In an effort to be more accessible to the community, the Board has been holding some of its meeting at neighborhood schools. Board President Mike Borkowski thanked the Sheridan School community for hosting the board meeting.  Mike also noted the loss of one of the district’s longtime and cherished staff members, Mr. Scott Bliler. Scott served Deer Path Middle School, our students, and community as a special education teacher for the past 12 years. Mike stated that The Spirit of 67 Foundation recently celebrated its 30th Anniversary and has raised over $4 million to date. Mike also announced a generous donation from the Spirit to the district of $250,000. These dollars will to be used for technology and furnishings for the reimagined learning spaces in the DPM Haskins Center. View video for complete report.   View video for complete report. 

Superintendent Mike Simeck announced the National School Climate Inventory (CSCI) will be administered to students (K-3), staff (K-8), and parents (K-8) in March. He encouraged all stakeholders to participate . View video for complete report.   

Assistant Superintendent Rebecca Jenkins and Director of Teaching and Learning Susan Milsk introduced a group of educators who highlighted 4 key areas of the strategic plan: Reading and Writing Workshop, Social Emotional Learning, the Mentor Program, and Inquiry Based Instruction . View written report    View video (Strategic Plan)    View video (ELA). 

Suzanne Sands reported that she and board members from District 115 accompanied Mike Simeck to the National School Board Association (NSBA) Advocacy Conference in Washington D.C.  She commented that the trip was a tremendous learning experience as well as an opportunity for advocacy on behalf of our school districts. She noted that their focus was primarily on IDEA funding, however, it is apparent that school choice is another relevant topic of discussion. View written report    View video.

Beth Clemmensen reported that the committee was updated on the District’s Social/Emotional Learning initiative. Educators outlined the five competencies used as goals for the work. DPM Principals overviewed Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO). Courses are being evaluated and future opportunities are being determined. The committee also discussed an analysis of looping in 7th and 8th grade. The report presented findings from students, parents and teachers. Overall, the recommendation of the team is to continue the practice of looping. A report on the Lucy Calkins Reading and Writing Curriculum was also presented to the committee . View written report View video.

Rob Lemke announced that the district received a clean audit. The committee was pleased with the thoroughness of this audit. The district’s financial team was thanked for their professionalism and exemplary work. View video.

Jeff Folker reported that the District 67 Policy Committee met with the District 115 Policy Committee to discuss PRESS Issue 93. It covered an unprecedented 142 recommended changes to policies. Jeff commented that most were changes to footnotes or legal reference information, not substantive changes to specific policies.  Two policies were held back for further discussion, 2:125 Board Member Expenses, and 5:60 Employee Expenses. View written report     View video.

Suzanne Sands discussed resources and a video about inclusion shared by NSSED Superintendent Dr. Schneider. The Leadership Council is preparing for strategic planning later this summer. The committee also discussed proposed changes to the NSSED organizational chart. Suzanne also attended the Advisory Committee Meeting where historical information was shared about the Rubloff Building. View written report    View video. 

Beth Clemmensen reported ED-RED advised that the state was discussing SB13 as part of their grand plan budget. The budget contains a 2-year freeze on property taxes that would impact all governing bodies.    View video.

Suzanne Sands mentioned that the slate for the 2017-18 Foundation Board has been announced. She highlighted the recent Grants in Action and the Talent Show. Suzanne announced that the Opening Doors for Education Home Tour is scheduled for May 4, 2017. View written report    View video.

Jeff Folker announced the APT Executive Board slate for 2017-19. The APT Annual Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 8, 9:00am at CROYA. View written report    View video.