Independence Community School District

The meeting focused on guiding the mission and vision work for the district. Key discussion points included building upon existing strengths, grounding the process by prioritizing students, speaking from evidence, and maintaining a mindset of progress over perfection. Committee members extensively discussed aspects that set the district apart, such as the abundance of opportunities for student involvement, advanced course offerings, strong staff culture, good financial standing, smaller class sizes, focus on core mission, community partnerships for internships, high teacher retention, dedicated support roles, community input, and increased mental health supports. The committee also engaged in a reflection activity on core beliefs and identified essential, non-negotiable elements to retain from the current mission, vision, values, Portrait of a Graduate, and School Perceptions Survey. Finally, examples of mission and vision statements from other districts were reviewed for consideration.

The meeting included discussions and proposals for the 2026-2027 school year, focusing on strengthening college preparatory coursework and leveraging relationships with community partners for internships and apprenticeships. A student interest survey was reviewed, revealing interest in CNA, EMT, Medical Terminology, Nutrition, Business courses, Calculus/AP Calculus, and a Technical Math course. Strategic additions and replacements of courses were discussed, with prioritization given to AP Calculus, Business Courses, Technical Math, and courses leading to EMT and CNA certificates. The committee also worked on synthesizing information to articulate the district's mission and vision, reviewing strengths of the district and core beliefs.

The committee members introduced themselves and shared their hopes for SIAC this year. The purpose of the School Improvement Advisory Committee and the district policy that guides its work were reviewed, including supporting major educational needs, helping establish annual student learning goals, and assisting in setting bullying & harassment prevention goals. The 2025-2026 focus areas include updating the district mission and vision, supporting the development and implementation of a guaranteed and viable curriculum, implementing standards-referenced grading, reviewing course offerings, strengthening the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), and expanding bullying and harassment response training for stakeholders. Highlights from the Iowa School Performance Profiles and key performance data were reviewed. The committee discussed upcoming strategic planning efforts and reviewed previous district initiatives. Proposed Student Learning Goals for 2025-2026 were shared, including long-range goals to improve student achievement and strengthen school culture and climate.

The meeting included a welcome and review of the purpose of SIAC. Discussions covered standards referenced grading, including its history, current implementation in grades K-8, and the use of proficiency scales. The goal for the April meeting is to decide on the future direction of this grading process. Weighted grading was also discussed, with a timeline for gathering information and making recommendations to SIAC in October, followed by presentations to the board in November. The committee reviewed and edited graphic design renditions of the portrait of a graduate, focusing on communication, critical thinking, adaptability, productivity, collaboration, and learner's mindset. Final drafts will be shared with the committee and then with the school board in March.

The meeting included a review of the purpose of the School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC) and its goals, which involve making recommendations to the board about major educational needs, student learning goals, long-range goals, and bullying & harassment prevention goals. The committee discussed proposed student learning goals and long-range goals, including the addition of a safe and secure learning environment as a new goal. Feedback was provided on implementation and student outcome goals, with concerns raised about the realism of current goals. The committee also received an update on facilities master planning, discussing both the physical and affective aspects of the facilities and sharing hopes and fears regarding the 15-year vision for district facilities.