This information includes highlights of action taken and information received by the Ladue Schools Board of Education at the January 26, 2015, business 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.
Excellence in Education Award
Margaret Shockley
Fourth-Grade Teacher, Old Bonhomme Elementary School
Board President's Remarks
- Board President Jeff Kopolow announced the candidates who will be running for two seats on the Ladue Schools Board of Education in the election on April 7, 2015. In filing order, they are: Sheldon Johnson, Sheri Glantz, Nancy Leve Goldstein, Donald W. Buck, II and Kisha Lee. The community will have an opportunity to hear from the candidates and ask questions at "Meet the Candidates Night" on March 24, 2015 at 7 p.m. in the Ladue Middle School cafeteria.
- In recognition of the week of January 25, 2015 being School Board Appreciation Week, Mr. Kopolow offered his thanks to his fellow Board members, as well as the administration and entire district staff, for their leadership, collaboration and teamwork on behalf of students.
Superintendent's Remarks
- Also in recognition of School Board Appreciation Week, Superintendent Dr. Donna Jahnke thanked the Board of Education for their service to the district, presented Board members with certificates from the Missouri School Board Association and the State of Missouri, and read a proclamation from Governor Jay Nixon. In addition, a video expressing the administration's appreciation for the hard work of the Board was presented.
- Dr. Jahnke announced that the annual Chili Supper was a success with great attendance from all buildings across the district. She congratulated the girls basketball teams for their wins against Parkway West following the supper.
- Dr. Jahnke thanked building leaders for their participation at the Board of Education Work Session on January 14, 2015. Following an overview of the district's Strategic Plan, building principals and directors rotated amongst groups of Board members to outline key projects included in their buildings' school improvement plans.
- Dr. Jahnke also thanked Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Ken Rossics for coordinating meetings in all buildings to answer questions about the new compensation structure for the district's certified staff.
INFORMATION ITEMS
Budget Update/Five-Year Financial Forecast. Assistant Superintendent for Business & Finance Dr. Jason Buckner reviewed current district financial information and projections, as well as historical and comparative data. He encouraged the Board to remain cautious and to continue to adhere to the 2% expenditure increase parameter currently in place, as only very minor revenue growth is anticipated. This expenditure increase parameter is on track to be able to be kept in place until at least the 2019-20 school year. The district also remains on target to remain above the 15% unrestricted fund balance parameter through the 2019-20 school year.
Budget Update/Five-Year Financial Forecast. Assistant Superintendent for Business & Finance Dr. Jason Buckner reviewed current district financial information and projections, as well as historical and comparative data. He encouraged the Board to remain cautious and to continue to adhere to the 2% expenditure increase parameter currently in place, as only very minor revenue growth is anticipated. This expenditure increase parameter is on track to be able to be kept in place until at least the 2019-20 school year. The district also remains on target to remain above the 15% unrestricted fund balance parameter through the 2019-20 school year.
2015 District Summer Programs. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Dr. Laura Brock and Director of Student Services Dr. Derrick Wallace outlined the district's recommendations for 2015 summer learning opportunities. Programming is recommended to include:
- A high school credit recovery program
- Elementary and middle school programming to accommodate approximately 180 students with a focus on reading, math, STEM and Title I Math Support
- A fee-based Ladue Early Childhood Center Summer Camp
2016-2017 School Calendar. Dr. Brock presented the administration's recommendation for the 2016-17 school year calendar. This calendar maintains a similar structure as in recent years with minor adjustments in days used for professional development. This calendar reflects the first school day as Monday, August 15, 2016 and the last school day as May 24, 2017.
FUTURE MEETINGS
Tentative Agenda Items for Work Session on Wednesday, February 11, 2015:
- High School Schedule
- Meet and Confer Report
- Master Plan Phase I Discussion
Tentative Agenda Items for Business Meeting on Monday, February 23, 2015:
Action
- Hearing and Approval of 2016-17 Calendar
- Meet and Confer Report Recommendations
Information
- Update on Math Action Plans
The next meeting of the Board will be a Work Session at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22, 2015 at the Administrative Center, 9703 Conway Road.
