October 17, 2017 at 6:30 PM - Education Committee - Regular School Board Meeting

1. Informational Items - These items are provided for informational purposes only and no action is required.

1.A. Assistant Superintendent's Report

As part of her monthly report, Assistant Superintendent Amy Starzecki highlighted efforts in teaching and learning across ISD 709. Updates were shared regarding implementation of District initiatives to support teaching and learning.

1.B. Informational Presentations

1.B.1) Mental Health Partnership Update

Ron Lake, Duluth Public Schools Climate Coordinator, and Ashley Anderson, St. Louis County Public Health, provided a review and update on our expanding partnership with St. Louis County Public Health related to access and resources for mental health. They specifically shared information regarding student leadership and involvement, mental health and suicide prevention training, protocol for supporting students with mental health needs, and efforts to communicate available resources. They are exploring ways to identify students with mental health needs prior to externalized behaviors and how we may receive information regarding potentially traumatic events in our community.

1.B.2) 2017-18 Class Size and Course Offerings Update

Assistant Superintendent Amy Starzecki presented an update regarding current K-12 class sizes and course offerings by school.

1.C. Grant Applications

1.C.1) Arrowhead Manufacturers & Fabricators Association (AMFA) Educational Trust Grants

The Duluth Engineering Design Program submitted 2 grant applications to the Arrowhead Manufacturers & Fabricators Association (AMFA) Educational Trust in the amounts of $200 and $1500. If awarded, funds from the $200 grant will be used to purchase a rod oven for the welding program at Denfeld High School. The oven will help improve storage and usage of rods in that program. Funds from the $1500 grant will be used to purchase helmets, gloves, and welding jackets for the All Girls after school welding program that hopes to restart this winter.

1.C.2) Hospitality MN Educational Foundation Grant

The Duluth Culinary & Hospitality Programs submitted for and received a grant in the amount of $5000 from Hospitality MN Educational Foundation for purchase of industry-based Prostart curriculum.

1.C.3) Irving Community Center Grant - LPMS Art Club

Christine Valento, Lincoln Park Middle School Art Teacher, has submitted a grant application to the Irving Community Center in the amount of $500. If awarded, funds will be used to defray costs of Art Club supplies.

1.C.4) Irving Community Center Grant - LPMS FACS

Debra Porter, Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) Teacher, has submitted a grant application to the Irving Community Center in the amount of $1000. If awarded, funds will be supplement the food budget for her FACS classes.

1.C.5) Minnesota Power Foundation Youth in Philanthropy Grant

Katie Scheufeli, Head Start/YWCA Collaborative Teacher and Parent Advocate, has submitted a grant application to the Minnesota Power Foundation Youth in Philanthropy program in the amount of $1000. If awarded, funds will be used to create STEM take-home backpacks for the children to bring home weekly to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics along with literacy in the home. Each backpack will have a book, STEM activity with all materials needed, a brief description of why this activity is important and how to implement the activity at home.

1.D. Regulations - NONE

2. Action Items

2.A. Presentation Items Requiring Approval - NONE

2.B. Policies - NONE

2.C. Data Sharing Agreements - NONE

2.D. Resolutions

2.D.1) Resolution E-10-17-3485 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools

Attached is Resolution E-10-17-3485 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools, to accept and approve grant awards from the following organizations:

Hospitality MN Educational Foundation

2.E. Diploma Requests

The following students have met all graduation requirements for the Duluth Public Schools and should be awarded a Diploma:

Daniel C. Kaspari - September 19, 2017
George E. Green - September 20, 2017
Brandan M. Cheetham - October 3, 2017

3. Future Items

Policy Updates