BEA notes from 8-28-17 BCSD board meeting

The mission of the Burlington Community School District is:

Inspiring and challenging students through diverse opportunities

I. Call to Order – Welcome 7:00 p.m.

II. Pledge of Allegiance-

III. Adoption of Agenda- moved by Hatteberg, 2nded by Bross. Passed unanimously

IV. Public Comments

The Board encourages citizens to attend its meetings. Citizens have this opportunity

to comment on issues and concerns (Policy 210.9 & 213)-

none.

V. Consent Agenda

2. Minutes, Bills, Human Resources Report, and Gifts- moved by Bross, 2nded by Garwood. Robberts thanked Great Western Bank for gift to building trades. Passed, with Brueck abstaining.

VI. District Positive Accomplishments- Teacher Leader Presentation- Tina Gilpin, Carol Knickerbocker, Sarah McKee, Melissa Nelson-Chiprez, and Monica Myers. Coen- gave kudos to teacher leaders.

Carol Knickerbocker started- introduced the coaches who were present. Also mentioned Christina Link, who was unable to attend.

Gave overview of what coaching does- personalized, job-embedded professional development. Coaches can come in and help with whatever staff choose.

Gilpin- coaching partnership between coach and teacher. Coaches aren’t consultants- it’s a process- they aren’t mentors- coaching is a forward looking, data focused way to explore options and opportunities. Not evaluative.

Coaching helps students by- being a thinking partner, co-plan, co-teach, sort and analyze student work, analyze data, help locate resources, model, observe and provide feedback.

Feedback from staff members- Pam Broeker, Megan Steahr, and Amy Morgan gave feedback on coaching within the presentation.

Sarah McKee- research from Hattie shows that student learning can be accelerated- teacher collective efficacy has an effect size of 1.57- 1.belief that what we do impacts learning 2. It’s a team effort- power of collaboration

Data from last year- over 900 coaching contacts- this year a focus on coaching cycles- Diane Sweeney is the expert on coaching cycles- Coaches work with teachers over 4-6 weeks- goal is for coaches to complete 3 cycles this year

Sweeney video- summarizes coaching cycles

Robberts thanked coaches- gives members more info- Garwood thanked- Bross- do you find that all teachers are receptive to coaching? Most? Phases? Knickerbocker- it has grown trememdously- ¾ of high school teachers stand at beginning of year

Melissa Nelson-Chiprez- it’s a viral thing. Those who have tried it are continuing- majority are receptive-

Bross- it sounds like experimentation and collaboration-

Chiprez- it can be. Very rewarding.

Vickstrom- what kind of feedback have you had from the students? Chip- reception from students has been positive- “she’s my teacher, too”

Reassuring that there are that many teachers focused on your students’ needs

Working hard to get students collaborating and problem solving

Hopefully students are more engaged.

Bross- are there obstacles to being more successful?

Chiprez- we’re still trying to figure out what works for us (the coaches)- time, figuring out how to make things work. Full release and half release- finding balance between teaching and coaching. Gilpin is k-12- another challenge.

Hatteberg- thanks for all you do

VII. Student Representative Report-

Matthew Rowland- senior at BHS- moral is looking up- sports exciting- new clubs starting up- student council, varsity club, swing dancing. New changes- 3 lunches- beneficial for students- better seating. Less lines for food. Selection of classes this year is wonderful. Changes are looking up. Rowland optimistic.

Bross- at a volleyball game- the kennel was just freshmen. Freshmen are energized. Good to see.

Rowland- social media- #thekennel

Garwood- thanks for coming and spending some time with us- I value the student perspective.

VIII. Superintendent’s Report-

Coen- PD- building prep- fog delay- welcome back went well, creative students- great to see the staff laughing. Person who stole the show was Annika Cook- thought provoking and inspiring. Message was well tempered. Brought in that we need to focus that 13 years ago she walked in- rousing, heartfelt speech that exemplified our vision statement and mission statement. Clearly articulated that teachers are important. Confirmed everything that we worked for.

McKee’s speech was supportive of Cook’s. Teachers do a great job. It was inspiring. Wants to get a copy of Annika’s speech online.

School nurses and principals- cockle’s menangitis situation. Went to all buildings. Continue to work on fireball run. Met with Dr. Green- NASA scientist, BHS grad. Master of middle schoolers. Kept their attention. One girl asked do you believe in aliens- Green said yes. He handled the students very well.

Met with state warden- disrupting the school to prison pipeline. Working with Drake university on domino effect.

Spoke at Kiwanis. Working on house on 10th street. Coen’s daughter home so he skipped a couple things. School board conference approaching- make reservations through Janet- make sure he and Garwood are ready for any legislative items that may pop up. Sept 11- voting on GPAEA board member for our district.

Greater Burlington partnership- board forum- Tuesday Sept ?- Garwood, Kendell, and Vickstrom come for a Q and A.

Will that be broadcast? Think so-

Robberts- school board elections important.

Coen- invite anyone that may be trying to be written in so that people can hear what they stand for- that’s just an opportunity.

Robberts- thanks for all the work you did for welcoming back to staff- you are inspirational to staff.

IX. Items for Discussion

3. Swimming Starting Blocks-

Coen- introduced Michele Abou-Assaly- asking board to donate starting blocks from high school pool back to city- they were originally from the city- BHS pool is getting new ones. City pool would use them for Dankwardt bubble project. Want to show community support of pool bubble- would be an in-kind donation-

Coen- boys swimming is bringing in a lot of money, and booster club paying for new starting blocks.

Not much monetary value of old starter blocks.

Reynolds- we are allowed to donate to the city.

Coen- chance for the district to get with it- we should keep our pool up with other district facilities.

Bross motioned, Hatteberg 2nded. Garwood glad we found a use. Passed unanimously.

4. Debt Refinancing-Legal Counsel-

Reynolds- recommending going with contract that’s in the agenda- states hourly rate, cost, and so on. No general fund dollars.

Garwood motioned approval, Brueck 2nded. Passed unanimously.

X. Board Communications

The members will have the opportunity to share items and events.

Brian Bross- thank those who have taken out papers to run for school board. Encourage public to get out and vote. Overwhelmed by quality of speech of Annika Cook at welcome speech. Can’t recall a student speech being that good. Whole event was fun.  Good start for the year. Glad to hear about teacher coaching.

Garwood- echoing quality of presentation of students at welcome back- as accomplished as Annika was, there was a point where she was quite frustrated, and there were teachers who knew her well enough to encourage her. A quality that our teachers care for our students.

Had the pleasure of assisting orientation at Ed Stone, brought back many happy memories. Staff was super exuberant- combo on locker was an issue, but other students helped out. Grandchild very confident when he left orientation. Thank you to staff at Ed Stone.

Dean Vickstrom- spent some time at BILA first couple of days- electronics going down- high frustration- staff handled it- staff handled it very well- people who are cutting some slack.

Robberts- thanks for helping out at BILA.

Dean thinks he was one of them.

Brueck- welcome all the teachers and students back and hope they have a great year.

Hatteberg- welcoming was great. What she sees happening- we’re pulling in our resources and creating a fine product- teacher leaders a great thing

Kendell- absent- Robberts covered his list- wanted to thank GBP for hosting welcome back.

2- classes of 82 and 87 will be at home football game this weekend.

Marliss Robberts-

Thank you for having a student centered welcome back- thanks to BEA mckee for his speech.

Welcome all teachers and students and parents back. Observe school zones- look for kids riding bikes. Volleyball games this week. Swim starting up before long. Wish all of our students a great kickoff to our year.

School board elections- Sept 12- encourage everyone to vote- while many people may not think school boards are an important position- look at your property taxes. Important to have good leaders for our community. Forum on Sept 5.

XI. Adjournment- Hatteberg moved and Bross 2nded.

BEA notes from 8-14-17 BCSD Board Meeting

6:00 Work Session

Superintendent Evaluation

At 6:06 Marliss Roberts called the meeting to order.  Mrs. Brueck was not present.  Coen handed the board some sort of packet that I didn’t get.  Linda Garwood also provided a letter to the board that I didn’t get.  Marliss asked Pat whether he wanted an open forum or not.  He said the cabinet was welcome but not the public.  They then went into closed session.

I. Call to Order – Welcome 7:20 p.m.

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Adoption of Agenda

Kendel motioned to accept.  Garwood seconded.  Agenda approved.

IV. Public Comments

Debra Gibbs spoke in support of the rehab of 1309 South 10th property.  She’s really excited about the rehab of the property.  Betty ?  also spoke about approving of the property being rehabbed by the BHS construction class.  She likes that the brush has been removed.

V. Public Hearing

2. BHS Chiller Replacement

No one from the public spoke.  The hearing was therefore closed.

VI. Presentation of Investment

3. Great Western Bank-Jim Olson

He presented a check of $15,000 for the building and trades program.  He commended Mr. Coen and his team on making this happen.  If the program is a success, Great Western will provide funds again in the future. Coen thanked Great Western Bank.

VII. Consent Agenda

4. Minutes, Bills, Human Resources Report, and Gifts

Garwood moved the bills be paid.  Hatteberg seconded.  Kendell clarified that the special board meeting minutes were not provided in this board packet but will be loaded on line with other minutes.  Approved.  Bross abstained.

VIII. District Positive Accomplishments- TSA National Competition-Scott Thorne

Hannah and Spencer Brown spoke about going to TSA National Competition.  Hannah brought her rubber band powered airplane.  She described the events in which the team competed.  Spencer made a bridge and placed 2nd at State and made semi-finals at National.  They thanked the board for the financial support. TSA - technology student association.  Bross asked him what he learned at nationals.  Spencer said he learned to plan well and use materials and time wisely.  Coen asked how the experience plays into the college plans.  Hannah said she is in the engineering program at the high school and this gives her insight into engineering.  Spencer wasn’t sure about what he wanted to do yet but he thinks this experience may have influenced him to choose engineering.

IX. Superintendent’s Report

He worked with late registration at the admin center.  This will continue through September.  He emceed the public library reading awards this summer.  He enjoys this a lot.  Its nice to be around kids who like to read.  He completed explanation and expectations meetings with new employees and the SAM.  He attended the Monday night Burlington City Council meeting about construction project.  The City Council was behind it.  He promptly made Joseph (son) go cut down trees on the property.  He  worked with parents about issues.  He conducted a home visit.  They held an administrative retreat which Sharon planned and implemented.  He met the new teachers. He spoke to person from dept. of ed and confirmed that BCSD is not disproportionate.  He credited Brenda Mitchell for the turn around.  He worked with two students in regards to the upcoming welcome back at the auditorium.  Anikka Cook will be a speaker at the welcome back at the auditorium.  The other student , Cody ?,  will be working at this too.  The office was closed Friday due to an electrical issue at Admin.  He sent the staff home.  The football team will work at construction house to clean it for construction trades class.  He let a student into Bracewell so he could get his senior pictures taken.  Transitional kindergarten has low numbers.  The class size may be too small to exist. They are going to get more students for this class. He encouraged voters to get involved and vote so somebody can’t sneak in as a write in.   Parking at the auditorium for the welcome back will be limited.

X. Items for Discussion

5. BHS Chiller Replacement Bids

Kesterke presented info on this.  He brought the bids in for the project.  Six contractors for the pre bid meeting.  They received four bids.  Home Town Plumbing and Heating was the low bid.  They did the boiler project at JMEC about a year ago.  It went well.  Garwood motioned to accept the low bid.  Bross seconded,  Kendell asked about the second lowest bid being from a local company.  Kendell asked if we had experience with this company before.  Kesterke used them when he worked with a different district.  He said they were ok.  Alliant is working on getting BCSD rebate on the system.  Passed with Kendell voting against.

6. Special Education Delivery Plan

Brenda Mitchell presented.  It’s a five year plan and must be turned in by the end of September per the state.  It was devised by two different committees in different years.  The only new addition on one page is adding info on early childhood education.  We are moving to a co-taught preschool program.  State of Iowa said we must provide the least restrictive environment for all grade levels even preschool.  Page 4 - caseloads.  Page 5 - no changes in delivery system.  Page 6 - caseload concerns start off with the principal and then goes to Brenda.  She thinks it should go to principal first.  Back to page 4 - caseloads.  This may be an area that may induce conversation.  This has been vetted with se teachers on committee.  Level I,II, III labels havd created communication problems.  There was a confusion between the funding level and the educational level the student was at.  Levels refer to funding more than services.   

Robberts asked whether a student could have different level needs.  The committee wanted to clarify the weighting and program labels.  Licensure - instructional strategist I -can work with students with mild-moderate needs.  Strat II (ID)- moderate to severe.  Strat II (BDLD) - ??

Most students can be served by strat I.  If student requires alternative assessment, teacher must be Strat II.  Committee starting defining by licensure.  The next change was to make more equitable the case loads.  20 students=20 weights.  Previously teachers teaching level 3 students couldn’t have more than six students.  There could actually be as many adults as students. Mitchell said we need to make students who aren’t too dependent on adults.  Stratt II no more than 10 students no more than 27 students on roster.  Strat 1 - 20, not exceed total weight of 27.  Bross said the math doesn’t work.  There was some discussion on this and he finally agreed it did. Brenda thanked people who participated on the committee balancing what is right for students while being fiscally responsible.  They tried to make sure that teachers have what they need to do their job.  Vickstrom asked about how students get into the system and then get out.  Brenda gave examples of students who left special ed.  She is working with BD teachers to keep kids in classes.  They are working on a more inclusive model.  This is not about the IEP but about the delivery model.  It does not supercede what is written in the IEP.  Coen said something about parents dissenting.  He always encourages SE teacher to help the parent write the dissent letter.  Bross moved to accept plan, Vickstrom seconded.

Passed..

7. District Assessment Plan

Sharon Dentlinger presented.  She highlighted some changes on the assessments for the district.  Testing has different purposes. Some are mandated by the state and some are diagnostic.  Smarter Balanced still hasn’t happened.  Its $29/student.  Even the Iowa Assessment is going up because it is going to be an online test in the future.  The one we use currently is cheaper because it is paper.  Second science test will be developed in district and more targeted to the things we are teaching.  This will be done over the course of the year.  Kindergarten test was done five times a year.  This will change because of the trimester system.

The assessment plan was shared with all teachers.  All schools must give IA in the spring this year. Kendell - will the later date impact registration?  Sharon - No.

XI. Board Communications

Garwood - Meeting tonight was loaded with positive info and excited about the new school year and program.  We are following our mission statement and providing an education for all students.  Thanks to all the hard work this summer.

Bross - Time the kids go back to school.  Thanked Coen for diligence making sure that every student  that gets a driving permit gets a warning about distracted driving.  Thankful looks like getting ADA ramp finished at admin building.

Vickstrom - We need to thank everyone from faculty to admin.   Importance of the school systems and get out and vote for the three people.  Need everyone in the community behind the school system.  Making headway with people we haven’t addressed before with construction class and food service classes.  Marketable skills result in good lives.

Hatteberg - Thanks everyone for hard work getting ready for school year and in particular Great Western Bank and Mr. Coen and cabinet in leadership in putting out in innovative situations.  A high school student said to her:  I never lose.  I only win or I learn.  She challenged all to think the way.

Kendell - Thanks for investment by Great Western Bank.  Appreciated the ladies that came and spoke about how much nicer the property looks already.  He received an anonymous phone message complementing how the buildings and properties look.  School will be starting, drive safely.  Thanks to the staff for working over the summer.

Robberts - Thank you for maintenance workers and job they do.  Buildings look great.  Start dates :  August 23rd.  Start times are on the school websites and Facebook.  Congrats on kicking off a great year.  Thanks to Great Western Bank and the ladies that spoke about the house.  Thanks to Mr. Coen and others that set up the police academy this summer.  Thanks for getting tased Mr. Coen. Thans Garwood, Vickstrom, and Kendell for turning in paperwork to run for school board.  They don’t get a monetary award for doing this.    Thanks for expressing a desire to make a four year commitment again.  Garwood - 24 years as board member. Encourage people to get out and vote for other offices and for school board.  People don’t realize how many hours board members put in.

XII. Adjournment

Adjourn 8:28.