Jan Mitchell, LWVNCF Observer
All members were present.
At the time for public comment, two people spoke in support of the calendar plan that incorporates one hour per week for Professional Learning Circles to meet. Both are parents in the district, and both are employees of the district. Ray Coudret said this process provides for real student improvement, but if the public found it too difficult to accept the altered schedule, then perhaps it might be delayed for a year until people were more receptive. Heather Ryden, from the curriculum office, pointed out that the process of determining a calendar involved input from many sources, and that critics who say this plan suits the convenience of staff over parents and students are mistaken. It is more convenient for the current process to continue than to switch to this more effective plan for upgrading student performance.
Several announcements and recognitions were made, including:
- regional spelling bee involving 3 Middle School students
- Middle School speech team involves 22 students
- Several sports teams have done well – girls’ hockey, gymnastics, & diving among them
- An ALC student designed a logo that won a prize for a conference of educators
- High School orchestra performance was impressive; 7th & 8th grade orchestra concert was a success
- the High School Parent Advisory Council is being revived – contact the principals if interested in participating
- Student art work is on exhibit at the NAG gallery, and it’s really good
- The Board thanked the League of Women Voters for hosting a reception honoring elected officials for their service.
Superintendent Richardson explained the complex calendar issues – whether to begin before Labor Day, how to accommodate an hour per week for Professional Learning Circles to meet, how to schedule busses and provide supervision for students on PLC days. This information is posted on the District website, and I suggest you find it there. He also has the input of 970 people who have responded to the Survey Monkey questions about these issues, and provided hard copies to board members of the 90 emails received so far on these topics. More public input is welcome, and the website is open until March second. Board members are also receptive to phone calls or emails. They will make a final calendar decision on March 23rd.
The Board approved unanimously a resolution urging Congress to reframe Federal investments in K-12 education to serve low income and disadvantaged children better, and to return accountability to individual states. Further, the resolution urges that the state withdraw from participation in No Child Left Behind if such changes are not made by October of 2010, and that the Legislature and MN Dept. of Education develop a more positive approach than NCLB for raising student achievement.
A Boundary Waters trip for 7 students and 2 staff members from the ALC in June was approved. This will be the 5th year for the trip, and it is regarded as an opportunity to apply and develop skills in problem solving, leadership, adaptability, and decision-making, among others.
