Matthew Berry

The meeting commenced with the call to order and subsequent administration of the oath of office to newly elected board members, Leonard Keith Kinder, Lynn Mid Yet, and Randy Kirk Miller. The primary focus of the reorganization was the election of board officers. Laura Lee Mondal was elected as the Board President, and Lynn Mid Yet was elected as the Vice President. The board then voted to reappoint Paul Northington as Treasurer and Janet Sadowski as Secretary for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. A motion was passed to authorize the continued use of current signature plates pending receipt of new ones. The board members reaffirmed their commitment to the Code of Ethics by reviewing its provisions. Finally, the board discussed standing committee assignments, including MSPBA delegates, Policy Review Committee, Special School District Governing Council, Koke Committee, and Recognition and Awards Committee. The session concluded with a motion to enter a closed session to discuss legal actions, personnel, and student matters.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the August 18, 2022 meeting. A significant portion of the meeting involved Patron comments addressing recent controversial comments made by a board member, focusing on disparaging remarks against marginalized groups, including children in wheelchairs and transgender individuals. Patrons urged the board to take immediate, decisive action, such as censure or policy updates to the Code of Ethics (Agenda Item 7.07) to ensure all members are held to the highest professional standards. Discussions also covered the school safety plan, including social and emotional security, with appreciation expressed for mental health support programs like Pathways Wellness Center and teletherapy. Another patron addressed Agenda Item 8.01, the school safety plan, expressing concern over a recent board vote against extending trauma-informed teacher training and gender-based best practices training, arguing that social-emotional learning is critical for student development.

The meeting covered several agenda items including the approval of the current and previous meeting minutes. Superintendent comments included announcements regarding a new greenhouse project at Rockwood South Middle School where produce will be donated to a food pantry and used in FACS classes, recognition of student Porva Chef for starting a nonprofit organization 'Care for Kids' and hosting a tennis clinic for children with disabilities, and recognition of Jennifer Bettis, Rockwood Teacher of the Year, for being selected as a St. Louis Region 8 Teacher of the Year finalist. Updates were provided on the successful Learning Academy for new educators and the launch of the new employee intranet, 'One Rockwood.' Summer construction and bond issue projects totaling over $20 million were reported as nearing completion. Board members shared positive feedback on the recent Administrator Retreat and ongoing capital improvements such as blacktopping roads and installing new air conditioners at various school sites. A moment of silence was held for a student, Lawrence Scage, and his mother who recently passed away. The board also discussed the schedule for the upcoming board retreat and approved bond issue purchases and related contracts for engineering services including soils borings and testing for new additions.

This document introduces efforts to support Rockwood's staff online, aligning with a key goal of their "comprehensive school improvement plan," "The Way Forward." This plan aims to recruit, attract, develop, and retain outstanding staff to ensure students reach their full potential. The initiative focuses on professional learning for current staff to grow in their roles and prepare for future positions, thereby enhancing educational opportunities.

The meeting included administrative actions such as approving the agenda and the minutes from the previous November 2020 meeting. Public comments addressed teacher well-being, with concerns raised about exhaustion and the need for solutions that balance student needs with teacher health. Another patron expressed strong opposition to the current contact tracing policy for COVID-19 positive tests, citing concerns about forced quarantines, potential negative impacts on student activities, and the expansion of tracking methods. The Superintendent provided an update on COVID-19 mitigation efforts, including challenges with staffing due to quarantines and the possibility of temporary remote learning, noting the decision to provide school-specific case/quarantine data more frequently. Discussions also covered the Cornerstone Support Staff Award nominations and a presentation on Equity, Access, and Inclusion initiatives, specifically focusing on supporting LGBTQ students through resources, professional development, and addressing issues like harassment and access to appropriate restrooms, which can lead to health concerns like dehydration.