West Des Moines Community School District

The meeting focused on the role of School Resource Officers (SROs), discussing their responsibilities, training, and the balance between enforcement, counseling, and mentoring in school environments. The presentation covered the SRO selection process, their collaboration with the school district, and the use of data regarding incidents and citations to inform safety and student support. Additionally, the PTO highlighted ongoing initiatives to support staff and students throughout the school year, such as providing supplies and hospitality services, and addressed the need for event volunteers.

This document outlines the Teacher Leadership & Compensation Plan for West Des Moines Community Schools. The plan establishes four primary goals: attracting and retaining quality teachers, promoting collaboration to enhance instructional practices, rewarding professional growth through designated teacher leader positions, and improving student achievement by increasing teacher capacity. It details the implementation framework, including the process for selecting and assigning teacher leaders, compensation structure through stipends, work year and day specifications, seniority, funding mechanisms, and the separation of the TLC system from teacher evaluation processes.

The meeting featured a presentation from high school counselors regarding post-high school planning, the use of the Naviance student platform, graduation requirements, and the course registration process for the upcoming school year. Additional topics included the recognition of recent volunteer efforts, the availability of dual credit courses through DMACC, and the various academic resources accessible to students via their Canvas portal.

The meeting included a review of recent school activities, such as the distribution of homecoming tickets, the organization of homecoming chaperones, and the provision of conference meals for teachers. Discussions focused on maintaining school culture and climate, the importance of relationships in the classroom, and social-emotional learning competencies. The administration highlighted the implementation of a new tardy policy, the school district's mission, and the use of digital citizenship lessons and student wellness surveys to support student engagement and success.

The strategic direction for West Mo Community Schools centers on its mission to educate, empower, and inspire lifelong learners. Key priorities include ensuring students receive education from effective educators in a welcoming and supportive environment where their voices are heard, fostering student ownership of learning through authentic, real-world experiences, and inspiring students to dream big and think ambitiously. The initiative also emphasizes continuous improvement and excellence for all stakeholders—students, parents, and staff—with the ultimate goal of building bright futures within the community.