August 26, 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 thanked Transportation Coordinator Mitchell Fortner for trying something new for student dismissal time by loading buses on the front side of Vandenberg, and it is working well.  He also thanked Building and Grounds Coordinator Jace Waltman for his time, organization and attention to detail in overseeing the many projects this summer. 

Discussion:  Public Forum:

During public forum, parents from Yelner Street reported there are approximately 17 students currently walking from their street to school.  The area is growing and there will be more. It is a safety issue crossing Liberty Boulevard at that time in the morning.

Discussion:         Approved Regular Board Meeting Minutes for August 12, 2024.

Discussion:         Approved Personnel Action for August 26 with date revision. (Attachment)

Discussion:         Approved July Financial Reports.(Attachment)

Discussion:         Approved the Purchases and Issuing of Accounts Payable for August 30. (Attachment)

Discussion:         There were no conflicts as defined in SDCL 3-23.

Discussion:         Approved payment of an additional 7.06 days at daily rate of $757.70 for the 2023-24 Superintendent's contract.

Discussion:  Elementary and Secondary Curriculum and Instruction Items:

Discussion:  Executive Director of Elementary Academics Ann Pettit reflected on the recent staff professional development days. All staff participated in the Options-Based PD Day at the high school.  Staff could choose to attend sessions focused on classroom instructional practices, student-centered sessions, technology-related sessions, or staff-centered sessions.  A total of 58 one-hour sessions were offered to staff throughout the day.  Another PD day offered CHAMPS training, a classroom management system, to all staff.  This year, administrative leadership is participating in Studer which implements strategies to align our leadership work with the district's strategic direction of student success is our priority.  Overall, staff feedback has been positive and appreciative.  

Discussion:  Superintendent Items:

Discussion:  Superintendent Kevin Case shared first day of school student enrollment information, including historical data from over the past 8 years. Of note, there is growth in all buildings in the district, specifically Patriot Elementary and Douglas Middle School with an increase of 102 students district-wide. Seventy-four percent of the new students are under the age of 11. Class sizes are increasing and ESL population has doubled.

Discussion:  Operational Support Services Items:

Discussion:  Executive Director of Operational Support Services Timothy Kosters presented the revised Board Policy ACAA and new Board Policy ACAC for informational reading. The purpose of this informational reading is to present and familiarize stakeholders with updated Title IX policies in alignment with current best practices as outlined by the KSB. These updates are essential to ensure that our district remains compliant with federal regulations, promotes a safe and equitable educational environment, and upholds the rights of all students and staff.
These updated policies will replace our current policies ACAA, ACAA-R, ACAA-E(1), ACAA-E(2), and ACAA-E(3). This transition will streamline our approach, and ensure that we are operating with the most current and legally sound protocols. These updates will enhance transparency, support the well-being of all individuals within our district, and reinforce our commitment to a culture of respect and inclusion.

Discussion:  Buildings and Grounds Coordinator Jace Waltman gave an update on several of the summer projects around the district. The football field is finished; the track surface will be done in the next week or so; hydroseeding and fence relocation are being planned. The goal is to be completed by the first home football game. The high school gym floor is complete and access was given today.  Some areas didn't meet expectations, so there are some conversations happening. The first-half of the server room relocation to high school is complete.  The high school roof replacement has had some shortcomings, but teachers are back in classrooms and the A/C units are working.  The Central Office room should be completed this week, and then will transition to the Badger Clark roof. The mod unit remodel for the Bridges transition program is complete. The other mod has been demolished and leveled.  The football stadium painting is completed, waiting for handrails to be finished. The hydroseeding of the field is included in the Mammoth contract but didn't include installation of a sprinkler system. In process of getting bids for work to be completed in September.

Discussion:  Reports:

Discussion:  Superintendent Kevin Case announced the official opening of the new football field and track will be during half-time at the football game on September 13 and invited all board members to attend the brief ceremony.

Discussion:  Two board members, Tanya Gray and Amy McGovern facilitated a Board Listening Session at the All Staff Options-Based PD Day. They shared staff input from the sessions. 

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

JoAnne Mulholland expressed excitement for a new school year.

Tonya Welch reported on the recent Booster Club meeting.  They met with MS/HS Activity Directors to plan homecoming activities and parade for the week of September 23-27. Other items of note are the upcoming 50/50 at the Chamber Mixer and an upcoming online apparel store. The next Booster Club meeting is scheduled for September 16 at 6:00 p.m.

Ben Frerichs stated there is a District Wellness Committee scheduled for September 4. He attended the Welcome Back Bash last Friday at Badger Clark. 

Tanya Gray commented on the Staff Welcome Back Breakfast. She will attend the Black Hills Special Services Cooperative Board of Directors meeting later this week.

 

Discussion:  President Gray called the Board out of executive session at 6:31 p.m.         .

No action taken.