Questions after the Board Meeting November 1, 2009
Posted by Wolfe Gary in Delaware, Education.6 comments
Every once in awhile I leave a board meeting with more un-answered then answered questions so I thought I would put them out for discussion. I continue to learn more and more about LFS, or Learning Focused Schools, and I was wondering what other districts were doing with it, and how they were making out with it? I am meeting with our district staff in an up coming workshop so I was trying to get me ducks lined up. Another question that struck me was do other districts have communication policies which detail who can or can not talk to the news media, or public? We had discussions on this topic, and we can’t seem to get the language right that does not restrict things too much. Last thing to cross my mind after our 11:30pm late meeting was, how can we as a board make sure we communicate with the public to know what they want in a school?
October 26th Board Meeting November 1, 2009
Posted by Wolfe Gary in Education.add a comment
We began the monthly meeting on a high note with the recognition of a special group of students from Benjamin Banneker who were involved with the Special Olympics. Then we recognized staff members for their Leadership commitments to the district. Those staff recognized was Brian Clarke, Scott Husbands, Susan Frampton, Melissa Tuttle, Cynthia McKenzie, and Latosha Weldon. Also recognized for their growth and continuing improvement to Leadership skills were Nancy Carnevale, Mark McDaniel, and Beth Conaway. The last shining star of the evening was Bev Harp who received the Delaware School Nutrition Association Outstanding member of 2008-09. Congratulations to all, and keep up the good work.
Under correspondence reviews, Sylvia Henderson and the staff of Lulu Ross were thanked by the Milford Relay for Life organization for their continued support and a donation of $1000.00.
The Superintendent report started with a review of change orders for the new Central Academy, and the new Upper Elementary. One order that was reviewed and rejected by the board was for additional paving to be done on the parking lot, and the architect recommended this as well. Also discussed as part of the construction updates were a decrease in the number of landscaping trees planned for the parking area due to security concerns. The trees will be relocated to other areas, including outside the new baseball and softball fields. The work for phase 4 on the ~5 acres along route 1 was discussed, and at present, the only work planned is to complete the track throwing area.
The board was given a presentation by Mr. John Laznik from the University of Delaware, who discussed the technology that was available to the district in order to begin planning for the opening of the two new schools. With the right questions, the district can look at population’s densities and growth to determine where future lines and boundaries will be, as well as, new busing routes. Along the same thought lines, the board approved the state waiver for Student-Instructor ratios, as there are some classes in the elementary that exceed the recommended 22 per classroom. These are very few, and the new schools are the answer to these higher numbers.
Last part of the superintendents’ report is the recommendation of the administration to designate 1 Wednesday a month for professional development, and on those days the students would not start until 10am. The staff would report on time and training could be done that would not interfere in teaching hours for students. Those students who had to report because of parental conflicts would be able to go to the cafeteria and use the time for study or homework. The districts instructional hours would not be in conflict, and the plan has the backing of the State DOE. The last business for this section was tabling of the policy 1001 for Communication with the Public until more work can be done on the language.
The personnel reports started with approval of two policies, replace policy 4212, and change policy 4309. Under staff changes the board approved the new principal of the to be completed Central Academy, Mr. Mark McDaniel. Mr. McDaniel has as been with the district 16 years, and most recently was an assistant at the High School. Other staff changes included the hiring of new nursing, and teaching staff, as well as, the retirement of a 26 ½ year staff member, Ms. Betty Evans.
The meeting proceeded with approval of the financial reports, and the conversion of the districts bond notes that were part of the capital projects in the district. The night ended after a presentation by Dr. Herrera on the Special Education indicators.
NSBA call to action over HR 2647. October 8, 2009
Posted by Wolfe Gary in Delaware Politics, Education.1 comment so far
Today an email call went out to board members to contact their local federal legislators over our disapproval of section 535 of the National Defense Authorization Act of FY2010. I am pasting the section in the post and the readers can see what it reads. The bottom line is the federal government is looking at providing school vouchers to families of military personnel whose children may have to attend a school needing improvement under NCLB. So instead of looking for ways to improve those schools that border our military bases in the US, we just allow military children to attend private schools. If I lived in an area like an urban district which had schools in need of improvement, and I was told my children had to attend that school, but the military children could get vouchers I do believe I would be a little put out!
SEC. 535. STUDY ON OPTIONS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEPENDENT CHILDREN OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES WHO DO NOT ATTEND DEPARTMENTOF DEFENSE DEPENDENTS SCHOOLS.
(A) STUDY ON OPTIONS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES.—
STUDY REQUIRED.—the Secretary of Defense shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, conduct a study on options for educational opportunities that are, or may be, available for dependent children of members of the Armed Forces who do not attend Department of Defense dependents’ schools when the public elementary and secondary schools attended by such children are determined to be in need of improvement pursuant to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law 110–117).
OPTIONS.—the options to be considered under the study required by paragraph shall include the following:
(A) Vouchers.
(B) Education provided by the Department of Defense through the Internet.
(C) Charter schools.
(D) Such other options as the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, considers appropriate for purposes of the study.
ELEMENTS.—the study required by paragraph shall address the following matters:
(A) The challenges faced by parents in military families in securing quality elementary and secondary education for their children when the public elementary and secondary schools attended by their children are identified as being in need of improvement.
(B) The extent to which perceptions of differing degrees of quality in public elementary and secondary schools in different regions of the United States affect plans of military families to relocate, including relocation pursuant to a permanent change of duty station.
(C) The various reasons why military families seek educational opportunities for their children other than those available through local public elementary and secondary schools.
(D) The current level of student achievement in public elementary and secondary schools in school districts which have a high percentage of students who are children of military families.
(E) The educational needs of children of military families who are required by location to attend public elementary and secondary schools identified as being in need of improvement.
(F) The value and impact of a school voucher or other alternative educational program for military families.
(G) The extent to which the options referred to in paragraph (2) would provide a meaningful option for education for military children when the public elementary and secondary schools attended by such children are determined to be in
need of improvement.
(H) The extent to which the options referred to in paragraph (2) would improve the quality of education available for students with special needs, including students with learning disabilities and gifted students.
(I) Such other matters as the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, considers appropriate for purposes of the study.
(b) REPORT.—Not later than March 31, 2010, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report on the study required by subsection (b). The report shall include the following:
(1) A description of the results of the study.
(2) Such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate in light of the results of the study
September 28th Meeting notes October 7, 2009
Posted by Wolfe Gary in Education.2 comments
The September 28 Board of Education meeting was not only a longer then normal meeting, but also had some very human moments. After the opening minutes, and recognition of the Milford FFA group for their excellent results at the regional competition in Springfield, Mass the board went into an early executive session. After returning, the board heard from Mr. DiCostanzo and the family of Kelly Tyrrell Gill who were presenting a proposal for the board to consider that would memorialize Kelly for her work. The board agreed that Kelly was the type of educator whose loss warranted some type of memorial, and the board asked the family and friends to allow the board the time to consider the options before the next board meeting.
The meeting then changed gears and the discussions turned to construction issues, which include approval of several change orders. In addition, the construction management group was asked questions about timelines, and whether the paving work will be carried out before the winter shuts down blacktop companies. Other issues that were discussed were athletic field concerns, and the reminder of the official ground breaking this Saturday at the new elementary school.
Board policies that came up for discussion at this meeting were a complete revision of the Communication policy # 1001 that gave greater guidance to staff on how to work with the media. Policy # 4214 on conducting termination proceedings was also up for a first reading as it is being revised to bring it in line with current legal practices. A policy that was approved by vote was # 4309 which added a District Mentoring Coordinator to the limited contracts for personnel services section. This position is part of a new initiative that the Superintendent has started to bring in more community mentors. The second approved policy was # 6114 which updated the Computing and Internet Policy to bring it inline with State policies for computer usage.
The board was then giving reports by Personnel, Finance, and Operations on the current hires, financial reports, and the move to update the current transportation methods for bidding on yearly field trips and sports trips. A board committee will meet with contractors to help put together a more user-friendly design for communicating between the district and the contractors. The board meeting ended at 8:30pm as the board went into another executive session to discuss personnel issues.
Undocumented residents and Public Education September 28, 2009
Posted by Wolfe Gary in Delaware Politics, Education.1 comment so far
http://www.nsba.org/SecondaryMenu/COSA/Search/AllCOSAdocuments/Undocumented-Children.aspx
The weblink I’ve pasted here was shared recently with school administrators and school board members in order to clarify recent Supreme Court decisions and how they relate to education of undocumented children. If you have a mind to read the 36 page document it goes into the policies of how these children of undocumented residents are eligible for a free public education in the US, and all the benefits associated with that education. Delaware is one of those states struggling to make ends meet that has seen in increase in this population.
Sep. 14, 2009 Board Meeting update September 17, 2009
Posted by Wolfe Gary in Delaware Politics, Education.3 comments
First full board meeting report of the 2009-2010 school year from Sep 14th meeting. The majority of the meeting was updates on both Central academy construction and bid approvals for the new upper elementary by Lu Lu Ross School. All bids, with exception of those still in discussion, were approved for the new elementary so that work can begin soon. As part of the bids there were new green initiatives with both Geothermal and solar being added to both schools, and helping the district to save Energy over time. Some other change orders approved were for safety and storage concerns at the athletic complex. New skirting for the visitors side, and new handrails on the home stands will prevent injuries during wet conditions. Also will be adding more storage space beside Carey-Simpson building to store track and field equipment.
With regard to athletics, the board also is submitting a waiver request to the DIAA board for athletics at the new Central Academy. At present, there are very few like it and the rules governing athletics still need to be written, and therefore with the help of DIAA we will have a year to work on them. When the school opens 9th grade will still play at the high school, and 8th grade will play at the middle school. Milford may be one of the first, but many are considering similar situations with their Academies. Another approval under athletics was the approval of the 1st Annual “Battle of the Bell” golf tournament the weekend before the big football event. The tournament at Shawnee CC will Benefit both Milford and Lake Forest’s golf programs, and scholarships sponsored by the Country club. For information on this event, contact the Athletic Directors at either Milford or Lake Forest.
The last bit of district business was introduction of a transportation newsletter designed to help improve communication and information sharing between the district and its contractors. News from the DSBA (Delaware School Boards Association) was presented and this included news that HB# 117 on board election dates is still in Finance committee. In addition, the date of Oct 14th was given for board training clinics to be presented in Dover. Lastly, a draft of the state DOE “Education-innovation Strategic Plan for Delaware Public Schools” was shared with the board, and this was a 34-page document. The draft being pushed by the desire to latch on to more stimulus monies is a five goal plan which needs a lot more work. The goals are:
1. Standards and Assessments
2. Longitudinal Data Systems
3. Teacher Quality
4. Low Performing Schools
5. Effective, Efficient Service Delivery
The document is just in draft form, but I will attach a copy for your nighttime reading enjoyment. The Board meeting adjourned to executive session at 8pm.
IAT Strategic Plan Draft 08 18 09 VII
First Week and Visits to the schools August 30, 2009
Posted by Wolfe Gary in Education.1 comment so far
Milford opened up on Tuesday Aug. 25th and there were some new visitors to the schools. Myself, the superientendent, Mr. Shelhouse, Mayor Marebello, and a rep from DOE visited all 5 schools the first day of classes. Starting at Morris early childhood where we saw shiny new backpacks, and staff making sure that all those new students got to the right rooms without tears. We then proceeded up the road to Ross elementary and Banneker elementary where we visited several classrooms, and were happy to see the welcoming environment that the staff created at both schools to welcome back the students. By lunch we had made it to the Middle school where we saw a classroom where the staff were experimenting with an exercise ball as a chair to help student focus. We also stopped by the lunch room and visited all three wings. Finally, we finished up at the High school where the staff was wearing shirts that reminded me of sport uniforms with there names on the back. The freshman were the only students in the building that day as it was their orientation day to learn about the school before the upperclassmen returned. A good day and it was the first time that a group like this had ever made the rounds of the schools before.
A busy week outside the classroom as well as we had the monthly board meeting the ran until almost 10pm as we had some long discussions about busing and HS improvement plans. As made it to the newspaper we were confused by the bids for this years trips and sport buses, as the numbers did not reflect any order we could see. The final decision was to look at a meeting set up with bus contractors next year to better clarify the figures, and understand what the fees were for. The HS plans for improving the performance of the 9 & 10 grade testing were well put together by Dr Sutcliffe, and Phyllis Kohel, and they reviewed the measurable goals for the plan. The last order of business was a presentation to Mr. Marvin Shelhouse for his years of service as board President to the Milford District. Thank you Marvin Again.
The other bit of business this week was a meeting with the engineers to review the geothermal and solar projects planned for both new schools in the district. The return on investment for these two systems will be a savings on electric and a lower carbon footprint for the district. The bids for the new elementary are due in later in the week, and will be reviewed by the board at the next meeting. The next big discussion will be how to address the transportation and athletics at the new Central Academy, and the opening meeting is planned for Sept 9th. Also look for the posting of a job opening for the new principal of the Central Academy.
New Year and new leadership for District July 23, 2009
Posted by Wolfe Gary in Education.add a comment
Less then a month before Milford goes back to school, and the district is beginning a new direction. The local paper already has posted the changes to the school dress code, and the results of the DSTP that will focus more help towards those groups performing poorly. The new superintendent, Ms. Sharon Kanter, has hit the ground running with new ideas, and approaches to helping the district move beyond in these challenging times. I am getting to work with her closely as the board has allowed me to take on the job of board president this year. We both look forward to the 2009-2010 school year, and the new direction of the district.
“District mergers might offer savings”-Delawareonline.com June 7, 2009
Posted by Wolfe Gary in Delaware Politics, Education.add a comment
This article today has a key word which I don’t believe has been answered yet-what savings? I have no objections to consolidating the vocational districts as their size to administrator numbers does not add up, and the fact that they are not tied locally to a single community will not affect parental involvement. Consolidation of joint services throughout districts could also offer savings, and bring consistency to curriculm, technology, and labor. There are also possibilities for some consolidation of locally adjoining districts that are experiencing severe financial hardships, and student performance drops. These joinings could help improve both districts, and yet local control would still remain for parents to stay involved with the schools.
Before our legislators start looking locally for the magic bullet they need to look at the state level at the bulging waistline of DOE, and other state agencies! Sen. Peterson you have no ties to the education system in Delaware, but I’m sure your old group at Dept. of Labor could use a trim. Maybe that would not sit well with the labor groups you represented, like the DSEA who put our Governor in office yet are now unhappy with 8% cuts? Then the head of the Education Committee that continues his ties to charter schools that would not be affected by the dismantling of local schools who are performing well!
Folks, cutting budgets will not solve the states wows, and as one commentor said to this article, “the loss of most industries and cash inflow” must be improved if we are to move forward. The state population continues to grow in the Lower counties,just as our Governor wrote about, but the folks in New Castle county who are unhappy with their situation keep pushing their ideas down. Those of us in the two lower counties would gladly share our ESL groups and poverty level groups with you up north as these cuts just put more uneducated citizens on the books to collect state services and funds!
Casino owners have more right to exist then teachers in Delaware. May 6, 2009
Posted by Wolfe Gary in Delaware Politics, Education.3 comments
Well, our legislators have bowed down to the money hungry casino owners they helped create! Not only will the state not see its share of the profits the owners reap from the slots run by the “state Lottery office”, but another source of revenue was denied that is sorely needed! So the lesson here today students is that profits are more important then teachers salaries that are looking to be cut by at least 8% to balance the budget. I have my own little slant to this stupidity that I will share here. First, the under-educated masses ,due to teachers leaving, will have lowerer paying jobs, and their only hope of prosperity will be to gamble at the slots. This will help raise the profits for these owners even higher! Second, an under-educated public also means less individuals understanding the politics in Dover so the “old-boys” hold on to their offices that much longer increasing there salaries and pensions! Bottom-line is the state is still run by special interest, and with the passage of HB 117 they are looking to drive away the last chance for volunteer citizens to make a difference for education!
