Kathy Bogen of the Grant Collaborative shared highlights of the Grant Collaborative’s partnership with the school district and answered any questions regarding the scope of their work as they align their mission with the school district’s long-range facility plan.

Representatives from Students for the Future presented their ideas for traditions, experiences, and symbols as we transition to two high schools.

Indian community members and students provided information about their positive experiences with the Duluth Public Schools Indian Education Program.

Ron Hagland gave an overview of program implications resulting from the recommended redirection of the Office of Education Equity 2011 Budget intended to close the achievement gap.

Amy Kaiser, Physical Education and Health Curriculum Coach, presented an overview of the Physical Education and Health content standards and benchmarks. Amy Kaiser, Physical Education and Health Curriculum Coach, was present to share an overview of the Physical Education and Health content standards and benchmarks. Due to time constraints this item was withheld and will be presented at the March Education Committee Meeting.

The following items are informational only and do not reuqire School Board approval.

Rory Johnson, Proctor Public Schools Activities Director, has submitted a grant proposal to the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation Scott Anderson Leadership Foundation Fund in the amount of $22,000. If awarded funds will be used for the delivery of the Eighth Annual Scott Anderson Leadership Forum, which will take place the summer of 2010 for Duluth, Proctor, Hermantown, Superior, Cloquet, and Esko students in grades ten through twelve.

The Early Childhood Screening Program of Duluth Public Schools has submitted a grant proposal to the Edwin H. Eddy Family Foundation in the amount of $4,966.25. If awarded, funds will be used for the purchase of new equipment to conduct hearing screenings, including a GSI-18 audiometer with insert phones and a GSI-39 tympanometer. The purpose of Early Childhood Screening is to detect possible health or learning concerns so that children can get needed help before they start school. Functioning audiological equipment is necessary for hearing screenings. Marci Hoff was available to answer any questions.

Recommendation:  It is recommended that the Duluth School Board approve the following action items as presented.

Jim Arndt, Mike Zwak, Peggy Ehlert, and Jennifer Miller presented an overview of high school arts standards offered through Career and Technical Education courses.

 The following extended trip requests are submitted for approval:

• East High School String Orchestra going to New York City, New York for a Performing Tour from March 31-April 2, 2010.  The cost is $730 per student and will be funded with student fees.
• STC's FFA students going to the University of Minnesota Campuses in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota for the State FFA Convention from April 25-27, 2010.  The total cost is $2,596 and will be funded with student fees and fund raisers.

The following student has completed all high school requirements and should be awarded a diploma:

• Clarence Sagataw-Paquette                             1/21/2010

Attached is the revised recommended ISD 709 Calendar 2010-11 School Year, which is being resubmitted after Board approval in January due to an error with the President’s Holiday date in February consequently requiring that the dates for both the February and April breaks be changed. The revisions have been presented to and approved by the Quality Steering Committee.