Alma School District

The Board meeting included a superintendent's report covering the new staff cohort, professional development, and the implementation of a new grading system (Teacher Access Center/Home Access Center) which is provided by the state at no cost. Facilities updates were provided regarding HVAC units and the ongoing geopier equipment project. Additionally, the Board discussed student enrollment, COVID-19 health protocols, student achievement reports, child nutrition applications, and adult lunch price adjustments. A video board installation funded by community donations was noted. Finally, the Board addressed student transfers and the revision of student handbooks for grades 6-12, with plans to further align these policies.

The board discussed several construction projects including the land purchase and design progress for a new administration building, as well as plans for parking lot and driveway improvements. Additionally, they addressed the use of federal funding for HVAC system upgrades to improve filtration and air quality, the replacement of interactive whiteboards across the district, and plans for student recovery efforts and summer instructional programs. The board also reviewed legislative activity regarding school funding and teacher salary initiatives.

This document outlines the Alma School District's plan for utilizing American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) funds. Key areas of focus include creating safe and healthy learning environments through COVID-19 prevention, facility improvements, and mental health support; addressing lost instructional time via evidence-based interventions such as accelerated learning, high-dosage tutoring, and out-of-school programs; ensuring equitable access to resources and technology; and supporting educator and staff stability and well-being. The plan emphasizes continuous monitoring and evaluation of interventions to ensure academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs of all students, especially those disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, are met, ultimately aiming to improve student outcomes and maintain operational stability.

This document details the Alma School District's Digital Learning Plan, specifically presenting a summary of stakeholder input regarding its virtual instructional program. The plan reflects on the effectiveness of remote and virtual learning environments during the 2020-2021 school year, identifying them as less productive than on-campus learning for many students. Key areas of focus include leveraging parental and student feedback to refine instructional strategies, providing necessary resources like Chromebooks and internet hotspots, and establishing future provisions for remote learning for the 2021-2022 school year. The overarching goal is to prioritize on-campus instruction while maintaining supported virtual options for students who have demonstrated academic success in remote settings.

The school board conducted a facility walk-through at the middle school, which included visits to classrooms and discussions with staff to identify potential future facility improvements.