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

The Board met at the District Office on February 17th, for its regular meeting. Superintendent Lundquist shared the following information relative to activities underway improve achievement, attendance and enrollment:

* The School Resource Officer, Alea Richardson reported that a total of 22 truancy citations have been served, with the hope of increasing student attendance as required by Tribal Code and State Statute. In addition, she attended a SRO conference that detailed numerous successful interventions and programs, some of which may be of value to the District.

* Court Administrator, Jason Dufoe reported on the progress of the Tribal Truancy Court efforts, and in spite of a few minor set-backs, the work is progressing and the number of students in formal hearings for truancy has increased significantly.

* Jerry Loud, Executive Director at New Beginnings, Oshkimaajitahdah offered an update on the Auto Shop partnership with the School District. Things are progressing nicely. In addition, Jerry announced his intent to run for Region 2A, DFL representative, and requested the Board's support.

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

* Red Lake Elementary School continues to make progress on the implementation of strategies for independent reading, cumulative math review (relooping), and teacher language (resiliency). In addition, the Early Childhood center continues improvement efforts in PreK-3 alignment.

* The Ponemah School Complex has surpassed the 10,000,000 words read goal, with the Accelerated Reader program. Planning for a celebration to recognize the students' efforts is underway.

* At the Secondary Complex, instructional coaching sessions have doubled over those from last year, and in grades 6-8, the sessions are taking place on a weekly basis to address the areas of anchor charts, learning targets, and text annotation.

* The Facilities Director's report detailed recognition the District received recently for the successful implementation of a project designed to improve the custodial staff members effectiveness and efficiency. The staff members efforts were notable and documented in newsletter feature published by the Hillyard Corporation.

* The Special Services Director's report indicated the District's child count data is up slightly from last year at 20.6%. The disability category trends indicated students with developmental delays is up, while those with Autism Spectrum Disorders are leveling off.

* The Food Service Coordinator continues to support schools in hosting evening meals for parents and families as part of teacher conferences. In addition, the Coordinator is participating in a Local Food Initiative.

* The Human Resources Coordinator attended a conference recently where information on substitute teacher shortages, staff recruitment, and alternative licensing options. In addition, the Coordinator is launching another round of substitute orientation and drug testing this month.

* The Transportation Director reported that the newly purchased suburban is now in use, and he is exploring options for purchasing a new accessible bus for use with students with mobility challenges.

* The Community Education Coordinator will host activities at the Little Rock Round House (bread making), and a quilting class in Ponemah.

* The Business Manager reported that negotiations between Education Minnesota-Red Lake and the District are continuing, while the Principals' Association has just begun to meet. In addition, the District submitted the Federal Impact Aid application on January 28th, which provides for approximately 28% of the District's annual budget.

* The Parent Education Partnership Project's report detailed activities that included participation in Pancakes for Grandparents at the ECC and hosting a full day training for Parents as Teachers.

* The Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (CIA) department worked closely with the secondary-level principals to plan for the implementation of major initiative to provide for a standards-based, guaranteed and viable curriculum that is culturally responsive and effectively engages students. The initiative is scheduled to launch in grades 6-12 in the fall.

In other business the Board approved travel of two Board members to the National School Board Conference, and several revised/amended policies.