August 12, 2024 at 5:00 PM - DOUGLAS SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION

Discussion:  All actions in these Minutes were by unanimous vote unless otherwise stated.

President Tanya Gray called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

Discussion:  Superintendent Kevin Case commented on new staff starting last week and veteran staff back this week.  He commended the administration for their hard work--it shows the process of continuous improvement. It feels like our best start of year ever. 

Discussion:  Public Forum:

During public forum, several parents residing near the Liberty Center requested an additional bus stop for child safety issues--no sidewalks and crossing Liberty Boulevard.

A retired staff member and parent asked the Board to consider adding more advanced placement classes for the top 10% of students who excel in their academics. 

 

Discussion:         Approved Regular and Annual School Board Meeting Minutes for July 15, 2024.

Discussion:         Approved June 2024 Financial Report. (Attachment)

Discussion:         Approved the Purchases and Issuing of Accounts Payable and July Payroll Reports. (Attachments)

Discussion:          Approved Conflict Disclosures and Waiver Authorizations as Fair and Reasonable Pursuant to SDCL 3-23-3.

Discussion:         Approved Mammoth Sports Construction Change Order in the amount of $15,995.26 to add additional sidewalks to ensure traffic flow works efficiently.

Discussion:  Elementary and Secondary Curriculum and Instruction Items:

Discussion:  Executive Director of Elementary Academics Ann Pettit introduced Jamie Williams who has completed her second year as Summer School Administrative Intern. The Summer Transition program's purpose included continuing academic progress, providing STEAM opportunities, and promoting social skills, study skills, and transitional skills to the next grade level/building. Students also received breakfast and lunch through the Summer Feeding program.  This summer, 279 students attended from grades K-9. Of those students, 80 attended for the second year and 46 for their third year.   

Discussion:  Executive Director of Secondary Academics Sandi Jimenez gave an update on the partnership with Lifeways, a nonprofit adolescent prevention, early intervention and outpatient treatment agency.  Lifeways will provide two licensed addiction prevention counselors at the middle school who will provide substance abuse prevention programming through individual, group and classroom sessions for the 2024-25 school year.

Discussion:  Superintendent Items:

Discussion:  Fiscal Resources Items:

Discussion:       
 

Discussion:          Approved additional contingency transfers in the amount of $28,153.58 for 2023-24.
       
        Approved additional supplemental budget in the amount of $28,337.23 for 2023-24.

Discussion:         Approved revised grant for ARP Homeless II and Title 1, 1003 School Improvement Funds as presented for 2023-24.

Discussion:       

Discussion:           LET IT BE RESOLVED that the Douglas School District 5-1 Board of Education hereby approves and authorizes the transfer of Impact Aid funds

Operational Support Services:

Discussion:  School Nutrition Coordinator Jennifer Garner presented the Why, the How, and the What of Summer Feeding at Douglas.  During June, all summer school students were fed breakfast and lunch. Participation increased this summer in July due to the Grab 'n Go meals.  Breakfast was up 50.5% and lunch was up 35.9% from June.  The Grab 'n Go meals consisted of 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches for each child age 18 and under, as well as the instructions on food storage and cooking.  The Grab 'n Go meals were picked up each Monday to provide healthy, nutritious meals for students and children in the community while school was not in session. 

Discussion:  Reports:

Discussion:  Superintendent Kevin Case had Buildings & Grounds Coordinator Jace Waltman provide an update on the football field/track project. The football field portion of the project is completed. The asphalt on the track portion requires a 28-day cure time before installing the top finish.  Right now, Mammoth is finishing up the shotput and long jump areas, adding additional sidewalks and making changes in the fencing.

Superintendent Kevin Case provided board members with the one-page summary "Growing Together" prepared for the EAFB Summer Task Force meeting this morning on the base.  There were 11 state legislators, US Senator Rounds, and Col Oakley attending, as well as the City, SDEDA, and Elevate Rapid City.

He added that 110 staff members including existing and new staff attended the Adaptive Schools Training sessions this summer. Thanks to the School Board.  All Douglas administrators attended the 3-hour Title IX Training last week hosted here at Douglas. Administrators also attended their first session with Studer Education which will assist in implementing strategies to connect the dots with our Strategic Direction.  All staff will have the opportunity tomorrow to choose their professional development sessions. There are approximately 30 sessions scheduled with presenters. 

Discussion:  Committee Reports from Board Members and Comments from Associate Board Members

Amy McGovern attended the Box Elder Area Chamber of Commerce meeting. 

Tonya Welch added that the first Booster Club meeting of the school year is tomorrow night at the high school.  Booster Club's main focus is fundraising and funding senior scholarships. 

Col Derek Oakley added his thanks for the district's support for EAFB, stating we are all one big family.  He discussed the legislator meeting held today on base and the need for alignment as growth happens and funding is needed. 

Tanya Gray stated Douglas School District had two presentations at the ASBSD Joint Convention in Sioux Falls last week.  Superintendent Kevin Case presented on how we use data which was well attended.  Board member Chris Misselt did a presentation on Current Standards of Care.  There were many good sessions offered. She also attended the ASBSD Board of Directors meeting.  They would like Douglas to host the region meeting this fall.