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: Stowe Elementary.

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 Special Services Advisory Committee. Jason Crane, Special Services Director, and additional committee representatives presented.

1.B.3) PreK-Grade 3 Leadership Update

Assistant Superintendent Amy Starzecki provided an update regarding the ongoing work and planning of the PreK-Grade 3 Leadership Team to enhance and expand our current programming as well as build greater partnerships across the Duluth community, in an effort to ensure more children have access to high quality early childhood programming. Specific information regarding staggered start for kindergarten was also shared.

1.C. Grant Applications

1.C.1) Youth in Philanthropy Grant Application

Katie Oliver and Molly Fletcher, Lincoln Park Middle School, have submitted a grant application to Youth in Philanthropy in the amount of $1000. If awarded, funds will be used to acquire resources to start an Academic Writing Center at Lincoln Park Middle School.

1.D. Regulations

1.D.1) Regulation 6095R - Curriculum K-12 - DELETION

Administration is recommending deletion of Regulation 6095R - Curriculum K-12 as it is no longer applicable and/or connected to a current policy. Dr. Michael Cary, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, was available to answer any questions.

2. Action Items

2.A. Policies

2.A.1) 6098 - Credit for Learning - DELETION

In moving to the MSBA Model Policies, administration is recommending the deletion of Policy 6098, which will be replaced with MSBA Policy 620.

2.A.2) NEW Policy 620 - Credit for Learning

Attached is revised MSBA Policy 620 for the first reading. This policy would replace Policy 6098.

2.B. Resolutions

2.B.1) Resolution E-1-18-3518 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools

Attached is Resolution E-1-18-3518 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools, to accept and approve grant awards from the following organizations:

Lester Park Foundation

2.C. Extended Trip Requests

2.C.1) Extended Trip Request - Lakewood Elementary - Wolf Ridge ELC

Fifth grade students from Lakewood Elementary School will be traveling to Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, MN from February 5-7, 2018. This trip will provide students with an experiential learning opportunity, which will help them develop teamwork skills, personal growth and cover several MN science standards. The total cost of this trip is $6,700 and will be funded with student fees.

2.D. Diploma Requests

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

Zachary Krupke - January 5, 2018

2.E. Presentation Items Requiring Approval - NONE

3. Future Items

Career Technical Education (CTE) Program Update
K.E.Y. Zone & True North AmeriCorps Partnership Update
Secondary Schedule Task Force Update
Policy Updates