Public Comments: Jacob Smith, running for the board. Talked about liaisons but could not pronounce the word correctly. Then a long rambly story about a work experience.

Staff expression policy criticized.

Board Consent Agenda adopted

Superintendent Consent agenda adopted

Superintendent Report: Superintendent Moloney reported on a committee that is looking at students' mental health, responding to crises. There is a challenge due to the shutdown. She reminded people of the Family Resource Centers. Over half of the students are eligible for extra services due to family income.

Teaching, Learning and Equity Update

Dr. Fox talked about SBA data, statewide testing. Dr. Fowler went more in depth. She also spoke about the School Improvement Plan: Flexibility, Alignment and Collaboration. In Math there has been improvement–not so much in ELA. Both are below state levels.

Rise, a committee that has been formed to deal with crises offering emotional support. Crises could be anything from death from an illness to acts of violence. The team rotates and members on the team don’t go to the schools that they are stationed at. They are particularly aware of children expressing suicidal thoughts. Their study showed that 4th and 5th graders were at the highest risk. They realized that they are doing training at the older ages but not at this age. They just held a community meeting on Suicide Awareness. Ninety people showed up.

Director Bocanegra asked and it was affirmed state testing results are not the sum total of success.

Director Wilson was happy that there is a Rise team to deal with student crises. He also wondered if there was a science score from the state. He also pointed out that Mississippi has really raised its literacy scores due to teaching phonics.

Director Bocanegra wondered if there were common themes in kids with suicidal ideation. Yes it is more prevalent among AP students. The district thinks its due to the stress of perfectionism and are addressing that.

The student reps spoke up. Suicidal awareness is a topic that the students are talking about. They are thinking it would be good for older students to go talk to younger kids. District people like the idea. They will run their lessons by the student reps for validation.

First reading of Policy 1111, Oath of Office. It needs to match the state law. It’s a legal requirement for school board officers. Director Perkins moved to have a second reading. Director Gronwoldt seconded it. Director Wilson commented that when he took the oath, he wanted to have a caveat, but he didn’t. It was pointed out that if he had done that, he wouldn’t be serving. Motion carried.

Good News Report Mt. View Jazz band is going to Chicago for a big competition. Hispanic month was celebrated throughout the district. Union HIgh School did a completely student-led assembly celebrating Hispanics. Twice as many volunteers as last year signed up to lead Art Discovery.

Board Comments Director Wilson enjoyed participating in the shark tank competition among the high schools. Director Bocanegra met with the student reps for their first meeting. The student reps said they were curious as to what they wanted from them. Also there needs to be more pr about the student rep board as a lot of students didn’t know they could apply. Director Wilson thanked the public commenters. Director Perkins took some WASDA members around. Also he was wondering if the district shouldn’t start researching the history of public education.

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