Bradley Barnhardt

This document details the Academic Achievement policy (R-2) for Bismarck Public Schools District No. 1. It establishes the goal for each student to meet or exceed targeted growth and proficiency using critical and creative thinking in Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and elective subjects. The policy outlines specific indicators for compliance, focusing on student performance in standardized assessments, continuous improvement towards college readiness, and achieving identified grade-level and growth targets across all student subgroups.

The document outlines the vision and mission of the Indigenous Education Department at Bismarck Public Schools. Its purpose is to support and strengthen positive educational outcomes for Indigenous students through culturally responsive instruction, family engagement, and community partnerships. The vision is to empower Indigenous students to reach their full potential by valuing their cultural identities. The department is committed to fostering a sense of belonging, honoring traditional knowledge and kinship, and supporting students in their 'Choice Ready' journey, guided by values of respect, responsibility, and ancestral teachings. Key initiatives include providing guidance for new students, developing culturally relevant curriculum, facilitating Circle Forward Groups, hosting cultural events, and offering financial assistance.

The Bismarck School Board held a meeting to discuss various topics. The board reviewed and accepted monitoring reports for policies related to the treatment of community stakeholders and communication with the public. They also retained the Board/Superintendent Relationship Policy B/SR-2 Single Unit Control. The board recognized the Bismarck Association of School Administrators as the exclusive representative organization. Budget updates on transportation, employee benefit packages, and employee insurance packages were provided, and the administration was directed to publish an RFP to review transportation operations and provide updated budget projections.

The board discussed the OE-4 Personnel Administration policy, expressing gratitude for the secretarial staff and highlighting the success of the pre-teacher class in encouraging students to pursue education degrees. They also inquired about teacher retention and noted improvements in instructional aide turnover. The HR team was acknowledged for managing multiple pathways for people to become teachers, including the Para to Teacher Program.

The report focuses on the district's instructional program, with an emphasis on aligning curriculum with state and national standards, measuring student progress, and providing opportunities for students to develop talents and interests. It also addresses the monitoring of student access to electronic information and the review of school attendance boundaries. The report highlights the implementation of new programs, professional development activities, and the evaluation of existing instructional programs to ensure their effectiveness.