Education Committee Minutes 4/10/06

[gonzalesk]

PROCEEDINGS OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE
School District No. 2, Yellowstone County
High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County
Billings, Montana
April 10, 2006

Call to Order

The Pledge of Allegiance

The Education Committee Meeting of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Montana, and the High School District, Yellowstone County, Montana was duly held at The Lincoln Center, 415 North 30th Street, Billings, Montana, Monday, April 10, 2006 at 5:30 p.m.

Chairman Conrad Stroebe presided.

The following members were present: Conrad Stroebe, Kathy Olson, Sandy Mossman, Margaret Aukshun, Anne Barlow, Patty Fain, Kip Farnum, Shaun Harrington, Ellen Hilde, Brett Jette, Karen Ziegler, Guest speakers were Carol Wicker, Woody Jensen, Dennis Holmes and Chuck Swarm. Interim school Superintendent Jack Copps also attended.

A. Approval of Minutes of the Education Committee Meeting for March 13, 2006-
Margaret moved to approve and Anne seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

B. Billings’ Mobility/Dropout/Graduation Statistics- Class of 2006-
Carol Wicker reported results of a study of the Senior High Class from 2002- 2006. It was determined some freshmen are repeat students. Typically, there are approximately 80 students that are 2nd year freshman. There are about 427 students’ who are actual 1st year enrollees. There were 150 withdrawals. If students drop out and re-enroll by October 1st, they are not considered dropouts. Fifty-one out of the 150 students are in the dropout categories. The remaining students have transferred or enrolled in Youth Challenge, Job Corp, etc. The class started the year with 507 students less the 150 withdrawn, plus the 104 students gained, for a total of 461 students. Carol said, “Our students have a transient nature in Billings”. Of the 427 new students, 384 withdrew over the years, 364 re-enrolled ending with 388. Approximately, 748 students were “churned”. Possible factors for the large amount of turnover of students in Billings are group homes and a major Section 8 housing community.
The same exercise was extended to WHS. Results were: 526 new students, 231 withdrawn, 285 re-enrolled, ending with 501 students. There were 516 turnovers.
SKHS results were: 378 new students, 225 withdrawn, 242 re-enrolled, ending with 329 students. There were 467 turnovers.
Crossroads results were: 14 new students, 3 dropped out, 3 graduated and 3 went to Alternative schools, 8 remain.

In conclusion- 1345 Freshmen
1227 Graduates
142 Dropped out
1731 Churned
At this time the capability to track the withdrawn students remains at the site.

C. Electronic Educational Delivery for Dropout Prevention and At-Risk Students-
Woody Jensen gave a presentation on Electronic Learning Services for At-Risk students. Students At-Risk or potential dropouts could be affected by:
Attendance
Short- term suspension
Long- term suspension
Housed or located in Youth Services Center
Homebound
Home-school students could be used as revenue enhancers if the District would choose to include them.
Existing BPS policy allows for distance-electronic learning. Woody would like to propose a RFP to see if there are other multiple educational providers available. The search would be for a program that has the management, administration and guidance that comes with the program and that meets BPS policies and standards. With the RFP, there would be no commitment to purchase. The vendor’s proposal would be submitted and the District would make a decision about the cost-benefit analysis for implementation. If controversial, it would be debated under public scrutiny. It should be decided by facts, not personal opinions. The program would need to benefit the students, the District and the community. NovaNET is currently utilized in the schools and with great success. Initially, it was met with resistance, but then found to be an educational opportunity for students. Adult Education is in a partnership with the District, and has funded $80,000.00 for the program.
Margaret Aukshun commented that teachers are concerned about outsourcing. Woody explained that programs would still need teacher guidance and assistance.
As part of the dialogue for At-Risk services, Woody’s concern was the closing of Crossroads. He felt it was important for a district to have as many tools as possible for at-risk students. Carol Blades interceded and spoke on behalf of the students and program.

D. NovaNET Report-
Dennis Holmes of Senior High and Chuck Swarm of West High School reported. Chuck stated the program was implemented 11/2 years ago. NovaNET is a tool to help the dropout students and At-Risk students. West High used a model from Rex Putnam High School. Concentration was on freshmen students who previously failed in an individual class. Earth Science and Health classes were the most failed classes. Biology was another class with significant numbers for failing. West has 5 NovaNET classes running at this time: 2 pre-algebra, algebra, biology, and earth science. 70 students are participating in these classes. Currently, there are 20-22 students in the extended school year.
The program provides great environment for the students. Teachers are there to provide extra assistance by providing additional worksheets etc.
This program could be used as a revenue tool by BPS. It could be offered to students from out-of-district schools for a nominal fee of $120.00. It could also be a tool to prepare students for ACT and SATS. NovaNET assists in pre-assessment (BASI) and support. Students are given prescriptive reading and math and individualized support. They would be able to access through a computer lab or at home. Chuck feels NovaNET has an excellent management system. The students are given the BASI test, educational test and prescriptive test. NovaNET could be used as a creative way to keep kids attached to schools.
Dennis Holmes, of Senior High School reported that they are using NovaNET in their business lab. They are using it with science, social studies and English. Dennis said that 8 students wouldn’t graduate this year without NovaNET. He also has found student’s participating in the program test higher than the students in the standard classrooms.

E. Mill Levy-
There was discussion from the committee on the Mill Levy. Conrad stated the Board spent Saturday with about 30-35 people and talked about different pieces of the budget and what possibly could be considered in the Mill Levy. Conrad was concerned about putting certain programs out there for elimination before looking for alternative sources. It is difficult to look for additional sources when the levy is the only funding source. He felt you have to stand behind the cuts you propose for the levy. Crossroads may be considered for elimination. Activities would also be a target for activity fees, and could possibly be raised 10-20% with a possible loss of participation of 10%. There are other available funds for those who could not afford the higher fees.
The committee discussed ways to get the word out to the public about the levy and its importance. Radio, newspaper and TV were mentioned. The public needs to know the staff raises were already in the budget and not a part of the levy. Kathy felt it was important for SD2 staff to let the public know of all the great things the schools have done with the monies they have had to work with. It was stressed that everyone needs to be enthusiastic, positive, and supportive in order to get the public to back the levy.
Crossroads teachers spoke about the importance of their program and its existence. They felt it would
be a disadvantage to the students if Crossroads closed. Shaun commented if it closed, the students would be integrated back into the schools in a controlled environment and every effort would be made that they keep their connection with their current counselor. The Crossroad students would need to be placed in small learning groups.
Conrad encouraged all to come and express their views at the Board meeting on Monday night.

F. Spanish Level 4 & AP Curriculums-
Shaun Harrington presented the Spanish Level 4 and AP Curriculum as written on first reading for approval, so it may proceed for adoption. This is the final part of the other levels 1, 2 and 3. The AP level includes level 4 and addition to that for prep and depth of experience and knowledge. Also, in preparing their students to take the AP test in April. If students test higher than a 3, they will gain college credit. Money has been allocated and the curriculum meets the high school standards and students needs.
Ellen Hilde motioned to approve the first reading of the Spanish Level 4 and AP Curriculum and Kip Farnum seconded. There was discussion and Shaun stated Skyview does not have the curriculum, as their enrollment does not support it at this time. Motion passed unanimously.

G. Chemistry & Honors Chemistry Curriculums-
Shaun Harrington presented the Chemistry and Honors Chemistry Curriculum as written on first reading for approval, so it may proceed for adoption. A team has been looking at the adoption cycle for high school, which has science in it. Chemistry and Science were rewritten but there hasn’t been an official adoption of the Honors Chemistry curriculum. Teachers talked about what they wanted and built a curriculum. However, it was never written down or officially adopted. Shaun is hoping to get this first reading adopted and if there is year-end money, he can go ahead and request chemistry books for the high schools.
Patty Fain moved to adopt the Chemistry and Honors Chemistry Curriculum as written and Kathy Olson seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

H. Attachments/Information Only

Meeting adjourned at 8:15 as there was no further business.


_____________________
Barb Gustafson, Recorder

_________________________
Conrad Stroebe, Chairman