JoMarie Garcia

The board convened for a special session to conduct several student disciplinary hearings in executive session. Following the hearings, the board reached decisions regarding disciplinary actions, including expulsions and suspensions for multiple students, with some disciplinary measures extending into the following school year. Additionally, one student hearing was postponed and continued to a later date.

The board discussed and addressed several key items, including the presentation of formal grievances regarding school volunteer and chaperone policies, as well as public comments concerning school board operations. Financial actions included the approval of fund transfers and the authorization of various bills and claims. The board received reports from administrative staff, accepted minutes from cooperative entities, awarded the Beverly Jones Scholarships, and declared the K-12 social studies curriculum as surplus. Additionally, the board approved classified wages and benefits, authorized new hires, updated athletic cooperative handbooks, established stipends for mentor-mentee and music teacher programs, approved the Title VI Indian Education Formula Grant, updated the school counselor job description, and voted on SDHSAA board elections and constitutional amendments.

The board discussed and took action on several items, including financial reports, payment of bills, and an official canvass of the school board election results. New business items included the approval of CTE teacher wages, hiring of classified staff, approval of the Dean of Students job description, and an amendment to classified wages and benefits. The board also authorized the purchase of exterior window coverings, approved a three-year contract with Hudl, and scheduled a special meeting to conduct end-of-year fiscal business.

The board reviewed and approved financial reports and fund transfers, as well as the payment of bills and claims. They received reports from the administration and external committees, including the Indian Education Committee and South Central Cooperative. The meeting also addressed operational items such as the designation of an official polling place and appointment of poll workers for the upcoming election, approval of insurance participation and renewal agreements, and the fiscal audit report. Furthermore, the board awarded scholarships, approved revised policies and procedures, addressed maintenance staff assignments and wage adjustments, accepted resignations, approved personnel contracts and salary lane advancements, and authorized an executive session for negotiations and personnel matters.

The Title I Schoolwide Plan for Andes Central Middle School is a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing student achievement, particularly for those at risk of not meeting state academic standards. It is founded on a thorough Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) that utilizes various academic data points to identify student needs. The plan's core strategies involve implementing targeted academic interventions, strengthening the overall academic program through specialized instruction and extended learning opportunities, and offering an enriched curriculum. Additionally, it addresses students' holistic well-being through counseling, mental health services, postsecondary and career preparation, tiered behavior intervention systems, continuous professional development for staff, and active family and community engagement. Expected outcomes include improved academic success, reduced behavioral issues, increased attendance, and strengthened family partnerships.