Billie Jo Steen

The School Board meeting included a Truth in Taxation Hearing presentation and discussions on various reports, including those from the Student Representative, Athletic Director, Elementary Principal, High School Principal, and Superintendent. The board reviewed policies related to bullying prohibition, pupil records, student disability nondiscrimination, special education, religion, field trips, and fixed assets. The board approved a resolution accepting donations and revised policies on out-of-state travel, policies incorporated by reference, school weapons, alternative educational services, bullying prohibition, and fixed assets. The final 2025 levy was also approved.

The Barnum Public Schools strategic plan aims to improve the quality of education, focusing on enhancing fine arts, co-curricular activities, and academic offerings to promote life skills. The plan addresses recovering from pandemic-related learning loss, exploring inter-district learning opportunities, re-energizing positive behavioral interventions, and providing staff development. Fiscal responsibility, maintaining a healthy fund balance, and managing facilities and operations are also key priorities. The plan emphasizes creating a safe, positive, and inclusive climate and culture for all stakeholders, and strengthening community engagement and connections. The plan's goals include improving the district's climate and culture, increasing community involvement, and connecting the future workforce to the district through collaboration.

The Barnum Public Schools World's Best Workforce/Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Plan (2023-2024) focuses on four key areas: school readiness, closing achievement gaps, career and college readiness, and graduation rates. Specific goals include improving kindergarten readiness benchmarks in reading and math, reducing achievement gaps in MCA math and reading proficiency between student groups (FRP and Non-FRP), ensuring that 95% of seniors complete career planning checklists, and meeting or exceeding state graduation rates. The plan details various programs and initiatives to support these goals, including early childhood programs, K-12 academic interventions (Title I), special education services, support for homeless and at-risk students, and technology initiatives. Teacher and principal support programs focus on professional development, mentorship, and evaluation. District-level programs include PLCs, staff development, and collaborations with external organizations to enhance student learning and well-being. The plan also addresses equitable access to experienced and qualified teachers, monitoring teacher effectiveness and diversity.

The agenda includes a Truth in Taxation Hearing presentation, comments and requests from visitors, approval of the agenda, and chairperson's announcements. Reports from student representatives, athletic director, elementary and high school principals, and board committees will be given. The consent agenda includes approval of meeting minutes, treasurer's report, accounts payable, and a resignation. Items for individual action and discussion include approving a resolution accepting donations, approving several policies, and approving the final 2025 levy. Future meetings are also scheduled.

The agenda includes presentations on a Spanish trip, a wind phone installation in the nature center, and a school-trained service animal. Reports will be given by student representatives, athletic directors, principals, and board committees. Action items include considering the approval of donations, adding a wind phone, approving policies, renewing an NLSEC membership, purchasing a school bus, approving a revised budget, and approving the school calendar. Personnel matters include approving resignations and leaves of absence, and hiring new coaches and instructors.