USD 231 Board Briefs (Feb 2023)
February 6, 2023
Presentation by Students from Nike Elementary (2.1)
Nike Elementary students and staff presented information related to their universal preventative intervention program. The PAX Good Behavior Game helps build children’s self-regulation, resulting in improved focus and attention, test scores, and other academic outcomes. PAX is unique in arranging for peer reinforcement for exhibiting prosocial behavior and peer reinforcement for inhibiting problematic behavior.
To view the slide deck, click HERE.
Presentation by Students from Madison Elementary (2.1)
Students and staff from Madison Elementary presented information related to the Chess Club. The club was started this year by fourth-grade teacher, Jenny Sanders, and is attended by over 15 students each time they meet. These students have developed friendships and learned the rules and strategies of a game they can play for the rest of their lives. When the students are playing, they are either "winning or learning"!!
To view the video associated with the presentation, click HERE.
Horizon Award Recognition (2.2)
The Board of Education recognized the two Horizon Award Winners, Jennifer Miller, first-grade teacher at Nike Elementary, and Stephanie Matz, English teacher at Gardner Edgerton High School.
The Horizon Award is reserved for those teachers who have successfully completed their first year of teaching and have performed in such a way as to distinguish themselves as outstanding.
This marks the fifth time in five years that Gardner Edgerton teachers have won this prestigious award.
To view the phone calls with Commissioner Watson, click HERE. To learn more about the Kansas Horizon Award program, click HERE.
Jennifer Miller (Nike Elementary)
Stephanie Matz (Gardner Edgerton High School)
Grants and Donations (5.1)
USD 231 is proud of our partnerships with many stakeholders (students, parents, employees, churches, local vendors, etc.). Often, due to these partnerships, our students and employees are the recipients of generous donations.
To view a list of recent donations and grants, click the icon on the right.
KU Special Education Audit (10.1)
Representatives from the University of Kansas presented their findings related to the recent scan of the Special Education Department. The purpose of the scan was to provide a comprehensive needs assessment of the Special Education Department and a set of recommendations for consideration in a two to five-year strategic plan.
Key findings of the scan included:
- USD 231 has a dedicated staff willing to make changes to improve special education services.
- Optimism about new leadership and their attention to special education needs.
- “We are a district of schools and not a school district.”
- We need a district-wide shared vision for special education.
- “We want to be a part of the improvement process.”
Areas of concern:
- Parent concerns about their child's services.
- Each building works in a siloed environment.
Lack of student behavioral support and staff training in this area.
Lack of clarity and direction in Professional Development.
Need for a communication system internally and externally.
Recommendations:
- Establish a district-wide comprehensive Professional Development plan.
- Address perception of staffing shortages and actual staffing shortages where they exist.
- Implement consistent special education policies and procedures through a comprehensive communication plan.
- Address the feeder system. (already being addressed)
- Examine identification of students for special education at the early childhood leve
To view the slide deck, click HERE.
To view the assessment, click HERE.
Early Release/Late Start Proposed Schedule (10.2)
Members of the Educational Services Department presented information related to the proposed Early Release/Late Start schedule options.
The proposal includes the following:
Early Release
GEHS Dismiss @ 1:30 p.m.
Middle Schools Dismiss @ 1:45 p.m.
Elementary Schools Dismiss @ 1:55 p.m.
Wednesdays
Beginning September 13, 2023
Ending May 1, 2024
- Early releases would only occur on “full weeks” of school - 21 Early Release Days Total
How would this impact student instructional time?
Reduce full Professional Development Days to 2.5 during the school year (would continue to have New Teacher Academy and 3 half days of PD prior to school beginning)
Increase student school days from 166 to 171 days
Gain additional instructional time and Professional Development time
Maintain current practice of ½ day per quarter teacher work time
To view the slide deck, click HERE.
Cabinet Realignment (10.3)
Superintendent Huff reviewed the proposed organization chart for the 2023-24 school year and provided rationale for the recommended restructure.
From last month:
In the current model, which is very "flat" in nature, all decisions flow through only one person, the superintendent. By implementing a tiered (and more traditional) structure, decision-making becomes distributed/shared and checks and balances are established. When implementing this new structure, it is extremely important for everyone to be aware of the following non-negotiables:
- Assistant Superintendents will be selected from the current Cabinet members. NO ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATORS WILL BE HIRED. The same is true for Executive Directors, Directors and Coordinators shown in the proposed Org Chart.
- All employees selected for the roles outlined in the Org Chart (Coordinators, Directors, Executive Directors, and Assistant Superintendents) WILL NOT RECEIVE ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION for the increased job responsibilities.
- This model is BUDGET-NEUTRAL, meaning there will be no monies utilized to move forward with the restructure.
- This model will allow District Administration to better assist students and employees at the building level.
The current Organization Chart (SY 22-23) can be found HERE.
The proposed Organization Chart (SY 23-24) can be found HERE.
- 6.1 - 6.11 - Approved minutes of regular meeting held on January 9, 2023; Approval of minutes of the "special meeting" held on January 17, 2023; Approval for the minutes for the "special meeting" held on January 19, 2023; Approval for the removal of old student debt from student accounts; Approval for 6 vehicles for leasing with Enterprise and Mobility Works to replace aging high mileage vehicles in USD 231 fleet; Approval for District Insurance Renewal: Property/Casualty/Executive Risk 3/9/23 - 6/30/24; Approval for Master Services Agreement; Approval for Civil Engineering Consultant for Asphalt and Concrete Improvements at Gardner Edgerton High School, Trail Ridge Middle School, Pioneer Ridge Middle School and Madison Elementary; Approval of American Roofing Bid for Reroofing at Gardner Edgerton High School; Financial Statements; Approval of Claims.
- 10.2 - Approved early release schedule with professional development days to be taken to the USD 231 Calendar Committee.
- 10.3 - Approved the realignment of the USD 231 Cabinet to add two assistant superintendents, budget neutral.
- 10.5 - Approved personnel report.
Tom Reddin
PRESIDENT
PRESENT
Lana Sutton
VICE PRESIDENT
PRESENT
Greg Chapman
MEMBER
PRESENT
Russ Ellis
MEMBER
PRESENT
Jeff Miller
MEMBER
PRESENT
Nick Robinson
MEMBER
PRESENT
Board Briefs are informal reports from the Gardner Edgerton Board of Education's regular meetings. They are typically released a day or two after each meeting and are not meant to be accepted as meeting minutes.
To view previous Board Briefs, click the image on the right.
Monday, March 6, 2023 - 6:00 p.m.