2022-02-28-minutes.txt

Text

Blaine School District No. 503
  Board Work Session: Mid-Year Reports
Monday, February 28, 2022
  Minutes
  1. Board Work Session
A. Call to Order
In accordance with guidelines related to the COVID-19 pandemic emergency, this work session was conducted with both virtual and in-person components. President Thomas opened the work session, in the district's boardroom, at 5:00 p.m.
  All Directors were in attendance.
     Todd Nunamaker, Dougal Thomas, Charles E Gibson, Erika Creydt
  2. Work Session Content
A. District Strategic Plan Update
Superintendent Dr. Christopher Granger provided an update on the district's 3-year Strategic Plan. Dr. Granger reviewed progress in the areas of focus which include Culture, Social Emotional Learning and Student Safety, Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum, and Fiscal Responsibility. There were no questions on the district level presentation.
  B. School Improvement Plans Update
School administrators were in attendance to provide mid-year reports on School Improvement Plans.
Blaine High School: Principal Scott Ellis reviewed goals related to the three common areas of instructional purpose, collaboration, and social emotional learning. Long term goals and action plans were reviewed for the building's leadership, instructional staff, and students. Mr. Ellis shared an example of the Math PLC's collaborative work practice, and large increases were noted in the percentage of students meeting standards in math. Efforts in social emotional learning include identification of students in need of connection and efforts to make sure students know help is available from their teachers. Director Nunamaker asked about students' disconnection and discussion followed. Director Creydt commended the high school's efforts to ensure connection with each student. Director Thomas shared comments about literacy resources and discussion followed.
Blaine Middle School: Principal Darren Benson reviewed the school's efforts to help students feel a sense of belonging, to improve student learning, to build relevance and stamina, and to reconnect as an adult community. Goals for improvement were reviewed, and assessment data was presented as a measurement of progress. Mr. Benson described students' growth as documented in the areas of math and literacy, and he shared an example to demonstrate the use of data dashboards to monitor growth. President Thomas expressed appreciation for the school's use of the data dashboard which provides greater visibility for both school leadership as well as teaching teams. Discussion continued regarding the PLCs' collaborative work.
Blaine Elementary School: Principal Cabe VanderYacht reviewed student performance growth in literacy, and he expressed confidence about meeting goals in this area. Action steps were reviewed for performance growth in literacy, as well as in math. Progress in math continues to present a significant challenge. Social emotional learning progress was reviewed, and Mr. VanderYacht described efforts to help students develop increased skills in this area. He spoke highly of Kelli Alonso's work in teaching the Conscious Discipline strategies. Director Creydt asked how the current SEL data compares to pre-COVID data, and discussion followed. Mr. VanderYacht indicated that he did not have comparable SEL data available from the school's prior leadership.
Blaine Primary School: Principal Jordan Radke reviewed progress towards the school's goals in literacy and math. Literacy instruction has focused heavily on teaching phonics this year. Common assessments are being used to develop consistent measurements of growth in math performance. SEL support for students has included the development of common language, safe spaces, and "safekeeper" commitments. Mr. Radke described Kelli Alonso's coaching work with teachers to increase collaboration, as well as the concept of teacher teams which was learned at a recent training.
  President Thomas asked about the use of CEL literacy coaches at the K-5 and 6-12 levels, and discussion followed.
  3. Summary Discussion
A. Closing Review of the Work Session
Dr. Granger explained the timeline for future review of School Improvement Plans which will include data gathering in June and a presentation in August. He also expressed appreciation for the school administrators' acknowledgement that the district's goals have not yet been met but efforts are ongoing to ensure progress continues in each area.

There was discussion regarding expectations for how instruction will be impacted by the removal of the mask mandate in March.

Director Thomas asked about expectations for the use of Conscious Discipline strategies, and there was discussion regarding the importance of consistency across the system. Dr. Granger expressed appreciation for the Instructional Leadership Team's support for district-wide growth in this area, and he commended the administrators for their collective intelligence and concern for the welfare of Blaine students. President Thomas added his appreciation for the work of the administrative team.
  Jordan Radke informed the board that registration begins on March 1st for the Class of 2035.
  4. Adjournment
A. Close Work Session
President Thomas closed the work session at 6:13 p.m.
   
                         ________________________________                            ________________________________
                                      BOARD PRESIDENT                                                               SECRETARY/CLERK