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

The Board met at the District Office on January 20th, for its regular meeting. Superintendent Lundquist shared the following information relative to activities underway improve achievement, attendance and enrollment:

* The quarterly All-Staff meeting was held at the Casino on January 18, where the topics of intentional community and collective efficacy were explored relative to the improvement efforts at Red Lake Schools.

* The Superintendent presenter her annual improvement goals detailing increased attendance, enrollment and achievement in both reading and math.

* School Resource Officer, Alea Richardson, provided an overview of her efforts to decrease truancy, provide drug use prevention sessions, and establish positive relationships with students.

* Vicki Graves, Community Education Coordinator, presented the first of what will be monthly reports on community education efforts, including information on a teen health clinic, parent education classes, and youth development activities. Vicki will prepare monthly reports to the Board in the future.

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

* Red Lake Elementary School is pleased to see the hire of a new Home School Liaison is scheduled for approval at tonight's meeting. This position is one of four in the district which provides outreach to parents and families to positively impact school attendance. At the Early Childhood Center, Principal Ninham continues to lead efforts to implement an optional Ojibwe immersion program in the fall for students in kindergarten.

* The Ponemah School Complex hosted a "Make-It and Take-It" event on December 21st for students who met their reading goals in November.

* At the Secondary Complex, the early data on the new FAST Bridge quarterly formative assessment are indicating students are poised to make a year or more of growth based upon initial feedback. In addition, the district new practice of assigning student who have been expelled to New Beginnings-Oshkiimajitahdah, to receive instruction under the guidance of Mr. Holm is meeting with success.

* The Facilities Director reported that the Auto Shop is currently under renovation in preparation for a soon-to-be launched partnership with New Beginnings-Oshkiimajitahdah. Car Quest is also a partner in the venture which will provide adults with auto mechanics instruction, and possibly enrollment options for eligible HS students.

* The Special Services Director's report indicated there are numerous family engagement activities underway in the early childhood programs in Ponemah and Red Lake including a Science Center Activity, Bowling and Dinner night, and a Baby Shower.

* The Food Service Coordinator continues to oversee the progress on the completion of the new cafeteria in the Secondary Complex, alongside the Business Manager and the Facilities Director.

* The Human Resources Coordinator's report stated that the district will host drug and alcohol recognition training for supervisors to address topics such as, what is reasonable suspicion, the physical manifestations associated with substance use, and employee safety and performance issues.

* The Transportation Director reported he is training two potential drivers. In addition, his reported noted that the handicap bus is at 250,000 miles and will need to be replaced in the near future.

* The Business Manager included information of the monthly financials for the district, as usual, along with data that will be used to build the 2016-17 budget. Negotiations with the Teachers' Union are still in progress.

* The Parent Education Partnership Project's report detailed activities that included partnership meetings with Head Start, weekly parent newsletters, and the development of a Family Resources Notebook.

In other business the Board approved the Joint District-Union Teacher Education and Development Memorandum of Understanding and the 2016-17 School Calendar.