January 11 Board Summary
Regular Meeting
The Red Oak CSD Board of Directors met with all members in attendance. President Charla Schmid led the governing body through an agenda highlighted by staffing considerations for the 2010-2011 school year; consideration of early retirement requests; and instructional program reviews.
Communications and Guests
The Directors received ‘good news’ reports from the district’s leadership team and welcomed representatives of the Red Oak Education Association and the Red Oak Support Staff Association. As part of the district’s emphasis for Interest Based Contract Bargaining, letters of interest were exchanged between all groups. A schedule of closed bargaining meetings will be developed.
Teacher Early Retirement Requests Approved
The Red Oak Community School District will lose many experienced teachers for the next school year, 2010 – 2011. Through a special board policy that grants incentives for early retirement, the Red Oak Board of Directors approved requests for Red Oak High School Instructors Sandra Phillips, 22 years and Michael Gilbert, 33 years; and Inman Primary Instructors Donna Elliott, 23 years; and Sara Crisp, 23 years. Approved for the special retirement benefits in earlier meetings were Etta Murphy, ROMS counselor; Kerry Hohbach, ROMS instructor; Cathy Ogden, ROMS instructor; and Thia Schuler, ROMS instructor. The deadline for requesting early retirement benefits is Friday, January 15.
Budget Reduction Staffing Proposals Received
As part of the Directors’ work to bring repaired fiscal health in the 2010 – 2011 budget year, staffing proposals were requested from each attendance center and department. The Directors received the first two presentations from the ROCSD Special Education Department led by Monica Crouch and from the Red Oak Middle School led by Barbara Sims. With significant reorganization identified in each report, staff reductions proposed could amount to 5.5 FTE at Red Oak Middle School and 2.5 FTE within the special education programs. The reorganization plans would result in higher classroom enrollments and higher teacher loads for special services. The Directors received the reports but took no formal action pending the review of all staffing proposals in the weeks ahead.
Red Oak High School Iowa Tests of Educational Development
High School Principal Jedd Sherman and Curriculum Director Doug Barry reviewed results of the ITED testing program completed for eleventh graders this past November. Results indicated that Red Oak High will once again meet the goals established for adequate yearly progress. Areas tested included math, reading, and science.
Shown here is a summary of the scores reported by the administrators:
(please note that FAY means Full Academic Year students)
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Virtual Learning – 21st Century Learning Skills – Iowa Core Curriculum
The Board of Directors received an update from Curriculum Director Doug Barry and High School Principal Jedd Sherman about new technology that could be implemented at Red Oak High School. The concepts discussed support the goals of the Iowa Core Curriculum initiative for improved 21st century learning skills. A visual presentation led by Principal Sherman explained Virtual Reality Education and how it could impact students in Red Oak. The technology piece would be made available through Virtual Reality Education Pathfinder. The Board of Directors requested more information before committing to the proposed project. With a significant private industry donation, Red Oak High School could implement the program with minimal costs.
Shared Staffing Concepts and Program Initiatives with Neighboring School Districts
As part of the Board of Directors’ efforts to reduce budget expenditures in Fiscal Year 2011 and beyond, a goal was affirmed at the December board meeting to work with neighboring school districts to explore staff and program sharing. Schools involved in recent discussions include the close neighbors of Stanton, Villisca, and Griswold. Other school districts who have attended discussions concerning vocational education include Shenandoah, Clarinda, and the Southwestern Community College. The Board received an update about these efforts during the January 11 meeting. Although no proposals are ready for consideration by the Directors, it is anticipated one or more program suggestions could be ready by the end of January.
Other Personnel Concerns . . .
The Board of Directors received an update on the recruitment of office personnel for Red Oak High School and Washington Intermediate. Due to recent resignations, recruitment resulted in the placement of Mrs. Elaine Carlson as a shared office worker and paraeducator for Washington and Inman. Rebecca Peterson was selected to begin working as the high school guidance office secretary. Both individuals will be considered for a contract recommendation after a thirty day probationary period.
Race to the Top – Iowa Department of Education Plan
The Red Oak Board of Directors agreed to participate in the State of Iowa application for the federal program called “Race to the Top”. Only nine states will initially be approved to participate. The Iowa Association of School Boards has described the Race to the Top program as a program designed to encourage and reward states that are creating the conditions for education innovation and reform; achieving significant improvement in student outcomes, including making substantial gains in student achievement, closing achievement gaps, improving high school graduation rates, and ensuring student preparation for success in college and careers; and implementing ambitious plans in four core education reform areas: assessments, data systems, recruitment/reward of teachers/administrators, and turning around low achieving schools.
Consent Agenda
The consent agenda was unanimously approved. With this action:
- Minutes of the December 21, 2009 meeting were approved.
- Business reports were approved as presented.
- Stephanie Ehmke was approved as the Safety Patrol coordinator for Washington Intermediate.
- Educational services agreements were approved with the Sioux City CSD and Clarinda Academy.
- Open enrollment “in” requests for a family from Nishna Valley and a family from Stanton were approved.
Superintendent’s Report
The Directors reviewed communication as presented by the Superintendent. An invitation was extended to the Directors for the upcoming Red Oak Chamber and Industrial Association’s Annual Meeting and Banquet. Featured speaker will be former Governor Terry Branstad. Information about upcoming learning activities for board member was shared. Red Oak will host an Iowa Association of School Boards workshop on March 23 entitled: “Responsible Decision-making and the Iowa Core Curriculum.
Next Meeting
The next meeting for the Red Oak Board of Directors will take place on Monday, January 25 beginning at 6:00 pm. The meeting will be held at the Sue Wagaman Board Room, Webster Central Office, 904 Broad Street, Red Oak.