Business Manager Aaron Giese explained information provided to him from Iowa Schools Joint Investment Trust (ISJIT) about the need for an investment firm with upcoming the bond issue. The organization works exclusively with school districts and is particularly skilled in bond issue proceeds and nearly immediate response for investment and access.
Three junior high/high school science teachers; Kevin Poeckes, Kim Poeckes and Beau Ruleaux presented information to the Board of Education about high school science curriculum. They explained they were looking at filling current curriculum gaps based on state assessments. Freshman and sophomore science is set biology and physical science respectively. Upper classmen have science choices in chemistry, physics, human anatomy or earth science. This method does not address all of the Iowa standards. The trio looked for a curriculum that would address as many of the standards as they could. The goal is to expose all students to as many Iowa science standards as they could.
“Inspire Science” the program eventually selected by the faculty provides online access and a crossover of science disciplines. The jh curriculum gives a lot of print media information. Mr. Ruleaux, leading the presentation highlighted other features such as the possibility of purchasing collaboration kits for junior high. The kit includes all necessary materials for hands-on science activities, although those are not yet part of the purchase. “Inspire Science” is more digital with classroom kits for available resources and online learning support such as video clips, simulations and more.
“Inspire Science” follows three dimensional learning. Ruleaux described it as based on the practices to develop the skills in those classes. It builds on the core idea of physical science, life science, earth and space science and engineering and technology. It is developed specifically to include a cross of disciplines into each lesson. The program is also promoted to teach learning skills on top of the specific science skills.
One method is to teach “phenomena.” This method is to bring the specifics of a lesson to have meaning in a student’s life. It poses a question to the students and encourages them to research for possible answers.
The last science update was 2017. Hotspots are available for households that do not have internet.
Mr. Riley reported that the mini-splits or window air conditioner/heater units is complete. He also reported, on behalf of Heath Reichle, a computer security program for potential purchase. The new laptops for the planned purchase of 2024 school year arrived.
Mr. Riley also reported the end of year activities from the elementary building. One big issue is the number of students expected to attend summer school. The highest number is from grades 3 and 4.
Mrs. Phillips gave an overview of the high school end of year activities end. There was also a report of student learning progress provided. She explained how some learning concerns were addressed and stands firm that growth was good and that proficiency at this level is really difficult. Some discussion of math proficiency being low was also had.
Mr. Riley spoke about the Swanson Sports Complex Commission, noting they could find no current appointees since 2006. This is the procedure defined in the 28E the district has with the City of Paullina to operate Swanson Sports Complex. He outlined how the appointment of commission members occurs. It is unclear how the commission collapsed but Riley suggested that it be reconstituted to improve communications from Swanson staff, city council and school board to prevent misunderstandings and risk the condition of the facility.
During the discussion Riley supported that part of the duties the commission should consider is development of a 5-year plan to consider such needs as new lighting.
He also reported that blueprints for the building project are beginning to come. Faculty is being involved in their finalization.
Board members were given certificates of appreciation for their service to the district.
Information was provided about planned replacement of hardware. Servers to meet the districts was discussed. The proposed price of $22,000 for each of 2 servers came in significantly less costly. The board was given a clear description of each servers’ current functions and how the structure will be changed. Redundancy is also to be added to protect against various kinds of computer failure, including crime or ransomware attacks.