October 10, 2024 Workshop Meeting
1 hour 48 minutes
Agenda and Minutes
1.0 Call to Order; Roll Call: Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a meeting of the School Board of Independent School District 833, South Washington County, was held on Thursday, October 10, 2024. The meeting was called to order by Chair Katie Schwartz, at 6:04pm at the District Service Center, 7362 East Point Douglas Road South, Cottage Grove, MN 55016. School Board Members present: Melinda Dols, Simi Patnaik, Katie Schwartz, Eric Tessmer and Sharon Van Leer. Ryan Clarke and Pat Driscoll were absent. Superintendent Nielsen was present.
2.0 Pledge of Allegiance
3.0 Approval of Agenda: It was moved by Sharon Van Leer, seconded by Simi Patnaik to approve the agenda. All in favor, none opposed, motion carried.
4.0 Workshop Items:
Kelly Jansen, Assistant Superintendent
Arthur Williams, Director of Elementary Teaching & Learning, Mark McIlmoyle, Director of Secondary Teaching & Learning, Leah Boulos, Teaching and Learning Supervisor, Tom Ross, Elementary Literacy Coach and Cheryl Jogger, Community Engagement Coordinator shared information on the READ Act requirements, training, data, English Language Arts, Community Engagement and testing/screening tools.
Katie Schwartz, School Board Chair
The board discussed goals from the past year and future goals. There will be no board listening sessions with the staff or public, instead the Chair will ask people commenting to the board if they would like a response from administration. Board members will look for effective board self-evaluation tools.
5.0 Information Items:
Kris Blackburn, Director of Business Services
Ms. Backburn shared the current budget status and highlighted enrollment and assumptions.
5.2 First Reading of Proposed Policy Changes
Julie Nielsen, Superintendent
Ms. Nielsen shared the proposed changes. These policies will return at the October 24, 2024 meeting for approval. There was no request for public comment on the proposed changes.
6.0 Reports and Comments:
Superintendent Nielsen reported on MEA next week, the 2025-26 calendar, changes to 2025 graduation location and dates. She then highlighted the Read and Feed at Liberty Ridge that she participated in today.
Ryan Clarke: emailed the following” last Tuesday kicked off the start of a new DEI Advisory Committee cohort. I'm looking forward to exploring this program to understand how the content and investment will translate to improved student academic success and excellence in SoWashCo Schools.”
7.0 Future Meeting Dates:
October 24, 2024 – School Board Business Meeting (DSC/6:00 p.m.)
November 7, 2024 - School Board Workshop Meeting (DSC/6:00 p.m.)
8.0 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:52pm.