Richard S Welch

The document details the Ames approach to providing comprehensive mental health supports. This approach is built upon establishing a supportive culture, empowering student leadership, and ensuring teacher-supported student growth. It implements a multi-tiered system including schoolwide supports for general student well-being, targeted interventions such as group therapy for students requiring more assistance, and individual intensive services for acute needs. The institution has further reinforced its commitment through securing mental wellness grants and expanding its mental health professional staff.

The committee discussed updates on the website and the need to post agendas. Training requirements from USBE were noted. Planning for the year 2026-2027 was discussed, including the available funds of $71,449 and the requirement to submit a final report to the Board for a vote by April. The discussion included setting goals related to academic subjects, action steps, progress measurement, and fund allocation. Reference was made to the 2025-2026 plan, sample goals, and the school report card, with potential goals including growth for the lowest 25%, ELL, SPED, post-secondary readiness, and addressing the low-income achievement gap. Trends in chronic absenteeism, which has increased since pre-Covid times, were discussed, along with potential strategies to address it. The committee also touched on the possibility of increasing public recognition of students' academic successes, enhancing social media presence, and boosting parent volunteerism.

The document outlines potential goals for a school land trust, focusing on improving student academic performance across various subjects, including math, science, and English/Language Arts, and for specific student demographics such as low-income students, English Language Learners, and the lowest 25% of students. Key objectives include increasing Aspire Math scores to 55% by 2025-2026, growing the school population to 550 by the 2026-2027 school year, supporting AI integration, enhancing English Language Learner outcomes from Critical Needs to Developing or Typical, improving the growth of the lowest 25% of students, reducing chronic absenteeism by half, and increasing post-secondary enrollment and ACT readiness scores.

The meeting included a report from the PTSO, discussing upcoming events, volunteer needs, and scholarships. The board approved out-of-state travel for Educators Rising students, with fundraising efforts planned. They also approved the Time and Effort Policy and reviewed the Allocation & Allowance Policy. The March fiscals were approved, and the board discussed the salary schedule and state funding level. The AMES Foundation discussed maintaining a minimum balance for fiscal emergencies and potential donations for scholarships and inclusive access fees. Staff hires for 9th and 10th grade Language Arts were approved, and upcoming important dates were reviewed.

The meeting included updates and discussions on various topics, including the PTSO report, Educators Rising out-of-state travel, and AMES policies. The board discussed and approved the Time & Effort Policy and reviewed the Allocation & Allowance Policy. Financial matters were addressed, including April fiscals, salary schedules, and state funding levels. Additionally, the board approved a new staff hire and reviewed upcoming important dates and activities involving AMES students.