This information includes highlights of information received by the Ladue Schools Board of Education at the Dec. 12, 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.
Krystal Florez, First Grade Teacher, Spoede Elementary
Students and Teachers as Research Scientists (STARS) Program Participants
Philip Adams, Cindy Geng*, Matan Gottesman, Anhthi Luong, Nisha Naseer* and Alexandra Rice*
*Also received Partnership of Research Institution’s Award for Excellence in Research
Superintendent Remarks
- Superintendent Dr. Donna Jahnke expressed that the district has known from the start that increased efforts toward equity and inclusiveness would be key components of the Strategic Plan currently under development. Research has confirmed that while the work we are currently doing in this area is viewed as beneficial, there is also broad agreement that this work must continue. Dr. Jahnke looks forward to putting these ideals, and others, into action through the district’s continued strategic planning work.
- In this season of celebration, Dr. Jahnke wished a Happy Holidays to the entire Ladue Schools community.
ACTION ITEM
Bond Refunding. Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Dr. Jason Buckner introduced Matt DeLeo, Financial Advisor from Sentry Financial and Ali Tilghman, Bond Counsel for Thompson Coburn, who presented a Parameters Resolution authorizing the administration to refinance $14,965,000 in 2007 bonds. The Board approved the Parameters Resolution for the refinancing of bonds which is anticipated to save the district approximately 10% on the current remaining payments. In October 2014, the district refinanced the remaining 2007 bonds up to the allowable amount under tax law, resulting in 9.8% savings of approximately $2.1 million.
2016-2017 Revised Budget. Dr. Buckner presented, and the Board approved, the 2016-17 Revised Budget. The Board of Education approved the 2016-17 Preliminary Budget on June 27, 2016. Each year, the annual budget is adjusted and revised based on the availability of more accurate revenue and expense data than is available in the summer prior to the school year beginning. (Click on the paragraph header for additional details.)
Meet & Confer Report and Recommendations. The Board approved the 2017 Meet and Confer Report as presented by Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Ken Rossics, and Ladue Educators’ Association Meet and Confer Director Kevin Andrews (Old Bonhomme). The other two members of the LEA Meet and Confer team, Matt Strayhorn (Ladue Middle School) and Ted Waterson (Ladue Horton Watkins High School) were also present, along with the other district team representatives - Fifth Grade Center Principal Julie Helm and Dr. Buckner.
The Meet and Confer process is used to discuss salary, benefits and working conditions between the teachers and the district. This process is generally concluded later in the school year. However, an effort was made to make salary and benefit decisions for teachers earlier than normal in order to allow employees to make more informed decisions when considering the district’s current Early Separation Incentive Plan (ESIP). Extensive details are available by clicking on the header to this section.
2017-18 High School Course Change Proposals. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Dr. Jennifer Allen presented, and the Board approved, high school course changes for 2017-18 which include three new courses: Computer Science Principles, Introduction to Media, and Principles of Biomedical Science. Ten courses will be renamed. No courses are being eliminated. Additional details can be found by clicking on the header of this paragraph.
Board Policy Changes. Dr. Jahnke and Dr. Allen presented, and the Board approved, changes to two district policies.
- Policy JFCF, which addresses Hazing and Bullying, has been revised and made into two separate policies (JFCF and JFCG). Revisions to JFCG were approved by the Board at the Nov. 28, 2016 meeting and addresses hazing. JFCF continues to address bullying and revisions to the policy are a result of House Bill 1583 requirements which incorporate components into the policy that were formerly incorporated into district processes and/or procedures.
- JG-R1 is a Student Discipline policy for which wording changes are required based on the changes made to JFCF outlined above.
High School Building Project. Project Director for S.M. Wilson Kort Cole presented, and the Board approved, contractor pay applications for the month of November. Mr. Cole also provided construction progress report #9 which includes updates on design and engineering; permitting; finance and budget; bidding and procurement; scheduling; and current construction activity. Photos of various components of the project are included in the linked document.
Policy Changes. Two policy change recommendations were moved to Action Items from Information Items and approved after being presented by Dr. Allen and Director of Student Services Dr. Derrick Wallace. Changes to both policies were for the purpose of aligning district policy to recent changes in state statute.
- JEC (School Admissions). Changes to this policy are in relation to admission requirements for pre-kindergarten programs and admission restrictions for students with criminal records.
- JGF (Discipline Reporting and Records). Changes to this policy are in relation to law enforcement reporting requirements and the definition of school or district property.
INFORMATION ITEMS
2017-18 Revised School Calendar. Dr. Allen presented recommended revisions to the 2017-18 school calendar. The 2017-18 calendar was originally approved on April 12, 2016. However, the recommendation is being made to extend winter break in order to accommodate moving classrooms into the new addition for use during the second semester. The adjustment to the calendar maintains 175 school days and 188 teacher days. Details of the changes can be found by clicking on the header to this paragraph.
Facilities Services. Dr. Buckner presented the status of the district’s Request for Proposal process for Facilities Services. This is the fifth school year the district has used the current vendor for cleaning, supplies and other services. Five companies have expressed interest in completing the bid process. An administrative recommendation is anticipated to be made to the Board early in 2017.
Employee Benefits Consultant. Dr. Buckner presented the status of the district’s Request for Qualifications for Employee Benefits Consulting Services. This is the fifth school year the district has used the current provider for this service. Four companies have expressed interest in completing the interview process. An administrative recommendation is anticipated to be made to the Board at the Jan. 23, 2017 meeting.
Summer Facility Usage. During the summers of 2017 and 2018, much of the high school campus will be under construction and will not be able to be used safely by student, staff and community groups. Dr. Buckner updated the Board on conversations currently underway to determine how best to relocate these events and activities. Complicating the situation further is anticipated asphalt, sidewalk and floor covering projects at Ladue Middle School. Discussions will continue with an anticipated plan being available for release on Jan. 6, 2017.
Second Semester Board Agenda Calendar (January - August). Dr. Jahnke reviewed the Tentative Board Agenda Calendar with the Board which outlines topics anticipated to be covered in meetings from January to June 2017. This calendar is subject to change and additional topics will be added, as required.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
The next Board of Education meeting will be a Business Meeting on Jan. 23, 2017 at 7 p.m. at the Administrative Center, 9703 Conway Road. Tentative agenda items include the following.
Tentative Agenda Items for Business Meeting Jan. 23, 2017:
- School Board Recognition Week
- Announcement of School Board Candidates
ACTION
- Annual Renewal of Agreement to Participate in PEGS
- 2017-2018 Revised School Calendar
- Facilities Services
- Employee Benefits Consultant
- High School Building Project
- Project Report #10
- Payment Applications/Work Package/Change Orders
INFORMATION
- Update on School Calendars
- High School Program Report
- Student Bus Transportation
- Substitute Services Vendor
