Joy Palmer

The meeting addressed the School Land Trust program, including a review of expenditures as mandated by Law 53A-16-101-.5(6)(a) and an overview of the Trust System. The agenda focused on reviewing submitted items due by October 20th, discussing committee and program requirements, and reviewing the current School Plan for 2023-2024. Key discussion points included identifying school needs, such as gathering surveys from parents and teachers, and reviewing the meeting schedule and current budget plan.

Key discussions during the meeting included public comment regarding the next year's calendar. The Directors Report addressed the shortage of substitutes and paras, and plans to address a stair tripping hazard and streamline the absences and tardies process. The Finance Committee reported on the budget status, an update on expected enrollment numbers for the following year, and plans to evaluate alternative software to replace 'aspire'. The Academic/Assessment Committee noted the use of sage benchmarks for end-of-year preparation, reported that 69 students took the ACT, and received an update on concurrent enrollment progress. Additionally, the Elective Selection Committee Review presented data from the recent elective selection survey results.

The meeting addressed significant changes in board composition, including the resignation of the Board Chair and Vice Chair, along with two board member resignations. New members, Debby Llewelyn and Brad Nelson, were added to fill the vacancies. Policy updates were distributed for review, scheduled for a vote at the subsequent meeting. Additionally, the board addressed hiring matters for substitute teachers, requiring multiple recusals due to conflicts of interest among board members during the approval processes for Vanessa Jenkins, Lisa O'Brien, and Elaine Freeman.

The meeting included a discussion and approval of changes to the Bullying Policy, focusing on addressing harassment specifically and ensuring alignment with the honor code to promote desired behavior. The policy, with recommended changes, was unanimously approved for inclusion in the student and parent handbook.

The meeting included public comment regarding concerns about the backpack policy. Key discussions involved an update on the school grade based on previous testing, the Director's report indicating the start of student breakfast service in February and the need for a lottery due to enrollment status. The Finance Committee reported on tracking overall category funds. The Academic/Assessment Committee reported positive teacher feedback on the MRP and reviewed growth metrics and graduation summaries. Action was taken to approve a new policy making study skills worth 5% of a student's grade, and to approve the backpack policy with the intention of a future contract. The fee schedule model was reviewed, and a grading scale policy was approved, set to take effect starting Fall 2019.