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Superintendent's Summary of the Red Lake School District #38 February Board Meeting

The Red Lake School Board met at the Ponemah School on February 18th for its regular meeting. Superintendent Lundquist shared the following information relative to activities underway improve achievement, attendance and enrollment:

* The District Leadership Team, with representatives from each of the buildings, has begun to meet regularly. Their purpose is to serve in an advisory role on topics of interest such as the school calendar.

* The district is partnering with the Tribal Council, Tribal College, and St. Mary's Mission School on a one million dollar Bush Foundation grant application. The project is designed to support students in their progression toward successful career and college transitions.

* A committee has been formed to establish a plan of action to improve the well-being and self-efficacy of staff and students. Efforts will engage school, district, community and families in ongoing activities to strengthen resiliency.

* The district has entered into an agreement with the Tribe that, if funded, will enable the Ojibwe Language Immersion program currently available through the Head Start program to be expanded to include kindergarten and first grade.

* At the present time it is unlikely the district will move forward with the application for additional federal School Improvement Grant funds; however, programs initiated as part of this work in previous years, such as professional learning teams, extended learning time, building leadership teams, and improved evaluation processes will continue.

Each of the buildings and district departments offered updates on their activities, including the following:

* Red Lake Elementary School is stepping up its efforts to improve attendance for all students. In addition, just over 60% of the parents participated in conferences.

* The Ponemah School hosted noted math expert, Judith Hankes, who provided professional development to staff on Cognitively Guided Instruction. The school was also included in a $20,000 award from The Northwest Minnesota Foundation to join Bemidji and Red Lake Elementary in expanding the Girl Scout program.

* Red Lake Middle School is coordinating the Check and Connect program to improve student attendance. Team planning time has been implemented allowing each grade level to meet weekly to review student data and develop appropriate instructional plans.

* Red Lake High School continues to move forward with the implementation of Career Pathways. Two students were selected to represent Red lake at the state History Day competition in Bloomington.

Other district staff reports included the following highlights:

* The Business Manager's report outlined three proposed capital loan bonding projects which were requested by Senator Rod Skoe and Commissioner Cassellius; and confirmed author Christian Moore will share a message with all staff as part of the opening day activities for the 2015-16 school year on August 31.

* The Building and Grounds Director reported that an independent review of the secondary building by a consulting team found the overall appearance of the campus to be impressive, with a few suggestions for improvement in the area of communication between custodians and other staff.

* An orientation training session was hosted by the Special Services Director I collaboration with the Buildings and Grounds Director. Information related to emergency procedures, confidentiality, and mandated reported was shared along with other pertinent guidance for individuals substituting in non-licensed positions.

* New legislative requirements for Early Childhood Family Educations were shared by the Director for Special Services which include the administration of a community needs assessment.

* The Food Service Coordinator detailed the districts involvement in the Healthier US School Challenge program, sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Education, which is designed to recognize schools that promote good nutrition and physical activity.

In addition, the Board took action to:

* Amend numerous policies to ensure compliance and reflect legislative changes.

* Complete the second reading of the 2015-16 school calendar.

* Appoint board members to district committees.

 

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