LINCOLN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

BOARD OF EDUCATION

1.

OPENING PROCEDURES

Notice of the time and place of the meeting of the Lincoln Board of Education was given

by mail to the following news media: Television Stations KOLN, KLKN, KETV, KPTM,

WOWT and KMTV; Radio Stations KFOR, KLIN, KRNU, and to the

LINCOLN

JOURNAL STAR

and

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

newspapers. A public notice was

published in the

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by the Board President, Mr. Keith Prettyman, at

7:04 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2008, at the Lincoln Public Schools District Offices.

Roll Call

Upon calling the roll, the following Members were:

Present:

Ms. Baier, Mrs. Danek, Mrs. Larsen, Mr. Mayhew,

Mr. Meginnis, Dr. Zimmer, Mr. Prettyman

Absent:

None

Staff in Attendance

Also meeting with the Board were:

Dr. E. Susan Gourley, Secretary of the Board and Superintendent of

Lincoln Public Schools

Mr. James Gessford, Attorney for the Board

Dr. Marilyn Moore, Associate Superintendent for Instruction

Mr. Dennis Van Horn, Associate Superintendent for Business Affairs

Dr. Nancy Biggs, Associate Superintendent for Human Resources

Dr. Virgil Horne, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent for

Governmental Relations

Dr. David Myers, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent for

General Administration and Communication

A list of other people in attendance is set forth in Report File No. MM-161.

Announce Open Meetings Act Posting

The Lincoln Board of Education makes available at least one current copy of the Open

Meetings Act posted in the meeting room at a location accessible to members of the

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public. At the beginning of this meeting, the Board President announced and informed

the public about the location of the posted information.

Approval of Minutes

The March 25, 2008, minutes of the Lincoln Board of Education meeting were approved

as distributed.

SPECIAL REPORTS, PRESENTATIONS, AND CELEBRATIONS OF

Emily Zimmer Elected UNL Student Association President

Dr. Gourley reported that Mrs. Danek, Mrs. Larsen, and she enjoyed the pleasure of

watching Emily Zimmer, daughter of Dr. Zimmer, be inaugurated as the new UNL

Student Association President last week, as well as the swearing in of Ms. Zimmer as a

Student Regent. She stated that they were pleased to join Dr. Zimmer and his family at

this event, and she was pleased to have the honor of administering the Oath of a

Student Regent to Ms. Zimmer. Dr. Gourley advised that Ms. Zimmer is an LPS

graduate and another success story for the District. She extended congratulations to

Ms. Zimmer and her family.

Don Mayhew Service to NASB

Mrs. Danek, current President of the Nebraska Association of School Boards, reported

that Mr. Mayhew served as a Director of NASB for 2006-07. She presented a plaque to

Mr. Mayhew in recognition and thanked him for his service to NASB.

Boy Scout in Audience

Mr. Prettyman announced that Christopher Lithe, a Troop 93 Boy Scout, was present in

the audience. Christopher advised that he is working on his Communications Badge.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

There were no speakers at this portion of the meeting.

2.

HUMAN RESOURCES MATTERS

Human Resources matters, as set forth in Report File No. MM-162, were presented.

Mr. Prettyman noted that a Human Resources listing has been provided to the Board to

replace the one in the agenda book.

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3.

Claims/Wire Transfers

Claims were previously presented for the periods ending March 25, March 28, April 1,

and April 8, 2008, and wire transfers were presented of:

federal tax ACH

deposit-$4,421,796.30; procurement card ACH transfer-$61,9876.16; Office

Depot-$20,632.57;and vendor ACH transfer-$27,352.15. A copy of the claims is set

forth in Report File No. MM-163.

Payroll

Payroll was presented for the period ending March 31, 2008, in the amount of

$11,841,808.71.

Gift

A gift was presented of: $134.06 from Target for West Lincoln classroom supplies.

Bids and Contracts Discussed at Prior Meeting or Under $500,000

Bids discussed at the Board’s prior meeting or which are under $500,000, as set forth in

Report File No. MM-164, were presented.

Future Bids

A listing of opening dates for future bids in excess of $25,000 was presented, as set

forth in Report File No. MM-165.

4.

RECOMMEND APPROVAL

Information was presented on students who live in other school districts and wish to

attend LPS as option students for the 2008-09 school year. Staff recommended

adoption of the following resolution:

WHEREAS the students who have been assigned Student Numbers 228776,

232652, 239427, 230205, 262885, 260580, 261580, 262899, 173106, 210609,

261312, 259346, 249942, 235474, 262981, 223470, 253419, 228135, 228263,

235278, 214928, 2595983, 167060, 250213, 242326, 261640, 262886, 261301,

262898, 185208, and 256511 (for purposes of confidentiality, assigned numbers

are being used) meet all criteria of the Board resolution of March 25, 2008, with

regard to such option students,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the aforementioned students be accepted

as option students on the condition and with the express understanding that all

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programs, all classes and all buildings of assignment, except as otherwise

required by law, shall at all times and from time to time during attendance at

Lincoln Public Schools be determined solely by Lincoln Public Schools.

Mrs. Danek moved, Mr. Mayhew seconded

That the Board approve Consent Items 2, 3, and 4 on this evening’s agenda.

Roll Call:

Ayes:

Mrs. Danek, Mrs. Larsen, Mr. Mayhew,

Mr. Meginnis, Dr. Zimmer, Ms. Baier,

Mr. Prettyman

Nays:

None

Mr. Prettyman declared a conflict of interest on Bid #1, Vehicles for

Transportation, and Bid #2, Fredstrom Elementary School Bond

Construction, did not participate, and did not vote on those bids.

Motion carried.

5.

BUILDING RENTAL RATES 2008-09

Mrs. Danek, Chair of the Board’s Finance Committee, reported that the committee has

met several times to discuss building rental rates. She advised that the rental rates

have not been raised for a number of years.

A revision to Policy 3970, Facilities Use, was presented, as set forth in Report File

No MM-166, indicating that it is the intent of the Board to recover all expenses

associated with facility use from the user. Mr. Van Horn noted that the recommendation

for the policy is that the sentence, “It is the intent of the Lincoln Board of Education to

recover all expenses associated with facility use from the user,” be added.

Mr. Prettyman asked how it would be possible to recover all expenses, unless the

District would charge more for commercial users, since the District has two different

categories of users.

Dr. Horne advised that some custodians are paid more than the custodial charges to the

user. While charges for rental costs can be waived, the intent is that there can be no

waiver of District expenses involved.

Given the amount of explanation necessary in response to his question, Mr. Prettyman

stated that he doesn’t feel this is terribly clear in the proposed revision to policy.

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Mr. Van Horn reported that the other recommendation is for the charge for custodians.

It’s recommended that it be increased to $35 per hour. He indicated that this would

reflect the necessary costs to be recouped for wages.

Mr. Van Horn added that next fall the Southeast High School renovation work will be

complete, and the recommendation is to increase the charge for rental of the Southeast

auditorium because the school will then have a theatre technician.

The

recommendation is to increase the rental fee to equal that of North Star and Southwest

high school auditoriums.

Dr. Horne reported that the $35 per hour custodial charge is the average for time and a

half, plus fringe benefits.

Mr. Prettyman observed that there are no definitions of “community” users and

“commercial” users. Mrs. Danek advised that the definitions are provided in the

corresponding regulation in the Policy Manual. This will be provided to the Board.

Mr. Prettyman asked about the changes in facility use rates, compared to existing rates.

Dr. Horne advised that there are no changes proposed, except for the Southeast

auditorium rate and the change in the custodial rate.

The building rental rates will be returned to the Board for action at its next meeting.

6.

GRANTS

Dr. Moore presented information on the Early Childhood Education Endowment Grant

application for a three-year funding period. She reported that the State of Nebraska has

established funding for programs for children ages birth to age three. The grant money

would assist in funding two of the Student/Child Learning Centers and enhance the

Student/Parent programs at Lincoln High and North Star with the addition of a family

engagement component. The grant application request is for $150,000 for the

continuation portion of the grant and $150,000 for the expansion services of family

engagement. The total amount requested requires a local level match with at least the

same amount, which would come from the program partners and Health and Human

Services. Supplemental start-up funds of $25,000 are also being requested and do not

require a match.

Mrs. Danek moved, Mrs. Larsen seconded

That the Board move this agenda item to action, and approve the submission of

the Early Childhood Education Endowment Grant application.

Mr. Prettyman indicated that he does not yet have his questions regarding this grant

formulated, and he would rather wait to take action on the grant at the next meeting.

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Mrs. Danek withdrew the motion, Mrs. Larsen withdrew the second

Mr. Meginnis advised that he will also have questions on the grant at a later time.

Mrs. Larsen asked if the District is certain of the required matching funds. Dr. Moore

reported that there are a number of community partners that currently support these

learning centers, and their services will count as the matching funds.

The Birth-Three Early Childhood Education Endowment Grant will be returned to the

Board for action at its next meeting.

7.

EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION RECOGNITION – NUTRITION SERVICES

WORKERS ASSOCIATION, THE LINCOLN PARAEDUCATORS

ASSOCIATION,

AND

THE

TRANSPORTATION

EMPLOYEES

ASSOCIATION

Dr. Biggs and Employee Relations Supervisor Mr. Ken Babcock presented the requests

from the Nutrition Services Workers Association, the Lincoln Paraeducators

Association, and the Transportation Employees Association to be recognized as the

exclusive bargaining agents to negotiate salary, fringe benefits, and working conditions

for members of each respective employee group. The current negotiated agreement for

each group expires August 31, 2008. Dr. Biggs advised that these are the last

employee groups to request formal recognition.

The requests for recognition will be returned to the Board for action at the next meeting.

8.

SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR 2009-10

Dr. Myers, Lincoln Education Association Executive Director Ms. Arlene Rea, parents

Ms. Cathy Pudenz and Mr. Joe Nigro, and Mickle Principal Mr. John Neal presented the

proposed student calendar for the 2009-10 school year, as set forth in Report File

No. MM-168.

Dr. Myers reported that the Student Calendar Committee is co-chaired by Ms. Rea and

him, and it includes teachers, administrators, and parents. He advised that Ms. Pudenz

and Mr. Nigro have served on the committee for a number of years. However, this will

be their last year to serve on the committee, as they will not have children in LPS after

the 2009-10 school year. Dr. Myers recognized that calendars are very personal to

families; however, part of the committee’s charge is to bring a recommendation that fits

the best instructional model it can. He advised that the calendar has to have 180 high

school student days to meet the teacher contract under which the District is operating at

this time. He further advised that the committee has attempted in the past to work with

previously established calendar criteria. However, as the number of days in the school

year has been increased, some of the criteria are no longer valid.

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Dr. Myers noted that the proposed calendar is workable according to the contract and it

meets as many family needs as possible. It provides for a week-long break in the fall

and in the spring, which are highly favored by the teaching staff, and those breaks fall at

the end of quarters. Dr. Myers reported that the only negative comment that has been

received is that the UNL faculty continues to lobby for the LPS spring break to

correspond to the UNL spring break. He advised that to do this, it would require that the

LPS spring break would not occur at the end of a quarter. Dr. Myers emphasized that it

is the committee’s recommendation that the Board approve the proposed 2009-10

student calendar.

Ms. Rea noted that the proposed 2009-10 student calendar is very similar to the

previously approved 2008-09 calendar.

Mrs. Danek advised that her high school contact will like it that the semester break

includes the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, and that the weeks off are at quarter

breaks. She added that she would still like the calendar not to have school begin two

weeks before September 1.

Mr. Nigro reported that the committee reached consensus pretty easily this year, so he

feels that most of the priorities were met with the proposed calendar. He indicated that

they will leave to future committees to put semester break at the winter break, as he

feels this will continue to be a request. Mr. Nigro pointed out that the number of days in

each semester match in the proposed calendar.

Mrs. Larsen thanked Ms. Pudenz and Mr. Nigro for serving on the Student Calendar

Committee. She reported that when she asked why the calendar couldn’t match the

UNL schedule, she was told that part of the issue is that UNL students have fewer days

that they are in class. Mrs. Larsen asked if the spring break matches that of Nebraska

Wesleyan University. Dr. Myers advised that some years that would be true. He added

that the Calendar Committee took all of this into consideration prior to its

recommendation. Mrs. Larsen indicated that she believes the Board has to make

decisions that are best for LPS students and that enhance the teaching staff.

Mr. Prettyman observed that the placement of quarter breaks matters to the LPS

teaching staff, which should be the priority of the Board to accommodate.

Mrs. Larsen noted that the calendar does allow teachers to take advantage of UNL

course work in the summer.

Mr. Nigro added that the problem with moving the spring break earlier in the calendar to

match the UNL spring break is that it changes everything. There would be a very long

time from spring break to the end of the school year.

Dr. Myers reported that the next calendar to be approved by the Board (2010-11) would

be the first school year in which all the schools will be air-conditioned. He indicated that

this might provide an opportunity to look at the calendar differently. Dr. Myers advised

that it’s been recommended that the Evaluation Team do a study, to include parents,

staff, and students, to determine how most of those individuals feel about the student

calendar.

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Mr. Prettyman asked if the proposed student calendar is on the District’s website for the

public to view. Dr. Myers responded that it will be placed on the website.

The calendar will be returned to the Board for action at its next meeting.

2008-09 TRANSPORTATION PLAN

Mr. Meginnis, Chair of the Board’s Transportation Committee, presented the proposed

District transportation plan for the 2008-09 school year.

He advised that the

Transportation Committee reviews possible route changes every spring. It is the

committee’s recommendation that the District continue to transport those students who

qualify under provisions of State law, including:

Elementary and middle school students residing over four miles from the school

in the attendance area within which they reside.

Special education students whose individual education plan (IEP) require

transportation as essential to learning.

Students who have been moved for the benefit of the District in instances to

relieve overcrowding, major facility renovations, and efficiency in the use of

buildings and/or staff.

The committee also recommends eliminating existing routes and creating new routes for

the 2008-09 school year, as set forth in Report File No. MM-169. The changes are due

to opening Adams Elementary School and attendance area boundary changes that will

become effective for the upcoming school year.

Mr. Van Horn noted that this is an unusual year, as usually the transportation plan

remains the same from year to year. However, the recommended revisions are driven

by changes in attendance areas. Many routes were District-efficiency routes and the

attendance area changes have eliminated the need to do those. He advised that the

Lakeview and McPhee transportation routes are listed for elimination because they no

longer qualify. Mr. Van Horn reminded the Board, however, that the Board may, at its

discretion, approve transportation areas based upon unique circumstances and for the

purpose of equalizing school enrollments and facilitating programs. It’s recommended

that the Lakeview and McPhee routes be continued because there are many

low-income students involved who have difficulty getting to school. Mr. Van Horn

further advised that those routes were included in the District’s Poverty Plan and, with

documentation, the District will be reimbursed for the cost of those two routes.

Mr. Van Horn indicated that, generally speaking, letters advising of transportation

changes will be sent to parents before the end of May.

Mrs. Danek asked if the transportation chart to be presented at the next meeting will not

have the Lakeview and McPhee routes listed as being eliminated. Mr. Van Horn noted

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that the committee’s recommendation is shown at the bottom of the chart.

Mr. Prettyman suggested that staff show both the current chart in this evening’s agenda,

and the actual recommended transportation plan at the next meeting. Dr. Zimmer

added that staff could show the routes the District is going to do. Mr. Van Horn

indicated that staff will provide the Board with a list of the transportation routes that will

be run for the 2008-09 school year. Dr. Zimmer suggested that at the next meeting

there be a motion to specifically include the Lakeview and McPhee routes.

Mrs. Larsen observed that the work done by the Transportation Committee is a

reflection of the promise the Board made with the passage of the 2006 Bond to look at

savings possible with changing attendance area lines. She asked what that savings

would be. Mr. Van Horn reported that it is an annual savings of approximately

$180,000, based on last year’s costs.

Mrs. Larsen advised that Ms. Baier and she serve on the Transportation Committee with

Mr. Meginnis.

Mrs. Danek asked how the increase in fuel costs will be handled. Mr. Van Horn

responded that it will be staff’s recommendation that the budget savings due to the

transportation plan be left in the Transportation budget and be earmarked for increased

fuel costs. What is not used for fuel, it is recommended that it be placed in the

depreciation account for bus replacement. Mr. Van Horn observed that this is similar to

the action the Board took with a higher-than-expected valuation increase in the past.

Transportation Supervisor Mr. Bill McCoy reported that the District has 111 buses that

do a total of 455 bus runs daily. This makes up 95 actual routes. He advised that

107 percent of the diesel budget for this school year has already been spent as of the

end of March. The concern is that diesel fuel and gasoline prices continue to rise. One

hundred percent of the gasoline budget has been spent as of the end of March.

Mr. McCoy talked about the need to address these increases as the Board moves

forward in the budget process. Mr. Van Horn added that the District also does

significant busing during the summer months.

The transportation plan will be returned to the Board for action at its next meeting.

9.

NEWLY ANNEXED PROPERTY TO THE CITY OF LINCOLN

Dr. Zimmer, Chair of the Board’s Planning Committee, presented information on a newly

annexed parcel of land to the City of Lincoln, which automatically brings that property

into the School District. The Planning Committee recommends that the new area of

Waterford be assigned to the Meadow Lane Elementary School, Culler Middle School,

and East High School attendance areas. The Board discussed this recommendation at

its last meeting.

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Dr. Zimmer moved, Mrs. Larsen seconded

That the Board approve the proposed attendance area assignments of the newly

annexed properties.

Roll Call:

Ayes:

Mrs. Larsen, Mr. Mayhew, Dr. Zimmer,

Ms. Baier, Mrs. Danek, Mr. Prettyman

Nays:

None

Mr. Meginnis declared a conflict of interest, did not participate, and did not

vote on this item.

Motion carried.

10.

REQUEST FOR CLOSED SESSION

Mr. Prettyman announced that the Board had no need to hold a closed session

following this meeting of the Board.

ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA

There were no items removed from this evening’s Consent agenda.

EXPEDITED/EMERGENCY ACTIONS

There were no emergency items presented at this meeting.

11.

GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

Ms. Baier, Chair of the Board’s Legislative Committee, announced that due to

Dr. Horne’s upcoming retirement, this would be the last time Dr. Horne will be reporting

to the Board during the legislative session. She thanked him for his many years of fine

service and indicated that it has been a pleasure to work on the Legislative Committee

with Dr. Horne.

Dr. Horne reported that Senator Schimek’s bill regarding robocalling was before the

Legislature today. It was advanced to Select File, with an amendment that excludes

schools.

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Dr. Horne advised that he continues to watch LB988 legislation; however, for all intents

and purposes, he doesn’t see anything happening late in the session. He indicated that

anything happening after next Tuesday would simply be procedural in nature.

Dr. Horne added that the District has had some success during this session, but he is

disappointed that security did not get included in QCPUF funds.

Dr. Horne reported that work for the next legislative session has already begun, and

there is a list in his office for the next person in his position to work on. He added that

he is certain it will be a seamless transfer.

12.

2008-09 TRANSPORTATION PLAN

This item was moved to and addressed at the First Reading, Action at Next Meeting

portion of the agenda.

13.

BOARD CALENDAR REVISIONS

Mr. Prettyman announced revisions to the Board’s meeting schedule for 2008. Due to

holidays during July and December, the Board will meet only once during those months.

The meeting dates will be Tuesday, July 22, and Tuesday, December 9, at 7:00 p.m.

STUDENT LEARNING COMMITTEE

Mrs. Larsen, Chair of the Board’s Student Learning Committee, reported that the

committee met today for the purpose of reviewing policies that relate to student course

work for which they receive high school credit and credit from another institution, such

as the Junior Achievement Advanced Placement course and students taking course

work through Southeast Community College. She added that the policy should reflect

the proper wording for such courses. Mrs. Larsen reported that the committee also

talked about LB1157, regarding statewide testing, and what impact that would have on

the District. The committee is waiting for final approval on that bill and will be meeting

again to discuss it.

14.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES UPDATE

Dr. Moore introduced Scott Principal Dr. Linda Hix, Belmont Principal Ms. Deb Dabbert,

Southeast Principal Dr. Pat Hunter-Pirtle, Director of School Improvement and Staff

Development, Dr. Vernon Fisher, and Scottish Rite Teacher of the Year

Ms. Patsy Bruner of Lux Middle School. She advised that these individuals will share

their experiences in the implementation of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)

in the District.

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PowerPoint information on PLCs was presented, and Dr. Moore reviewed A Powerful

Guiding Principle from

Good to Great

by James Collins:

Great organizations simplify a complex world into a single organizing idea or

guiding principle. This guiding principle makes the complex simple, helps focus

the attention and energy of the organization on the essentials, and becomes the

frame of reference for all decisions.

Dr. Moore advised that this guiding principle is expressed in the goals of LPS.

Dr. Moore reviewed a chart of The School Improvement, Professional Learning

Community Connection, as follows:

-The goal is improved student achievement in every school and for each student

-School improvement: LPS process is aligned to federal and state requirements

-PLCs provide time and structure:

-To use assessments (both those that exist and those teachers choose to

create)

-To analyze data

-To respond quickly to needs of individual students

-To take advantage of the expertise, wisdom, and experience that exists

among teachers

Dr. Moore reviewed The Power of Professional Learning Communities, as follows:

“The most promising strategy for sustained, substantive school improvement is

building the capacity of school personnel to function as a professional learning

community.” --Milbrey McLaughlin

Dr. Fisher reviewed The Most Effective Strategies, as defined by Douglas Reeves at the

2007 Solution Tree Summit, as follows:

-Alignment of standards, curriculum, and instruction AND assessment

-Deep content analysis, including the big ideas and essential outcomes

-Monitoring that is frequent and visible

Dr. Fisher reviewed the Characteristics of Professional Learning Communities, as

follows:

-Shared mission, vision, values, and goals

-Collaborative teams

-Collaborative inquiry into best practice and current reality

-Action research/experimentation

-Continuous improvement

-Focus on results

Mrs. Larsen asked how the teams are organized. Dr. Moore responded that they are

organized by grade level at elementary schools, and by content area for secondary

schools. She advised that more information on this would be presented later during this

report on PLCs.

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Dr. Fisher reviewed Big Idea #1 – Ensuring that Students Learn, as follows:

-A shift from a focus on teaching to a focus on learning

-Engage with colleagues to answer critical questions

-Systematic, timely, and directive intervention

Dr. Fisher reviewed Big Idea #2 – A Culture of Collaboration, as follows:

“A systematic process in which educators work together interdependently to

analyze and to impact their professional practice in order to achieve better results

for their students, their team, and their school.”

Dr. Fisher reviewed Guiding Questions, as follows:

-What is it we expect students to learn?

-How will we know what students have learned?

-How will we respond when students do not learn?

-How will we respond when students do learn?

Dr. Fisher reviewed Big Idea #3 – A Focus on Results, as follows:

“Every teacher team participates in an ongoing process of identifying the current

level of student achievement, establishing a goal to improve the current level,

working together to achieve that goal, and providing periodic evidence of

progress.”

Dr. Fisher reviewed the Team Learning Process, as follows:

-Review essential outcomes per semester by course and content area (8-10 per

semester)

-Create common formative assessments

-Establish specific measurable standards and goals

-Analyze results

-Identify and implement improvement strategies

Dr. Fisher reviewed the SMART goals, as follows:

S – Strategic and specific

M – Measurable

A – Attainable

R – Results-Oriented

T – Time-Bound

Dr. Fisher reviewed what PLCs look like, as follows:

-Elementary Schools

-Grade Level Teams

-Specialists – Music, Art, PE, etc.

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-Middle Schools

-Content Specific Teams

-6th Grade Level Teams

-Academic Connections (ACES)

-High Schools

-Content Specific Teams within Each Department

Dr. Moore provided an example of middle school specialists working together, advising

that there might be a cluster of six music teachers from different schools working

together as a team. The same would be true for foreign language, instrumental music,

vocal music, physical education, etc. She also advised that high schools are beginning

to do that, as well.

Mr. Prettyman indicated that he understands the logic of grouping specialists, but he

asked if that doesn’t detract from them being a part of the educators in their own

building. Dr. Moore responded that they would still be a part of the school for all other

work. She added that music teachers, for example, have a need to talk about music

content with other teachers. Dr. Moore reported that this is the first year for specialists

getting together at the elementary level, and the second year at the middle level. Those

specialists are also incorporated back into the teams at their schools for “kid talk.”

Dr. Moore reviewed information on how the District got the time for PLCs, as follows:

-Two Additional Student Days:

-Elementary School: 736 Minutes

-Middle School: 776 Minutes

-Early Release:

-80 Minutes, 9 Times per Year: 720 Minutes

-High School:

-One Hour Early Release Weekly. School Day Extended Remaining Four

Days

Dr. Moore indicated that staff knows PLCs have provided scheduling challenges for

families. She thanked the School District’s community partners who have adjusted their

schedules to provide after-school care for students, and the families who have also

adjusted their schedules. Dr. Moore stated that she feels parents are beginning to see

that the extra time spent on their children’s learning is helping.

Ms. Dabbert talked about her experience with PLCs, indicating that she sees it as a win-

win situation for both staff and students. She reported that teachers have the

opportunity to learn from one another, and it is especially helpful to first-year teachers.

Ms. Dabbert indicated that there is a trusting relationship among teachers, and students

are learning. Teachers are looking at every individual student and making adjustments

for them each month, as needed. Ms. Dabbert stated that she is excited to see the

growth in student learning, and she expressed appreciation to the Board for the time

that staff is given to collaborate as a staff to meet the needs of students.

Dr. Hix reported that the strategies to help students learn are now getting to them more

quickly, and teachers are done teaching something when students have learned what is

being taught. She added that PLCs are helping staff to reach the goal of improving

standards for all students.

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Dr. Hunter-Pirtle reported that the staff wants the drop-out rate to go down, so they are

focusing on individual students to help reach that goal. He added that teachers’ work is

more focused. They meet three times a month in subject groups, and once in

inter-disciplinary groups. Dr. Hunter-Pirtle advised that PLCs are very effective in the

high schools.

Ms. Bruner reported that PLCs give teachers quality time for collaborating. She

applauded the decision to have early release for this quality time. Ms. Bruner talked

about the importance of staff discussing students and common assessment. She

advised that the two guiding questions for staff are (1) what are we going to do if

students haven’t learned what has been taught; and (2) what do we do if they have

learned it.

Mr. Prettyman asked if staff sees improvement on a student-by-student basis.

Ms. Bruner responded that staff has seen a big improvement as they gather data from

common assessments, and staff works on getting students to understand what is being

taught. She added that teachers now share all their teaching tricks, and she indicated

that she fees the collaboration has helped in getting good ideas out to so many good

teachers.

Mr. Mayhew stated that it’s his understanding that collaboration is still building-based,

with the exception of the specialists. Dr. Moore responded that this is correct.

Mr. Mayhew asked if there is a mechanism for communicating good ideas to other

buildings. Dr. Fisher advised that there are PLC sharing fairs each month across the

District to share information on what is working well. Principals meet and teacher

groups talk about what is working and not working, and also talk about their treasured

strategies that work well. Ms. Bruner provided an example of a good idea that the

Culler staff was using, which was shared with other buildings.

Dr. Moore reported that ProCom is talking about sharing what works well on the

District’s website. She added that staff is always looking for the next good way to do

something.

Mr. Mayhew noted a statement in Big Idea #1 that there is a shift from a focus on

teaching to a focus on learning. He asked how this would reconcile with one statewide

test. Dr. Fisher responded that the District will not be influenced by outside sources, but

staff will continue to focus on the goals of the District and the work of PLCs.

Mr. Mayhew asked what kind of feedback staff is getting from parents about PLCs.

Dr. Hix advised that PLCs are talked about at parent group meetings and in

communications in newsletters. She reported that she hasn’t heard concerns from

parents, and she indicated that parents seem to feel that this is a good way to meet the

needs of students. Dr. Hunter-Pirtle added that parents understand that teachers will

not just give students a zero, but will continue to work with them until they learn what is

being taught. He reported that parents appreciate this.

Ms. Baier asked what kinds of assessments are being done, and where staff gets their

data. Ms. Dabbert responded that staff looks at classroom assessments from the

District and specific assessments that teachers formulate. Re-teaching is identified by

specific questions.

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4-8-08

Ms. Baier talked about the importance of assessments being linked with the curriculum

and knowing immediate results. She added that when the District has unfunded

mandates from the state and federal government who don’t know about the District’s

curriculum, it doesn’t make sense to have them do assessments. Ms. Baier asked if

state and federal assessments have any value in helping children progress. Dr. Moore

advised that any end-of-year assessment is not useful in helping a child for the next

year. It gives information about the overall strength of a program, but if a child is not

learning something, teachers would have caught that in October under the PLC

program. Dr. Moore reiterated that an end-of-year assessment measures the overall

program effectiveness, but it does not inform staff about individual children.

When looking at the drop-out rate, Ms. Baier asked if staff focuses on individual

students and tracks how they did in middle school. Dr. Hix responded yes. She

reported that students who fail classes in the 8th grade are more likely to drop out of

high school. She talked about the goal of decreasing the number of Ds and Fs at the

middle school level so that students are more likely to graduate. Dr. Moore reported

that at the last PLC sharing fair a kindergarten teacher stated that 12 years from now

the District will not have drop-outs because staff is catching them in kindergarten!

Ms. Baier indicated that she likes how PLCs build on individual children’s strengths.

She talked about unrelated assessments from outside the learning community, stating

that she feels such assessments will put on a layer of bureaucracy to get everyone to a

minimum standard. Ms. Baier asked how LPS will continue to be a School District that

focuses on excellence when there are so many sources that want mediocrity.

Dr. Moore indicated that it’s important that the District not let outside sources shape

what the District is. She observed that the Board has a solid statement in its goals for

what students should know, learn, and be able to do as students in LPS. Just because

some of those are not on a norm-referenced test doesn’t mean they are not important

and that the District will not attend to them. The District’s curriculum is sound, rigorous,

and challenging, and Dr. Moore added that staff is very skilled at instructional strategies.

She indicated that all of this means that students will perform well on any measurement

test, but there is still much to sort out about a statewide test.

She added that all of this means LPS students will learn. There is still much to sort out

regarding what a statewide test will mean, but Dr. Moore indicated that she doesn’t see

it as making LPS weaker.

Dr. Hix shared that a 6th grade student e-mailed all State Senators with information

about PLCs and what they mean to students.

Ms. Baier thanked staff for the presentation.

Mrs. Larsen indicated that it seems to her that the ultimate assessment will show up in

the District’s graduation rate, and she is hopeful that it will continue to go down. She

thanked staff for their work.

Mr. Meginnis reported that what he has seen, as a parent, is more collaboration of the

teams of teachers. He stated that it seems to him that teachers know more about his

sons and that teachers have the same goals and the same ideas for his sons.

Mr. Meginnis indicated that he has been very impressed.

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ANNOUNCEMENT OF UPCOMING EVENTS FOR THE BOARD

Mr. Prettyman reviewed the calendar of upcoming meetings and events for the Board,

as follows:

The Wednesday, April 16, GNSA meeting has been canceled.

Thursday, April 17, 5:00 p.m. – Joint Social with the Foundation for LPS Board.