This information includes highlights of information received by the Ladue Schools Board of Education at the April 12, 2021 regular Board of Education 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.
Click here to view a recording from the April 12 Board Meeting
Board President Remarks
Carolyn Jaeger and the Board of Education recognized both Sheri Glantz and Nancy Goldstein for their service to the Board of Education as they came to the end of their terms.
Superintendent Remarks
As Carolyn mentioned, Prop L passed and we are so thankful to our community for their support. I visited Spoede Elementary after Election Day and couldn’t help but think about how this decision will positively impact students there and throughout our district.
I want to thank Susan Downing, Rod and Diane Patershuk, the LEF, our entire staff, our administrative team, and the Board of Education for all contributing to the work behind getting Prop L passed.
I want to thank our community above all else for valuing education, our staff, and our students. We are unified as a school district and I thank our community for that. The community approved Prop L at 74.9%, the second-highest approval rating for a bond initiative in our district behind Prop K in 2007.
Thank you to Andy Cohen and Pablo Flinn for running for our Board of Education, and welcome to Marissa Rosen and Jennifer Growe Soshnik as they join the Board.
The LHWHS team continues to have conversations on how to hold a safe graduation ceremony and one that honors our students. More information is forthcoming.
Our last CURE meeting of the year was recently held; thank you to our parents who have contributed to those efforts this year.
This Friday we will host our third vaccination clinic for staff, and we will also host our first clinic for young adults ages 18 to 25. Thank you to Ann Body and our Communications Department for their hard work on these efforts.
ACTION ITEMS
Administration of Oaths of Office
Board of Education Secretary Kisha Lee administered the Oath of Office to the two newly elected Board members, Marissa Rosen and Jennifer Growe Soshnik.
Dr. Wipke called for nominations and votes for Board President and Vice President. Carolyn Jaeger was nominated and approved for another term as Board President, and Kisha Lee was nominated and approved as Board Vice President. Carolyn Jaeger called for nominations and votes for Board Secretary and Board Treasurer. Jeff Kopolow was nominated and approved as Board Secretary, and Andy Bresler was nominated and approved as Board Treasurer.
Director of Facilities Mike Noonan provided contractor recommendations for completion of four capital projects, including replacement of air handlers at LHWHS, roof improvements at the Fifth Grade Center, roof replacement for the Spoede Elementary gym, and shingle improvements at Conway Elementary. The Board approved all four recommendations.
INFORMATION ITEMS
Mr. Bresler and Ms. Lee shared updates related to the Olivette TIF Commission public hearing on March 29. That portion of the meeting can be viewed using the video link at the top of this document, starting at 49 minutes and 10 seconds.
Public Comment Period for Olivette TIF
Board President Carolyn Jaeger invited the community to share their comments on the Olivette TIF. This segment begins at the 59-minute mark of the video linked at the top of this document.
Dr. Wipke shared information on Missouri House Bill 248.
Staff Computer Replacement - MOVED TO ACTION
Director of Technology Services Rob Highfill shared information about a possible lease-purchase agreement with Apple, Inc. for the replacement of faculty and staff computers. The Board approved the recommended agreement.
Termination of Technology Board Advisory Committee
Mr. Highfill recommended the termination of the Technology Board Advisory Committee.
Board Advisory Committee Reappointments
Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance Dr. Jason Buckner and Mr. Noonan presented reappointment recommendations for the Finance and Facilities Board Advisory Committees.
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dr. Julie Helm presented the proposed support staff salary schedule.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Professional Development and Summer Programming
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Amy Zielinski, Director of Student Services Dr. Derrick Wallace, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Dr. Jennifer Riesenmy shared several updates related to the district’s DEI initiatives and summer programming.
Dr. Zielinski presented information about the district’s 2021-22 Ladue Online Academy.
Safety and Security Presentation
Safety and Security Coordinator Matt Hill shared information about safety and security initiatives in the district.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
The next Board of Education meeting will be a regular Business Meeting on Monday, April 26, 2021. 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 APRIL 26
CONSENT
Acceptance of Certified Election Results
Tech BAC Dissolve
BAC Reappointment
ACTION
Designation of Delegates and Alternates for MSBA, SSD Governing Council, EdPlus Legislative Liaison
Summer Construction Projects
Board Advisory Committee Re-Appointments
Support Staff Salary Recommendations
INFORMATION
Board Advisory Committee Re-Appointments
Gifted Report
