1.A. Assistant Superintendent's Report

The purpose of this report is to provide regular updates to the Education Committee regarding teaching and learning. Assistant Superintendent Jeff Horton shared current information regarding implementation of district initiatives and school operations.

1.B. Curriculum and Instruction Report

The purpose of this report is to provide regular updates to the Education Committee regarding teaching and learning. Director of Curriculum and Instruction Gail Netland shared current information regarding the status of the work of the curriculum and instruction department.

1.C. Informational Presentations

1.C.1) Check and Connect Program Update

Sarah Laulunen, Check and Connect Program Coordinator, Dr. Tawnyea Lake, Director of Assessment, Evaluation and Performance, Jason Crane, Special Services Director, and Tonya Sconiers, Denfeld High School Principal, presented an update on the work they have done with regard to the 5 year grant from the Minnesota Department of Education to implement the Check and Connect program to increase graduation rates at Denfeld High School.

1.C.2) Student Attendance Presentation

Assistant Superintendent Horton, Callie DeVriendt, Social, Emotional Behavioral MTSS Coordinator (LPMS) & Mental Health Partnership Coordinator (DW), Amy Lukasavitz, Assistant St. Louis County Attorney, Heather Jarvis, Program Manager for Truancy Action Project (LSS), and Tonya Kjerland, Executive Director of Duluth Community School Collaborative, shared information on current student attendance law and the District, county and community supports surrounding positive student attendance.

1.D. Grant Applications

1.D.1) Education Minnesota Grant Application

Christine Valento, Lincoln Park Middle School, has submitted a grant application to Education Minnesota in the amount of $1,500. If awarded, funds will be used to cover registration and travel expenses related to a professional development opportunity at the National Arts Conference in Boston, MA, March 2019.

1.D.2) National Endowment for the Arts Grant Application

Christine Valento, Lincoln Park Middle School, has submitted a grant application to the National Endowment for the Arts in the amount of $1,886. If awarded, funds will be used to cover sub costs, registration and travel expenses related to a professional development opportunity in October 2019.

1.D.3) Whole Foods Co-Op G.I.V.E. Program Grant Application

Christine Valento, Lincoln Park Middle School, has submitted a grant application to the Whole Foods Co-Op Generously Invest in Vital Entities (G.I.V.E.) Program. The G.I.V.E  program harnesses the co-operative power of Whole Foods Co-Op shoppers to support organizations that are working for the betterment and health of the Duluth-Superior region. Each month a different group is selected to receive the funds collected when shoppers elect to “round-up” their purchases in our stores. If selected, funds will be used to support Art Club field trips, supplies and guest artists.

1.D.4) Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Grant Application

Tonya Kjerland, Duluth Community Schools Collaborative, has submitted a grant application to the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation in the amount of $25,000. If awarded, funds will be used to support existing out-of-school-time (OST) programming and associated indirect costs at Myers-Wilkins Elementary School.

2. Action Items

2.A. Presentation Items Requiring Approval

2.A.1) ISD 709 Calendar 2019-20 School Year

Assistant Superintendent Jeff Horton presented the recommended ISD 709 Calendar 2019-20 School Year for review and approval. The recommended calendar was also presented to the Quality Steering Committee at their December 6, 2018 meeting.

2.B. Resolutions

2.B.1) Resolution E-12-18-3604 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools

Attached is Resolution E-12-18-3604 - Acceptance of Grant Awards to Duluth Public Schools, to accept and approve grant awards from the following organizations:

St. Luke's Foundation
AMFA Educational Trust

2.C. Extended Trip Requests

2.C.1) Wolf Ridge ELC - Homecroft Elementary

Fifth grade students from Homecroft Elementary School will travel to Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, MN from March 11-13, 2019. Activities will align with MN science standards and teach students survival and team building skills. Total cost of this trip will be $15,500 and will be funded with student fees and donations.

2.D. Diploma Requests

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

Trey Jordan Ard - November 26, 2018
Jacob Ambrose Ard-Beeten - January 18, 2019

3. Future Items

Policy Updates