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

The Board met at the Red Lake School District Office on September 16th, for its regular meeting.

Jerry Loud, executive director at Oshkiimaajitahdah, addressed the Board during the public comments portion of the meeting. He outlined numerous partnerships between his organization and the District, including the sharing of the welding and auto mechanics shops in exchange for supervision of students expelled from school and the authorization of the release of student attendance data to reduce truancy of students whose families receive benefits at this agency.

Superintendent Lundquist shared the following information relative to activities underway to improve achievement, attendance and enrollment:

* The District submitted the Indian Education Funds Action Plan to MDE. There are four new projects underway including the launch of a new Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Department; an expanded parent education program; a mentor program; and a Tribal Truancy Court program. Approximately half of the five and one half million dollars in funding will be allocated to Tribal Agencies and Red Lake Nation community members.

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

* The school year is off to a good start as evident RLES had a strong turnout for orientation conferences. The school hosted an opening ceremony to welcome back students, families and staff.

* The Ponemah School has launched a Facebook page to increase communication in the community. In addition, staff and student attendance has been especially high.

* Enrollment is up at the Secondary Complex, with 11 students who had previously enrolled outside of the district, returning to Red Lake. A number of fund raising activities for student organizations and clubs were presented and approved by the superintendent as required in Board Policy.

* The Facilities Director is overseeing the re-keying of all locks in all buildings. The project should be complete by the third week in October. In addition, signs are being installed at all schools to reserves parking spaces for Elders and Visitors.

* The Specials Services Director reported that Pathway II Scholarships totaling $170,250 have been approved by MDE for use by Red Lake preschool-aged students.

* The District received a visit from the USDA Under-Secretary Dr. Katie Wilson , who was notably impressed with the District's Food Service Program, including the recent recognition as Healthier US School Challenge recipient.

* It was noted in the Transportation Director's report that the District is still in need of drivers, and in later business, the Board approved the resignation of yet another driver. This shortage creates a number of challenges for the overall transportation schedule.

* The Human Resources Coordinator's report stated five vacancies have yet to be filled. To ensure we have qualified applicants and informed staff members, she is networking with professionals in the surrounding areas, and hosting orientation and testing for new hires.

* The Assessment Coordinator detailed a report on the Districts Multiple Measurements Ratings, which were released by the Department of Education (MDE). The four-part rating system represents the State's accountability system, and although Red Lake scores were very similar to what they have been in the past, it is important to note that proficiency was up districtwide in both reading and math.

In other business the Board approved the request for the Board and Superintendent to attend the National Indian Impacted Schools Association meeting, scheduled for December; and they certified the proposed 2016 Levy at maximum.

Anne M. Lundquist, Ed. D.

Superintendent

Red Lake School District #38