This information includes highlights of information received by the Ladue Schools Board of Education at the Nov. 14, 2017 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 this is American Education Week. As a small way to thank and celebrate all employees who contribute to the success of our students, baskets of fortune cookies filled with specialized messages were delivered to each school early in the week.
- Dr. Jahnke encouraged Board of Education members, as well as those in the audience, to take advantage of the many opportunities PreK-12 to enjoy the phenomenal art and music programs that always take place in our schools during this time of year.
ACTION ITEM
High School Building Project: Contractor Payment Requests. Project Director for S. M. Wilson, Kort Cole, presented Change Order Request (COR) 090 which includes the following amendments in the West Wing: USB extenders at each classroom, solid surface wall cladding, multipurpose room lighting and lighting controls, and added steel and additional terrazzo in the stair landings and the Ramshack Store. This cost is already figured in the overall project budget.
This change order is for $346,674 and the largest two contractors affected include:
- Kay Bee Electric: $152,550
- Waterhout: $89,300
INFORMATION ITEMS
Bid Review for 10601 Clayton Road Property. Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Dr. Jason Buckner presented the bids received for the purchase of the 10601 Clayton Road Property, where the former Ladue Early Childhood Center is located. These bids were in response to the district’s Request for Proposals with an Oct. 31, 2017 deadline for bid submission. Amounts of the six purchase offers are available by clicking on the header to this paragraph.
The district will be responding to each of these companies as to whether or not they will be moving forward in the process at this time. Within the next few weeks, those who submitted proposals that will be considered further by the district will be contacted again with requests for any additional information required for the district to determine which (if any) offer will be accepted.
School Improvement Plan: Leadership Sharing. Each building principal presented the School Improvement Plan for their respective schools. The district’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) which was also developed in concert with (and is aligned with) the district’s Strategic Plan, houses the goals for each building. The CSIP is required by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for every district in the state and is a culmination of months of discussion, surveying, analysis and development of district priorities.
2018-19 LECC Tuition and BASK/TAS Rates. Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Ken Rossics presented the 2017-18 tuition rate recommendations for early childhood programming and the district’s before and after school care programs (BASK/TAS).
Currently, the district alternates years for rate changes for preschool programs and BASK/TAS. Therefore, this year, no rate changes are being proposed for BASK (K-8). Tuition rates for all preschool/toddler programs (residents and non-residents) for the 2018-19 school year are recommended to be increased by 3.5%. More detailed information can be found by clicking on the header to this paragraph.
The Board will vote on administrative recommendations for rate changes at the Nov. 27, 2017 Board of Education meeting.
Update on High School Expansion Project. Dr. Jahnke led a conversation about the status of the district’s plans to expand the renovation of Ladue Horton Watkins High School to include portions of the campus not included in the initial phase. Components are anticipated to include:
- Improvements to the northwest section of the high school, including the expansion of the Nielson Gymnasium lobby, restrooms, concessions area, and fitness center
- Development of a new multi-purpose turf field
- Competition track and field event areas
- Grandstand with press box and viewing area
Extensive information about the project are included in the Project Expansion section of the High School Renovation website.
Board Goals Review. Board of Education Vice President Andy Bresler provided an outline of the formal Board of Education’s objectives being developed for the 2018-19 school year.
Objectives being discussed include: timely completion of the high school renovation within budget by the beginning of the 2018-19 school year; developing long-range plans for continued facility improvements across the district covering a period up to June 2030; managing spending parameters and compensation plan structures; Board member training, including diversity training; continuing initiatives to improve student achievement; and developing a schedule and structure of the superintendent’s performance evaluations.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
The next Board of Education meeting will be a Business Meeting on Monday, Nov. 27, 2017 at 6 p.m. at the Administrative Center, 9703 Conway Road. Tentative agenda items include the following.
Tentative Agenda Items for Business Meeting Nov. 27, 2017:
ACTION
- SSD Reimbursement of ECSE Costs
- Public Hearing and Approval of 2019-20 School Calendar
- Acceptance of Auditor’s Report
- High School Building Project
- Project Report #20
- Contractor Payment Requests
INFORMATION
- 2018-19 High School and Middle School Course Change Proposals
- 2017-18 Revised Budget
- 2018-19 LECC Tuition and BASK/TAS Rates
- Board Policy Changes
