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

The Board met at the District Office on December 16th, for its regular meeting. Superintendent Lundquist shared the following information relative to activities underway improve achievement, attendance and enrollment:

* The newly formed Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (CIA) Department continues to work diligently to provide for a guaranteed and viable, culturally responsive curriculum. Their efforts are expected to improve the alignment of CIA within a standards-driven system to improve academic outcomes for all students.

* The Tribal Truancy Court Project continues to move forward as part of the State of Minnesota, Indian Education funds. In spite of a few set-backs, truancy cases are scheduled to be heard later this month, and are expected to increase in the coming weeks and months.

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

* A newly formed National Honor Society is due to launch at Red Lake Elementary School next week. There are 20 grade four and five students involved in this nationally sanctioned program, which fosters leadership, academic success and positive character development in youth.

* Some of the Ponemah School staff met with representatives from the Abinoojiiya Noojimoo-Wigamid (the Children's Healing Center) to explore opportunities collaboratively support at-risk students. The school will also host a "Make it and take it" event on December 21st for parents a families, and to celebrate the students accomplishments in their 1,000,000 words read challenge, Principal Jabs will dress up as Buddy the Elf on December 22nd.

* At the Secondary Complex, the UND TRIO Talent Search staff have been visiting classrooms in grades 6-12 to reinforce student study skills, improve focus on post-secondary success options, and provide support in completing college applications. At the Middle School, Targeted Services has been up and running since the end of September, offering afterschool activities for students including beading, drumming, homework help, guitar and violin lessons, technology classes, and archery. The High School has recently launched another cohort of Home Health Aid students, and will enroll three students in welding classes in collaboration with Oshkiimaajitahdah (New Beginnings)

* The Facilities Director's report indicated that the snow removal team is up and running, and all training is complete with salt and spreaders on site. Automated External Defibrillators are on order and will put in place over winter break in each school office and gymnasium. Also, the boys and girls spot teams will also receive one. Elder / Visitor reserved parking signs have been installed in all school buildings and at the District Office.

* The Special Services Director's report detailed that the Corrective Action Plan which resulted from the Minnesota Department of Education self-review process that was conducted last school year, has been completed and that all required documentation has been reviewed and accepted. In addition, special education referrals are up slightly from last year at this time.

* Comp health is partnering with the District to provide kitchen equipment that will further increase the availability healthy food options with funds from the SHIP grant.

* The Transportation Director reported that most routes are covered daily and that the mechanic and he drive routes periodically to cover to drivers who are sick or have appointments.

* The District continues to work with the Minnesota Safety Council for the provision of training on Drug and Alcohol Recognition for Supervisors. The training is scheduled to take place next month. Another round of substitute orientation and drug testing is scheduled for December 17th; there are currently 11 new applications.

* The report from the Business Manager included results from the Student Athletic Survey. The data will be used to inform the Principals' and Athletic Director decisions on future programming options.

In other business the Board adopted the World's Best Workforce Strategic Plan, completed the Superintendent's annual evaluation, and received a presentation from the coordinators of a program designed to increase college enrollment called the Upward Bound Program.

As a reminder, the District Offices will be closed on December 24th, 25th 31st, and January 1st.