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First Day of Summer School
Monday, June 1
Board of Education Meeting
Wednesday, June 17
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| Board of Education Summary |
| These are the highlights from the May 20th meeting of the Smithville School District Board of Education (BOE). |
Celebration of Student Accomplishments
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The Board recognized curricular and co-curricular student
accomplishments during their May meeting. Congratulations students and sponsors!
Students attending Smithville Primary Elementary School were recognized for achievements in academics and attainment of personal goals.
Students attending Smithville Upper Elementary School were recognized for the following achievements: MCTM Regional Mathematics Competition and Missouri Department of Conversation poster contest.
Students attending Smithville Middle School were recognized for the following achievements: Sons of the American Legion Essay Contest, MCTM Regional Mathematics Competition, Student Council, Undefeated Academic Bowl Team, Lakeside Singer High School Honors Choir, and Duke TIP.
Students attending Smithville High School were recognized for the following achievements: National DECA, State Band, State Choir, Missouri Scholars 100, National Merit Scholar, State FBLA, State & National Gymnastics, Scholar Bowl, Student Council, Perfect ACT Score, First Robotics, CTE Business Completor, Chemathon and FFA.
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For the Tradition of Excellence Award this month, the Board of Education recognized Scott Vitek and SWAT. In its tenth season, the robotics team 1806 SWAT had an amazing trip to the World Championships. SWAT finished in the top 64 of 600 teams qualifying for the world tournament. There are over 3000 teams competing around the world with Smithville performing in the top 97%. Two weekends ago, the Robotics Team brought home another award.
At the first ever Missouri State Robotics Championships, the team was awarded Robot of the Year. This award is a tribute to the quality, durability, performance, fabrication and design of the robot. Other awards include the Greater KC Regional Finalist and Innovation in Control Award, the Oklahoma City Regional Champions and Industrial Design Award, and the World Championships Archimedes-Tesla Division Excellence in Engineering Award. Congratulations to all the students, mentors, coaches and sponsors that have been involved this season and especially all those who have been involved for the 10 years of competition and dedication!
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Northland CAPS Presentation
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Donna Deeds, Executive Director of Northland CAPS, and Seajay Moyer, Smithville High School student, and a student from Staley High School, presented to the Board regarding the student experience in CAPS and future plans for the CAPS program expansion. Ms. Deeds shared statistics regarding CAPS student performance, CAPS student demographics and growth in program participation.
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Assistant Superintendent's Comments
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Support Services
Wayne Krueger updated the BOE on the following:
- Missouri Employers Mutual is hosting a four hour seminar open to the public on drug and alcohol recognition for supervisors. The training will be held at the PAC on June 16th from 8:00 to noon. Seating is limited so preregistration is required, go to www.worksafecenter.com to reserve a seat.
- An overview and update was provided of the regional multi-hazard mitigation plan for Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte, and Ray counties followed by information on the district's 2010 and 2015 goals.
- Documents were shared regarding residency verification for 2015-2016 which will be required for all new students, students entering Kindergarten, and 3rd, 6th and 9th grade. Letters are being sent home the this week of school to allow families to prepare. Documentation should be submitted July 20th through August 6th.
- Hickman Mills has joined the health care consortium which adds 800 more participants in our health insurance pool.
- Finally, effective June 1st, the district is transferring its automobile, inland marine, and non-owned insurance coverage to Wright Specialty lowering the district's liability exposure and lowering its premium.
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Academic Services
Michelle Kratofil shared that the Board will receive a proposal to move to a weighted grade system at the high school at the June Board meeting. High school staff, administration and students are in support of this change. Many benefits to students were cited in support of weighted grades including being more competitive for scholarships and encouraging students to take the risk of more rigorous coursework.
Dr. Kratofil also shared that testing is complete for the 2014-2015 school year. All grade levels took the state assessments on-line this year which resulted in challenges not faced before. Dr. Kratofil thanked the technology department, the maintenance department, counselors, administrators, administrative assistants at the district office, curriculum facilitators, and teachers for their efforts to ensure that testing went smoothly. She also commended our students for persevering with positive attitudes. Unofficial results will be available to the district in June.
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Ashley Jones shared the finished product of various promotional, strategic plan and recruitment materials with the Board. The re-branding of the school district with new district and athletic logos will be launched with the district and community in the coming weeks.
Ron Grusenmeyer asked whether the students featured in the materials are our own kids. Ms. Jones replied that they are not and that the marketing professionals recommended not using our own students for various reasons.
In the area of external communication, Dr. Schuetz updated the Board on the Key Communicator list that is available to them as a Google doc. These individuals will be personally invited to the district to communicate needs, concerns, accolades, and ideas to administration and Board members. Dr. Schuetz requested that the Board continue to consider individuals to add to the list. These meetings will be small groups and will take place monthly in the evening for the convenience of patrons/Key Communicators.
In the area of internal communication, Dr. Schuetz advised the Board that he will launch "listening tours" to visit each building on a quarterly basis. Dr. Schuetz, Mr. Krueger, Dr. Kratofil and one to two Board members will visit each building to listen to staff regarding issues of importance to them.
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The final FY15 budget will be presented for approval in June in compliance with state statute. Also, in June, the Board will be presented with the proposed FY16 budget. |
2015-2016 Textbook Recommendations
The Board unanimously approved the recommended textbook adoptions which were presented to the Board in April.
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Consider 2015-2016 Salary and Benefits
Mr. Krueger provided a summary of the financial information presented at the Board workshop on May 4. Mr. Krueger anticipates that FY15 will conclude with a $300,000 deficit. In addition, he highlighted the anticipated new expenses for FY16. Lastly, Mr. Krueger introduced the concept of a Budget Resizing Committee comprised of staff, administration, Board members and community members to strategize adjustments to district budgets. Several restructuring options were provided to the Board as examples.
Following Mr. Krueger's presentation, Shawn Logan and Stephanie Dominguez, co-chairs of the district Salary and Benefits Committee, shared a presentation with the Board. Highlights of the presentation included a summary of how raises and salary adjustments have historically been calculated in the district, a suggestion for redefining "raise in teacher salary", a summary of current rankings in the Kansas City area and the Northland on specific positions, and a comparison of teacher salaries to maintenance salaries, administrative assistant salaries and administrator salaries in the district. The presentation culminated with the Salary and Benefits Committee's proposal for teacher salary adjustments in 2015-2016. Denney Fales asked about the impact on the reserves with the base increase requested by the Salary and Benefits Committee. Mr. Krueger estimated that it may decrease by approximately another 1% to about 23.5%. Mr. Fries asked if the requested salary increase would keep the district in the desired reserve band to maintain credit ratings and borrowing power. Mr. Krueger confirmed that even with an additional 1% decrease in reserves, the district would remain in desired reserve band which is greater than 20%. Mr. Grusenmeyer asked if the district is required by law to maintain a certain amount in reserves. Mr. Krueger shared that 3% is required, although DESE intervenes when a district falls into single digits in reserve percentage. Mr. Grusenmeyer also asked if granting the same percentage to non-certified staff is a matter of policy or practice. Mr. Krueger shared that it has been practice since he came to the district. Dr. Schuetz commented that a salary study will be done in the fall to advise the district on adjustments to the salary process for non-teaching positions. This will include developing detailed salary schedules for all positions, certified and non-certified, in the district. After much discussion and the realization that more information is needed to make an informed decision, the Board tabled this topic until the June BOE meeting.
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Dr. Schuetz provided information to the Board regarding HB 42, the student transfer bill. Mr. Fries shared details regarding the ramifications of this bill which will funnel public funds from public schools to charters and virtual schools. He asked the Board if an effort should be made to educate our community on the realities of this bill. Dr. Schuetz will draft a response regarding HB 42.
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Graduation Locations for 2016
Wayne Krueger, Michelle Kratofil, Candi Sutton, Russell Fries, and three junior officers toured the Mabee Center at Jewell College and the KCI Expo Center on Friday, May 15. Andrew Haws is currently assisting in researching further opportunities. They will share additional thoughts in the future as a decision needs to be reached soon.
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Travel Request for the Wrestling Team
Coach Taylor Middleton submitted an out-of-state travel request for next year's wrestling season. The board approved the request.
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| New Job Descriptions Ashley Jones shared several job descriptions for consideration. These recommendations were for review and approval will be requested in June.
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| MOSIP Board of Directors Vote As a MOSIP participant, the district is allowed one vote for a seat on the Board of Directors. Mr. Krueger and Dr. Schuetz recommended that the board grant the district's proxy to the MOSIP Board of Directors to vote on our behalf as Mr. Krueger nor Dr. Schuetz will be present at the meeting nor are are they familiar with the two candidates. The board unanimously approved this recommendation.
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| MSBA Policy Revisions MSBA recommended revisions to the policies listed below. There was discussion regarding GCPF, which provides suggested language pertaining to multi-year contracts. The board unanimously approved the policy 2015A recommendations, with the deletion of the language from policy GCPF. File: BF, School Board Policy Process File: CB, School Superintendent File: FEF, Construction Contracts Bidding and Awards File: GBCA, Staff Conflict of Interest File: GBCBC, Staff Absences and Tardiness File: GCPB, Resignation of Professional Staff Members File: GCPD, Suspension of Professional Staff Members File: GCPE, Termination of Professional Staff Members File: GCPF, Renewal of Professional Staff Members File: GDPD, Nonrenewal, Suspension and Termination of Support Staff Members File: IGBCB, Programs for Migrant Students File: IGDA, Student-Initiated Group Use of District Facilities (K-12 Districts) File: IKFB, Graduation Exercises File: JHCD, Administration of Medications to Students
Customized Policy Revisions Ashley Jones recommended revisions to policies GCBDA, GDBDA, and GCBA-R. And Wayne Krueger also recommended DJF. The board unanimously voted to approve the first reading for the recommended revisions. File: DJF, Purchasing File: GCBA-R, Professional Staff Salary Schedules File: GCBDA, Professional Staff Short Leaves and Absences
File: GDBDA, Support Staff Leaves
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| Implementation of TILT Matt Henshaw and Lori Mertz updated the Board on the TILT (Teachers Integrating Learning Technology) program. Mrs. Mertz illustrated how she utilizes a 2-in-1 device in her classroom to assist in enhancing instruction and learning. |
- Sandy VanWagner will attend the Leadership Summit in June. The Board will receive the Outstanding Board of Education award at a banquet on June 13.
- The summer school session is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 1 and will conclude on Thursday, July 2.
- The Board provided feedback regarding graduation on Sunday, May 17. A revised program will be mailed to all graduating seniors.
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If you have questions or comments about the items in this newsletter, please contact Ashley Jones at [email protected].
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