates who forgo college can make it in the economy--if they enter blue-collar jobs in manufacturing, mining and agriculture.  With that said never in modern history has the economic disparity been wider between those with and without a college degree.

Description: 
Mike Schonecker is a Vice President with Winkelman Building Corporation.  In the central Minnesota publication Business Central he shared good news about the recovery of the area construction industry.  However, as a result of the upswing we're facing problems with labor shortages, supply availability and materials costs.
 
Business Central is a St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce publication.  In the January/February 2016 edition is the article titled, "Workforce Worries."

Description: 
At the MSBA Conference we visited with a company representative who was awarded our contract to install terrazzo.  Aaron is a project manager for Advance Terrazzo & Tile Co., Inc.  We learned from ARY our installer in not only among the best in Minnesota but the United States.  

This is very good news about our installer as this doesn't always happen with state bidding laws.  ARY's clients have had to use other terrazzo installers who are okay but not near as good.  Remember it's the low bid that gets awarded the contract.

Description: 
At the MSBA Conference I attended the Friday session "Free-Range Learning and Collaboration."  It was a great experience about how to redesign learning spaces for students.  Here is the Abstract from the University of Minnesota study.

Beginning in the Spring of 2014, faculty and students at the University of Minnesota partnered with Cuningham Group Architecture, Inc. (Cuningham Group), Columbia Heights Public Schools, and the College of Education on a multi-year research project to document, analyze, and assess three retro fitted open learning studios (2nd, 3rd and 4th grade) designed by Cuningham Group for the North Park Elementary School, in Fridley, MN (2011-2014). These unique learning studios were designed through a collaborative charrette process involving school teachers and administrators. The design resulted in the merging of several traditional classrooms into larger, open spaces through the removal of existing interior walls and the integration of flexible furniture, digital learning equipment, and technology embedded partitions. The outcome has fostered a complete transformation of the school’s approach to teaching which encourages active, student-initiated, and self-directed learning.

The goal of the research project is to assess the impact of specific design elements on the effectiveness of teaching and learning in support of North Park Elementary’s goal of fostering 21st-century skills of creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. In turn, this research will contribute to the architecture profession by providing a rigorous, in-depth, and longitudinal case study analysis that will highlight innovative approaches to collaborative design for the creation of flexible learning environments in conjunction with specific models of education. 

Jeff Cacek is the principal at North Park Elementary and one of today's presenters.  I have scheduled a visit to their elementary school at 12:45 PM on Wednesday, February 24.  I will be taking our two principals and a couple of teachers from each building.  I have big hopes this tour will further help us in our own building design and furniture selection.   

Description: 
Please see attached message from Sue.

Description: 
Kelsie is having difficulty receiving time sheets from board members.  It has persisted for most of the year.  We do have one board member who is consistently on time.  Please read the attached letter Kelsie asked me to share with you.

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