Regular Open Meeting Brief – March 15, 2018
The entire meeting agenda can be viewed at: March 15, 2018 Meeting.
National Student Walkout
Dr. Rodrequez shared that many students peacefully participated in the nationally advertised Student Walkout on March 14 to protest gun violence and to honor the 17 individuals killed at MS Douglas High School in Florida last month. The walkout at Grandview High School was organized by students and entailed 17 minutes of silence as well as signs baring the names of the 17 victims of the school shootings. Dr. Rodrequez expressed his pride in the students for the respectful manner in which they exercised their right to protest in a way that was minimally disruptive to the academic day.
Program Evaluations
The Board of Education approved the program evaluations for Early Childhood Special Education and School Age Special Education. Last year the district served 86 early childhood special education students. The integrated classrooms maintain compliance with state and federal requirements to provide early intervention in the areas of communication, speech, motor, behavior, social/emotional skills, and health related services for students with significant delays ages 3-5. The school age Special Education program served 478 students, an increase of 67 students from the previous year. Graduation rates (82.4%) and employment/continuing education rates (64.7%) are greater than the state averages.
Cornerstones of Care
The Board approved entering an agreement with Cornerstones of Care to broaden its partnership with the organization, specifically in the area of mental health. The multi-level partnership will provide professional development, mental health services, social-emotional health screenings and development of a social work internship.
Estimated Tax Levy
The Board approved an estimated tax levy rate of $4.8094 per $100 of assessed valuation for General and Teacher operating funds and 80 cents for the debt service fund for a total estimated rate of $5.6094 for 2018, which is the same as the current year tax levy rate. The official tax levy is annually set in the fall, generally in September or October after the district receives assessed valuation information from the county.
Boys Varsity Basketball
Congratulations to the Boys Varsity basketball team for advancing to the State Championship Final Four!!