The Jane Mianowski Conference Center was close to full capacity for the August 20, 2015 meeting of the Cook County School Board as Principal Gwen Carman in a near tearful voice read a prepared statement concerning her resignation from the district effective before the start of school in September.
“I want you to know that it was extremely difficult. However I made the decision because I truly believe it’s in the best interest of the district and for me personally.
“I worked in the district 24 years and I’m extremely appreciative of everything this district has done for me and my family and I’m extremely proud of the impact I’ve had on hundreds of students and families.” Carman went on to express her pride in the staff and her work with community members.
“I have loved being the principal of Sawtooth Elementary the past nine years in many ways. However, over the course of this summer, I had to reluctantly accept that I no longer love coming to work and it is time to start a new chapter in my life.
“Thank you to everyone who has come tonight and thank you to the many staff and parents who aren’t here tonight but have expressed their support to me as news of my possible resignation spread through our small community.”
She ended by adding that she wished the students and staff continued success and will do all that she can to ensure a smooth transition going forward.
The board unanimously accepted her resignation. Board Member Terry Collins noted that “the attendance at the meeting, I hope is a strong surrogate for the affection and honor in which your work has been held.”
Board Member Deb White, who attended the meeting via conference call added, “I think that Gwen has done some really incredible stuff for the whole school district and her attachment to our kids is not in question.”
Board Chair Jeanne Anderson concluded, “I appreciate and respect Gwen’s professionalism at this very difficult time and thank you for everything Gwen, and we wish you the very best of luck in whatever you choose to do.”
Parent concerns that would normally be handled by Carman will be funneled through the district office until the board determines how to replace or reorganize to cover her position. A special work session will take place to discuss the possibilities from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. September 3. A short regular board meeting will follow.
Operating Referendum Election
At the time of the school board meeting it was unclear if a possible special election to fill the seat of Representative David Dill would have any impact on the upcoming referendum vote. Since that time Governor Mark Dayton has announced a special election for Dill’s position to take place December 8. County Auditor Braidy Powers’s impression is that the referendum vote will continue as previously set for the county wide mail-in ballot set for November 3. He stated that by statute, if the referendum vote were to be held any date other than November 3, an all-mail-in ballot would still be required for the referendum vote while the special election will require the normal combination of polling places and mail-in ballots as in all general elections. He continues to research the situation.
Ten-year facilities plan presented
Due to recent legislative changes the district is now required to have a 10-year facility plan approved and in place. Superintendent Beth Schwarz presented a document detailing expected needs for items such as roofs, technology, maintenance and vehicles. Current revenue sources are slated to be enough to cover all necessities over the 10-year plan. However major projects would need additional funding to be accomplished. Significant major projects may include a $3,500,000 science classroom renovation in 2018, a $2,000,000 cafeteria/commons project in 2021, and a $2,000,000 football field and track in 2024. Schwarz noted that this is a working document and is meant to be adjusted on a yearly basis.
Principal reports on testing
High School Principal Adam Nelson reported on the eligibility of students to participate in sports under the Minnesota State High School League rules. The MSHSL requirement is that students must be on track toward graduation. Toward that end, ISD 166 will allow students who have failed two classes or less in the spring semester to be made up during summer school and still be eligible for fall sports.
Nelson also discussed an initiative that is currently being practiced by 30 to 40 percent of the teaching staff. He would like to see 90 percent of a high school student’s grade based on tests, projects and quizzes and just 10 percent based on assignments. That percentage would be adjusted to 80/20 for middle school students.
Advanced placement exams were taken by 34 students this past year with a 43 percent passing rate. That rate is down from the 55 percent passing rate from the previous year, however more sophomores are now taking the classes. Nelson expects the number of students taking these exams to be up dramatically this upcoming school year. The district currently offers 13 advanced placement courses and the passing rates are above the national average in both Spanish and world history.
The unofficial ACT test results have been received with an average score of 20.8, down from about 22.0 a year ago. One reason for the decrease is attributed to the fact that all juniors took the test in the current year where previously only 60 percent of students took the test. The official results will be out in October.
Other school board news
. Board member Sissy Lunde said that she has discussed the proposed stricter attendance policy guidelines with several people. One of the main areas of question is if the board considers this to be a rampant problem in the district.
. Both Anderson and Board Member Chris Goettl have heard from families concerning the existing open lunch policy that restricts most students from leaving campus during the lunch period. Anderson stated that discussion of the policy will be added to the agenda for the next meeting on September 3.
. Collins told the board that a meeting is scheduled to continue contract negotiations with the Cook County Education Association. Collins and Schwarz reported on an agreement reached with the Teamsters Union for bus drivers and custodians. Schwarz said they had an amicable meeting with negotiators and had previously had a meeting with them involving a mediator.
The board approved the Teamsters contract, which allowed for no raise for the 2014-2015 school year and a two percent raise for the 2015-2016 year. Custodians working later than 3 p.m. will be paid an extra 40 cents per hour.
. Jim Schwarzbauer of the Carl Perkins Consortium gave a presentation of programs the consortium hopes to help fund over the next year in the local district as well as throughout the Arrowhead region. Some areas of focus include field trips, wildfire fighting and math classes. Prior to the meeting, Schwarzbauer toured the new industrial arts site and noted the potential for additional outreach programs such as community education. “It’s unbelievable what you have in place here. It’s really a gem.” Many of the programs they help with provide college credits for high school students.
He also discussed the concept of available jobs from the “one, two, seven” perspective. For every one job requiring a master’s or doctorate, there are two jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree and seven jobs requiring just vocational training.
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