Regular Open Meeting Brief – September 21, 2017
School Improvement Plans (SIPs)
The Board heard SIP presentations from the principals of Grandview High School (GHS) and the Center for Alternative Instructional Resources (CAIR). SIP goals included increasing achievement on standardized tests, improving college and career readiness, building instructional capacity, and nurturing positive school culture and peer interactions.
IReady Assessment Tool
The Board was provided an overview of the IReady assessment tool which is used to assess all 3rd -9th graders three times a year. IReady provides a precise view of students’ reading and math abilities as well as a diagnostic analysis of their improvement needs. There are many benefits of the new IReady assessment tool including electronically generated assessment data that is then tied to instructional strategies which can be used to assist students who are identified as under-performing.
Innovative Classrooms
Innovation Classrooms provides teachers with an opportunity to develop out-of-the-box instruction. A video on Innovative Classrooms was shared with the Board showing how students at Butcher–Greene and Belvidere Elementary schools collaborated with each other online, learning valuable skills for potential future careers. The video can be viewed at http://www.grandviewc4.net/apps/video/
2017 Tax Levy
The board approved a tax levy rate of $4.8094 for General and Teacher (Combined) Operating Funds, and $0.80 for the Debt Service Fund, for a total Tax Levy Rate of $5.6094 for 2017. This is a reduction in tax rate by 0.1953 from the 2016 rate of 5.8047. Because assessed valuation increased, as forecasted by the district’s 3 year plan, revenues will increase by approximately $500,000 even with the reduced tax levy rate.
Centralized Enrollment Feedback
The Board received feedback on the Centralized Enrollment (CE) process collected through a survey. Nearly five hundred respondents provided valuable input regarding what worked well and what can be improved at CE. Data indicated that the majority of those who used the new Fast Pass system were happy with the CE process. The Fast Pass feature received the most positive responses, with 89% indicating they will likely use it in the future. There were a number of comments recommending ways to improve the process that will be evaluated and considered for next year.
Coffee with the Superintendent
Dr. Rodrequez shared the dates for 'Coffee with the Superintendent’ community events:
- September 29, 2017 @ 8:00 AM, Ranch Cafe
- February 3, 2018 @ 9:00 AM, Martin City School
- June 8, 2018 @ 8:00 AM, Ranch Cafe