March 27, 2013
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer
The work session focused on the so-called "common core standards," which Kansas has adopted, and the steps the district will be taking to begin implementing them.
During the regular meeting, the board discussed schedule changes for the high school and additional collaboration time for elementary teachers. Lisa Heller, NEA president, addressed the board about concerns elementary teachers had about collaboration time. She said elementary teachers wished there had been better communication about proposed changes and wished they had had more opportunities to be involved with the process. Board member Pete Paukstelis said people have an obligation to be part of the process and not to expect to be spoon fed everything. The board approved the plan for additional collaboration time 6-1, with Walt Pesaresi dissenting because he wanted the changes to be implemented sooner. For the high school level, the board approved developing a schedule that will allow teachers in the same academic area to have collaboration time, and also directed administration to continue to explore having a modified block schedule at the high school.
The board approved the 2013-14 school calendar, which will lengthen the school year by four days. The past few years, the school year had been shortened by four days and individual school days were lengthened to compensate as a means to work around the construction projects. Lengthening the school year will also provide the means to provide additional collaboration and professional development time.
The board received a report on capital outlay projects for 2013-14. A few of the projects listed were updating playground surfaces, playground equipment, replacing the roof on Bergman Elementary, and artificial turf for Bishop Stadium. The district is contributing $200,000 to the turf project, with the remaining funds coming from efforts by the MHS Booster Club to secure donations.
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