Superintendent's Summary of the Red Lake School District #38 December 21, 2016 Board Meeting

The Board met at the district office on December 21st for its regular meeting. Superintendent Lundquist shared the following information relative to her efforts to improve achievement, attendance and graduation rates:

· A presentation of the district's newly implemented Teacher Mentoring and Induction program was provided, which pairs each new teachers with a veteran staff member to help them become acquainted with the procedures and overall culture in their buildings. This type of support is being offered to 13 new teachers this year, which according to research, is likely to have a positive impact on the overall success and retention of new staff.

· In addition, the Tribal Court Administrator, Jason Defoe, reported that 32 truancy hearings were conducted in the month of November, and there are 28 individuals under court ordered probation for school attendance monitoring.

In other reports, supervisors and principals offered updates on their activities, including the following:

· The Food Service Coordinator's report indicated the percentage of students being served has increased significantly as compared to last year, in particular, the High School served 99% of the students in the month of November, as compared to last year's annual average of 43%.

· The Red Lake Elementary School and Early Childhood Center reports indicated their efforts to increase attendance are achieving results, and student attendance is up. In addition, initial plans are underway for the kindergarten round-up, for an estimated 140 students. Just under 90 adults attended the "donuts for dads" breakfast gathering to enjoy a meal and short visit at the ECC.

· At the Ponemah School, students provided a drum and dance performances as a part of the Holiday Music Program, along with 25 songs. In addition, students met their goal of reading 2.5 million words in a six week period, and were rewarded with a fun "make it and take it" activity night.

· The Director for Facilities and Safety reported the snow removal team has been working successfully thus far, and over the winter break custodians will be working on various projects throughout the buildings. In addition, the direct continues to be in contact with Red Lake Propane to explore various opportunities for service.

· The Secondary Complex report indicated that over half of the seniors have applied to post-secondary institutions. Middle School students are hosting their first dinner theater, following the board meeting, where students will perform a play, The Night Before Christmas, and serve a spaghetti dinner. Finally, The Middle School Principal detailed the newly implemented off-site seat, based program which is held at The Children's Healing Center. This is an optional alternative placement program offered to students in lieu of expulsion. Students receive regular instruction each day, and in addition have access to a therapeutic services and culturally-based experiences to improve their emotional health and well-being.

· The Transportation Director reported that arrangements have been made to transport students from Ponemah to Red Lake to participate in basketball. In addition, cameras are being installed on the front of the busses to record oncoming traffic.

· The Assistant Superintendent for Supplemental Services reported he is in the process of correcting 20 citations which were found in the recent monitoring review for special education. This number is down significantly from the last review which took place about three years ago, where over 100 citations were found.

· The Human Resource Coordinator's report stated the STAR (Staff Automated Report) which detail staff assignments, is complete and has been submitted to MDE. This ensures staff licenses are up to date, and that teachers are qualified for their assignment.

· The Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment newsletter indicated arrangements for the upcoming all-staff quarterly professional development day, scheduled for January 16, are nearly complete. Dr. Anton Treuer will return, and as before, dozens of staff members will provide various workshop sessions for fellow employees. The team is launching a new software program, that will enable participants to access and manage the one day conference electronically.

In other business the Board approved the 2016-17 Strategic Plan, as required by Minnesota Statute, amended the current school calendar, and engaged in the first reading of the 2017-18 school calendar.