This information includes highlights of information received by the Ladue Schools Board of Education at the April 14, 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.
Board President’s Remarks
- Board President Carolyn Jaeger shared how impressed she was by the outreach in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that we are not as isolated as we might think. She encouraged everyone to take care and reach out if they need assistance from the Board of Education, administration, teachers and staff in all roles.
Superintendent’s Remarks
- Superintendent Dr. Jim Wipke concurred with Mrs. Jaeger’s remarks, noting that he could not be more grateful for the work being done to keep students supported and learning during these unprecedented times.
- Dr. Wipke shared that work is continuing toward a potential bond referendum for 2021. The district is being realistic about the impact the pandemic may have on our community and the economy, and at identified points in this process, the Board and administration will pause to reassess before moving on to any next steps.
- He commented on how the creativity and talent of our students are really shining through during this time, citing the band playing the fight song virtually and students learning dances online with their teachers. Dr. Wipke recently read Franklin and the Tooth Fairy, by Paulette Bourgeois, online to a class and in return received a picture from Amelia Heyman, the daughter of teacher Kevin Heyman, watching the video and showing off her recently lost tooth.
- Dr. Wipke commended the district’s Curriculum & Instruction Department on their outstanding transition from in-class learning to online learning in a very short period of time. When it was determined that students would not return to school after Spring Break, the primary goal was to get teachers and students used to this new way of teaching and learning. Now that it has been determined that students will not return for the remainder of the school year, the district is entering “phase two.” The focus will now be on creating sufficient flexibility to meet the needs of all students and families who are experiencing this time of social isolation in very different ways. Specific consideration is being given to how much screen time is being required of students, as well as meeting their social/emotional needs in addition to their academic needs.
- He thanked parents and the community for their support. He said that while it is clear that they are passionate about education, their requests have remained polite, respectful and appropriate.
- Finally, Dr. Wipke shared that the administration is currently investigating how school being closed this year will impact summer school, assessments and the start of the 2020-21 school year.
ACTION ITEMS
Administration Oaths of Office. Incumbents Andy Bresler, Carolyn Jaeger and Kisha Lee were unopposed for this year’s election and were administered the oaths of office. Mr. Bresler is serving his fourth term, Carolyn Jaeger is serving her third term, and Kisha Lee is serving her second. Board of Education members serve for three years with no term limits.
For the first time in history, Board of Education members took their Oaths of Office via teleconference...
- President - Carolyn Jaeger
- Vice President - Dr. Nancy Leve Goldstein
- Secretary - Kisha Lee
- Treasurer - Sheldon Johnson
2021-22 School Calendar. Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Amy Zielinski, presented, and the Board approved, the administration’s recommendation for the 2021-22 School Calendar. Dr. Zielinski noted that at this time she does not anticipate the 2020-21 calendar changing because of school closings, but assured the Board that she would keep them and district families informed if it appears this might change.
INFORMATION ITEMS
Administrative Salary Schedule. Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Dr. Julie Helm presented a new salary structure for administrators. This new schedule ties positions to the market by using the midpoint of “like” positions in Ladue Schools’ comparable districts (Clayton, Kirkwood, Pattonville, and Webster Groves) and then adjusting for years of experience in the role. The Board will vote on this recommendation at their April 27, 2020 meeting.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
The next Board of Education meeting will be a Business Meeting on April 27, 2020. The meeting will be held virtually using Zoom and the Meeting ID will be posted on the Featured tab of BoardDocs when the meeting information is officially posted.
Tentative Agenda Items for Business Meeting April 27, 2020:
ACTION
- Designation of Delegates and Alternates for: MSBA, SSD Governing Council, EdPlus Legislative Liaison
- Administrative Salary Schedule
INFORMATION
- Recommended Patron Appointments to Board Advisory Committees
- Gifted Report
