February 19, 2016 at 4:00 PM - Superintendent's Weekly Update to the Board of Education

Description: 
Jeff sent me a good idea on the school calendar for 2016-17 (see below).  I visited with the principals at today's weekly admin meeting.  They are both in support of it too.  The change will be reflected in the calendar to be approved at the March meeting. 

One comment on the proposed school calendar.  I would like to move the March 17 teacher day to March 31. I believe the Band trip (cruise) is March 30-April 3, 2017. If we move the teacher day, students will miss only 2 days vs 3 days.  This was brought up at the board meeting when we approved the Band trip.  I am planning on offering this amendment at the board meeting. 

Description: 
Below is an email message Brent received this morning from Dan Zetah.  He is the activities director at Long Prairie /Grey Eagle Secondary School.

Brent, I want to borrow your C team coach that coached your kids last night. I had to fill in and ref last night because one of my officials got hurt. Mr. Silbernick is a quality kid. Let me know if he`s ever looking for a new home to coach. You can be proud and pleased to have a quality individual on your staff. He does a great job with the girls, and is a very positive all the time.

Description: 
I had two parents visit with me yesterday about girls basketball.  Although they both contend their concerns are not about playing time for their daughters and scheme designs, it is.

I visited with both of them about process and procedures, including the board and superintendent will NOT discuss or get into coaching decisions in regard to playing time and play designs.  At the end of a sports season the AD and principal evaluates the coach's performance.

I cannot WARN you enough not to entertain these parents.  No other school board or superintendent would in this situation.  You do not want to be the one's making starting quarterback decisions, when man-to-man or zone defense should be used during a basketball game, etc.

You and I need to stay at the 30,000 feet level.  Please call me if you have any questions/concerns. 

Description: 
Jim and I had a good conversation with the board chairperson and superintendent at Princeton School District.  They provided us with good ideas on how to transition to the Marzano District Leader Evaluation Model.  And we were able to share back some thoughts about what they can do too.

At the board meeting on Monday we have a discussion item to schedule a day for my evaluation.  We should also visit about the process and next steps.  Please see attached a working document for you to evaluate my performance.  I promised Jim I'd have a finished document ready by the end of next week.

You will use this same document to individually evaluate my performance.  I brainstormed a few of the evidence pieces for the 6 domains.  I will continue to reflect on the evidence pieces next week and solicit the principals input.  There are so many improvements we've accomplished together most are overlooked. 

Description: 
Please see attached the minutes for our bi-weekly construction meeting on 2-9-16.  Also, know steel will be erected on the north end later next week.  This will be a good visual of progress from Nature Road. 

Description: 
Please see attached the weekly bills for your approval.