This information includes highlights of information received by the Ladue Schools Board of Education at the Feb. 27, 2017 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
Rhonda West, Speech and Pathology Teacher
Rhonda West, Speech and Pathology Teacher
Special School District at Old Bonhomme Elementary
Board Vice President's Remarks (President Sheri Glantz was not in attendance)
- Board Vice President Andy Bresler commented on how impressed he was with the professional development which took place on Feb. 17, 2017, with the entire Ladue Schools staff. The focus of the training was on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and included a presentation by Dr. Terry Jones of UMSL regarding the history of racism in Missouri and St. Louis, and a discussion about implicit bias by representatives of Educational Equity Consultants. Mr. Bresler said that despite previous training he has participated in on DEI issues, he was very impacted by the presentations and discussions and noted similar reactions from the staff in attendance.
Superintendent Remarks
- Superintendent Dr. Donna Jahnke provided the Board with an update on the projects being done as a result of the approval of Proposition R beyond the high school renovation. While the majority of the $85.1 million in bonds approved will be used for renovation of the high school, other projects were included and are either underway or complete, including: modification of the entryways at Reed Elementary School and Old Bonhomme Elementary School, exterior lighting improvements at Spoede Elementary School, installation of an artificial turf field at the Ladue West Campus, technology upgrades K-8 (in addition to those being incorporated into the high school during renovation), and security and surveillance features across the district.
ACTION ITEM
Student Transportation Contract. Assistant Superintendent for Business & Finance Dr. Jason Buckner presented, and the Board approved, the administration’s recommendation for extending the contracts with Missouri Central School Bus (for two years) and Transpar (for three years). These are the district’s current providers for bus transportation services, with Missouri Central School Bus providing employee services and Transpar providing management and logistical support.
Substitute Services Vendor. Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Ken Rossics presented, and the Board approved, the administration’s recommendation to contract with Kelly Educational Services to support the district’s need for substitute teachers. While it is always preferred that teachers be in their classrooms to support students, it is sometimes necessary for them to be out and for a qualified substitute to be present. After considering a multitude of factors and options, the district recommended partnering with Kelly Education Services due to their willingness to utilize the existing Ladue Schools substitute pool, and their demonstrated ability to significantly increase substitute fill rates for other districts in the area.
High School Building Project. Project Director for S.M. Wilson Kort Cole presented, and the Board approved, contractor pay applications for the month of January. Mr. Cole also provided construction progress report #11 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.
The Board also approved the administration’s recommendation for awarding two bids related to the high school renovation project. The bid process was coordinated by S.M. Wilson, the district’s construction management firm.
- Framing & Drywall - Music Wing (Work Package 1a): T.J. Wies Contracting, Inc. for $420,475
- Brick and Masonry (Work Package 3): Heitcamp Masonry, Inc. for $2,248,256
INFORMATION ITEMS
Auditor Contract. Dr. Buckner presented the administration’s recommendation to continue to retain the services of Daniel Jones & Associates to do the district’s auditing. Daniel Jones & Associates has provided the majority of auditing services for the district since the 2006-07 school year and is recommended to be awarded an additional five-year contract. The Board will vote on the administration’s recommendation at the March 13, 2017 Board Business Meeting.
Facilities Update: Groundskeeping Services. Dr. Buckner updated the Board on the progress of the administration’s Request for Proposals to provide the district’s grounds services. Five companies have responded to the Request for Proposals and a recommendation for a specific company will be made at the March 13, 2017 Board Business Meeting. Moving these services to a contractor represents a cost savings to the district. However, although some of the services being performed have formerly been provided by district employees, no displacement of district employees will occur as a result of contracting groundskeeping services due to staff attrition.
Curriculum & Instruction Updates. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Dr. Jennifer Allen and Gifted Coordinator Brooke Bilby presented information regarding elementary report cards, curriculum technology pilots, the curriculum development cycle and gifted programming for underrepresented populations. Details can be found by clicking on the header of this paragraph.
High School Program Report. Ladue Horton Watkins High School Principal Brad Griffith, Assistant Principal Liz Grana, and Technology Specialist Adam Stirrat provided extensive information regarding a number of current initiatives at the high school. Details can be found by clicking on the header to this paragraph. Topics addressed include: working in a building under construction, grade distribution, behavior referrals, advanced course and Advanced Placement enrollment, structured Seminar period, interventions and supports, and the Limitless Learning (one-to-one) initiative.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
The next Board of Education meeting will be a Business Meeting on Monday, March 13, 2017, at the Administrative Center, 9703 Conway Road. The following meeting will be a Special Board Business Meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, 2017. Tentative agenda items include the following.
Tentative Agenda Items for Business Meeting March 13, 2017:
ACTION
- Auditor Contract
- Facilities Services
- Board Policy Changes
- High School Building Project
- Project Report #12
- Payment Applications/Work Package/Change Orders
INFORMATION
- Capital Projects Plan
- Strategic Plan
Tentative Agenda Items for Special Board Business Meeting March 28, 2017:
ACTION
- High School Building Project
- Payment Applications/Work Package/Change Orders
