Bettendorf School Board discusses district goals/priorities

BETTENDORF COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT BETTENDORF, IOWA

Unofficial Minutes of the October 16, 2006 Board Retreat (pending Board approval)

The Board of Directors of the Bettendorf Community School District, in the County of Scott, State of Iowa, met in open session according to Iowa law for a Board retreat meeting at the Administration Center, 729 21st Street, Bettendorf, Iowa, on October 16, 2006. President Anderson called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. Members present: Directors Anderson, Crockett, Ehrmann, Justis, Mayer, Tinsman and Weigle. Other officials present: Marty Lucas, Superintendent; Dr. Carol Webb, Assistant Superintendent; Kevin Hatfield, Principal of Neil Armstrong; Celeste Reuter, Director of Communications; and Monica Poe, Board Secretary.

Motion by Director Crockett, seconded by Director Ehrmann, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 7-0

Discussion Issues for Development of 2006-07 Board Goals.

The Board will continue to focus decisions on increasing student achievement results and ensure that policies and resources support the implementation of the District's Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP).

Superintendent Marty Lucas noted that the district continues to review (CSIP) data on a continuous basis throughout the district. This procedure enables the district to make various changes if needed to improve the student achievement process.

Dr. Carol Webb noted that, per a suggestion from the Department of Education, the district will focus on one goal for reading and math.

Kevin Hatfield, Principal of Neil Armstrong Elementary, explained in detail their processes for developing building goals.

Study, revise, and formulate new Board policies related to Educational Philosophy, Board of Directors, Role of School District Administration, and other policies as needed.

Superintendent Lucas noted the Policy Review Committee would be reviewing the 400, 500, and 600 series this year. The review committee met last week to review the 400 series and the first reading of policy changes will be held at the next board meeting.

Enhance avenues for communication and community input with the Board of Education.

Superintendent Lucas suggested that the board continue this goal in order to continue a focus on communication.

The board discussed scheduling visits to each building. Superintendent Lucas stated that schedules will be developed for the board members to visit each school.

Director Mayer stated that he would like community forums that are held to be more participatory between the board and the community. Superintendent Lucas stated that the board will continue to consider holding community forums as issues arise.

Plan for short- and long-term school improvement and funding efforts that are fiscally responsible to the community.

Superintendent Lucas indicated that funding decisions will continue to be made based on data and budget demands.

Support the positive transition of the new superintendent through on-going feedback, communication and evaluation.

Superintendent Lucas stated he will continue the quarterly meetings with small groups of board members and continue with meetings with the board president and vice president as needed. Director Mayer suggested the meetings continue but it is not necessary to list this as a goal for 2006/07.

Use city, county and state demographic data to drive decisions concerning building attendance boundaries, viable building usage and educational programming .

Superintendent Lucas stated that the school district will continue to use district, city, county and state demographic data to drive decisions.

Superintendent Lucas asked if there were any other issues board members would like to discuss as possible goals. There were no additional suggestions. Goals will be finalized and approved at the next meeting.

Building Goals Summary.

Superintendent Lucas briefly reviewed building goals and Superintendent goals for the 2006/07 school year.

Director Weigle noted that it would be beneficial to have a discussion with various school Principals and staff to discuss building goals.

Discussion of Retirement Resolution.

Superintendent Lucas reviewed the current retirement resolution. The resolution is set to end after the current school year. The Board will determine if they want to consider changes to the resolution at a future meeting. Superintendent Lucas asked if there was information the Board would like to have in considering the future of the resolution.

Directors Mayer and Weigle would like historical usage information and eligibility information for the next few years. Superintendent Lucas noted the information requested would be compiled and sent to Board Members sometime this week.

Discussion Open Forum.

Director Crockett asked about the status of the Eagles Building. Superintendent Lucas stated that the timeline has not changed and bids are expected to be returned by the end of November.

Director Weigle asked about the marketing of the Neil Armstrong Property.

Superintendent Lucas noted that John Campbell has spoken to three realtors regarding the Armstrong property. One realtor has given the district a proposal and the other two are waiting for an actual assessment of the building before submitting their proposals.

Director Anderson inquired if the district is getting many parental concerns regarding safety issues. Superintendent Lucas stated he received some inquiries regarding the district’s Crisis Intervention Plan.

Director Weigle requested a report from the high school on the student identification badges.

In response to Director Justis’ early childhood inquiry, Dr. Webb noted that the pilot early childhood programs were going extremely well. She indicated that additional early childhood programming was being considered in the areas of modern language and fine arts.

Director Weigle asked if the district has had concerns expressed because of the boundary changes. Superintendent Lucas stated that there have only been a few questions, but no significant issues regarding boundaries.

Motion by Director Mayer to adjourn the meeting at 6:48 p.m.