SWAN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

District School Improvement Team/Curriculum Coordinating Council

Monday, April 11, 2011

6:30 p.m.

MINUTES

Present:  Kathryn Louks, Shana Bielby, Ann Laundra, Kelly Conger, Carrie Leddy, Diane Fong, JoAnn Schneider, Heidi Erlenbeck, Colleen Schaeding, Karla Parker, Craig Blower, Dave Essmann, Shelly DuRussel, Mat McRae, and Dave Moore

1.   Welcome and Introductions – Dave Moore

2.   Update on Curriculum Initiatives for 2010-11 – Dave Moore subbed for Rich Dyer

· 9-12 Art has been completed

· K-12 Science materials – Teachers are currently reviewing materials.  High school will be having a presentation from vendors on April 13.  Elementary will be hearing presentations from vendors on April 19.  MS materials were received late and they will be reviewing materials in a couple of weeks. 

· The MEAP results were reviewed with the group.

· K-12 Technology Committees – K-5 is completed.  6-8 and 9-12 are being worked on.  The high school is working on revising the district curriculum, and articulating with Delta College, meeting the new State Guidelines.

· 6-12 Music, K-12 Spanish, 9-12 Industrial Arts are waiting until 2011-12 (New instructors in Music and Spanish)

· K-8 Language Arts and Human Sexuality Committees will begin work in 2011-12

3.   Update on MEAP Results – Dave Moore subbed for Rich Dyer

• Dave reviewed the current MEAP results for the district that were prepared in a report by Rich Dyer.  Overall, there were four scores that were at the 90^th percentile or higher, 10 scores that were in the 80^th percentile or higher, and two scores that were in the 60^th percentile or higher.  In 4^th grade writing, we were 69% proficient which was among the high in the county and was above the state average of 47%.  In 7^th grade writing, we were 61.6% proficient which was 3^rd in the county and was above the state average of 48%.  Overall the district did very well, but we will continue to set its goal of all students being 100% proficient. 

4.   Update on Study Committees – Rich Dyer, Dave Essmann, and Dave Moore

• Special Education Study Committee – Dave Moore reported that the committee has developed a belief statement, vision statement, and mission statement for special education.  In addition, the committee has reviewed special education data, special education strategies, and is in the process of making recommendations for a direction in special education.  Next meeting is scheduled for April 19. 
• On-Line Learning and/or programs for high performing students Committee – Dave Essmann reported that the committee

The Swan Valley School District’s Strategic Plan for the 2010 – 2011 school year listed Aim I, Goal I; Strategy K as:

“Investigate potential for providing additional learning opportunities for high performing students in our elementary schools.”

The action plan called for the formation of a small study committee for the purpose of collecting information and data regarding the potential for providing additional learning opportunities for high performing students in our K-5 elementary schools.

The committee was formed in November of 2010 and included the following members:

Committee Membership

  David Essmann Principal Robert B. Havens Elementary

  Shelly DuCharme   Principal Shields Elementary

  Lori Vantol Teacher Robert B. Havens Elementary

  Sara Spangler Teacher   Robert B. Havens Elementary

  Carrie Leddy Teacher   Shields Elementary

  Gina Wilson   Teacher   Shields Elementary

  Adjunct Members

  David Moore Superintendent   Swan Valley Schools

  Rich Dyer Director of Curriculum and Instruction   Swan Valley Schools

  Below are issues and findings that the committee discussed regarding this District   School Improvement Goal:

  The following issues were discussed in committee:

· Criteria for identification of students

· Estimated number of students

· Curriculum areas

· On-line learning

· Instructional materials

· Financial impact

· Outside of school day possibilities

The committee felt the following were practical offerings for our students:

1.   Destination ImagiNation, Inc.

2.   Odyssey of the Mind

LEGO® Education School Solutions

It is the opinion of this committee, that each building pursue “Odyssey of the Mind” and LEGO Education School Solutions, as programs to meet the needs of our advanced students. Attached to the minutes is Dave’s full report. 

5.   Update on Budget for 2011-12

• Dave Moore gave a brief overview of changes in the budget for 2011-12.  Four teachers have retired-two that are Title I and there is a possibility that some of them may not be replaced.  The district is budgeting for 10 less students.  There are also proposals at the state level to reduce the funding for the district by approximately $470 per student (approximately 1800 students).  The retirement rate is being increased from 20.66% to 24.46% which will increase expenditures for the district

6.   Strategic Plan Ideas for 2011-12

• Members were given an opportunity to offer suggestions for the 2011-12 Strategic Plan.  One suggestion was to continue with the Special Education goal from the 2010-11 and include investigating the MiBLSi program. 

7.   Other

• Dave Moore reviewed the current communication plan and asked for suggestions to improve it.  The question was “How do we better communicate with our staff and community?”  Contact him via email if they have ideas. 
• Craig Blower discussed the changing of the MS exploratory rotation.  New classes will be 6^th grade art, 7^th grade music appreciation, and 8^th grade student productions.  Members were thanked for being a part of the committee for 2010-11. 

Future Meeting Dates: This was the last meeting of the year