1.A. Informational Presentations

1.A.1) Assistant Superintendent's Report

The Assistant Superintendent's Report highlighted efforts in teaching and learning across ISD 709. Updates were shared regarding implementation of District initiatives to support teaching and learning. Superintendent Gronseth and Dr. Cary were available to answer questions.

1.A.2) 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant and K.E.Y Zone Presentation (Tabled until February 2017)

Tracie Clanaugh, Executive Director of the Community Services YMCA, and Jay Roesler, Director of Community Education for ISD 709, will provide an update on the K.E.Y. Zone and True North AmeriCorps partnership. Presentation will include outcomes from the fourth year of the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant and the second year of the True North AmeriCorps grant.

1.A.3) Gender Identity and Gender Expression Presentation

Ron Lake, Climate Coordinator, and Kathy Hermes, Lutheran Social Services Youth Services, provided an update regarding the District's work on gender identity and gender expression. Information was shared regarding state and federal updates that have impacted school practices. They also provided the School Board with information that will be shared at the upcoming staff development day on January 27, 2017, in an effort to create a safe and welcoming school environment for all staff and students.

1.B. Grant Applications

1.B.1) Ann Bancroft Foundation - Dare to Dream Grants

Denfeld High School has submitted and received 6 Dare to Dream grants from the Ann Bancroft Foundation in the amount of $500 per grant, for a total of $3000. Funds from these grants will benefit 6 female Engineering and Design students and will be used to cover the cost of all materials, supplies and personal equipment for these designated students to weld after school on Tuesday nights throughout the winter.

1.B.2) Minnesota Department of Education Full Service Community Schools Grant - Denfeld High School

Denfeld High School has submitted and received a grant totaling $19,950 from the Minnesota Department of Education. The Duluth Public Schools are working to create a K-12 system of support that addresses physical, emotional, and mental health of students and families through a Full Service Community School model. Currently Myers Wilkins Elementary and Lincoln Park Middle School are implementing FSCS plans. This grant will support efforts at Denfeld High School to create a Full Service Community School Plan which will identify physical, emotional, and mental health needs of students and families, as well as potential resources and partnerships to address needs. The grant period runs until June 30th,  2018. 

1.B.3) Minnesota Department of Education Full Service Community Schools Grant - Myers-Wilkins Elementary

Myers Wilkins Elementary School has submitted and received a grant totaling $66,632 from the Minnesota Department of Education. Myers Wilkins has operated with a Full Service Community School model through the Myers Wilkins Community School Collaborative for over 5 years. This grant will support Full Service Community School programming implementation by covering site coordinator salaries for the Myers Wilkins Community School Collaborative. The grant period runs until June 30th, 2018.

1.C. Regulations

1.C.1) Regulation 6240R - Demonstration of Mastery for Credit

Dr. Michael Cary, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, presented revisions to Regulation 6240 R - Demonstration of Mastery for Credit.

1.D. Other Informational Items - None

2. Action Items

2.A. Presentation Items Requiring Approval

2.A.1) ISD 709 Wellness Policy Update

Joshua Gorham, Saint Louis County Public Health and Human Services, and members of the ISD 709 Wellness Committee presented an update regarding revisions to the District's Wellness Policy.

2.B. Policies

2.B.1) 6300 - Wellness Policy - DELETION

In moving to the MSBA Model Policies, administration is recommending the deletion of Policy 6300, which will be replace with MSBA Policy 533.

2.B.2) NEW Policy 533 - Wellness

Attached is revised MSBA Policy 533 for first reading. This policy would replace Policy 6300.

2.C. Grant Awards

2.C.1) Resolution E-01-17-3424 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools

Attached is Resolution E-01-17-3424 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools, to accept and approve the grant awards from the following organizations:

Ann Bancroft Foundation
Minnesota Department of Education

2.D. Extended Field Trip Requests - None

2.E. Diploma Requests

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

Jared Richard Fyle -  December 13, 2016
Jade Sweet Gertsema - December 13, 2016
Dylan James Mass - December 19, 2016

2.F. Data Sharing Agreements - None

2.G. Other Action Items - None

3. Future Items

Policy Updates