Rapid City Area Schools District 51/4
300 Sixth Street
Rapid City, South Dakota, 57701-2724
Superintendent of Schools
(605) 394-4031
March 30 Study Session-Title I Needs Assessment
What: The tool assesses the school on nine foundational practices that are grounded in research and proven to be the key components for improving student achievement.
Why: School improvement requires planning that is translated into immediate action. The tool identifies strengths and weakness based upon what the nine foundational practices that have been identified to improve student achievement. A comprehensive rubric ensures a consistent and thorough evaluation.
How: Review of documentation, two-day onsite visits that include classroom observations, meetings with building leadership, interviews with parents, students, and teachers and also observing team meetings. Online surveys are also used to collect data.
Next Steps: Develop strong leadership teams at each building, evaluate initiatives currently in place and limit implementation, create a balance of team time and job-embedded professional learning, clarify curriculum, make sure core instruction is intentional and focused, establish consistent writing expectations for all students and create a strong sense of community and focused learning culture.
We have expanded our Extended Learning Time opportunities to all Title I schools. The full proposal can be found attached to the March 30 agenda. We have contracted for an intensive workshop on Power Strategies for Title I teachers in June. We have contracted for a leadership component that will have training this summer and continue with training and support throughout our 2016-2017 school year for all building leaders.
April 4 Study Session-Impact of HB 1182-SB131
FY 2017 Accountability Calculator
What: Explain the impact of 2016 legislation passed during the 2016 legislative session with an emphasis on HB 1182 and SB 131. Many resources are attached to the agenda for the April 4 Study Session.
Why: The new revenue and formula have a tremendous impact on the development of the 2016-2017 Budget.
How: I have a handout that is the FY 2017 Accountability Calculator. I will go over the handout to explain the impact to RCAS.
Next Steps: Finish the development of the 2016-2017 Budget-preliminary to be presented on May 9. Start the negotiations process with employee groups.
Update MGT of America Study
What: A Comprehensive Master Facility Plan provides a roadmap for addressing current and future facility needs. Components of the plan include facility assessments, enrollment projections, building capacity and utilization, stakeholder participation, alternative solutions and budget and cost estimates.
Why: To give the BOE and community good data to help make decisions concerning the expenditure of limited tax payer dollars on district infrastructure.
How: An interactive process was utilized to engage the public at community meetings and also the use of an online survey instrument to collect information.
Next Steps: Develop a Five-year Capital Outlay Plan and a Five–year Capital Projects Plan by June 30. Town Hall meetings will be scheduled in the fall of 2016 to discuss the recommendations and next steps in the district.
School Policy Update
What: A comprehensive review of all district policies and procedures.
Why: Many had not been updated and are inconsistent with current practice, state and federal statutes.
How: School Board Policy Committee, employee groups and legal counsel have reviewed and suggest revisions.
Next Steps: Please visit our website ( and all the reviewed, revised and new policies for Sections A-B-C-D-E-F are posted. Section G is next to be completed. The hope is to have all policy sections completed by June 30, 2016.
New Position-July 1, 2016-will make formal announcement on April 19, 2016
I have been offered and I have accepted the position at Riverside Community Schools-Carson, Oakland and Macedonia, IA. It’s 22 miles straight east of Council Bluffs, IA-Closer, to Family.