This information includes highlights of information received by the Ladue Schools Board of Education at the February 22, 2016 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.
February Excellence in Education Award
Becky Braddock, Occupational Therapist, Reed Elementary School
Board President's Remarks
- Referring to the current political climate, Board President Jeff Kopolow (and former high school social studies teacher) quipped that for the first time in a long time he wished he was still teaching a Current Events class.
Superintendent Remarks
- Superintendent Dr. Donna Jahnke congratulated high school students and staff on their recent outstanding production of the musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. She also noted that the Ladue Middle School production of The Little Mermaid Jr. would be performed later in the week and she was looking forward to attending.
ACTION ITEM
2017-18 School Calendar. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Dr. Jennifer Allen presented, and the Board approved, the administration’s recommendation for the 2017-18 School Calendar. The calendar is very similar to previous years’ calendars in terms of student contact days, teacher contact days and days incorporated for staff professional development. The approved calendar reflects the first day of school on Tuesday, Aug. 15, and the last day of school on Wednesday, May 23. Decisions about future year calendars are subject to revision, by Board approval, should the factors taken into consideration change.
2016 District Summer Programs. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Dr. Jennifer Allen presented, and the Board approved, the administration’s plan for the 2016 Summer School Program. The plan incorporates targeted interventions and project-based learning at all levels for students who need additional support. The plan includes a recovery program for high school students, a K-8 program and an LECC camp.
Meet and Confer Report/Recommendations. Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Ken Rossics and Ladue Educators’ Association Representative Melora Pruneau presented, and the Board approved, the annual Meet and Confer Report. The Meet and Confer process is used to discuss salary, benefits, and working conditions between the teachers and the district. Formal sessions have been occurring since early January, resulting in the final agreements/resolutions presented. With the Board’s approval of the report, any required updates to the Master Agreement will be completed.
Release of Funds for High School Renovation Schematic Design. Dr. Jahnke presented, and the Board approved, the administration’s recommendation for funds to be released to the architects selected for the high school renovation project in order for the renovation schematic design to begin. Should Proposition R pass on April 5, 2016, having this facet of the project started will allow for pre-construction processes to be accelerated and construction to be initiated, and completed, as quickly as possible.
INFORMATION ITEMS
High School Building Project: Construction Team Update. Dr. Jahnke and Assistant Superintendent for Business & Finance Dr. Jason Buckner, along with the design and construction team of Bond Architects, Hastings & Chivetta and S.M. Wilson, provided the Board with a comprehensive update on the plans being made for a significant high school renovation, should Proposition R pass on April 5, 2016. Updated floor plans, renderings and digital concepts were reviewed, as well as refined cost projections. The presentation culminated with the viewing of an Informational Video created to communicate information about the project to the Ladue Schools community.
Support Staff Classifications. Over time, the differences in job duties for the two administrative assistant positions at the four elementary schools have become blurred. Mr. Rossics outlined the situation and offered initial recommendations for creating greater consistencies and efficiencies. These changes, if adopted, could impact salary ranges, work calendars and leave availability and would be implemented via attrition.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
The next Board of Education meeting will be a Business Meeting on March 28, 2016, at 7 p.m. at the Administrative Center, 9703 Conway Road. Tentative agenda items include the following.
Tentative Agenda Items for Business Meeting March 28, 2016:
INFORMATION
- Update on High School Building Project
