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Home My WebLink About10-28-2015 Minutes Special Meeting SignedJOINT SCHOOL DISTRXCT Stzrc�'errt Success by Design " 3497 North Ammon Road, Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83401 e, (208) 525-4400 '- Fax (208) 529-0104 % www.d93schools.org Dr. Charles J. Shackett, Superintendent Marlean McConnell, Deputy Superintendent Scott Woolstenhulme, Assistant Superintendent Special Meeting Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 11:30 AM Technical Careers HS & Bonneville Online Student Councils District Board Room I. Call to Order Chairman McBride called the meeting to order at 11:48 a.m. Roll Call Brian McBride present Paul Jenkins present Amy Landers present Jeff Bird excused Greg Calder present III. Welcome Visitors and Deleaations Thosis in attendance were Deputy Superintendent Marjean McConnell, Assistant Superintendent Scott Woolstenhulme, Director of Human Resources Dr. N. Shalene French, Chief Financial/Operations Officer April Burton, Director of Curriculum & Instruction Michaelena Hix, Community Relations and Communications Phil Campbell, Bonneville Online Principal Ty Salsbery, Bonneville Online Lead Elementary teacher Shelley Andrus, Bonneville Online students Nigel Lee, Lexi Beahm, and Kelsey Pontzer; Technical Careers High School Principal Craig Miller, Technical Careers High School students Rhett Miller, Alex Perkes, Jared Barnard, Logan Holverson, and Ty Barnard; Bonneville High School Principal Heath Jackson, Hillcrest High School Principal Doug McLaren, Rocky Mountain Middle School Principal Jason Lords, Ryan Ballain, Judy Brower, Renee Cook, Mark Bird, and Board Clerk Mary Mortenson. IV. Technical Careers Hiah School Student Presentation Chairman McBride welcomed both Technical Careers High School and Bonneville Online High School students and administrators to the meeting. He stated that these students represent the two additional high school programs and scholastic opportunities offered for students in our District. Principal Craig Miller stated this is the 4th year Technical Careers High School (TCHS) has been in operation. Enrollment has increased from 24 full-time students to 84 full-time students in the fall of 2015 and including part-time students, the enrollment is 460 students. The greater number in enrollment has had a positive financial impact. Three new classes/programs have been recently added: Agriculture Science, Emergency Medical Training (EMT) and Information Technology (IT). Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) classes are held at both TCHS and Hillcrest High School, but compete at different contests at the state level. There are skill and academic competitions for the majority of the classes and programs taught at TCHS. Challenges for the school have been to find certified teachers for the new programs offered this year and the need for a facility for their agriculture program. Student Body President Ty Barnard thanked the Board for their time serving on the school board. The Student Council's goal this year is to raise the morale of the students, to work together for the common good without classes or programs separating students. The IT teacher has been helpful with Student Council advice and direction. The math teacher takes extra time to work with students as needed, Knowledge is formatted in a way that prepares the students to apply what they have learned. Technical Careers High School helps prepare students to be ready to go into careers after graduation and into life. Board of Trustees Brian McBride Paul Jenkins Amy Landers Jeff Bird Greg Calder Student Council Vice President Logan Holverson listed the projects TCHS has been involved with so far this year. They built a wonderful float for the July 4th Parade in Idaho Falls. They had a welcoming barbeque during the first month of school; students, teachers and parents were invited. TCHS is not an alternative school; it is a career -path educational opportunity. Attending as a full-time student has improved Logan's grades, Activity Leader Jared Barnard shared a few upcoming service projects. The students have been working on building catapults for pumpkins throwing for October 30th and November 6th. They have organized a Thanksgiving food drive from October through November. A Veteran's Day program is being planned. The students are also preparing for their school academic and skill competitions, including Future Farmers of America (FFA) and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). For excitement, there will be a skills competition between the students and the faculty! Sophomore Representative Rhett Miller was excited that the TCHS program now offers classes to sophomore students. The students love their classes, teachers and the administrators. Since most students are farm kids, hands- on teaching is a better way for them to learn and improves overall course grades. Community Representative Alex Burch passed out student written letters addressing the trimester scheduling that is currently being discussed by the School Board and District Administration. The TCHS students feel the trimester schedule would impede class time by cutting classes too short (60 minute classes vs. 90 minute classes in the current A -B schedule); shorter classes would limit Hillcrest High School students from taking classes at TCHS. Trimesters would also effect the tests that are taken for college credit. Alex expressed appreciation to the Board and their interest in improving our schooling. Michaelena Hix stated that the Technical Careers High School is well respected in the community. V. Bonneville Online High School Student Presentation Chairman McBride welcomed Principal Ty Salisbery and the students from Bonneville Online High School, Mr. Salsbery is excited to share the Bonneville Online program and its benefits with the Board. Shelley Andrus, Bonneville Online lead teacher for the elementary schools stated that Bonneville was a leader of elementary online studies. She focuses on student engagement and achievement through project based learning. Field trips and student weekly meetings help to support online learning. Fifty to sixty percent of the students participate in these events and value the teacher -student interaction. Fifty students attended the Craters of the Moon field trip. Over 50% of the online students are from out of district; the attendance area entails a 60 mile radius of Idaho Falls. This enrollment area allows for easier testing attendance, One hundred percent of the online students have participated in the Star testing. Recently, the online schools put on their first writers workshop, involving students from 5th to 8th grades. Bonneville Online senior Kelsey Pontzer explained that she had lived in Germany for over four years. Taking online classes at summer school has helped her catch up with her credits. Online classes encourages students to move on with life faster, Currently there are 131 full-time students at Bonneville Online High School and last year 27 diplomas were awarded. Bonneville Online senior Lexi Beahm stated during her sophomore year, she moved from Madison High School in Rexburg to Hillcrest High School where the graduation requirements were different. Taking online classes has allowed her to earn the credits needed to graduate at Hillcrest. The Online program has been a great option for her; it allows her to balance school studies, a job and summer activities. She enjoyed the summer school online classes. Lexi is looking forward to earning her CNA certificate and going on to a nursing program. Last summer 463 summer online credits were awarded; 390 of those credits were from the 8 in 6 Program which has increased significantly over the last three years. Bonneville Online senior Nigel Lee has attended Bonneville Online since his freshman year and is on track to be the first online 2016 graduate to have attended all four years. He is also dualed enrolled at TCHS in the welding program and is looking forward to go on to college, He finds the online program allows him to have more freedom, have greater opportunities, and to hold a full-time job. Currently there are 284 part-time online students from Bonneville HS, Hillcrest HS, Lincoln HS and Technical Careers HS who take 1-4 online classes to supplement their class schedule. Mr. Salsbery explained the "8 in 6" Summer School Program was started in April of 2012. It is a state-wide program that gives students the opportunity to take eight online classes tuition free during their high school careers in an effort to clear more schedule space for Honor, Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Credit classes during their junior and senior years of high school. Most of the summer school online students in this program are honor students. VI. 2015 Audit Report — April Burton, Judy Brower Wipfli LLP Chairman McBride invited Judy Brower and Ryan Ballain from Wipfli LLP and April Burton to present the 2014-2015 Audit Report. Ms, Brower explained that the Trustee Report and Audit reports are due to the State on November 10, 2015. She handed out the Trustee Report to all the Board members. The general fund is the emphasis of this report; this fund is where the bulk of the money is and how the Board decides to spend it. The report also includes the budget, assets, liabilities, emergency levy, debt service, capital project fund, operational costs, revenues, PERSI obligations, and general fund graphs, etc. Chairman McBride asked if there are any questions from the Board for Mrs. Burton or Ms. Brower or Mr. Ballain, Hearing none, he asked for a motion to accept the 2014-2015 Audit Report. MOTION: Paul Jenkins made the motion to accept the 2014-2015 Audit, Amy Landers seconded. The vote was 4 in favor; zero opposed and one abstention. Motion carried. VII. Items for Discussion A. Trimester Schedule - Board Discussion Chairman McBride opened discussion on the Trimester schedule and the two 2016-2017 calendar options that have been put out for patron review. The Board is looking towards the December 9, 2015 regular meeting to make this decision the upcoming calendar and school schedule. Deputy Superintendent Marjean McConnell stated a formal apology to the Board from the District Administration, The District administration has talked about and researched the trimester schedule option for over ten years. They did not realize that the current Board members have not been involved in these earlier conversations. It is our responsibility to educate the Board and to answer any questions, Scott Woolstenhulme presented information on the benefits and key outcomes of the Trimester schedule, There are many different schedule options; by reviewing the key outcomes of the trimester schedule will help determine if this is the right choice for our students. Not all student benefit from every -day instruction; it is most beneficial for the at -risk students, and increasing proficiency on test scores. Students use a lot of time in the current A -B schedule working on independent practice, i.e., homework assignments where peer and teacher help is available, but not necessarily the best use of time for the teacher and/or instruction. Efficiency in teacher instruction time should increase with the trimester schedule and increasing the math and English instructional time by 50%. Trimesters will eliminate obstacles in fully participating in the state advanced programs, especial dual -credit classes. The state will pay for all dual credit classes taken by students before they graduate if they can accomplish the graduation requirements early. Student -teacher contact in the high schools will increase on the trimester schedule. Contractual time for teacher is based on instructional minutes in the classroom. On the trimester schedule, high school teachers will teach a total of 300 minutes a day (5 of 6 - 60 minute periods, one planning period). Other benefits include decreased class sizes and more efficient use of classroom space. Currently, there are no roaming teachers at Bonneville HS or Hillcrest HS; when necessary, there are only one roaming teacher per subject area. Mr. Woolstenhulme briefly discussed the District's Strategic Improvement Goals for 2015-2020: Student Performance, Environment, and Patron Engagement Goals. Gymnasium space is a concern with PE class use and athletic practice; the trimester schedule would allow more flexibility in athletic scheduling after school hours. Split lunch schedules would be easier to plan and the transition from middle school to high school would be smoother. Trimester schedules are common throughout the state. The question is: Are these benefits worth the effort to go from semesters to trimesters? Chairman McBride and Amy Landers both verbally accepted the District Administration's apology. Principal McLaren stated his faculty was neutral on switching to trimesters. The only concern was from the History department and the shifting of those graduation requirements, It will be great for math students, Foreign Language students and Language Arts classes. Trimesters will be easier for split sessions. Mrs, Landers is concerned that the teaching staff have not been made aware of the possible trimester schedule for the split sessions. Mr. Woolstenhulme noted that the overlap of students on the split sessions would be involved in online classes and dual credit classes taken off campus, including seminary. College classes at Eastern Idaho Technical College (EITC) could be a great opportunity for our senior students, especially when the tuitions are paid by the state. The only way of overlapping students on a split session schedule is to require them to take half of their classes off campus and/or online. Split lunches will be easier on a trimester schedule. Mr. McLaren agreed that the teachers have not been fully informed on the split session schedule options; it needs to bonoted that both the semester and the trimester schedules can be used for the split session schedule, Parents also need hounderstand that the trimester schedule isnot just for the split sessions, It ismore important bgather information from the patrons and employees onthis subject, than kis torun a aumay. Mr. Woolstenhulme created an opinion poll that allows patrons to put in order the items they feel are most important vs. asurvey. Online surveys can target the parents better than phone surveys; an email can be sent through the district for parents b>respond via the |ntemei. Technical Principal Craig Miller expounded about the TCHS student concerns about trimester schedules. Although there are many different schedules to work around, it is important that the TCHS students are able to attend classes two periods etatime; split lunches would also bnnecessary. Other concerns would ho transportation for students coming from Hillcrest if the periods are shorter, Also, many of the TCH8classes require a certain number of instructional minutes for students to qualify to take the tests required for certification, Split sessions would look different atTCHS. Teachers who purchase prep periods to teach additional class sections might baeffected bythe trimester schedule. Schools will either offer hopay for prep periods nrhire additional teachers. |t|ooyoar4n-ynmrsituation. Chairman McBride concluded that the final decision on the trimester schedules and 2016-2017 calendar will be moved from the November 4'2O15Board meeting to the regular scheduled meeting onWednesday, December 8. 2015. The Board will organize two Community meetings during the first week of December for patrons and the community hndiscuss and ask questions about the trimester proposal. Gathering information from patrons will be looked atcloser, VIII. Board Traininn A. 2O1808AResolutions Chairman McBride encouraged Board members to review the 2016 ISBA Resolutions in preparation for the upcoming convention. IX Club Reauests X CanoelabunnfNovember 1&2O15Work Session Chairman McBride explained the need hocancel the Work Session scheduled for November 18.2015due bothe District Leadership team attending the PLC Conference |nUtah. Mrs, Hix invited all interested Board members to contact her ifthey would also like toattend the conference. Chairman McBride asked for omotion to cancel this work session as stated. MOTION: Greg Calder made motion to cancel November 18, 2015 work session. Paul Jenkins seconded. The vote was 4 in favor; 0 opposed and I abstention. Motion carried. Xi Call for AoondaItems for UouomimzMeeUnnn A. Regular Meeting ' Wednesday, November 4`2016'District Board Room 7:0Op.m. B. |GBAAnnual Convention ' Wednesday, November 11fhd November 13,2V15 - Coeur d'Alono.|D O. Work Session - Wednesday, November 1D'3O16—CANCELED D. Regular Meeting - Wednesday, December 9, 2016 - District Board Room 7:00 p.m. E. Work Session - Wednesday, January 6, 2016 - Discovery Elementary 11:30 a.m. >0iAdinummnn Chairman McBride asked for emotion hxadjourn. MOTION: Paul Jenkins made motion toadjourn. Amy Landers seconded. The vote was 4in favor; Oopposed and abstention. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned ad2:03p.m. AP po Chairman ATTESTED / Clerk Dote: ' 2015-2020 Strategic Improvement Goals Trimester Key Outcomes 1. Provide everyday instruction in core subjects. 2. Increase efficient use of instructional time in core subjects. 3. Provide additional instructional time in math and English classes. 4. Eliminate obstacles to fully participating in state advanced opportunities programs. 5. Make student contact time more equitable across grade levels. Targets 60 990 Current A-13 block 43 65 8 1043 Proposed trimester 58 58 6 1044 2015-2020 Strategic Improvement Goals Ti ari„4v>,fity%v,. i�f�16{..vr.�s.i,.�r3.aaiv,1Y,v73�f.nP':§anantaR&iSffi:€.3'aeT:a.ad.'lnvt a5�.[. Yids a'€3�iEcn:6aYaYe �Yd�t"aYx"cP'o'{`x's18aYulic`cS'Aas'9��b�,y�:>., .mak .. >.�` Student Performance Outcomes J for Trimester Schedule • Provide increased instructional time to provide extended learning opportunities for students who have not mastered essential standards. • Provide every day instruction and increased instructional time in math and English classes to increase proficiency on state assessments. • Eliminate barriers that preventstudents from fully participating in state Advanced Opportunities programs to increase dual credit participation. M& Learning Environment • • ]=for rimester Schedule I • Decrease class sizes to improve the GPA of indicators of learning environments in patron surveys. • Increase utilization of classrooms to improve the GPA of indicators of learning environments in patron surveys. Other Outcomes for Trimester Schedule Positive • Student contact time will increase from 56% to 63% (comparable to elementary) • Students will take fewer classes at once (6 vs. 8) • Potential increase in academic learning time • Class time will increase by 50% in 3 -trimester classes (math, English, AP, etc.) Negative • High school teacher preparation time will decrease • Students will have less time to complete assigned homework • Students will not participate in some programs for a full year • Technical and lab -based classes may be impacted by shorter periods. • Class time will decrease time by 4 hours per grading period. Other Outcomes for Trimester Schedule Positive Negative • Athletic scheduling • Splitting lunch hours is more manageable • Easier transition from middle school 16 High School Schedules 14 , 4A/5A high schools by region 12 • D93 is only Region 6 4A/5A district not on trimesters 10 • Trimesters are prevalent in 8 eastern Idaho, but not in any other regions 6 10 4 z 4 2 2 2 I III II V IV VI � I Quarter F-1 A -B Regular M Trimester