This document includes highlights of information received by the Ladue Schools Board of Education at the Feb. 24, 2020 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
Performance by Viva Voce
Ladue Horton Watkins High School Women’s A Capella Group
Board President Remarks
- Board of Education President Carolyn Jaeger shared that Ready. Set. Connect! opportunities begin this week. These events give residents of the Ladue Schools community the chance to have informal conversations with her, as Board president, as well as Superintendent Dr. Jim Wipke.
- Wednesday, Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Spoede Elementary Library
- Friday, Feb. 28 from 9 - 10:30 a.m. - Ladue Middle School Library
- Wednesday, March 4 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. - Old Bonhomme Elementary Library
Superintendent’s Remarks
- Dr. Jim Wipke congratulated Kevin Andrews, Math Interventionist at Old Bonhomme Elementary, for receiving the February 2020 Excellence in Education Award, noting his significant contributions as a Learning Lab expert and mentor to colleagues.
- This year’s Annual Chili Supper was a great success with students, families and staff from all schools in attendance to enjoy dinner and basketball games.
- Dr. Wipke congratulated four seniors who have scored 1,000+ points in their basketball careers: Jordan Peete, Mia Collins, Katie Minkleer and Jaylen Boyd.
- Junior Jake Mann has become the tenth LHWHS wrestler in history to reach 100 career wins and is a state champion for the second year in a row.
- Dr. Wipke participated in his first-ever spelling bee when he went to see the high school’s production of the musical comedy The 25th Putnam County Spelling Bee.
- Congratulations to Board of Education Member Kisha Lee who is Old Bonhomme Elementary’s honoree for their Black History Month celebration.
- Dr. Wipke introduced Kimberly McKenzie who will become the district’s Communication Director on July 1, 2020 when Susan Downing retires.
- Dr. Wipke reiterated Mrs. Jaeger’s enthusiasm for hosting Ready. Set. Connect! opportunities in the coming weeks.
- A team comprised of parents, teachers, counselors, librarians, and administrators will begin meeting with architects this week to share thoughts on what “future-ready” learning spaces might look like as a result of potential renovations of Old Bonhomme Elementary School, Spoede Elementary School and Ladue Middle School.
ACTION
Apple Lease Agreement. Director of Technology Rob Highfill presented, and the Board approved, an Apple Lease Agreement. Student technology is on a four-year replacement cycle and the current cycle ends this year for grades K-8. A lease-purchase agreement with Apple, Inc. will allow Ladue School District to extend the Limitless Learning initiative (1:1 computer/student ratio) to all grade levels without the need to increase the equipment budget for technology. This lease includes 3,000 seventh generation iPads along with a ruggedized keyboard case for each unit. The lease payment schedule includes 0% financing and a $1 buyout at the end of the lease.
2019C Policy Update. The Board approved changes to 25 district policies. The majority of the changes were the result of recommendations by the Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA) in order to keep district policies in compliance with state and federal law. Prior to being brought to the full Board, these policies have been reviewed and discussed by the Policy Committee which includes both administrators and Board of Education members.
INFORMATION ITEM
Summer School Programs. Director of Student Services Dr. Derrick Wallace outlined plans for the district’s 2020 Summer School Programs. Details can be found by clicking on the link above.
- The Ladue Early Childhood Center offers three two-week sessions that are fee-based.
- Programs for students entering first through eighth grades are focused on providing additional support for students in order for them to be better prepared for the coming school year.
- Credit recovery programs are available for high school students.
Additional offerings are being considered for summer 2021 and beyond.
District Safety and Security Update. In the 2019-20 school year, the position of District Safety and Security Coordinator was created to assist the district in addressing safety needs on all district campuses. Matt Hill, a former teacher, police officer, and School Resource Officer was hired to fill the position. At this Board meeting, Mr. Hill provided the Board with an update on the training, practices and physical improvements that have been completed or are in progress.
Tentative Agenda Items for Feb. 24, 2020 Board Meeting.
Information
- CMaR & AS Contracts
- Social Emotional Behavior Update
- School Counseling Program Update
- Advisory Committee Re-Appointments
- Board Goals Review
- 2021-22 School Calendar
- 2020-21 Budget Update
- Superintendent Update
