Thursday, May 22, 2014

Board Briefs from May 12, 2014 Business Meeting

This information includes highlights of action taken and information received by the Ladue Schools Board of Education at the May 12, 2014, 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.
    Superintendent Remarks
    • Dr. Donna Jahnke said this year's Dogwood Festival, sponsored by the City of Ladue, was a great success on Saturday, May 10, 2014.  It has been seven years since the last festival, but was brought back under the leadership of Mayor Nancy Spewak.  Dr. Jahnke thanked Ladue Schools facility crew for helping with the festival, and mentioned Ladue Schools' had made a good showing at the festival with groups from Reed Elementary School, Conway Elementary School and the Fifth Grade Center walking in the parade, and the high school band playing as the parade passed by the high school.  
    • Ladue Middle School will host the annual African-American Student Recognition Night this week which provides a great opportunity to recognize the many outstanding achievements of our African-American students.
    • Ladue Horton Watkins High School's graduation ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2014 at 5 p.m. at the high school stadium.
    ACTION ITEMS

    Bid Approvals.  At this time of year, as the district prepares for summer projects, a number of budgeted projects come to the Board for approval.  The Board approved four bid recommendations presented by administration.  The Board is required to approve any purchases over $25,000.

    Revisions to Policies GCB and GDB and Resolution Regarding Administrative Salary Ranges.  The Board voted to suspend portions of policies and resolutions in regard to setting salary parameters for professional (certified) staff, support staff and administrators.  These steps were taken in order to allow for more collaboration and broader understanding of the topics involved in setting parameters around employee compensation before moving forward with further discussions.

    WORK SESSION ITEMS


    2014-17 Technology Plan Presentation.  Director of Technology Rob Highfill outlined the changes anticipated to be made to the Technology Plan originally approved by the Board in 2013.

    Extra Duty Stipend Amounts.  Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Ken Rossics presented the 2014-15 Stipend List.  There were no position additions or deletions.  Some athletic head coach amounts were adjusted based on comparable salary data.  In addition, the administration will be recommending a one-time $500 stipend for head coaches with ten or more years experience in their sport in order to keep experienced, quality coaches.  This item will come to the Board for approval at the May 28, 2014 Board of Education meeting.


    Tentative Agenda Items for Business Meeting May 28, 2014:

    ACTION 
    • 2014-2015 Board Meeting Dates 
    • Extra Duty Stipend Amounts 
    INFORMATION 
    • 2014-2015 School Lunch Prices 
    • Board Member Assignment to Board Advisory and Other Committees 
    • Spanish Program Report 
    • 2014-2015 Budget Introduction 
    The next Business Meeting of the Board will take place on May 28, 2014, at 7 p.m. at the Administrative Center, 9703 Conway Road.