[Winona Online Democracy] Greetings,
Below is Dr. Bartleson's "From my Perspective" summary of last night's school board meeting. Please let me know if you have any questions. -Steve Kranz, Board Member -Winona Area Public Schools -------------------------- Board Meeting Highlights Board Meeting 02.05.04 from my perspective.... Eric Bartleson STEVE KRANZ ANNOUNCES HE IS LEAVING THE BOARD Steve Kranz announced at the beginning of the meeting that he would be leaving the board on May 1 due to personal circumstances. He and his family plan to move to the twin cities. Steve has been an excellent member of the board and will be missed. The board held a closed session for negotiations strategy at 5:30 p.m. The Study Session was called to order at 6:00 p.m. School Counselor Recognition A number of our school counselors were present to be recognized during National School Counselor Week. This week recognizes the fine work of individuals who assist with standardized testing, help students with their post-secondary plans, facilitate support groups, counsel students with issues, and much more. In Winona Area Public Schools, our nine counselors tend to the needs of our 4000 students as well as serve some of our private schools. Hats off to elementary counselors Kathy Little and Pat Berkley; middle school counselors Lisa Mullen, Mark Godsey, and Linda Skwieraski; and high school counseling staff MaryAnn Dennis, Karen Whitney-Thrune and Terri Bauer. We appreciate the service they provide to our students and families. PUBLIC COMMENT Seven members of the public addressed the board on charter school issues. Members of the Dakota Area Charter School (DACS) were critical of recent board action and encouraged the board to work with them as they develop their program. They also are interested in purchasing or leasing the Dakota school for their charter program. Ridgeway charter parents reported on their high level of satisfaction with the Ridgeway Community School and encouraged the board to continue as a sponsor of the charter. STUDENT MEMBER REPORT Stephanie Fix reported that the past few weeks have been very busy ones as WSHS. The start of the 3rd quarter, Basic Skills testing, and Winterfest week have occupied much of students' time. Today (Friday) is Orange and Black Day. Stephanie also commented that a number of students have been recognized for work in music and athletics. WSHS students have been selected for the U of MN Honors Band, and All -State Band, Orchestra, and Jazz Band. Also the Girl's Nordic Ski Team placed first in the Region and will be going to State. The Boy's team placed second and four individuals will be participating in the state meet. INFORMATION Art, Music, and Physical Education Curriculum in Elementary Schools Mary Cappel, Betsy Tschumper, and Carol Ramsdell presented information on Art, Music, Physical Education curriculum in elementary schools. Bonnie Jaastad, elementary teacher, also spoke in support of specialists working with students in Art, Phy Ed, and Music. The group presented an excellent PowerPoint slide show that highlighted the benefits of these programs for students. GREAT WORK with Microsoft Office!!! Ridgeway Sponsorship Presentation The Ridgeway charter is up for renewal and Jodi Dansingburg addressed the board regarding Ridgeway Community (Charter) School sponsorship. She provided the board with materials highlighting the success of the Ridgeway program. The board engaged in a discussion on building lease negotiations with both Dakota and Ridgeway. Board goals in negotiations would be to maximize the lease aid provided to charter school by the state. The board also wants to recover additional costs that the district may incur as a result of the charter school being located in our district. Jeff Seeley will be negotiating the leases with Dakota and Ridgeway. Jeff will meet with the board Budget Committee on a regular basis during these negotiations. Policies - First Reading Bullying Prohibition Policy I presented a first reading on a proposed policy on bullying. The purpose of the policy as stated is: A safe and civil environment is needed for students to learn and attain high academic standards and to promote healthy human relationships. Bullying, like other violent or disruptive behavior, is conduct that interferes with students' ability to learn and teachers' ability to educate students in a safe environment. The school district cannot monitor the activities of students at all times and eliminate all incidents of bullying between students, particularly when students are not under the direct supervision of school personnel. However, to the extent such conduct affects the educational environment of the school district and the rights and welfare of its students and is within the control of the school district in its normal operations, it is the school district's intent to prevent bullying and to take action to investigate, respond, remediate, and discipline those acts of bullying which have not been successfully prevented. The purpose of this policy is to assist the school district in its goal of preventing and responding to acts of bullying, intimidation, violence, and other similar disruptive behavior. Board members raised some questions regarding the draft policy that we will address in the final document. Use of Peace Officers and Crisis Teams to Remove Students with IEP's from School Grounds- Judi Vold, Director of Special Education presented the first reading of this policy. The purpose of this policy is to describe the appropriate use of peace officers and crisis teams to remove, if necessary, a student with an individualized education program (IEP) from school grounds. NOTE: School districts are required to have a policy addressing this area. Again, board members raised questions some of the areas in the policy that will be researched prior to seeking final approval PDF files of both policies are attached. I will be asking principals to discuss these policies with building staff prior to final approval. Lincoln School Sale Update-I informed the board that I had received a phone call from Calvin Winbush, WSU Vice President informing me that they would be delivering a proposal to purchase the Lincoln building to our attorney on Friday, February 6. The proposal would be accompanied by a check for $10,000 earnest money to be placed in escrow. The proposal will be reviewed by our attorney and district administrators and will be brought to the board for consideration probably at the February 26th meeting. BUDGET REDUCTION Jeff Seeley provided the board with an updated list of elementary reorganization options. The addition of some new options brings the number to 11. One of the options includes rescinding the action to close Dakota school. Board members were asked to review each of these options along with the list of program, personnel, and miscellaneous reductions that had been provided earlier. Board members will be asked to narrow down the lists in the next few weeks so a more detailed analysis can be provided if necessary. The board also noted that they will be making a decision on the All Day/Every Day Kindergarten program on February 26th. It was noted that the DFL members of the Senate had established full funding for All Day/Every Day Kindergarten as one of their funding priorities. The full funding proposal, if approved, would not be effective until the 2005-2006 school year. Updated budget reduction information will be available on the school district website. BUSINESS Superintendent's Contract-the board approved a three year contract with Paul Durand to serve as superintendent. Durand's first-year salary will be: 2004-2005 $119,000 2005-2006 $121,975 2006-2007 $125,024 The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:10 p.m. Eric Board Listening Sessions Monday, February 9, 2003 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. WMS Auditorium Monday, February16, 2003 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. WMS Auditorium Next Board Meeting: February 26, 3003 _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. 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