Julie Lower-Welch

The Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSIP) for Mexico School District #59 focuses on several key areas, including leadership, effective learning and teaching, standards, curriculum and assessment, climate and culture, and data-based decision making. The plan aims to improve student achievement, retain qualified teachers, align curriculum with state standards, enhance stakeholder satisfaction, and ensure accurate data submission. Specific goals include increasing MPI scores, maintaining district fund balances, completing approved bond projects, and fostering a positive and safe school environment.

The board meeting included a staff spotlight on a long-term educator, highlighting their positive impact on students and colleagues. Employee of the month awards were presented. The meeting also covered the consent agenda, approval of bills, building reports, and discussion of assessment and grading practices at the high school, including a pilot program involving 80 students. The board expressed appreciation for staff efforts related to COVID-19 and homecoming week.

The meeting addressed the resignation of a school board member, outlining the process for filling the vacancy. This includes posting the vacancy, accepting applications, and potentially holding interviews before appointing a replacement to serve until the next election. The timeline for applications and the process for selecting a candidate were discussed.

The meeting covered several key items, including the adoption of the agenda (with an amendment to reorder the approval of the updated safe return to in-person instruction plan), staff and patron input, president's comments (employee of the month recognition, retired teachers luncheon, and upcoming state president), and patron comments regarding the safe return to school policy and its impact on students and staff. Discussion included concerns about the policy's effect on students' and teachers' feelings of safety and the potential for discrimination.

The board meeting included recognition of employees of the month, Darlene Chilfer and Beth Moore. Discussion topics included updates on the district's "caring comeback" plan, focusing on metrics for monitoring COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and communication strategies. The plan's metrics utilize a color-coded system based on seven-day rolling averages of new cases and hospitalizations. Communication strategies were discussed, balancing the need for transparency with protecting private medical information. The meeting also covered building reports, including the completed turf project and upcoming sound system installation. Finally, the board discussed human resource aspects, including leave options for employees during the pandemic.