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 Froyd shared current information regarding the status of the work of the curriculum and instruction department.

1.C. 2019-20 School Improvement Plan Summaries

The 2019-20 School Improvement Plan Summaries are attached as informational items for review.

1.D. Grant Applications

1.D.1) Northland Foundation Grant Application

Crystal Goldman, Nueva Visión Spanish Immersion & English Language Coordinator at Lowell Elementary, has submitted a grant application to the Northland Foundation in the amount of $1,000. If awarded, funds will be used to expand the student and teacher libraries at Lowell with Spanish language texts & books that address the diverse cultural ways of life of our teachers & students, including books from Spanish-speaking authors.

1.D.2) Minnesota Humanities Center Grant Application

Heather White, Lincoln Park Middle School Math Interventionist, has submitted a grant application to the Minnesota Humanities Center in the amount of $2,000. If awarded, funds will be used to create a video of students and staff from ISD 709 sharing their own absent narratives to give a voice to those who aren't represented in the main stream media.

1.D.3) Greater Denfeld Foundation Memorial Fund Grant Application

Don Simons, Denfeld/East Engineering Manufacturing Instructor, has submitted a grant application to the Greater Denfeld Foundation Memorial Fund in the amount of $1,500. If awarded, funds will be used to purchase two 3D printers to meet the curriculum standards for Manufacturing CTE.

1.D.4) Minnesota Historical Society’s MacMillan Field Trip Grant Application

Glenn Tracey, Ordean East Middle School Teacher and History Club Advisor, has submitted a grant application for the Minnesota Historical Society’s MacMillan Field Trip Grant Fund in the amount of $700. If awarded, funds will be used to provide transportation to Minnesota History Center in St. Paul, MN to support student academic competition.

1.D.5) American Heart Association Teaching Gardens Network Grant Application

Kathi Kusch Marshall, Congdon Park Elementary Principal, has submitted a grant application to the American Heart Association Teaching Gardens Network Grant Program in the amount of $2,500. If awarded, funds will be used to create grade-level Congdon Garden STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) kits to include curriculum binders and garden supplies.

1.D.6) Wisconsin Education Fair (WEF) Transportation Grant Application

Marilee Tusken, Denfeld High School Career Center Coordinator, has submitted a grant application to the Wisconsin Education Fair in the amount of $100. If awarded, funds will be used offset the transportation costs to the University of Wisconsin Superior for the college fair for juniors and seniors.

2. Action Items

2.A. Resolutions

2.A.1) Resolution E-11-19-3687 - Resolution of School Board Supporting Form A Application to Minnesota State High School League Foundation

Attached is Resolution  E-11-19-3687 - Resolution of School Board Supporting Form A Application to Minnesota State High School League Foundation and MSHSL Foundation Application for Grant for Student Participation.

2.B. Trip Requests

2.B.1) Lester Park Wolf Ridge Extended Trip Request

Fifth grade students from Lester Park Elementary School will travel to Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, MN from April 15-17, 2020. The total cost of the trip will be $15,175 and will be funded by student fees and fundraising. 

2.B.2) Externally Sponsored Trip - West Yellowstone, MT

Bonnie Fuller-Kask, Duluth East High School Nordic Ski Coach, will travel to West Yellowstone, MT from November 22-30, 2019 with a group of Duluth Public Schools students as an externally sponsored event. This is an annual community trip run through Nordic Fitness and Adventures, LLC. Although this annual trip is not sponsored or funded by Duluth Public Schools, the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) requests the Duluth School Board approve any travel where the schools' team members and coach travel together in season.

2.C. Diploma Requests

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

Rapheal Samuel Terry, Jr. - October 4, 2019
Jayden M. Anderson - October 22, 2019
Jaden Gust Bodell - November 1, 2019

2.D. Data Sharing Agreements

It is requested that the following organizations be granted access to the Student Information System to support District functions from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020:

Duluth Area Family YMCA (amended agreement)
Men as Peacemakers

3. Future Items

Policy Updates