This publication includes highlights of information received by the Ladue Schools Board of Education at the May 10, 2016 Work Session. 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
- Superintendent Dr. Donna Jahnke announced that the Class of 2016 will graduate this Sunday, May 15, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. at Chaifetz Arena. The public is welcome to attend.
REPORTS
Update on High School Building Project. Dr. Jahnke and Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Dr. Jason Buckner facilitated a conversation with the Board on the following topics:
- Bond Issuance. The Ladue School District’s AAA rating was recently reaffirmed by Standard & Poor’s with positive comments on the district’s management style and policies. A Parameters Bond Resolution will be approved at the next Board meeting on May 23, 2016, which will outline the guidelines with which the bonds will be sold competitively.
- Change Order Approvals. There will be a standing weekly meeting of the Board of Education beginning (date) in order to approve construction change orders over $100,000. Change orders less than $100,000 can be approved by the administration in consultation with appointed Board representatives Andy Bresler, Carolyn Jaeger and Sheldon Johnson. Policy will be brought forward for approval in June Board meetings to reflect this discussion.
- Summer 2016. Project work over the course of the coming summer will include the installment of temporary interior and exterior classrooms; abatement of hazardous materials in the area of the building being demolished; detachment of the portion of the building being demolished from the main building; initiation of demolition; and surrounding site work including fencing, reconfiguration of parking, and development of the construction staging area.
Limitless Learning Update. Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Ken Rossics introduced Director of Technology Rob Highfill, Technology Specialist Adam Stirrat and Technology Specialist Kristi Lehde who provided an overview of the status of the district’s Limitless Learning program, specifically the one-to-one iPad initiative at Ladue Horton Watkins High School. Mr. Rossics explained that the high school initiative puts an additional tool to access curriculum in the hands of students and is not meant to be used in every lesson, on every topic, every day.
The presentation included both anecdotal and quantitative data regarding the use of the iPads, including staff and student surveys; use, cost and expectations of electronic textbooks; and plans for evolving the program. The presenters acknowledged that students downloading and playing games in class has been problematic. Beginning in the 2016-17 school year, students will only have access to approved applications; teachers will be able to lock students into the specific apps they need to use in a class, as well as lock down iPads temporarily during class.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
The next Board of Education meeting will be a Business Meeting on May 23, 2016 at 7 p.m. at the Administrative Center, 9703 Conway Road. Tentative agenda items include the following.
Tentative Agenda Items for Business Meeting May 23, 2016:
ACTION
- 2016-2017 Extra Duty Stipend Amounts
- Bond Parameters Resolution
- Elementary Attendance Areas
INFORMATION
- Consolidated Application for Federal Grants
- 2016-2017 Testing Schedule
- Update on High School Building Project
- Project Report #2
- Administrative Updates
- 2016-2017 School Lunch Prices
- 2016-2017 Budget Introduction & Financial Planning
- Board Member Assignment to Board Advisory and Other Committees
- Recommended Patron Appointments to Board Advisory Committees
