Megan Clark

This plan outlines the Clear Creek Amana Community School District's comprehensive approach to identifying, supporting, and monitoring at-risk students. It focuses on implementing evidence-based dropout prevention strategies through clear identification criteria, data analysis, and root cause analysis. Key initiatives include evidence-based practices such as tiered academic and behavioral supports, credit recovery programs, family engagement, and community partnerships. The plan sets SMART goals for reducing chronic absenteeism and improving academic growth among at-risk students, supported by dedicated staffing, budget allocation, and continuous monitoring.

The work session covered several key areas, including the recognition of two exemplary students, Morgan and Jordan, for their leadership and kindness. The board also heard a presentation regarding the district's decade-long German exchange program, detailing the student visit in October 2023 and the reciprocal trip to Germany in March. Discussions also included updates on major building projects at East Ridge (including paving, roofing, window installation, and kitchen equipment staging) and the baseball/softball complex (rough grading and underground utilities completion). Furthermore, the board reviewed bids for the East Ridge playground project, which came in under budget, and the North Bend safety surface project. The Superintendent provided updates on the Capital Campaign meetings, scheduling the next virtual meeting for June 27th, and announced the start of summer school on June 4th at Oak Hill (Elementary) and Clear Creek (Middle School), noting that all students would receive breakfast and lunch. The superintendent also shared goals regarding algebra enrollment by the 8th grade.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. A significant portion of the discussion involved a public forum where a departing member, Mr. Matt Layman, was recognized and thanked by a speaker for his exceptional and transformational leadership, particularly during challenging times, including the COVID-19 era and superintendent transitions. The Board also took time to formally thank Mr. Layman for his service. The primary new business presented was a proposal for introducing Professional School Therapy Dogs to CCA, detailing their benefits, operational specifics (including handler responsibilities, liability, and cost), and the proposed pilot program timeline. The presentation also covered next steps required from the board, specifically the adoption of a policy allowing professional school therapy dogs. A board member requested consideration for allowing fundraising and training preparations to begin ahead of the formal policy adoption scheduled for the following month.

The primary discussion focused on proposed designs and plans for new facilities, specifically detailing the layout and features of a concessions and restroom area, including fixture counts for men's and women's restrooms and provisions for a family restroom and staff changing area. Storage room dimensions were reviewed, aiming for a structure larger than a previous design. Further discussions covered site plans for dugouts, bleachers (designed for future expansion from 400 seats), and a 40-foot long press box. A multi-phase budget and sequencing plan was presented, estimating a total cost of $4.2 million, exceeding the initial $4 million target due to added scope items like shotput/discus relocation and a main ticket entry structure. Phase one in 2023 focuses on site preparation, utilities, the concession/restroom building, and the entry gate, scheduled to start around June 19th. Phase two in 2024 covers the completion of the competition baseball and softball fields with amenities, and the practice softball field, with substantial completion targeted for September 20th. The quality of the proposed masonry dugouts and raised bleachers was noted as an improvement.

The Special Meeting addressed several financial and procedural items. Key discussions included approving the agenda and approving an engagement letter for Al Cooney to serve as Bond Counsel for the General Obligation School Bond Anticipation Project Note Series 2023. The board also reviewed financing proposals for approximately $6,365,000 General Obligation School Bond Anticipation Project Note Series 2023, recommending the proposal from Flagstar Bank. Furthermore, the meeting involved discussions and approval of exhibits for the School Budget Review Committee (SPRC) fiscal update, detailing preliminary unspent budget authority, fund balance projections, and factors affecting spending authority such as Supplemental State Aid and enrollment figures.