Madison Metropolitan School District

The meeting commenced with public comment, where a parent addressed the board regarding the proposed wellness policy, advocating for the inclusion of classroom temperature as an element of a healthy physical environment, citing issues with excessive heat in classrooms. The main agenda included discussions on special education progress, focusing on the three-year plan goals: decreasing disproportionality for Black scholars, increasing inclusive opportunities, and improving reading and math proficiency rates for students with an IEP. Specific strategies and outcomes were shared by leadership from Marquette and Toki schools. Other topics included the presentation of the second semester class size report and a second read of the wellness policy. Data review indicated that disproportionality in special education risk ratios concerning disability categories has not declined, prompting a need to regroup strategies. However, a positive trend was noted in the significant decrease in restraint and seclusion incidents for Black and Hispanic scholars, though incidents for white scholars increased. Efforts to foster inclusion, including professional learning for LEA representatives, were discussed, noting that the district's overall inclusion rate is above the state average.

The meeting included a discussion and presentation on special education, focusing on the family experience, including questions about planning time, data tracking systems for seclusion and restraint, and anti-racist IEP work. Work Group members also discussed strategies to ensure successful practices observed at specific schools are scaled across the district, including intentional planning and scheduling mechanisms. A major portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Second Semester Class Size Report presentation, covering elementary (Kindergarten through 3rd grade) and secondary (middle and high school) class sizes, including considerations for Achievement Gap Reduction (AGR) schools and specialty courses. The group also reviewed Policy 4610: Wellness Policy for a second read, discussing proposed amendments related to caffeine limits, recess time, and language concerning disability and heat/environmental conditions in classrooms. There were multiple requests for follow-up communication regarding specific language in the Wellness Policy.

The meeting addressed the transition to online learning due to the public health crisis, including managing community input submitted in writing. Key discussion points included an update on the Opportunity Youth and Micro-school progress and the first reading of the bullying and policy revision. Action items involved approving changes to the anti-bullying policy (Policy 4510) and revisions to Board Policy 6178 concerning surplus assets. The Board also approved the 2020 MMSD summer school model and budget. A significant portion of the meeting focused on approving one of two proposed options for employee healthcare benefits for the upcoming year, which involved adjustments to plan design and employee premium contributions to manage rising costs. Discussions also covered the need to delay the referendum vote due to current uncertainties.

The meeting initiated the work of the Citizens' Ad Hoc Committee established for the purpose of renaming Memorial High School. The initial session focused on procedural matters, including introductions of committee members, staff, and special guests. Key discussion points covered the committee's charge, an overview of the initial proposal stemming from a statement made by Maya Berry in August of the previous year, and a review of Board Policy 6700. The agenda for this meeting was process-oriented, centering on discussing meeting times, reviewing the evaluation rubric, and understanding the flow charts for future proceedings, rather than evaluating specific renaming proposals.

The meeting commenced with a recitation of the vision and mission statements. Several moments of silence were observed to recognize the passing of community members: Grant James Makavik (seventh-grade student), Alexander Sasha Rosen (senior), and Lonnie Went (technical services technician and coach). Public input focused heavily on proposed staffing allocations, specifically concerns raised by a student and staff member from Kennedy Elementary regarding the reduction of three classrooms and 0.6 related arts positions despite a minor projected decrease in enrollment. Speakers emphasized the resulting impact on student safety, mental health support (noting approximately 40 behavioral calls daily), and academic performance, especially for students with high behavioral needs or experiencing homelessness. The President of Madison Teachers, Inc. passionately requested immediate action to fix salary compression for veteran staff, highlighting unspent budgeted funds potentially available for compensation adjustments. Other public comments touched upon the ongoing racial literacy gap and the need to prioritize veteran teacher compensation over studies of external competitiveness.