March 17, 2025 at 5:30 PM - Regular Meeting

Ashlie Stone, Kramer Preschool presented information on her building. Mrs. Stone shared the enrollment numbers: 174 Students, including special education students. There are 16 certified staff and 19 classified staff.  She shared assessment data and TPOTS Observation data which gives teachers the information needed to coach students to improve assessment percentages. Mrs. Stone talked about what they are doing at the Kramer Preschool to facilitate engagement and connectivity with staff, students and families. 

The CPS LMHPs Jessy Hill, Sarah Papa, Amy Theis gave a presentation on how violence risk assessments and self harm risk assessments are being facilitated. They shared the criteria for who requires an assessment and who is involved in interviewing a student or staff member. They talked about the process being evidence based and the length of time it can take for the assessment to be completed. There was discussion about how CPS has become very proactive in protecting our students and staff. 

Jason Schapmann, Director of Human Relations and Fiscal Support, reported on the cash balances and revenue funds. He said that there are two new reports this month to show revenue and payments for the QCPUF and Nutrition Fund accounts.

Mr. Schapmann shared the reports for staffing. He gave a shout out to the principals for getting a lot of the hiring done. The new principal for Kramer Preschool was on the memo. Chip Kay, Superintendent spoke about the interview process. He said Erin Meyer was hired. Mrs. Meyer’s experience in a pre-k really showed in her interview. 

Mr. Schapmann said the professional travel report reflected teacher career fairs, virtual career fairs and special education conferences.

Nicole Anderson, Foundation Director, spoke about items listed in the report, including payouts for CMS stem supplies from ADM grant. Showing paid outs for some classroom grants. The Grandparents' Day events are listed as well. Mrs. Anderson said the district has served 781 grand friends to date and there are more events to come.

The total for the month of February is $26,059.51; Year 2025 is $35,204.25.

Teresa Hausmann, Director of Teaching and Learning, updated on progress with Mr. Gillespie’s wood manufacturing curriculum. She said CPS passed the Federal Programs Review. Mrs. Hausmann talked about the ESSA Grant reimbursements and thanked Jason Harris, Director of Special Education, for his assistance. Cognia, the company that CPS uses for accreditation, sent a notice that the three areas of improvement review is due. Mrs. Hausmann said that the department made 263 staff connections during the month of February. 

Mr. Harris said he is focusing on hiring special education staff. He has made 28 contacts to invite people to come to CPS. Nine have been hired. Three people have transferred to special education from regular education. There were four people interviewed.

Mr. Harris shared that NDE requested a review on identifying OHI-white students. The review of files found nothing. Mr. Harris said there will be a finalized plan to come out at a later date. 

Mr. Schapmann gave some more in-depth information on the staff that are leaving the district.

13 retirements

16 resignations

7 for family reasons

3 entering grad school

1 for professional advancement

1 retiring for a second time

4 other

40 positions have been filled, 21 are new to the district. Twelve first year teachers, 5 are in years 2-5, 4 in years 6+.

Leonard Kwapnioski, Director of Operations, updated on the Kramer project. He said it is coming along on budget. He also shared some information on the alternate education project. He also discussed some other projects he is looking into including the lighting control system at CHS and plumbing fixtures. Dr. Kay added that more conversations will happen regarding what is replaced to keep things operational. Mr. Kwapnioski talked about bus driver's training and the emergency exit plans for students. They drill twice a year. Bus drivers are randomly drug-tested through Occupational Health. 

Dr. Kay said that Mr. Kwapnioski is getting all the bids together for the alternative education building. He noted that they met with Clark Enersen and the project is under budget for the facility. There was discussion regarding entrance safety and security. Lighting will be added outside the building. Dr. Kay shared some insight with regard to our kindergarten enrollment for next year. It is very important to keep ratios at 20:1 in kindergarten classrooms, Dr. Kay is proposing opening another kindergarten classroom. The growth of our enrollment was discussed and solutions are being addressed by Dr. Kay. He shared a plan for a community meeting, and an online meeting to get feedback. The timeline will be to use April to get feedback and have the board vote on a resolution to move forward in May. There was discussion on the support services that will be needed to plan a bond and project. Dr. Kay talked about the challenges we face. This solution would free up space in 6 buildings instead of piecing things together. There are teachers and parents that are willing to speak to the community.

Dr. Kay presented information on Policy 502.12 Enrollment of Children in Preschool Programs. CPS did not have a policy and the grant requires a policy. He said we want to make sure it matches our procedures.  

Dr. Kay said he heard concerns from teachers that it is confusing for families if the K-12 calendar has a non-contact day on a Friday. The preschool can’t be out on both Friday and Wednesday. They will not have enough academic time. The new calendar reflects a very similar schedule as this year. 

Jason Harris, Director of Special Education, presented the GoPhysical Therapy contract. This is the OT/PT company CPS is currently using. This is the same provider the name was changed. Mr. Harris said we sign a 3 year contract because they offer a better rate. The rates are below the NDE suggested rates. This company is helping us find SLPs for next year.

Mr. Kwapnioski shared the Mitel Phone System Upgrade. QCPUF funds will be used for communication throughout the district and district-wide paging. This was listed in the resolution as a need for safety and security.

Fire alarms at Emerson and North Park need to be replaced.

The board shared that the CHS play was awesome. Those that have participated in Grand Friends Day are very appreciative, and think it is a great event. They all really enjoy the student recognitions at the board meetings.