Ciji Burnham

The 'Thrive in Lee' Strategic Plan for Lee County Schools is a commitment to excellence and opportunity for all students, educators, and families, rooted in community and centered on growth. Guided by core values including accountability, safety, integrity, and resilience, the plan outlines four priorities: fostering safe, innovative, and inclusive learning environments; investing in student growth, achievement, and future-focused pathways; ensuring comprehensive student well-being, safety, resilience, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability; and strengthening human capital pathways to retain quality teachers. This plan aims to prepare students for college, career, and life with purpose, confidence, and resilience.

The meeting focused on an instructional update where professional development regarding iReady was discussed, noting its positive reception for both in-person and remote learners, and reported that BOG testing is proceeding well within the mandated window. Business items included a consensus to approve the updated Lee County Schools Beginning Teacher Support Program for 2020-2022, which is slated for the subsequent BOE agenda. Updates on the AIG program covered details for the upcoming virtual AIG Parent Night, the use of E-Collect for differentiated educational plans and eligibility forms, and the transition of CogAT and IOWA tests to online administration in December 2020. A best practice presentation featured a Kindergarten teacher showcasing concurrent teaching methods. The Superintendent extended thanks to staff for their work with concurrent and remote learning and recognized several staff members as Teacher, Beginning Teacher, Principal, and Assistant Principal of the Year.

The committee consensus was to approve the revised Lawn Maintenance Agreement with M & W Lawn Maintenance, LLC. This revision includes WB Wicker Elementary School and allocates one hour of lawn care per month at each site, resulting in a total contract amount of $246,144.00. This item is slated for the subsequent Board of Education agenda.

The Policy Committee meeting involved the review of several required policies that mandate updates due to current law, including policies related to Parental Involvement, Remote Participation in Board Meetings, Domicile Requirements, Student Records, Registered Sex Offenders, Distribution of Non-School Materials, Licensure, and various Leaves. These updates were accepted for submission for first reading at the subsequent Board meeting. The committee also noted several policies with minor or technical changes, effective immediately under the Superintendent's authority, such as those pertaining to Title IX Sexual Harassment and Bullying Prohibited Behavior. Policies recommended for removal from the current agenda will be addressed in the next committee meeting.

The Facilities and Technology Committee meeting addressed two primary agenda items following the approval of the current agenda and previous minutes. The first involved a presentation on a proposed 20-foot sewer easement across the West Lee Middle School and JR Ingram, Jr. Elementary School property, which is necessary for a development project off Franklin Drive and would be fully funded by the developer; the committee decided to refer this item to the full Board without recommendation. The second item concerned the plans for the LCHS girls locker room/restrooms/concession building; the committee reached a consensus to approve these plans, which will be submitted to DPI for approval, with bidding scheduled for April 2021 and construction over the summer of 2021, funded by lottery funds.