School Board Notes 1.9.23

January 9 Meeting Highlights

The minutes from the January 9, 2023 meeting will be reviewed and approved by the School District 197 School Board at the Monday, January 23, 2023 meeting. For more information about meeting agendas and minutes, please CLICK HERE.

Action Item - Election of Officers

  • School Board Chair: Joanne Mansur was re-elected as School Board Chair (7-0).
     
  • Vice-Chair/Clerk: Sarah Larsen was elected as School Board Vice-Chair/Clerk (7-0).
     
  • Treasurer: Byron Schwab was re-elected as School Board Treasurer (7-0).

Action Item - Approval of Agenda Items 
The motion carried 7-0.

Action Item - Approval of Consent Agenda
The motion carried 7-0.

Listening Session
One individual attended the Listening Session to talk about paid parental leave in the school district.

Student Representative’s Report
Student Representatives Elise Buzzell and Makda Mekonen stated that students are back after winter break. The end of the semester is nearing so students are preparing for finals. The Dance Team hosted an invitational with 25 schools, 500 athletes, over 2,000 spectators, and the varsity team ended their regular season undefeated. Gymnastics, boys swim, and basketball will all host matches this week. Winter Guard will be hosting their first official competition on February 4. The boy’s hockey team is doing well and KARE-11 has ranked them eighth in the state for Class A. Garlough hosted a rollerblading family night and third graders went to Dodge Nature Center and studied the stars and planets and explored their Star Lab. Moreland second graders have been learning about artists who create art that can be worn. Students recently made themselves some new additions to their wardrobe using cardboard, cotton balls, and other similar materials.

Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Olson-Skog stated that Two Rivers High School senior Will Gannon was named a National Merit Scholarship recipient for his academic achievements. Principal Al Johnson accepted a donation of $20,000 from the South Robert Street Business Association for the Dollars for Scholars program. The funds will go towards scholarships for students pursuing post-secondary education. The South Robert Street Business Association has been providing this generous donation for more than 5 years. Kindergarten enrollment night is January 19 at all of the district elementary schools. The district will also start preparing fourth graders for their upcoming middle school experience. Starting in fifth grade, every student will take a class in either band, choir or orchestra, so schools will be hosting Music Exploration Days for fourth graders over the next month.To help keep families informed about winter weather and possible school closings/delays, the school district is using social media more often to post updates, along with the traditional communication channels.

Site Report from Pilot Knob STEM Magnet School
Principal Tom Benson provided a site report for Pilot Knob STEM Magnet School. Pilot Knob is a diverse and inclusive community dedicated to creating lifelong learners with the twenty-first century skills they will need to succeed in a global society. Mr. Benson shared these points of pride: Pilot Knob was recognized as a 21-22 Project Lead the Way Launch Distinguished School; students held a coin drive and proceeds were donated to relief efforts in Mexico and Puerto Rico; and implemented a new intervention schedule and program. New things in the 22-23 school year include an emphasis on school-wide reading; establishing a school-wide system of social-emotional learning and support for all students; various student events including weekly ice skating and outdoor adventures; and book clubs.

Site Report from Two Rivers High School
Principal Al Johnson provided a site report for Two Rivers High School. Two Rivers offers an outstanding academic program and a personalized learning environment that prepares students for post-secondary education and careers. Dr. Johnson shared these points of pride: expansion of rigorous courses; creation of Warrior Leadership Team and Digital Wellness Club. New in the 22-23 school year is the implementation of BARR (building assets, reducing risks) which is a model that ensures every student succeeds by prioritizing relationship building.

Action Item – Approval of 2023 School Board Goals
Board member Brenda Corbett presented the 2023 School Board goals for approval. At the December 12 board meeting, the planning committee presented a summary of the achievement of the 2022 goals. Based on the achievement of those goals and the board’s self-evaluation results, the committee drafted a proposed set of goals for 2023. Those were reviewed at the December 12 meeting. The goals are intended to advance the district’s strategic framework, paying particular attention to the three focus areas along with community engagement.
The motion carried (7-0).

January 23, 2023 Agenda

  • Approval of the Agenda

  • Approval of the Consent Agenda

  • Comments to the School Board 

  • Action Item - Approval of School Age Care Fee Increases for 2023-2024 

  • Action Item - Approval of Early Learning Fee Increases for 2023-2024 and 2024-2025

  • Action Item - Approval of/Final Reading of Policy 410, Family and Medical Leave 

  • Mid-Year Update on Strategic Plan Implementation Targets

  • Board Goal Discussion on Increased Inclusivity in Board Recognitions

  • Adjournment