Intermediate District 287
RESPONSIVE.INNOVATIVE.SOLUTIONS.
YourBoard Briefs
from theMay 22, 2014 Board Meeting
From our instructional programs…
Sherry Landrud and Mary Slinde, District Reading Consultants, shared how this year’s emphasis on student writing and the expectation that every student will write every day in every class has been embraced districtwide. They offered many examples of students at all ability and age levels gaining important literacy skills by getting into the “rhythm of writing.” Next year the district will continue to deepen the practice of writing and begin to assess writing growth at a program level.
From our superintendent…
Sandy Lewandowski announced that Erline Schwartz, a behavior specialist at the North Education Center, is the very deserving recipient of the May “Above & Beyond” recognition.
Sandy provided an update on the primarily positive outcomes of the 2014 Minnesota legislative session with regard to intermediate districts. New revenue will be realized by the intermediates (1) being included in the increase in the safe schools and lease levies and (2) receiving teacher evaluation funding.A positive policy change to the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) Act will let high school students enrolled in full time dual credit program on college campusessuch as the Gateway program take remedial coursework. Other items of interest are (1) funding to help provide the additional support services needed to operate recovery schools, (2) intermediate districts being able to award diplomas, and (3) building principals having the ability to direct students to enroll in an Area Learning Center (ALC).One surprise aspect of the supplemental budget bill that will have a negative effect on Area Learning Center funding is the exclusion from the general education revenue calculation for ALC students of one of the new revenue components. This change, happening in concert with a 100% cap being put on the basic general education revenues that follow students in an ALC, restricts the intermediate district’s ability to receive additional funding for the more intensive supports needed in these programs. The net effect for FY 15 for our district is about $320,000. This will be addressed in future budgeting discussions with the Board and perhaps inproposed legislation next year.
Sandy announced that the district is the recipient of school-linked mental health services through a grant awarded by the MN Department of Human Services to People Inc., a local and prominent children’s mental health agency. The grant partially supports 3 FTE mental health therapists from People Inc., who will provide mental health services to students at several district sites.
From our administrative services…
Mae Hawkins reviewed and the Board approved the routine monthly financial report for April.Mae also presented “What the Board Should Know about Purchasing.”
Anne Becker presented for second read the revised Drug and Alcohol Testing for Prospective Employees policy. Anne also presented the complete 2014-2015 Board Policy review schedule.
Board Briefs is produced bi-weekly for all employees and stakeholders of Intermediate District 287. If you have a question about the content, please contact Wauneen Denson-Mgeni at 763-550-7101 or