1. There has been an increase in social media actions that have been brought to the attention of district administration.  All incidents have been investigated or are being investigated by administration.  A group discussion has taken place to identify opportunities for growth by students and staff to continue to create a safe learning environment.  
Students and staff must feel safe, welcomed and respected at Becker Public Schools.  

2.  Our ESSER II allocation did get released on on Thursday, April 1st.  The amount is less than the original estimate sent out by the MDE in February.  

3.  The House DFL Budget Targets includes $20.81 billion which is a $721.7 million increase from current law for E-12 education and childcare.  This includes increases in declining enrollment aid for this current school year and various other school supports.  The Senate has yet to take up a declining enrollment bill, which may slow the process and delay the appropriation to the end of May potentially.  On Tuesday, April 6th, the House Education Finance committee and Senate Education Finance and Policy Committee will begin moving their budget proposals.
The session ends on May 17th.

4.  We have begun MCA testing in our schools.  This will continue through the middle of May.

5.  We are continuing to look at opportunities to operate more efficiently as a district.  District administration has met and have identified areas for lowering spending.  We are optimistic that attrition will account for a majority of these positions and at this time do not anticipate placing anyone on ULA.  The probationary teachers in the later resolution are a result of out of field licensure, budget cuts, long-term subs and a variety of other reasons.  

6.  Referendum Update-Public Open House on Thursday, April 8th, 6 pm-8 pm

 

I recommend approving the personnel items as presented.

I recommend approval of the resolution relating to termination and nonrenewal of probationary teachers.  

Policy 706 Acceptance of Gifts permits the school board to accept donations or gifts under the terms of the policy.  I recommend accepting the gifts as described on the enclosure.

Discuss Commissioner's Review and Comment-Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.71, requies the school board hold a public meeting to discuss the review and comment prior to the date of the bond referendum election.  The MDE has approved and provided a positive review and comment response for Becker Public Schools.