This edition of Board Briefs includes highlights of information received by the Ladue Schools Board of Education at the Dec. 10, 2018 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.
Excellence in Education Award
Jessica Moore
Second Grade Teacher, Spoede Elementary
Board President's Remarks
- Board President Andy Bresler Board announced that filing for two open Board of Education seats will begin on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018 and continue through Jan. 15, 2019. Mr. Bresler said that serving on the board is a very satisfying opportunity to give back to the community and encouraged all who are interested to apply. Additional details can be found on the district’s website.
- Mr. Bresler shared that it is the last Board of Education meeting before Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Ken Rossics retires. He thanked Mr. Rossics for his contributions to the district and said that he is leaving the district much improved in many respects from when he arrived. He praised Mr. Rossics high credibility and for always advocating for what is best for the district, staff and students.
Superintendent Remarks
- Superintendent Dr. Donna Jahnke also thanked Mr. Rossics for his service over the last five and a half years, commenting that he has improved many systems and practices which will benefit the district for years to come. She praised his fairness, integrity and ability to recruit and maintain an outstanding staff. Dr. Jahnke commented that he has been a critical member of her team, an exemplary colleague and a friend whose counsel will be missed.
- Dr. Jahnke shared that the district will be hosting the County Superintendents Meeting at the high school on Friday, Dec. 15, 2018. She is looking forward to showing them the outstanding learning spaces our students enjoy now that the renovation is complete.
- Dr. Jahnke wished everyone the happiest of holidays!
ACTION ITEM
Approval of Contractor for Fifth Grade Center. Assistant Superintendent for Business & Finance Dr. Jason Buckner presented, and the Board approved, the administration’s recommendation of Ameresco, Inc. as the contractor for the improvements scheduled for the Fifth Grade Center in the summer of 2019. These include upgrades to safety and security features, as well as building infrastructure (fire suppression, air conditioning, accessibility for persons with disabilities). More detailed information can be found by clicking on the header to this paragraph.
2019-20 LECC Tuition and BASK/TAS Rates. Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Ken Rossics presented, and the Board approved, the 2019-20 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. This year, BASK/TAS (K-8) rates are recommended to be increased by 2% (which will bring the rates in line with comparable districts’ rates), while early childhood programming will not increase from 2018-19 rates.
Safety and Security Coordinator Policy and Position. Mr. Rossics presented, and the Board approved, the administration’s recommendation to hire a Safety and Security Coordinator to provide additional capacity for training, coordination and protection. The person hired will be a district employee with an office at Ladue Middle School and will also support other district facilities — particularly those located outside of the City of Ladue. (The district currently partners with the City of Ladue for an active duty police officer whose office is at Ladue Horton Watkins High School.)
In addition, Mr. Rossics recommended, and the Board approved, a policy revision that would allow the Board to authorize the person to carry a firearm only at the Board’s discretion based on the person’s qualifications.
Click on the header to this paragraph for the job description and additional information.
INFORMATION ITEMS
Alternative/Non-Traditional Programming Update. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Amy Zielinski introduced a team of middle and high school staff members who are planning alternative, non-traditional programming at the secondary level. The team included Ladue Middle School Principal Dr. Tiffany Taylor-Johnson, Ladue Horton Watkins High School Assistant Principal Dr. Beth Rapoff and high school teachers Wendy Guhr, Alan Weltig, Kelley Krejnik and Maria Durham.
The program will be initiated in the 2019-20 school year. This approach to teaching and learning strives to meet the following goals: help all students meet their full academic, social and emotional potential; provide proactive support to non-traditional learners; and integrate social-emotional learning into the academic curriculum. More detailed information can be found by clicking on the header to this paragraph.
Facilities Policy and Fee Schedule. Dr. Buckner provided an update on the processing of making changes to the district’s policy KG (Community Use of District Facilities) and policy KG Fee Schedule to indicate that spaces will only rent to non-profit organizations and for-profit organizations that benefit district students.
In addition, adjustments are being discussed for Facility Use Procedures which focus on clarifying issues around potential conflict of interest of staff, user group definitions, facilities available for rental, fees associated with their use, changes in the amount of liability insurance required of user groups and the philosophy behind the use of revenue gained through facility rental.
Second Semester Board Agenda Calendar. Dr. Jahnke reviewed the Tentative Board Agenda Calendar with the Board, which outlines topics anticipated to be covered in meetings from January to June 2019. 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. 28, 2019 at the Ladue Horton Watkins High School Multipurpose Room, 1201 S. Warson Road, at 6 p.m. Tentative agenda items include the following.
Tentative Agenda Items for Business Meeting Jan. 28, 2019:
Announcement of School Board Candidates
CONSENT
- Annual renewal of Agreement to Participate in PEGS
ACTION
- High School Building Project Update
- Stadium Project Update
- Summer Construction Projects
- Facilities Policy and Fee Schedule
INFORMATION
- Summer School Programs Update
