Regular Open Meeting Brief – March 21, 2024
The entire meeting agenda can be viewed at: March 21, 2024 BOE Meeting
Program Evaluations
The Board was presented with program evaluations for Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), School Age Special Education, and the district’s Safety program. During the previous school year, 66 students qualified for ECSE and 419 school age students received special education services. Progress toward goals and action plans were shared. Semi-annual safety inspections are conducted at each district site in addition to routine safety drills, Fire Marshall Inspections, playground, kitchen, and elevator inspections. All school districts are required to complete lead-in-water inspections this year.
English Language Arts (ELA) K-8 Resource
The Board approved the purchase of a K-8 ELA resource from Savvas after a review team narrowed the selection to two resources for teacher review and feedback. An overwhelming majority of teachers selected the Savvas resource for K-5 and 6-8 to be used over the next 6 years. Professional development on Savvas will be provided to ensure a smooth implementation of the new resource.
Listening Tours
Over the past 4 years, Grandview staff members have experienced changes in their roles, responsibilities and work environment as a result of the pandemic. In response to these experiences and direction from the Board of Education, district leadership conducted listening tours at sites around the district in October through December 2023. Feedback was also collected through a confidential employee engagement survey. Data from the listening tours as well as action steps developed as a result were shared with the Board.
Estimated Tax Levy
Districts are required to annually project estimated, non-binding tax levy rates to be submitted to the County Clerk in April. The Board approved an estimated tax levy rate of $4.2954 per $100 Assessed Valuation for General and Teacher (Combined) Operating funds, and $1.36 for the Debit Service fund, for a total estimated levy rate of $5.6620 for 2024. This is essentially the same rate that was set for 2023. Official tax levy rates are typically set annually in the fall.
Last Day of School
The district used five of six built-in inclement weather days this year, which would have made June 3rd be the last day of school for students. Because the last day is typically an early release day, the Board approved a recommendation to designate May 31st as a full day and make it the last day of school.