Jimi Newkirk

The meeting focused on the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant and Title I program initiatives. Discussions included site-specific program updates across Battle Mountain Elementary School, Eleanor Lemaire Junior High, and Battle Mountain High School, such as after-school programs, robotics, clubs, and academic support. Key operational updates involved progress toward a 300-hour requirement per site, status of staff CPR certification, upcoming external evaluations, and attendance at professional development conferences. Additionally, the committee reviewed Title I funding allocations for intervention aides and supplies, and preliminary planning for the upcoming summer school session.

The Board of Trustees reviewed and passed resolutions to augment the 2024-2025 budget for the General Fund and various Special (Other) Funds. The General Fund appropriation was increased due to changes in determined revenues, and adjustments were made to the Special Funds including English Learners, Special Education, and Building & Sites to reflect updated revenue and expenditure requirements. The Finance Director certified the financial operations and updated budget submissions for the Nevada Department of Taxation.

Lander County School District is addressing significant challenges including the impact of COVID-19, a changing teacher workforce due to retirements, and the rise of artificial intelligence. The district's strategic direction involves transforming classrooms into engaged learning environments, preparing students with essential career skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and resilience, and supporting existing staff in pursuing teaching careers to address workforce shortages. The overall aim is to prepare students for a changing workplace and embrace future opportunities.

The Lander County School District's 2014-2015 District Performance Plan addresses key areas to improve student academic growth and achievement, enhance the learning environment, and strengthen communication and collaboration among stakeholders. Specific goals include improving school ratings according to the Nevada School Performance Framework (NSPF), enhancing the learning environment through capital improvements and technology upgrades, and improving communication with parents and the community. Strategies include developing a district data collection system, implementing an attendance monitoring system, improving communication strategies, and making effective use of professional learning communities (PLCs). The plan also details resource allocation and monitoring mechanisms to track progress toward achieving these goals.

Discussions focused on the school year budget, allocation of funds for three full-time aide positions, and the utilization of supplies to support students across classrooms. The meeting also covered the subjects addressed in interventions (currently Math and Language Arts).