8/20/20 Business Meeting
Meeting Notes
The following is an informal summary of the meeting.
At the beginning of the meeting the board amended the agenda to remove an action item related to a contract for district servers. The contract was not received from the vendor in time for the meeting and will be brought to a future meeting.
Report for Information: Smart ReStart Fall Planning Update
The school board learned about the online learning experience that will be provided to our students as part of the Smart reStart plan. About 25% of district students have opted for a 100% Online Learning, but ALL students will have online learning experiences when the district is in a hybrid or distance learning model. For that reason, all instruction will be delivered in an online format this year to make it easier for students, staff and families to navigate between models. The new and improved distance learning, called Distance Learning 2.0, will provide students with both virtual, face-to-face engagement and independent learning time. It will offer more personal connections, higher levels of engagement, improved consistency and better communication than what was provided this spring. Learn more about Distance Learning 2.0. The full Smart reStart plan can also be found online at stillwaterschools.org/Fall2020.
Report for Information: Reimagine Stillwater Schools
The school board received an update on the work underway to address inequities in our school district. Cornelius Rish, the district’s new cultural liaison, was introduced to the board. Cornelius has a strong background in education and equity work, and is already connecting with students and families in our district after just a few days on the job. Numerous culturally responsive professional development opportunities are also being offered to staff on topics such as restorative practices, Title IX, implicit bias, addressing racial trauma, and social emotional learning supports.
Action Item: Allina Clinical Services Agreement for Therapy Services
The school board approved the clinical services agreement for therapy services provided by Allina Health System. This contract provides students with an identified physical therapy need access to therapists with Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute (Allina). The majority of students who receive these services are in the district’s birth to three year old early childhood special education program.
Action Item: Amended Transportation Contract with MN Central
School board members approved an amended contract with Minnesota Central, the transportation vendor in place during the 2019-2020 school year. As part of the contract, the district agreed to pay 82% of the contracted rates for FY20 to continue paying bus drivers and transportation staff throughout the school closures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic last spring.
Action Item: Staffing Needs for the 2020-21 School Year Due to COVID-19
The school board approved the hiring of numerous positions to support the On The Dial Learning model during the 2020-2021 school year. The positions will be in place for one-year and will be paid for from the general fund. These positions include:
- 1 COVID Nursing Triage to help answer COVID-related questions, track COVID cases and support families and staff
- 1 Online Family/Staff Tech Support to provide technology support for families and staff through online learning
- 29 Custodians for increased cleaning/sanitizing of school buildings
- 1 Spanish Immersion Teacher
- 3 Paraprofessionals to provide supervision at Stillwater Area High School
The board also approved the hiring of staff to support the childcare and food service programs, which are paid out of separate funds. It was noted that at the end of the year, funds may need to be shifted from the General Fund to the Community Education fund to cover the impact of COVID.
The school board adjourned to a closed session for negotiations.
|
|
|
Additional Meeting Notes
There are a limited number of speaking slots. It is a first come, first served system.