1.A. Assistant Superintendent's Report

As part of her monthly report, Assistant Superintendent 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) Record of Continuous Improvement (RCI) Presentations

Throughout the school year each school will be providing an update to the school board regarding their school improvement plan called Record of Continuous Improvement. The work on the RCI is being led by the Continuous Improve Team (CIT).  Each school has gone through a comprehensive needs assessment and developed action steps to improve student outcomes. This month the following schools reviewed the continuous improvement process for their site: Lowell Elementary School and Lester Park Elementary School.

1.B.2) Advisory Committee Update

The district has a variety of advisory committees that inform our work. This month, we heard an update from the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee. American Indian Education Coordinator Edye Howes, committee representatives Nashay Baker, Lydia Shinkle and Dani Dunphy, and student, Zak Howes, presented.

1.C. Grant Applications

1.C.1) Northland Foundation Grant Application

Jennifer Jaros, Early Childhood Family Education, has submitted a grant application to the Northland Foundation in the amount of $5000. If awarded, funds will be used to mentor and train child care providers to educate young children while in their care, to ensure that children entering kindergarten have readiness skills for school success. Licensed Parent Educator, Lisa Brown is working with Annette Weaver from Parent Aware to come up with a 6-week class that the providers can use to increase their star rating. A six-week class would include six visits covering the following: Self- Care, Social-Emotional Development, Literacy, Guidance, Learning Environments, Cognitive/Brain Development. The teacher would provide modeling, resources, goal setting and reflection as a part of each visit.

1.C.2) Donors Choose Grant Application

Hailey Carlson, Lincoln Park Middle School, has submitted a grant application to Donors Choose in the amount of $182. If awarded, funds will be used to purchase yoga mats for the classroom to accommodate more students with flexible seating.

1.D. Grant Partnerships with Duluth Public Schools

1.D.1) Stowe Elementary & GND Development Alliance Grant Partnership

Nathan Glockle, Stowe Elementary School Principal, has submitted a grant application to US Bank in the amount of $50,000. If awarded, funds will be used to develop Phase 2 of the Gary New Duluth (GND) Developmental Alliance plan. It will consist of a sport court that will have basketball, pickle ball, four square, and hop scotch. With an average household income of nearly 59,000 in Gary-Morgan Park, the community does not qualify for the grant. Stowe School has 63.5% free lunches, with an additional 10.7% receiving reduced priced lunch. A total of 74.2% of our students receive free or reduced priced lunches. By having Stowe be the recipient of the grant, all funding would go through the school, and directed to the Developmental Alliance which is a 503c. This collaborative has the backing of the City of Duluth. Since it is on City of Duluth property, there would not be a long-term financial commitment on behalf of Duluth Public Schools. 

1.E. Regulations - NONE

2. Action Items

2.A. Presentation Items Requiring Approval

2.A.1) ISD 709 Calendar 2018-19 School Year

Assistant Superintendent Amy Starzecki presented the recommended ISD 709 Calendar 2018-19 School Year for review and approval. The recommended calendar was presented to the Quality Steering Committee at their November 9, 2017 meeting.

2.B. Resolutions

2.B.1) Resolution E-12-17-3497 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools

Attached is Resolution E-12-17-3497 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools, to accept and approve grant awards from the following organizations:

Arrowhead Manufacturers & Fabricators Association Educational Trust

2.C. Extended Trip Requests

2.C.1) Extended Trip Request - MN HOSA State Officer Training

Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) from Denfeld and East High Schools traveled to the Marriott Northwest in Brooklyn Park, MN from November 10-11, 2017 to participate in the MN HOSA State Officer Training 2017. The total cost of the trip was $225 and was funded with student fees and grant dollars.

2.C.2) Extended Trip Request - MN HOSA Officer Training & Spring Conference Planning

Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) from Denfeld and East High Schools will be traveling to the St Cloud Best Western and Convention Center in St Cloud, MN from March 19-22, 2018 to participate in the MN HOSA State Leadership Conference. The total cost of the trip is $6,447 and will be funded with student fees and grant dollars.

2.D. Diploma Requests

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

Logan Marcus Stillwell - November 13, 2017
Kahlie Ann Marie Blegen - November 16, 2017
Nevada R. Iverson - November 17, 2017
Jovon A. Smallwood - November 20, 2017
Madison Shirley Misjak - November 30, 2017
Brayden J. Severin - December 1, 2017
Caleb Evan Mendoza - December 14, 2017

2.E. Policies - NONE

3. Future Items

Policy Updates - Credit for Learning (Weighted Grades)