Thursday, March 15, 2018

Board Briefs from March 12, 2018 Business Meeting

This information includes highlights of information received by the Ladue Schools Board of Education at the March 12, 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
Brian Driscoll
Physical Education Teacher, Reed Elementary School

Board President's Remarks
  • Board President Andy Bresler reminded those in attendance that while the Board does not respond within the meeting to those who come to offer public comment, they do consider what is shared and respond to individuals, as required, after the meeting. As such, based on a comment offered in a previous meeting regarding leave for adoptive parents, the Board is actively considering what was shared and reviewing current policy. A decision can be expected in the near future.   
Superintendent Remarks
  • Superintendent Dr. Donna Jahnke offered her thanks for all the work being done by teachers, administrators and support staff to prepare and hold Parent/Teacher conferences this week. She reiterated how vitally important these conversations are in supporting student learning.
INFORMATION ITEMS

High School Campus Expansion Update. Dr. Jahnke updated the Board on the status of the expansion of the high school renovation project. The district has completed the process of having the plans reviewed by the City of Ladue and has issued an advertisement for bids for a portion of the project this week.

The expansion plans include improvements to the northwest section of the high school, including: development of a new multi-purpose field with lights; competition track and field event areas; a new grandstand with press box, as well as improvements to the Nielson Gymnasium lobby, restrooms, concessions area, and fitness center. This work will be done in phases, as funding has not yet been identified for all of the improvements.

Board Advisory Committee Re-Appointments. Mr. Bresler announced that the following patrons are recommended for reappointment to their second terms to district Board Advisory Committees:

  • Barbara Barrett, Curriculum & Instruction Board Advisory Committee
  • Larissa Malone, Curriculum & Instruction Board Advisory Committee
  • Mark Manlin, Finance Board Advisory Committee
  • Michael McMurtrey, Finance Board Advisory Committee
  • Daniel Baker, Technology Board Advisory Committee
  • Zongming Gao, Technology Board Advisory Committee

Review of Board Goals. Mr. Bresler reviewed the outline of the formal Board of Education’s objectives developed for the 2017-2018 school year, with the Board discussing the status of the various initiatives in progress.

Superintendent Search Process. In February, Dr. Jahnke announced she will be retiring as superintendent at the end of the 2018-19 school year, giving the Board ample opportunity to both identify the next superintendent and to provide for an effective transition of leadership. Mr. Bresler shared the Board’s plans for beginning the search for the district’s next superintendent, which includes identifying Board members to coordinate selection of a search firm and interviewing other high-performing school districts in the state and nation who have recently hired new superintendents. Additional information will be shared as the process continues.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

The next Board of Education meeting will be a Business Meeting at 6 p.m. on April 10, 2018.  The following meeting will be a Business Meeting at 6 p.m. on April 23, 2018. Both meetings will be held at the Administrative Center, 9703 Conway Road. Tentative agenda items include the following.  

Tentative Agenda Items for Business Meeting, April 10, 2018:

Announcement of Election Results

ACTION
  • Board Advisory Committee Re-Appointments
REORGANIZATION
  • Oaths of Office
  • Election of Officers
INFORMATION
  • Career Technical Education Program Update
  • Support Staff Employee Council Report and Salary Recommendations
Tentative Agenda Items for Business Meeting April 23, 2018:

ACTION
  • Acceptance of Certified Election Results
  • Designation of Delegates and Alternates for MSBA, SSD Governing Council, EdPlus Legislative Liaison
  • Support Staff Salary Recommendations
  • High School Building Project
    • Project Report #24
    • Contractor Payment Requests
INFORMATION
  • Board Policy Changes
  • Recommended Patron Appointments to Board Advisory Committees
  • 2018-2019 Board Meeting Dates