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

The Board met at the Red Lake School District Office on June 27th , for its regular meeting. Superintendent Lundquist shared the following information relative to activities underway to improve achievement, attendance and enrollment:

• The Superintendent shared the district's Literacy Plan, which details the literacy efforts underway throughout the district for students in kindergarten through grade three.

• The districts structure and processes for continuous improvement were also discussed, along with the various initiatives underway in each of the identified areas.

• A summary of the types of field trips all students have access to in each of the buildings was reviewed and it was noted that a broad range of experiences and activities are available to students at all grade levels.

• The findings from the recent Minnesota Department of Education MCA site visit to Ponemah were discussed, along with the district's response to the two items cited that need to be corrected.

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

• The Food Service Coordinator reported the new cafeteria opened for business on May 25th to rave reviews. In addition the district received a total of $56,730 in grant funds via the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.

• Red Lake Elementary School summer school is in full swing. With 240 students participating in the four week program. Also, the Principals are pleased to announce that 16 students received recognition for perfect attendance!

• Ponemah School summer school is also underway, where 121 students are participating. In addition, the Ponemah Pow Wow was well attended on May 20th, with perfect weather conditions. The Chairman served as Emcee for a crowd of over 300.

• The Secondary Complex reported an increase in graduation rates which are estimated to be about 18% over last year. In addition, the first annual "Senior Send Off" was well received by students at all schools, including St. Mary's Mission School. In addition, students walked the halls of the Tribal Council offices, at the invitation of the Chairman, and shared a nice meal with staff in celebration of their accomplishments. The Middle School Academy students completed an annual survey on their level of satisfaction with the program. The administration will use the information to inform positive changes as warranted.

• The Transportation Director reported an additional, qualified driver is available; and more are still needed, so his recruitment efforts will continue.

• The Director for Special Services report detailed the two early learning programs available to students in Red Lake and Ponemah, for students age three and four; along with the Early Childhood Family Education Program which offers classes for mixed-age students and their families, include babies and toddlers. All programs are provided free of charge. In addition, an informational booklet from the Beltrami Area Service Collaborative agency was shared, which outlined the various programs and services available to Red Lake Schools.

• The Facilities Director's report stated the Ponemah roofing project is underway and should be completed by August 19, 2016. In addition the staff will undergo an annual in-service June 22nd in the new cafeteria to review safety procedures, equipment use, and chemical handling protocols.

• The Human Resources Coordinator's report stated there are still fourteen positions open, including the HS Principal position, for which the deadline for applications has been extended to the end of June.

In other business the Board adopted an operating budget of $33,182,877.07, approved the travel of several board members to the National Impact Aid Conference and the National Indian Education Association Conference, scheduled for next fall.