MCCSC Board Meeting, 9/23/2014
Material enclosed in […] reflects my memory of the gist of what was said. For the best record, please go to catstv.net, do a search for "MCCSC," and select the September 23 board meeting. Minutes are also available from MCCSC. --Jenny Robinson
Board members present: Jeanine Butler, David Sabbagh, Martha Street, Keith Klein, Kelly Smith, Sue Wanzer, Lois Sabo Skelton
Hearing
The meeting opened with a hearing on the general fund, CPF, transportation, bus replacement, debt service, retirement debt service, referendum, CPF plan, and bus replacement plan.
Tim Thrasher: Tax rate steady; I can respond to questions.
Keith Klein: This time is set aside for public comment regarding above, or board may comment.
No comment from public or board; hearing closed.
Regular Meeting
Celebration of Success (Mrs. Chambers)
Keith Klein: Congrats to all young people. Notice that they all thank teachers. For you teachers, know that kids recognize role that you play. [He says, Feel free to leave, to the honorees.]
Foundation Report (Mrs. Helms)
Public Comment
Ross Martinie Eiler asked the board to revise its Policy 9270 to allow homeschoolers to be able to attend for school part of the day.
RME: My son attended Fairview as a half time kindergartener, 2012 to 2013. We were told that he could not be a part-time student the following year, so homeschooled. We believe in value and importance of public schools. We appealed again this year. Dr. DeMuth said that she would deny the option of part-time. But Fairview [is a struggling school]. The practice of welcoming high-achieving part time students would be in everyone’s best interests.
I talked to Dr. Eiler, a former superintendent in West Lafayette. He said that they would have bent over backward to bring that kind of student into a school [with Fairview’s demographics]. MCCSC needs to not lock the door. Part-time students can contribute, and that positive potential is greater than potential drawbacks. Wise to leave this as a teacher decision. So I am asking and advising the board to modify policy. Enrollment should not be denied to part-time students who are at or above grade level.
[Click here to read Mr. Martinie Eiler’s full statement and the text he would like the board to adopt.]
Superintendent’s Report (Dr. DeMuth)
Keith Klein: The more that people can find out about MCCSC from the people involved, our message can become much clearer.
Sue Wanzer: I think that this will be an opportunity for parents to ask questions.
Curriculum Update (Mrs. Bergeson)
549 kids took the SAT. The MCCSC average was higher than the average for Indiana and nation. Critical reading and mathematics were significantly higher than Indiana and nation, and both have been increasing.
David Sabbagh: Why is Indiana below the nation? I’m very pleased with MCCSC, but worried about the state.
Mrs. Bergeson: It’s possible that the increase in the number of kids taking the test is keeping Indiana’s scores low.
Sue Wanzer: It’s not an elite group taking these tests now.
Mrs. Bergeston: I predict that over the next several years, we’ll be at 95% or so, since the rates of SAT-taking are being measured by state. We’re at 80% now.
Talent and Diversity Update (Mr. Choonhyun Jeon, coordinator for English language learners)
Overview of English proficiency levels: In Indiana, English proficiency is defined by 5 levels (5 is fluent). 1 through 4 are eligible to receive services, and those numbers are determined by a state mandated assessment. This needs to be viewed from different perspectives—parents, students, teachers. Parents may need additional help, teacher may need additional instructional strategies or accommodations. As of Sept. 12, in MCCSC there were 353 limited English proficiency students, in 45 languages. The most common were Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, Arabic [and one more].
Seventy-one percent of our English language learners are in elementary school, and this fall, we have 37 more than last fall. Sixty-five percent of total English learners are at levels 1,2, or 3.
To achieve academic success, improving language skills is essential.
1) allow students access to general curriculum,
2) grade level content learning
3) culturally responsive environment in school
Two accountability measures: 1) progress and growth relative to previous years, and 2) fluency. In MCCSC
Keith Klein: Is there an average [amount of progress]?
Choonhyun Jeon: Each one learns differently. Even the same person might improve in different subdomains differently. It is difficult to measure in a standardized way. Overall, it will take several years to acquire academic language skills.
Keith Klein: Is there a big barrier between levels 4 and 5?
Choonhyun Jeon: It tend to take 5 to 7 years to acquire academic language fluency. If there is a lack of educational background in the home language, it can take longer.
Keith Klein: Are these students mainstreamed or in separate classes? When I travel, students know English. Does their preparation when they come [affect how they do]?
Choonhyun Jeon: We allow them to attend general education classes but also have times for specific language instruction. Those students are spending [the bulk of the] school day in general education classrooms. It’s important for them to have access to both content and language learning.
Lois Sabo Skelton: A few years ago, I was fortunate to teach violin to a South Korean girl. She went to elementary school at Binford. She spoke no English, we signed to each other. The child left in a year’s time fluent and with comprehension. She loved the classroom, was so welcomed. Always, they have wonderful memories. This program is working beautifully. Question for Judy: How does [the presence of English language learners] affect us, with state testing?
Dr. DeMuth: If they are there in the count, they take the test; no score counts unless a child is in attendance 162 days.
Kelly Smith: I apologize that this flies under the radar sometimes. 800 students with non English background…that’s nearly 10% of our school corporation. We are so fortunate that here in southern Indiana we can enjoy that kind of diversity. The work you’re doing very important.
Choonhyun Jeon: Oral communication and academic communication are different and must be specifically taught.
Update on Teacher Evaluation Process
Mrs. Chambers: We have been working on this for the last two years. I want to give you an update on our progress, with three committee members here to present. State statute lays out the components of the plan: 1) performance evaluations for all certified employees annually, and 2) objective measures of student achievement. Our committee was composed of teachers and administrators. We have been meeting with IN-TASS and Dr. Sandi Cole. The MCEA contract expires August of 2015, and the new teacher appraisal plan must be ready. Now we are ready to pilot and tweak it. Paul Farmer (MCEA president), Andrea Mobley, and Lucy Fischman will be sharing parts of the plan.
Lucy Fischman: Our beliefs guided our work. [We wanted] continuous growth, goal setting, and timely feedback. The plan should be flexible while not lowering standards. The word “collegial” appears twice in our belief statements.
Paul Farmer: We have been working over 2 years. It has been a tremendous process, very collaborative. We’ve been working with IN-TASS throughout. We looked at Marzano, Danielson, other corporations, making our own (that was a fleeting thought); we had good discussions. We boiled it down to small subgroup. Dr. DeMuth and Peggy Chambers met with teachers in every building; we wanted people to be prepared. We think the appraisal system has wonderful potential for everybody to become better teachers.
Marzano’s “Art and Science of Teaching” is wrapped around the appraisal system. It is a wonderfully packaged process.
Next steps this fall: All administrators did IN-TASS training in August. Oct. 1: There will be a principals meeting in which the committee will share details of Teacher Appraisal plan. Individuals throughout the corporation will be piloting it, and it will involve all buildings. They will gather feedback and consider revisions. The goal is to have it ironed out in the spring. It’s been awesome. We’ve had our tough times.
Andrea Mobley: The Marzano framework is designed to provide growth over time and a common vocabulary for instruction. It’s based on research around techniques correlated with student growth in four domains: 1) classroom strategies and behaviors, 2) planning and preparing, 3) reflection, and 4) professionalism and collegiality. Within each domain, there are several strategies considered highly effective. There are 41 strategies in domain 1, another 20 in domains 2, 3, and 4. Other frameworks were strong but we had consensus that Marzano was the best model for us. I personally feel that this is right thing to do.
Lucy Fischman: This is a model of continuous growth and feedback. We’ve stayed informed and consulted with other corporations. We have the potential to transform principals’ practice. We know the importance of trust, that [teachers know that] it’s been developed collaboratively. We also have to select software for the principals to use. [That’s going to be a tremendous help.]
Keith Klein: It’s inevitable, it’s going to happen. It’s great that we’ve had a long time to prepare. I appreciate your unanimity about what you’re saying, that this will work.
Lois Sabo Skelton: Several of us have had opportunities to learn from Marzano, attend lectures, and read his book. This board has prepared itself. I don’t think you could get a better plan at this point.
David Sabbagh: I was at the ISBA meeting last week. Collecting and analyzing data is terrific.
Kelly Smith: Embracing ideals, a collaborative environment, and data driven are all important. We’re using the same language, we didn’t try to reinvent the wheel. The most important thing to me: this is all about learning. Although this is a teaching evaluation model, it’s all about learning. Thanks for the hard work.
Sue Wanzer: Some of early adopters [were reporting] lots of teacher anxiety; people thought it would be difficult. Do our teachers have the same anxiety?
Paul Farmer: Yes and no. We’ve had four years. It’s a double-edged sword that it’s been so long, because it made it easy to want to put it off. There are groups of teachers who haven’t wanted to worry about it. We’re talking with teachers already about that anxiety—the more we can talk about it, the better, the more comfortable they’re going to be.
Sue Wanzer: This is a learning process for our teachers. We all need feedback so we can continue to grow. It’s unfortunate that raises are tied to it. Having a committee that can go out and talk to folks will make it more palatable.
Paul Farmer: It’s about growth. I rated myself, I got my number and said, I can get better. It was about me growing, not about getting a number. If done judiciously, it can be wonderful opportunity.
Sue Wanzer: Are we feeling more comfortable with the time commitment for principals?
Lucy Fischman: Internalizing the rubric has helped, and practice has made it faster.
Dr. DeMuth: The software will ease the time commitment.
Andrea Mobley: It does take a lot of time, concentration, and effort. It does get easier. It’s important to take time because it’s important. It’s a lot to manage.
Keith Klein: You said you learned more in this evaluation than in 25 years of teaching. If our teachers come away with that discovery, it’s more than worth it.
Paul Farmer: A lot of what was useful was the communication between me and Dr. Mobley. I don’t think that most will have the same amount of time. This was different than getting a thumbs up. This was talking about what was happening in the classroom.
Keith Klein: You could have designed your own. Why was it obvious you couldn’t invent it better?
Paul Farmer: We spent three days in summer and came up with our own. We asked, Does it grasp what we want it to grasp, is it supported by research? We realized, this is too huge.
Keith Klein: For teachers not directly in academic processes—i.e., music, art, physical education— how is that going?
Paul Farmer: The intent at North is that all disciplines will be covered by administrators. The intent is hitting every single one. Teachers ask me that all the time. I say, do you work with kids, do student engagement? Even a counselor does that. Every one of Marzano’s things can be applied in all scenarios.
Jeanine Butler: Lots of subjects are not tested by ISTEP. Those teachers will need to choose what kinds of measures are fair for them. We have to develop measurements to evaluate them. That’s a big problem.
Dr. DeMuth; That was the most difficult piece of putting the evaluation together. [We have a] commitment to maintain collaboration: We are all in this together, all contribute to growth of students.
Habitat B-Line Development Plan (Mr. John Carver)
Habitat will put houses up along B-line by Fairview and Rev. Butler Park. Thirty-five units are planned, and the infrastructure may be completed by end of summer. For the Habitat for Humanity process, they have to complete tasks, courses, sweat equity, and qualify for a mortgage. Predicting the number of school age children is difficult. Habitat for Humanity’s development off Leonard Springs has 31 students in 31 homes. We have to wait and see for this number. Habitat thinks there are 2 children per household for the houses they’ve built (300 houses). The expectation is for families to move into the development in the next four or five years. Some may already be enrolled in our schools.
What do I do? Put feet on ground, look at schools and capacity. Last time we did this, Summit was being built. This addition may present us with problems or it may not.
Consent Agenda
Moved and seconded to approve as presented. All ayes, carried.
Donations
Moved and seconded to accept as presented. Have received $23,000. Lots of elementary schools receive money through Target’s—Take Charge of Education program. The St. Johns gave $4000 for students from Fairview and Summit to attend summer camp at the YMCA.
Personnel Report (Mrs. Chambers)
Kelly Smith: Bill Hays is beloved by alumni, a treasure, I love the man, so proud I was able to send my kids to him—he makes you a better person.
Jeanine Butler: I won’t be nearly as flowery as Kelly. I remember him when he first became a teacher. Students felt he truly cared and did best he could for them.
Lois Sabo Skelton: My son had him as a teacher. Kids loved him, he was frank and direct with them and treated them like equals; they enjoyed that more than anything else. There was always talk of Mr. Hays’ class.
[Please note: the above were the parts of the personnel recommendations that were mentioned in the meeting. The personnel document is long; here is the link to it. I skimmed it and saw a couple more items of interest. The principal of Unionville, Scott Raftery, resigned. In ECA assignments, a number of librarians were designated their buildings' computer coordinators, but not in all buildings; in some, classroom teachers took on that role. Also, there was the following specification about Certified Administrative Temporary Based Stipends: “On occasion by direction of the Superintendent, a highly effective or effective administrator may be assigned a second full-time administrative position. Effective December 1, 2013, the Superintendent may pay an additional one hundred dollars ($100.00) per day for each day the administrator performs the duties of two full-time administrative positions. This stipend is based upon two statutory performance based criteria of ‘evaluation’ and ‘leadership.’” I think this must have been created to address the situation last year, where Tammy Miller retained her administrative position and also became Fairview’s temporary principal. —JR.]
Approved by all.
Recommendation for Donation to Community Health Position/Coordinator of School Health
Approved.
Dr. DeMuth: We have an active health council. Becky Rose is usually the face of that. It’s made up of staff, teachers and administrators, also physicians, IU professors, and patrons. There used to be school health position. This group has talked about it a lot.; they’ve talked through opportunities with physicians in the community. In so doing, IU Health Bloomington, the IU School of Public Health, and Dr. Rink from Premier Health have provided seed money for a position will be employee of IU Health Bloomington. We are on a fast track to get funds for that person. In the end, the person will provide partnership to manage coordinated student health initiatives. The position would be managed by IU Health Bloomington, and they will do the salary and benefits. [This speaks to our] wonderful community. The YMCA may also get involved. Everyone has said this would be good for students and staff. We are recommending that MCCSC contribute $5000 for five years.
Sue Wanzer: I think this is the model of partnerships and coordination. Where will this person be housed?
Dr. DeMuth: They will be housed in the corporation.
David Sabbagh: I’m a big fan of community cooperation and IU Health Bloomington. That this group will work with our students is marvelous. I’m very pleased and supportive.
All were in favor.
Dr. DeMuth: Thank you.
Contracts (Mr. Thrasher)
We have an opportunity to apply for a loan for our 1-1 technology initiative. It’s worth applying for because it is a low-interest loan, 1%, which is lower than any other option right now. It’s awarded based on assessed valuation per pupil. There is some question whether the funds may be used before we get it. It’s $1,330,000. We’re asking for $2 million. In the loan [approved?] at our last meeting, we only qualified for $200,000 but we actually received $465,000. We might as well ask because this is one of lowest (cheapest sources) of money. The application is due October 3. We’ll probably still need a bond issue, and that’s been anticipated in the budget.
Atoshiba Business Solutions has a contract for copier services from the capital projects fund.
All say aye.
Board Comments
Keith Klein: I want to acknowledge the administrators in the audience. Thanks to Mr. Ciolli, thanks to Mr. Henderson.
Jeanine Butler: Five of us went to the Indiana School Board Association meeting. I did not attend a bad session; all were done well. The lessons about getting school system to pass a referendum amazing. Overall, the programs were good. They didn’t sound good, but they were.
David Sabbagh: It’s my son’s 39th birthday, he’s a chemical engineer.
Martha: It was an outstanding conference.
Kelly Smith: This whole board does a good job of continuing education. My granddaughter was born two weeks ago. I wanted to echo Dr. DeMuth’s comments. I was inspired by the passion at the Seven Oaks hearing for public education and for the kids. It reminded me again of what community did for our students [with the referendum]. Thanks to those who stepped up and talked last night.
Sue Wanzer: I was privileged to speak in opposition to Seven Oaks. It was amazing to listen to the people in this community who really fight for the concept of public education. I am disappointed that we have people who want to create niche education for their own child. I also want to thank people who were part of coming to the rescue of MCCSC last night.
Lois Sabo Skelton: I want to celebrate everyone in this room and those marvelous students. Look at our students and our teachers and our principal [Mr. Henderson] here to celebrate them. We have an absolutely top-drawer faculty. Every time a student comes, you see that we have one of the finest, most well rounded systems. Our scores are going up incrementally which is exactly what you want them to do. I’ve been fortunate to debate and argue with all of you. To serve on a school board is a real privilege. I know that it’s a privilege and what goes into it. People will call you, you need to want to talk to people, you’ve got to be able to talk and listen. That’s why I believe we are achieving. We have a board that listens, that does its best to figure out what to do, how to spread the money, to make the experience equitable with every child. Thank you for this evening.
Keith Klein: What I appreciated most [at the Seven Oaks hearing] was that some of the people who come to these meetings, who hold our feet to the fire, were some of the people most vocal in support of our corporation. Thank you.
[We’ve heard of situations where corporations have been able to continue instruction on snow days through the use of iPads, and where that’s been accepted by the IDOE.] I’m looking forward to the use of iPads for weather situations in this community.
Everyone who went to Indianapolis for the ISBA meetings gave two days of their life to meetings. There’s a lot of professional growth and development that this board does.
Dr. DeMuth: A screening of Rise Above the Mark will take place tomorrow, 6:30 p.m., at North High School.
Keith Klein: Thanks to all who work behind the scene.
Material enclosed in […] reflects my memory of the gist of what was said. For the best record, please go to catstv.net, do a search for "MCCSC," and select the September 23 board meeting. Minutes are also available from MCCSC. --Jenny Robinson
Board members present: Jeanine Butler, David Sabbagh, Martha Street, Keith Klein, Kelly Smith, Sue Wanzer, Lois Sabo Skelton
Hearing
The meeting opened with a hearing on the general fund, CPF, transportation, bus replacement, debt service, retirement debt service, referendum, CPF plan, and bus replacement plan.
Tim Thrasher: Tax rate steady; I can respond to questions.
Keith Klein: This time is set aside for public comment regarding above, or board may comment.
No comment from public or board; hearing closed.
Regular Meeting
Celebration of Success (Mrs. Chambers)
- Kirstin Milks received the Yale Educator award (among 53 others recognized. Only one nominated from Indiana). The award recognizes outstanding educators from around the world. Has baby in sling. “Joy and pleasure to work with kids at South and to be back after maternity leave. I teach AP biology and [other science]. Current challenge: incorporating technology in a way that feels authentic. There's a lot of hardware in my life.”
- BHS North student Alexmar Nin Velez was recognized for being the outstanding Latino high school student of 2013. She also was recognized by Mayor Kruzan, and will be honored at state level as well. Alexmar: “I’m very thankful. I never expected to work with so many beautiful people, teachers who’ve supported me throughout high school, parents. I’m grateful for the resources that you provide, and I always encourage other students to use those resources. I’m honored to represent the city and BHS North.”
- Heimlich Maneuver. MCCSC has had two incidents [in last month?]. We are commending two teachers for their quick responses.
--A student golfer choked at a dinner following a match. The golf coach at North performed the Heimlich four times to clear her airway.
--An eighth grade student at a middle school choked while laughing at lunch. Mrs. Sandy Weaver, P.E. teacher, did the Heimlich. Sandy Weaver: I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time. I only did what any one of us would do. Get trained in CPR! - The Mitch Daniels Foundation awarded North senior $2500 scholarship. Selected by Daniels Foundation board, partly on the basis of the essay he wrote. North senior thanks counselor and parents for guiding him to Hoosier Boys’ State.
- BTV strikes again. For the 11th year in row, they were chosen for International Student Film Festival in Hollywood. Also, students won an award for a documentary.
- Principals Eric Gilpin (Batchelor) and Jeffry Henderson (BHS North) will be traveling to China. They will participate in school visits and cultural activities. Aim: starting and expanding Chinese programs.
Keith Klein: Congrats to all young people. Notice that they all thank teachers. For you teachers, know that kids recognize role that you play. [He says, Feel free to leave, to the honorees.]
Foundation Report (Mrs. Helms)
- Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee next week at Buskirk. Spelling with a twist. Next Tuesday, 5 to 7 (the 30th). Looking for six spellers. All about fun. Currently have two teams, Fairview and Binford. Tickets can be bought at box office. Words sourced by 5th and 6th grade students for first several rounds.
- New scholarship: Show Us Your Smile. An orthodontic scholarship (partnering with local doctor). Eligibility: MCCSC middle school student, good academic record and work ethic. Family size, income, must be 250 percent of poverty level or below. Application on web site.
- Grant program for teachers, Sept. 30 (elementary libraries), Oct. 13 for other grants.
- Volunteers for the “Real Men Read” program are excited to go into classrooms to read to kindergarteners.
Public Comment
Ross Martinie Eiler asked the board to revise its Policy 9270 to allow homeschoolers to be able to attend for school part of the day.
RME: My son attended Fairview as a half time kindergartener, 2012 to 2013. We were told that he could not be a part-time student the following year, so homeschooled. We believe in value and importance of public schools. We appealed again this year. Dr. DeMuth said that she would deny the option of part-time. But Fairview [is a struggling school]. The practice of welcoming high-achieving part time students would be in everyone’s best interests.
I talked to Dr. Eiler, a former superintendent in West Lafayette. He said that they would have bent over backward to bring that kind of student into a school [with Fairview’s demographics]. MCCSC needs to not lock the door. Part-time students can contribute, and that positive potential is greater than potential drawbacks. Wise to leave this as a teacher decision. So I am asking and advising the board to modify policy. Enrollment should not be denied to part-time students who are at or above grade level.
[Click here to read Mr. Martinie Eiler’s full statement and the text he would like the board to adopt.]
Superintendent’s Report (Dr. DeMuth)
- I appreciate all the input we heard last night at the Seven Oaks hearing, and felt humbled by the passion for public education in this community.
- Thanks for MCCSC’s ongoing training in CPR . We are very fortunate to have Tessa Schilling to give training on ongoing basis.
- Book in hand campaign, hashtag [JR: sorry, didn’t catch what this was about]
- We have developed an opportunity for MCCSC parents and others called “MCSC Leads,” modeled on the city’s Citizens Academy. Applications will be available for MCCSC Leads program. The parents who participate will become ambassadors who will be immersed in our programs and processes. You don’t have to have a kid in the school corporation to participate. About 25 people. The 2015 class will participate in 8 sessions on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8. Responsibilities: attendance. Application will be online. We will select a cross-section of the community for our inaugural class. No charge.
Keith Klein: The more that people can find out about MCCSC from the people involved, our message can become much clearer.
Sue Wanzer: I think that this will be an opportunity for parents to ask questions.
Curriculum Update (Mrs. Bergeson)
549 kids took the SAT. The MCCSC average was higher than the average for Indiana and nation. Critical reading and mathematics were significantly higher than Indiana and nation, and both have been increasing.
David Sabbagh: Why is Indiana below the nation? I’m very pleased with MCCSC, but worried about the state.
Mrs. Bergeson: It’s possible that the increase in the number of kids taking the test is keeping Indiana’s scores low.
Sue Wanzer: It’s not an elite group taking these tests now.
Mrs. Bergeston: I predict that over the next several years, we’ll be at 95% or so, since the rates of SAT-taking are being measured by state. We’re at 80% now.
Talent and Diversity Update (Mr. Choonhyun Jeon, coordinator for English language learners)
Overview of English proficiency levels: In Indiana, English proficiency is defined by 5 levels (5 is fluent). 1 through 4 are eligible to receive services, and those numbers are determined by a state mandated assessment. This needs to be viewed from different perspectives—parents, students, teachers. Parents may need additional help, teacher may need additional instructional strategies or accommodations. As of Sept. 12, in MCCSC there were 353 limited English proficiency students, in 45 languages. The most common were Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, Arabic [and one more].
Seventy-one percent of our English language learners are in elementary school, and this fall, we have 37 more than last fall. Sixty-five percent of total English learners are at levels 1,2, or 3.
To achieve academic success, improving language skills is essential.
1) allow students access to general curriculum,
2) grade level content learning
3) culturally responsive environment in school
Two accountability measures: 1) progress and growth relative to previous years, and 2) fluency. In MCCSC
- 76% making progress (state’s average is 64%)
- 26% obtained fluency, state’s average is 14%
Keith Klein: Is there an average [amount of progress]?
Choonhyun Jeon: Each one learns differently. Even the same person might improve in different subdomains differently. It is difficult to measure in a standardized way. Overall, it will take several years to acquire academic language skills.
Keith Klein: Is there a big barrier between levels 4 and 5?
Choonhyun Jeon: It tend to take 5 to 7 years to acquire academic language fluency. If there is a lack of educational background in the home language, it can take longer.
Keith Klein: Are these students mainstreamed or in separate classes? When I travel, students know English. Does their preparation when they come [affect how they do]?
Choonhyun Jeon: We allow them to attend general education classes but also have times for specific language instruction. Those students are spending [the bulk of the] school day in general education classrooms. It’s important for them to have access to both content and language learning.
Lois Sabo Skelton: A few years ago, I was fortunate to teach violin to a South Korean girl. She went to elementary school at Binford. She spoke no English, we signed to each other. The child left in a year’s time fluent and with comprehension. She loved the classroom, was so welcomed. Always, they have wonderful memories. This program is working beautifully. Question for Judy: How does [the presence of English language learners] affect us, with state testing?
Dr. DeMuth: If they are there in the count, they take the test; no score counts unless a child is in attendance 162 days.
Kelly Smith: I apologize that this flies under the radar sometimes. 800 students with non English background…that’s nearly 10% of our school corporation. We are so fortunate that here in southern Indiana we can enjoy that kind of diversity. The work you’re doing very important.
Choonhyun Jeon: Oral communication and academic communication are different and must be specifically taught.
Update on Teacher Evaluation Process
Mrs. Chambers: We have been working on this for the last two years. I want to give you an update on our progress, with three committee members here to present. State statute lays out the components of the plan: 1) performance evaluations for all certified employees annually, and 2) objective measures of student achievement. Our committee was composed of teachers and administrators. We have been meeting with IN-TASS and Dr. Sandi Cole. The MCEA contract expires August of 2015, and the new teacher appraisal plan must be ready. Now we are ready to pilot and tweak it. Paul Farmer (MCEA president), Andrea Mobley, and Lucy Fischman will be sharing parts of the plan.
Lucy Fischman: Our beliefs guided our work. [We wanted] continuous growth, goal setting, and timely feedback. The plan should be flexible while not lowering standards. The word “collegial” appears twice in our belief statements.
Paul Farmer: We have been working over 2 years. It has been a tremendous process, very collaborative. We’ve been working with IN-TASS throughout. We looked at Marzano, Danielson, other corporations, making our own (that was a fleeting thought); we had good discussions. We boiled it down to small subgroup. Dr. DeMuth and Peggy Chambers met with teachers in every building; we wanted people to be prepared. We think the appraisal system has wonderful potential for everybody to become better teachers.
Marzano’s “Art and Science of Teaching” is wrapped around the appraisal system. It is a wonderfully packaged process.
Next steps this fall: All administrators did IN-TASS training in August. Oct. 1: There will be a principals meeting in which the committee will share details of Teacher Appraisal plan. Individuals throughout the corporation will be piloting it, and it will involve all buildings. They will gather feedback and consider revisions. The goal is to have it ironed out in the spring. It’s been awesome. We’ve had our tough times.
Andrea Mobley: The Marzano framework is designed to provide growth over time and a common vocabulary for instruction. It’s based on research around techniques correlated with student growth in four domains: 1) classroom strategies and behaviors, 2) planning and preparing, 3) reflection, and 4) professionalism and collegiality. Within each domain, there are several strategies considered highly effective. There are 41 strategies in domain 1, another 20 in domains 2, 3, and 4. Other frameworks were strong but we had consensus that Marzano was the best model for us. I personally feel that this is right thing to do.
Lucy Fischman: This is a model of continuous growth and feedback. We’ve stayed informed and consulted with other corporations. We have the potential to transform principals’ practice. We know the importance of trust, that [teachers know that] it’s been developed collaboratively. We also have to select software for the principals to use. [That’s going to be a tremendous help.]
Keith Klein: It’s inevitable, it’s going to happen. It’s great that we’ve had a long time to prepare. I appreciate your unanimity about what you’re saying, that this will work.
Lois Sabo Skelton: Several of us have had opportunities to learn from Marzano, attend lectures, and read his book. This board has prepared itself. I don’t think you could get a better plan at this point.
David Sabbagh: I was at the ISBA meeting last week. Collecting and analyzing data is terrific.
Kelly Smith: Embracing ideals, a collaborative environment, and data driven are all important. We’re using the same language, we didn’t try to reinvent the wheel. The most important thing to me: this is all about learning. Although this is a teaching evaluation model, it’s all about learning. Thanks for the hard work.
Sue Wanzer: Some of early adopters [were reporting] lots of teacher anxiety; people thought it would be difficult. Do our teachers have the same anxiety?
Paul Farmer: Yes and no. We’ve had four years. It’s a double-edged sword that it’s been so long, because it made it easy to want to put it off. There are groups of teachers who haven’t wanted to worry about it. We’re talking with teachers already about that anxiety—the more we can talk about it, the better, the more comfortable they’re going to be.
Sue Wanzer: This is a learning process for our teachers. We all need feedback so we can continue to grow. It’s unfortunate that raises are tied to it. Having a committee that can go out and talk to folks will make it more palatable.
Paul Farmer: It’s about growth. I rated myself, I got my number and said, I can get better. It was about me growing, not about getting a number. If done judiciously, it can be wonderful opportunity.
Sue Wanzer: Are we feeling more comfortable with the time commitment for principals?
Lucy Fischman: Internalizing the rubric has helped, and practice has made it faster.
Dr. DeMuth: The software will ease the time commitment.
Andrea Mobley: It does take a lot of time, concentration, and effort. It does get easier. It’s important to take time because it’s important. It’s a lot to manage.
Keith Klein: You said you learned more in this evaluation than in 25 years of teaching. If our teachers come away with that discovery, it’s more than worth it.
Paul Farmer: A lot of what was useful was the communication between me and Dr. Mobley. I don’t think that most will have the same amount of time. This was different than getting a thumbs up. This was talking about what was happening in the classroom.
Keith Klein: You could have designed your own. Why was it obvious you couldn’t invent it better?
Paul Farmer: We spent three days in summer and came up with our own. We asked, Does it grasp what we want it to grasp, is it supported by research? We realized, this is too huge.
Keith Klein: For teachers not directly in academic processes—i.e., music, art, physical education— how is that going?
Paul Farmer: The intent at North is that all disciplines will be covered by administrators. The intent is hitting every single one. Teachers ask me that all the time. I say, do you work with kids, do student engagement? Even a counselor does that. Every one of Marzano’s things can be applied in all scenarios.
Jeanine Butler: Lots of subjects are not tested by ISTEP. Those teachers will need to choose what kinds of measures are fair for them. We have to develop measurements to evaluate them. That’s a big problem.
Dr. DeMuth; That was the most difficult piece of putting the evaluation together. [We have a] commitment to maintain collaboration: We are all in this together, all contribute to growth of students.
Habitat B-Line Development Plan (Mr. John Carver)
Habitat will put houses up along B-line by Fairview and Rev. Butler Park. Thirty-five units are planned, and the infrastructure may be completed by end of summer. For the Habitat for Humanity process, they have to complete tasks, courses, sweat equity, and qualify for a mortgage. Predicting the number of school age children is difficult. Habitat for Humanity’s development off Leonard Springs has 31 students in 31 homes. We have to wait and see for this number. Habitat thinks there are 2 children per household for the houses they’ve built (300 houses). The expectation is for families to move into the development in the next four or five years. Some may already be enrolled in our schools.
What do I do? Put feet on ground, look at schools and capacity. Last time we did this, Summit was being built. This addition may present us with problems or it may not.
Consent Agenda
Moved and seconded to approve as presented. All ayes, carried.
Donations
Moved and seconded to accept as presented. Have received $23,000. Lots of elementary schools receive money through Target’s—Take Charge of Education program. The St. Johns gave $4000 for students from Fairview and Summit to attend summer camp at the YMCA.
Personnel Report (Mrs. Chambers)
- New assistant principal at Binford: Tim Dowling (a teacher at Child’s). Mr. Dowling: Excited about joining community at Binford. Honor to work at Childs for 7 years.
- Three teachers, 60 new support staff, 45 substitutes.
- Retirement: William H. Hays III. (since the 60’s, teaching English/Language arts) Effective December 14, 2014.
- Sad news: Passing of Jamie Luttrell, a health aide at Grandview who began in 2011. We are sorry for the loss and extend our condolences to family.
Kelly Smith: Bill Hays is beloved by alumni, a treasure, I love the man, so proud I was able to send my kids to him—he makes you a better person.
Jeanine Butler: I won’t be nearly as flowery as Kelly. I remember him when he first became a teacher. Students felt he truly cared and did best he could for them.
Lois Sabo Skelton: My son had him as a teacher. Kids loved him, he was frank and direct with them and treated them like equals; they enjoyed that more than anything else. There was always talk of Mr. Hays’ class.
[Please note: the above were the parts of the personnel recommendations that were mentioned in the meeting. The personnel document is long; here is the link to it. I skimmed it and saw a couple more items of interest. The principal of Unionville, Scott Raftery, resigned. In ECA assignments, a number of librarians were designated their buildings' computer coordinators, but not in all buildings; in some, classroom teachers took on that role. Also, there was the following specification about Certified Administrative Temporary Based Stipends: “On occasion by direction of the Superintendent, a highly effective or effective administrator may be assigned a second full-time administrative position. Effective December 1, 2013, the Superintendent may pay an additional one hundred dollars ($100.00) per day for each day the administrator performs the duties of two full-time administrative positions. This stipend is based upon two statutory performance based criteria of ‘evaluation’ and ‘leadership.’” I think this must have been created to address the situation last year, where Tammy Miller retained her administrative position and also became Fairview’s temporary principal. —JR.]
Approved by all.
Recommendation for Donation to Community Health Position/Coordinator of School Health
Approved.
Dr. DeMuth: We have an active health council. Becky Rose is usually the face of that. It’s made up of staff, teachers and administrators, also physicians, IU professors, and patrons. There used to be school health position. This group has talked about it a lot.; they’ve talked through opportunities with physicians in the community. In so doing, IU Health Bloomington, the IU School of Public Health, and Dr. Rink from Premier Health have provided seed money for a position will be employee of IU Health Bloomington. We are on a fast track to get funds for that person. In the end, the person will provide partnership to manage coordinated student health initiatives. The position would be managed by IU Health Bloomington, and they will do the salary and benefits. [This speaks to our] wonderful community. The YMCA may also get involved. Everyone has said this would be good for students and staff. We are recommending that MCCSC contribute $5000 for five years.
Sue Wanzer: I think this is the model of partnerships and coordination. Where will this person be housed?
Dr. DeMuth: They will be housed in the corporation.
David Sabbagh: I’m a big fan of community cooperation and IU Health Bloomington. That this group will work with our students is marvelous. I’m very pleased and supportive.
All were in favor.
Dr. DeMuth: Thank you.
Contracts (Mr. Thrasher)
We have an opportunity to apply for a loan for our 1-1 technology initiative. It’s worth applying for because it is a low-interest loan, 1%, which is lower than any other option right now. It’s awarded based on assessed valuation per pupil. There is some question whether the funds may be used before we get it. It’s $1,330,000. We’re asking for $2 million. In the loan [approved?] at our last meeting, we only qualified for $200,000 but we actually received $465,000. We might as well ask because this is one of lowest (cheapest sources) of money. The application is due October 3. We’ll probably still need a bond issue, and that’s been anticipated in the budget.
Atoshiba Business Solutions has a contract for copier services from the capital projects fund.
All say aye.
Board Comments
Keith Klein: I want to acknowledge the administrators in the audience. Thanks to Mr. Ciolli, thanks to Mr. Henderson.
Jeanine Butler: Five of us went to the Indiana School Board Association meeting. I did not attend a bad session; all were done well. The lessons about getting school system to pass a referendum amazing. Overall, the programs were good. They didn’t sound good, but they were.
David Sabbagh: It’s my son’s 39th birthday, he’s a chemical engineer.
Martha: It was an outstanding conference.
Kelly Smith: This whole board does a good job of continuing education. My granddaughter was born two weeks ago. I wanted to echo Dr. DeMuth’s comments. I was inspired by the passion at the Seven Oaks hearing for public education and for the kids. It reminded me again of what community did for our students [with the referendum]. Thanks to those who stepped up and talked last night.
Sue Wanzer: I was privileged to speak in opposition to Seven Oaks. It was amazing to listen to the people in this community who really fight for the concept of public education. I am disappointed that we have people who want to create niche education for their own child. I also want to thank people who were part of coming to the rescue of MCCSC last night.
Lois Sabo Skelton: I want to celebrate everyone in this room and those marvelous students. Look at our students and our teachers and our principal [Mr. Henderson] here to celebrate them. We have an absolutely top-drawer faculty. Every time a student comes, you see that we have one of the finest, most well rounded systems. Our scores are going up incrementally which is exactly what you want them to do. I’ve been fortunate to debate and argue with all of you. To serve on a school board is a real privilege. I know that it’s a privilege and what goes into it. People will call you, you need to want to talk to people, you’ve got to be able to talk and listen. That’s why I believe we are achieving. We have a board that listens, that does its best to figure out what to do, how to spread the money, to make the experience equitable with every child. Thank you for this evening.
Keith Klein: What I appreciated most [at the Seven Oaks hearing] was that some of the people who come to these meetings, who hold our feet to the fire, were some of the people most vocal in support of our corporation. Thank you.
[We’ve heard of situations where corporations have been able to continue instruction on snow days through the use of iPads, and where that’s been accepted by the IDOE.] I’m looking forward to the use of iPads for weather situations in this community.
Everyone who went to Indianapolis for the ISBA meetings gave two days of their life to meetings. There’s a lot of professional growth and development that this board does.
Dr. DeMuth: A screening of Rise Above the Mark will take place tomorrow, 6:30 p.m., at North High School.
Keith Klein: Thanks to all who work behind the scene.