Board Bits
November 2019
Board Bits
Thoughts and Well Wishes
You're part of a great team....WELCOME!
Instruction: Quality, Engaging, Relevant
Leadership: Envisioning, Engaging, and Executing
Service: Listening, Caring, and THEN Serving
Community: Collaboration and Partnerships
Let's help the board extend a warm welcome to the following newly hired staff Amanda McCabe, Jacob Schinck, Debra Butler, Chad Schiel, Shana Cain, and Jesse Rentfrow.
Information about other staff members' separation of employment was shared. The Board wished the following persons well in their future endeavors; Brenda Manthei, Loretta (Sue) Serafin, and Brenda Loomis. Here is a quick link to the Personnel Matters and Recommendations Report.
As a side note, board members and administration recognized Randy Jarchow, with Mr. Oxley saying how Randy has been a valued part of the JCISD family for 45-years. Randy's retirement date is quickly approaching and this November meeting is planned to be his last attended. Unless of course, he is looking for something to do on the third Tuesday of the month while in retirement (wink, wink). Sincerely, Randy was offered the deepest appreciation for his outstanding service, loyalty, and the many personal connections and difference he's made here over the years. Thank you Randy, job well done!
This, That, and the Other
Special Education Core Vocabulary Team, Elizabeth Mills and Lynnelle Tans, talked about the Core Vocabulary initiative. It started in 2015 at the Torrant Center. The aim was to develop a list of words determined to be highly useful for communicating in both social and academic contexts for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Core Vocabulary is a simple set of words that can be used in a variety of contexts throughout a student's natural environment. Each word is associated with a picture, and when combined, create an Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) system.
Techs to the Rescue!
Shannon Degan talked about how technology staff worked round the clock over the weekend to successfully thwart a ransomware attack. Much praise and relief was expressed for both the expertise of technology staff members and for the excellent network and redundant systems that worked as designed.
Updates
Messrs. Oxley and Auwers provided updates on the steps taken toward addressing the future facility needs of Special Education programming. The update included discussion about existing facilities still under consideration and the ongoing space/needs assessment taking place.
The Jackson Area Career Center hosted, and some volunteer students in the first responder and cosmetology programs participated in, a countywide emergency drill on October 21st. The scenario was that of an active shooter with multiple victims. The purpose was to test the countywide emergency response and was coordinated through the Jackson County Sheriff's Department Office of Emergency Management. The students involved debriefed and reported having found the experience a valuable learning opportunity.
Ayes & Nays
Finance Director, Roger Auwers, presented the month end financial report and introduced Nathan Baldermann, the Principal at Rehmann, responsible for the District's annual audit. Mr. Baldermann stated the audit went very well, primarily due to the hard work and preparation of financial services staff. It was a clean audit with no findings to report. The Board unanimously accepted both the month end and annual audit reports.
Statement of Purpose
The Jackson County Intermediate School District is committed to the success of all students. The JCISD provides educational leadership, services, programs, and resources in partnership with local schools and the community.