School Board Comments - May 16th, Board Meeting
Announcements and Communications
Rochester Area Foundation and Rochester Public School Foundation Collaboration
Debra Seelinger, Rochester Public School Foundation President, and Steve Thornton, Rochester Area Foundation Executive Director, spoke on the collaboration between the two organizations. They also recognized Norm and Char Hepper who have made a permanent endowment to benefit 3rd, 4th and 5th graders at Riverside Central Elementary.
2005 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
John Adams Principal Richard Jones presented John Adams science teacher Deb Las, who was one of only 100 teachers in the nation to win this award. She also was the only Minnesota teacher to win.
PTSA Reflections Winners
Diane Blakley, Area Council PTSA Reflections Chair, presented the 23 state- level Reflections winners.
Turnaround Achievement Awards
JA Principal Richard Jones recognized the following six winners of this year’s Turnaround Achievement Awards: Mohamed Elkarib - Bishop Elementary;
Mohamed Shido - Kellogg Middle School; Brittany Chambly - Alternative School;
Katie Enblom - Century; Jarod Nihart - John Marshall; Tim Eang – Mayo.
Post-Bulletin Teachers of the Month
Sandra Soltis, Interim Director of Elementary and Secondary Education, introduced the three award winners from this school year: John Marshall science teacher Pete Rietveld, Century ESOL teacher Mary Musielewicz, and Bamber Valley Elementary 5th grade teacher Troy Reinke.
Community Survey
Superintendent Jerry Williams presented information about a community survey to be completed in the near future. The survey will be a follow-up to the 2001 and 2004 surveys. The survey is intended to measure attitudes about how well the District is doing, community support for specific programs, and community opinions about renewal of the District’s operating referendum.
High Student Achievement
2005-06 Improvement Plan – Bishop Elementary: Information
Principal Dianne Dodge, 5th grade teacher Marcia Jorgensen, and 1st grade teacher Janet Finnesgard presented the Bishop Elementary Improvement Plan.
Alternative Teacher Professional Pay System: Information
Director of Human Resources Tim Alexander and REA President Lynette Lenoch-Craft presented an update on the progress of discussions between REA and the District. They also presented a timeline for approval and implementation of ATPPS. The School Board will hold a study session in June to allow for in-depth discussion of ATPPS.
Approval of Appointment of Middle School Principal: Action
The Board approved the appointment of Jeffrey Elstad as principal at Willow Creek Middle School. Mr. Elstad currently is an assistant principal for Owatonna Public Schools.
Approval of Appointment of Student Support Services Program Supervisor: Action
The Board approved the appointment of Laura Fredrickson as Student Support Services Program Supervisor. Ms. Fredrickson currently is the secondary special education administrator at Prior Lake-Savage School District.
Approval of Appointment of Coordinator of Staff Development/Continuous Improvement: Action
The Board approved the appointment of Christina Streiff as Coordinator of Staff Development/Continuous Improvement. Ms. Streiff currently is a FACS teacher at Friedell Middle School and Mayo High School.
Approval of Appointment of Administrative Support – Elementary and Secondary Education: Action
The Board approved the appointment of Christopher Fogarty as Administrative Support – Elementary and Secondary Education. Mr. Fogarty currently is an administrative assistant at Willow Creek Middle School.
Authorization to Purchase Earth Science Textbooks for Grade 8: Briefing, moved to action, approved
Authorization to Purchase Everyday Mathematics Journals For Grades 1-5: Briefing, moved to action, approved
Authorization to Purchase Social Studies Textbooks For Grade 6: Briefing, moved to action, approved
Approval of Aims, Goals, and Measures for 2006-07: Briefing
Superintendent Williams presented information about the Aims, Goals, and Measures.
Safe and Welcoming Learning Environment
Expulsion of Student J-05: Action, carry-in, approved
Expulsion of Student K-05: Action, carry-in, approved
Expulsion of Student L-05: Action. carry-in, approved
Expulsion of Student M-05: Action, carry-in, approved
Efficient and Effective Operations
Resolution to Terminate and Place on Unrequested Leave Of Absence – Non-Probationary Teachers: Action, approved
Approval to Renew Long-Term Disability Insurance Policy: Briefing
Tim Alexander, Director of Human Resources, presented information about long-term disability insurance coverage.
Acceptance of Bids for Summer 2006 District-Wide Asbestos Removal: Briefing, moved to action, approved
Acceptance of Bids for the John Marshall Network Switchgear Equipment: Briefing, moved to action, approved
Acceptance of Bids for Rooftop Equipment at the Edison Administration Building: Briefing, moved to action, approved
Approval of Revision to the Policies and Procedures Manual (211 School Board): Action, approved
Approval of Revision to the Policies and Procedures Manual (607 Education Programs): Action, approved
Authorization to Secure Bids for Renovation of the John Adams Middle School Water Supply: Briefing, carry-in, moved to action, approved
Authorization to Secure Bids for the John Marshall High School Baseball Field: Briefing, carry-in
Removed for discussion at a future study session.
Other Business
2005-06 District Aims, Goals, and Measures: Information
Updates are expected at the June 6, 2006, School Board meeting.
