Katy Chambers

This Schoolwide Program Plan for Ferguson Middle outlines strategies to address various school needs for the 2025-2026 academic year. Key initiatives include providing supplemental instruction in core subjects (Math, Reading, English Language Arts, Science), implementing professional learning communities, and integrating behavior support programs. The plan emphasizes providing opportunities for all students to meet Missouri Learning Standards, strengthening academic programs, increasing learning time, and supporting at-risk students. It also details activities for improving non-academic skills, preparing students for postsecondary education and workforce, and offering extensive professional development for staff, with a focus on consolidating funds from various federal, state, and local programs.

This Schoolwide Program Plan for Holman Elementary outlines a comprehensive approach to address school needs and enhance student outcomes. It details strategies focusing on supplemental instruction across core subjects, professional development for educators, and a tiered model to support student behavior. The plan also includes initiatives for at-risk students, teacher recruitment and retention, and facilitating the transition of preschool children to elementary programs, all aimed at strengthening academic programs and helping students meet Missouri Learning Standards.

Key discussions included the adoption of the agenda for the regular meeting and the proposed closed meeting agenda, referencing Missouri law regarding public meetings and personnel matters. Recognitions were given to a National Merit Scholar from McClure North High School and a McClure alumnus who donated $10,000, later doubled, to support leadership and athletic opportunities. Recognition was also given to a science teacher receiving an Academy of Science award. An update was provided on students participating in an eight-day experience involving a visit to the nation's capitol and a walk from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Financial discussions included preliminary assessment information noting a decline in residential assessments but an increase in commercial assessments. Updates were also provided on the Ferguson/Florescent Foundation's participation in Give St. Louis Day, a national fundraising event, and upcoming events like the Scholar Bowl.

The meeting commenced with a pledge of allegiance and a procedural note regarding the use of Zoom due to inclement weather, including instructions for public comments submitted via email. Key segments included a presentation of District highlights and shared images of success, particularly noting Black History Month recognition activities at Commons Lane Primary School and a live webinar with Elisa Shabazz regarding Malcolm X. Student achievement noted was Jamila Bracley's nationally published article. Counselors Iris McLendon and Jennifer Lane received recognition as Counselor of the Year and St Louis Suburban Schools Counsel Advocate of the Year, respectively. The meeting featured a video report from the Missouri School Board Association (MSBA) detailing national education priorities, such as federal funding needs and the call for online sales tax collection (Wayfair fix) to benefit school districts. MSBA also expressed concern over charter school expansion and tax credit voucher programs. Public comments addressed concerns from the Curriculum Advisory Committee (CAC) handbook subcommittee regarding staffing impacts on entry-level courses due to increased advanced course offerings, and concerns about equity in access to programs like the IB program at North High School. Another public comment focused on the logistics and safety of returning to in-person learning, advocating for compromise solutions like in-person tutoring sessions instead of a full district return, while acknowledging the dedication of educators and the serious health risks faced by some families.

The meeting addressed the need to provide temporary childcare for employees due to the transition back to in-person learning before the next board meeting. The discussion focused on supporting employees with school-age children (6 to 12) who must remain virtual and those with younger children (zero to five). For school-age children accompanying parents in classrooms, it was confirmed they must remain in the teacher's room and parents are responsible for supervision and adherence to safety protocols. For children aged zero to five, there is capacity for 48 children, requiring four additional staff members, funded by reallocating existing budgeted funds for substitute teachers (ESS contract). Board members inquired about liability waivers, training for new staff, and the timeline, confirming this interim support is only until students return to full in-person instruction.