April 29, 2020

At each meeting of the school board, Dr. Pearson has provided information about the District’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic as it relates to schools.

April 13, 2020

By a vote of 6-1, the School Board approved the timeline for the NorthEast Academy that includes planning and preparation during the 2020-21 school year and a three-year implementation of programs.

By a unanimous vote, the School Board approved wellness resources for grades 9-12 that includes equipment and technology for wellness classes and resources for the introduction to sports training and medicine class.

April 20, 2020

Dr. Christine Warren, Director of Curriculum, reviewed the proposed changes to the high school math resources, Illustrative Mathematics and ALEKS, and the timeline for implementation. After further discussion, members of the school board asked that the resources appear as separate items for action at the Regular School Board meeting on May 11.

Mrs. Tina King, Teacher on Special Assignment, provided an overview for the Middle School Math Pilot, Desmos, for the 2020-2021 school year. The committee recommended that this item be placed on the consent agenda at the Regular School Board meeting on May 11.

Mrs. Pam Jensen, Director of Instruction, provided an overview of the extended elementary school day resource recommendations. These include the scope and sequence of Empower. The committee recommended that the resources be placed on the action agenda at the Regular School Board meeting on May 11.

Mrs. Jan Geier, Assistant Superintendent for Leadership and School Improvement, provided a summary of the options and impact of lowering class sizes for K-2. The committee requested that there be further discussion at the Business Services Committee meeting on April 27.

April 20, 2020

The Policy Committee is making recommendations for updates to Board Policy based on PRESS guidelines. The recommended changes will be added to the consent agenda at the Regular School Board meeting on May 11.

Aubree Schuett, Associate Director of Instruction Interventions, recommended changes to the student handbook that align with current legislation. Handbooks will go to the school board for information at the Regular School Board meeting on May 11.

April 27, 2020

School Board members asked Dr. Chapman, Assistant Superintendent for Business Services, to provide information about the financial implications to District 303 related to COVID-19.

He said that it is critical to point out that CUSD 303 remains in strong financial health. Even under a scenario where significant delays of cash flow occur (6 months), the District would be able to meet financial obligations and not require the use of financing from a local bank or issuing tax anticipation warrants.

Administration strongly recommends seeking opportunities to move forward one-time expenses originally planned for the Fiscal Year 2021 into the current year budget as we anticipate a year-end surplus. This will help ensure the Board has the most flexibility in the FY2021 Budget and may be able to minimize or delay the reduction of expenditures that impact the instructional environment. At the May 26, 2020, Business Services Committee Meeting, Administration will review multiple scenarios with the goal of providing a balanced budget reflective of the strategic goals of the Board of Education.