B.E.A. notes from 9-26 BCSD School Board Meeting

BCSD Meeting of the Board of Education

Sept. 26, 2016

• Representatives from The Booster Club gave a summary of the club’s purpose, to support students who participate in athletics.  They gave an overview of the fund raising projects they use to raise monies and examples of how those monies are used.
• Mr. Coen gave a report of the various activities and meetings that he has been involved in recently.  He commented that he feels we are doing a lot of things right in Burlington.
• During a KBUR phone in session, Mr. Coen received many comments concerning the football team situation in Danville.  The comments were aimed to see if Burlington can help in this situation.  Mr. Coen is looking at options.
• The “Penny Sales Tax” is up for renewal this year.  Mr. Coen stressed the importance of this tax as it helps our school district.
• Mr. Coen made an unannounced visit to BHS recently.  He reported that he felt it was the best he’s seen in a long time.
• Mr. Coen suggested that the board have a 1 hour closed work session, once per month, prior to a board meeting.  The administration would like this time to address specific topics with the board and to improve communication between the board and the administration.
• SBRC Allowable Growth Limited English Proficient:  A request was made and approved to increase funding.  ($95,790.64)  This money does not come from the general fund.
• IDOE – The 2014-2015 expulsion and suspension rate included too many IEP and/or minority students.  A corrective action plan was written and will be emailed to the board.
• SES Program – Parents of students who are At Risk may request funds for services that they contract for their students.  In the past, this service needed to be an outside provider.  Under the current law, the school district can provide this service.  Mr. Taylor, principal of Corse, and Mrs. Dentlinger are working on a plan to provide such a program in our district.  This is mostly for students in K-3.
• The second reading of Board Policies 102 & 104, reflecting anti-harassment and anti-discrimination was approved.
• SCC Steps to Success – A new initiative to give high school students, beginning with Freshmen, a purpose for staying in school and to provide students an opportunity for community service.
• Students may earn 1 high school credit plus an elective credit through SCC (must sign up by Oct. 1.)
• Mr. Coen remarked that the use of TQ money to get high school teachers their masters in content areas will help students earn more credits through partnership at SCC.
• Mrs. Dentlinger praised the team that has been working on this as phenomenal.
• Mr. Coen stated that this program makes our high school dramatically different than any other high school around, in a good way.
• School Board members have chosen schools where they will attend PTO meetings with the goal of becoming better connected to the schools and to open the lines of communication.