Thursday, September 26, 2013

Ladue Schools Board of Education Business Meeting - September 23, 2013

This information includes highlights of action taken and information received by the Ladue Board of Education at the September 23, 2013, meeting.  This is an unofficial record.  Official minutes of each Board meeting are posted on the district website and are available for viewing at the Administrative Center after the Board approves them, typically two weeks after the meeting.

Staff Recognition

September 2013 Excellence in Education Award
Nancy Chambers, Seventh-Grade Mathematics Teacher
Ladue Middle School.  
Superintendent Remarks
  • Superintendent Dr. Donna Jahnke announced 15 National Merit Semifinalists were announced and honored at a reception last week at the high school.  As part of the celebration, each of these students chose a teacher whom they believed had a significant impact on their academic success.  Each student made three choices, resulting in 40 teachers being named.  Dr. Jahnke commented on the impact all teachers have on our students and how very appreciative our students are of the many contributions made on their behalf.
  • Dr. Jahnke reminded everyone of the community Open House at the Fifth Grade Center on October 9, 2013 from 6 - 8 p.m.   There will be self-guided tours, refreshments and a brief presentation at 7 p.m.  The entire community is encouraged to attend to see the district's newest educational facility.
ACTION ITEMS

Approval of 2013-14 Operating Budget Tax Levy.   As a result of the decrease in property assessments, the district's operating tax levy ceiling (when calculated using a single rate method) has been increased to approximately $3.3173, $.0773 higher than the current operating tax levy.  The Board elected to maintain the rate at $3.24, despite an estimated revenue decrease of approximately $1 million.  However, both the Board and administration acknowledged the need to consider raising the levy in future years to maintain district revenue at existing levels, should property assessments not increase.

Approval of 2013-14 Debt Service Levy.  Dr. Buckner recommended, and the Board approved, not raising the debt service levy at this time, despite the district's anticipated debt service fund revenue decreasing by approximately $125,000 from last year, as the revenue raised will still carry the district through the required payments for the year.  However, Dr. Buckner indicated a plan for moving forward would need to be discussed if assessments do not increase in 2015.  Opportunities for refunding will be evaluated, should they arise.

INFORMATION ITEMS

Class Size Discussion.  Dr. Jahnke led a discussion regarding the need to evaluate the district's class size policies and guidelines.  A Superintendent Advisory Committee on Class Size is being formed.  It will be led by Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Dr. Laura Brock and Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Ken Rossics.  Committee members are in the process of being selected, and will consist of three teachers (one each from the high school, middle school and elementary schools); three parents (one each from the Finance Board Advisory Committee, Curriculum & Instruction Board Advisory Committee and the Parent District Council; one secondary building administrator; one elementary building administrator; and two Board of Education members.

The committee will be tasked with studying research about class sizes, the financial implications of changing class sizes, and what the minimum/maximum numbers should be at each grade level, based on what the parent community wants and the broader community will support.  The committee will report to the administration in January, and the Board will have these recommendations in time to impact the 2014-15 school year.

Meeting dates and times will be made available when they are known.

2013-14 Bus Routes/Mileage.  Dr. Buckner provided a summary of the steps taken to alleviate bus transportation challenges occurring this year.  These challenges are the result of the need to reconfigure bus routes in order to provide transportation to the Fifth Grade Center, while increasing budget dollars used for transportation as minimally as possible.  At the October 28, 2013 meeting, the Board will officially approve the 2013-14 bus routes.

Communications Report.  Communications Director Susan Dielmann, along with Communications Specialist Laura Shea and Webmaster D'Ante' DuCasse', presented the annual Communications Report to the Board, outlining the revised 2013-15 Communications Plan, as well as highlights of recently completed initiatives, an outline of projects currently in development, and those planned for the future.

Focus for Board Advisory Committees.  The administrative leaders of each Board Advisory Committee (Technology, Finance, Facilities and Curriculum & Instruction) outlined their plans and goals for the year.

Strategic Plan Update.  Dr. Jahnke provided the Board with a Strategic Plan update reflecting progress made and updated timelines for the goals and objectives set by the 2009-15 Strategic Plan.  During the 2013-14 school year, the district will be redeveloping its Strategic Plan with the goal of having a new plan in place for the 2014-15 school year.

Tentative Agenda Items for the Board's Work Session on October 14, 2013:
  • Fifth Grade Center Final Report
  • District Facilities Report
Tentative Agenda Items for the Board's Business Meeting on October 28, 2013:

      ACTION
  • 2013-14 Bus Routes/Mileage
  • Strategic Plan Changes
  • Annual Floor Covering Replacement Bid
  • Annual Trane Maintenance Service Contract
      INFORMATION
  • Enrollment and Residency Report
The next Board of Education meeting will be a Work Session on October 14, 2013 at 6 p.m.  The Board's next Business Meeting will take place on October 28, 2013 at 7 p.m.  Both meetings will be held at the Administrative Center, 9703 Conway Road.