White River Unified District Board - August 25, 2026 [WRUDB]

Call to order at 7 o'clock. >> Are there any adjustments to the agenda? >> No. >> Okay. Uh public comment. Do we have any public? >> Oh, public. Hi. Go ahead. Um I'll just kind of ramble on quickly, but um so I first I just wanted to say that the work of the Bethl and Royalty campuses are great. Um you know, access will provide much needed accessibility to the high school as well as provide secured entrances that we've talked about for years. So it's nice to see that kind of project going. It'll be finished hopefully soon. Um I 100% agree with the cell phone policy is a long time coming. I'm sure there's going to be a tremendous amount of of parent push back at the meeting. Um, but I I think it's something that needs to be done. Glad that's happening. I would be even I'd be even okay with going further with that and restricting some technology in schools. I mean, there's a lot of um current studies out there to show that technology is actually getting in the way of learning. Um, and it's resulting in lower proficiencies in reading and math. The studies are out there that, you know, way too much online learning, way too much not not using periodicals and books. that. Um, and then just quickly about board meetings. Um, the board meeting schedule is kind of challenging for the off season. Like the June meeting, you're not quite out of school yet. July, you guys are off. And then August is too late to make any adjustments for the next year. So like parents coming to a meeting, this is the first one we get a chance to, which is, you know, less than a week before we start. So there's there's really no opportunity to say here are some things we're seeing that we'd like to see addressed. And now if we say that it's really not enough time to address these things. So I know the board always had a hiatus in July, but might be something to think about of maybe going back to doing something in July or or somehow making it a little bit easier. Um and then kind of the reason why I'm here is um is really, you know, the the behaviors in vaping in high school. So I know We have issues all across Vermont and other states have it as well, you know, but you know, things over the years have progressed and you know, when you enable people to do certain actions in school like throwing the halls or being disruptive in class and and those things, it starts to build, right? It's no different in society. If you allow people to do something, they're going to take a little bit more and do more on top of that. And towards the end of last season, I mean, the vaping was rampant in the high school. Like, it it's it's amazing that more hasn't been done. I I we have the policies, but it doesn't seem like we're have the initiative to take control of these individuals that are being destructive. Um, we also have the hall rors. So, some of them are PCL um type members that often are in the hallways, but we also have individuals that are being disruptive in the classrooms, the restrooms, and the hallways. And as we found out, what happens is is the students that are doing everything they should be doing now can't use certain certain restrooms or or places because, you know, someone went in and destroyed the bathroom or there's activities going in that bathroom. And what it does is for instance like my daughter or if you have a daughter sometimes daughters need to go to the bathroom a little more often than boys especially at certain times of the month and if they have to you know the convenient one is closed off you have to go across campus those are issues and you know no bathrooms should be closed. If we have issues with bathrooms the issues should be confronted and those people should be dealt with. Um the the vaping has gotten to the point in the high school, we saw it towards the end of the year last year, where these kids now are so oblivious to their actions that they're starting to elevate into other drugs. And we saw that like we had some instances of higher drug use at school, on field trip, out of town. So we're starting to see it build and build and build. um the the restriction of the privileges of the whole um we're seeing that most of the kids are are being restricted to certain privileges because of the small amount of kids that are are disrupting and and doing these things. Um there's also the constant in and out of classrooms, hall walkers, the strong odors from kids coming out of the restrooms, sitting in the classrooms. Um, and you know, just like anything, anything that's coming in and out of the classroom, strong odors and those things, it's an environment that's tough to learn, you know. Um, and we all know, I mean, we all know who these kids are. Like, I just don't understand why we're not doing anything. It's pretty obvious. Said kid comes out of bathroom, said kid smells like something, said kid must be doing something in bathroom. um you know some of the things that I just and we're doing some of this but like how can we address these things um obviously age appropriate lessons at school which you guys do you know teaching um not just in health classes but strong emphasis on on assemblies guest speakers inviting law enforcement to the campus and things like that support for the kids that are actually doing it to try to get them off doing that so addiction support on and off campuses would be helpful I'm sure we have some of Uh um and if I would have been able to come here in July to say I was going to recommend like a community forum like the first part is to establish that we have an issue like we have an issue. So we have an issue and what are we going to do about it and it seems like we have the policies to do about it and the best time to address these behaviors is as soon as school starts for the year. Like it's hard to address an issue in April or May because the school is almost to the end. But you can set new expectations right out of the gate. Like here's our policy. It's black and white. We are going to enforce this and this is what's going to happen if your kids are caught doing this. You know, um I I do believe that increased adult supervision is needed. There there are hot spots like my kids can tell me exactly what period, where it's at, who it is, you know, I mean they they know the whole list of all this. There's, you know, there's certain periods where kids have it timed so that they all leave class at the same time so they can meet up in the bathroom to do this stuff. I mean, it's all so known. Um, you know, there is bait detection technology out there. It's expensive. I don't think it's needed. Um, and then I think signage throughout the campus, you know, if you put signs out saying, you know, we are a no vaping, tobaccof free, drug-free environment and list, you know, maybe the here's the penalty for, you know, said usage if you are caught, you will be, you know, sent home or expelled or whatever and then just force it. Um, I think some of the issues that we've had is we we went back to more of a subjective um a subjective way of dealing with issues at school. Instead of just being black and white, it's an easy day out or two days out or you need to go home. Now it's, you know, is, you know, let's talk about it and, you know, and those types of things. I think we just got to get back to a black and white like, "Hey, I'm sorry. You know, we just caught you coming out of the bathroom, smell like marijuana, you're going home." Um, uh, and then I asked my kids, one just graduated and one's going to be doing this year, is what are some things that you see that maybe the maybe the school could do? Um, and some of the things that they they talked about was what about locking classroom doors during the period so the kids can't go out. Um, you know, once you're in the class, doors locked, you're in the class. Um, so I said, "Well, how would you do that? What if someone's got to go to the bathroom, right?" And that's kind of a a thing. And and my daughter said, "Really, Dad? like if we had more opportunity in between class to use the bathroom. So like right now three or four minutes is not enough time to use the bathroom especially if you're a girl. Um however if but what's happening right now is you get you know a couple minutes in between class. You go into a class for 50 minutes or whatever and you don't really have 50 minutes worth of teaching. You know there's so many distractions going on. Maybe at the end of the day only 15 or 20 minutes was instructional. there's so much waste time there is why not increase the amount of time in between periods to allow the students like listen you had the chance to go to the bathroom you had the chance to do all these things yes a teacher could if there are emergencies grant people the opportunity to go to the bathroom but then you can cut out all that because it's not just people that are doing things in the bathrooms but it's just in in-n-out I mean if you they're trying to study or trying to you know write down notes and someone's coming in and out of your classroom. That's just so destruct distractable. Um so there uh the other thing was you know potentially employ some type of resource officer somebody that not only can help out because it sounds like often you know our administration can't be in every bathroom can't be you know or individuals that can help out with um teaching classes on preventative methods can be there for help if if you have an individual that is higher than the administration but lower than having to call the police every time. You know, you could have some on campus. Um, the other thing that I thought was helpful and I said, "Oh, that takes me back to my day is what about having student ambassadors that could help out monitoring the problems in between classes?" I go back to the days of the hall monitors, right, when we were in school and you got the cool and granted that was always kind of a two-sided thing like some people didn't like them and you know, but like why not police yourselves, you know, have have kids in between that can report back these issues and then to the administration and deal with it. Um and then the other thing I was talking with a law enforcement um individual and they said, you know, we're always willing to uh partner up with schools to provide training and that not just training on proactive training about drugs and alcohol and things like that, but also training like they may be training a new dog. Would you like them to come into the school for the day where they can, you know, go through the hallways and things like that? So um I and again I don't think it's anyone individual's issue. I think it's a collective issue and when you talk about a lot of the schools out there they're having the same issue. You know some more than others and I think you know the beginning of the school year is the best time to set the example you know um get it out there. this is what we are doing, you know, and I don't know if maybe Thursday night is too too soon, you know, to put a little blurb in there about, you know, our our issues with vaping and smoking and being disruptive in school, but you know, it's definitely a a big thing that's going on and I was hoping that we could have a a meeting a little sooner to to talk about it, but here we are. So, >> thank you, Chris. And I'm sure that um this is something that especially um high school and middle school are going to be taking under advisement. >> Uh yeah, Chris, thank you very much um for the input from a parent and really secondhand from a student because I think that's really important. We we don't get a lot of that um at least in the year that I've been here. It's really nice to hear uh sort of the boots on the ground. What's what's really going on? Um, I would say back to the first thing you brought up, which scheduling wise, I think it'd be great. I I don't work in the school every day all day. Um, but I do think it'd be great if we had our board meeting in June after the school year and maybe we've had a week or two. So, at the end of June, um, I would I would definitely uh appreciate that as sort of a look back from a board perspective, from a run board. Um, I don't know how impactful that is, but I do think that's a great idea because I don't know about the July meeting. Um, we don't get out much, but I know a lot of people on vacation. Um, and then the same thing for the August. You're you're right. I mean, we're right up on the school year. Everybody just came back. It's probably also very hard for our um folks who are working in the school because everybody's back this week on our campus and it's a busy week already. So, I think that's a great point for a lot of reasons. Um, I don't have a great answer for the the vaping and smoking. I've talked with other people um, in my professional career about some of those issues because you're right, it's all over the state. It's everywhere. Um, and it's impactful on not just in high schools, you know, it's it's throughout um, and we're seeing people leaving high school who are already in these these certain habits. Um, I think it might be sort of a resource issue on our campus specifically. Um, but I I don't know that it would be great to have that discussion on a wider basis. An SRO would be great, but I don't think Roy is going to hire another officer to have an SRO. >> I maybe it might be an interesting conversation at the SU level. um was sort of a resource we could have as an SU which sort of um shame what your position used to be and I can't think of the title of it. Um I know that you did a lot of work with with our Rover our rors whatever whatever the students are called who kind of eventually just disappear into the hallway. Um and I know we have a new individual who's taking care of again that's not their only job. Um, but maybe if we could propose something with SU to talk about some of that and how do we and then SU maybe have a resource for that because it might not just be a red issue. >> Okay. Um, approving the minutes from Tuesday, June 16th. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Okay. Um all in favor I >> I Okay. Uh board uh yeah correspondence I have nothing uh board comment. Anything else anybody wanted to say? Okay. Uh reports to the board. Who's on first? Principles. Well, we have two different reports for you tonight. We have both our traditional principles report, but we were also starting to come here to talk briefly and intelligently about our improvement plans. Um, how would you like that? In the past, we've gone through the principal report and then cycle back to CIPs. How would you pretend? >> Whichever way you want. >> Yeah, whichever way you want to do it. >> Flip a coin. >> So, you have you have our reports in hand. Uh I think uh Jackie and I will thank you in the elementary section. Please take a look. Um we there's lots to highlight. I think even the summer was very busy. Um but I think one of the things that stands out to me is how much summer tutoring that happened at the elementary. So 58 students um worked with many many teachers in both reading and math over the the tutoring window and that happened during the one planet. We didn't have to attend one plan to get the tutoring. So something really proud of the building was really quiet for I think both buildings were really quiet for you know a brief amount of time and then everyone was back. Um so it's been a very close summer with kids and adults like >> yeah one planet uh they visited a lot of places um like sh museum silver lake a lot of um educational trips and resources which was really wonderful to see um I'd like to he mentioned because I've mentioned something about tech and having lower tech um this year at Southampton I'm really excited to introduce tech free Friday. Um, so there's going to be no learning on devices um, unless they're needed um, through services um, which I'm really excited about. So it's just going to be one thing. So a couple of major facets of what we're working on in the middle school this year rather than just read verbatim very much trying to make sure that there's a hands-on minds on connection in the kind of content we're seeing in the classroom. I'll come back to that when I talk about my CIP goals. Uh they were chosen specifically with that in mind. We have an amazing amount of resources more than most middle schools and I think they're seriously underutilized especially if we're going to achieve what I've been proitizing about here in these meetings connecting the kinds of curiosity to the learning paths in the high school that lead to jobs in our community. that requires the flexibility of hearing the content and applying it. One of the major questions we as a staff have to address is how do we give a student an answer to the question why or when am I going to use this? So a lot of our in the next couple of days is geared to shifting that mindset looking at where students starting from and adding those experiences. Um, curiosity is really the other facet you really need to lean into. Middle school is a time again if we're trying to produce, nurture students who go to the high school curious and thinking about a career path. We need to really nurture that curiosity in middle school. And what that looks like is giving them the chances to succeed, the chances to fail, chances to see how what they're reading about in English connects to social justice and global citizenship, to civics. The beginning of last year, I worked with my staff to develop what they wanted to see in a student that one student left our campus. um whenever that was, we wanted to see people who were curious and were able to stick to a task even when it was hard. So, a lot of the planning work that happened over the summer was gearing towards the kind of professional development opportunities, the kind of structures where people can have the right kinds of conversations really taking uh pages out of our experience building the capstone and then kind of backwards designing to what the sixth grade experience looks like. How do we nurture curiosity the seventh grade experience? How does that curiosity lead to a deeper understanding or questioning about a specific topic? By the time they're in eighth grade, they're actually pursuing that topic. All else aside from the middle school, it was amazing watching the elementary programming on my campus. My office was an island. I was alone on my side of the building and I had all of this activity just on the other side of my door. And I really appreciate getting to know my incoming sixth graders who attend that program, but also just seeing that what we've chosen for a path, what I'm directing as a path directly builds on the experience they have in elementary school of fun, of exploration, of getting outside of just a specific way of learning. I'm excited about that work moving forward. From a facilities point of view, most of the impact of our campus in Bethle happened on the middle school side. I walked out of our middle school entrance today for the first time um since school ended. We are 95 98% of the way there. It looks fantastic. It also ushered in a couple of other pieces. custodial staff um went above and beyond stripped floors that hadn't been stripped since before COVID. The building looks fantastic. Floor tiles been replaced that was broken at the ceiling tiles been replaced. Holes are attached. Everything's painted. It took a a great deal of pride and it led to certain flow changes in our building. We located offices, changing how many office flows to where I'm sitting today. So, some pretty exciting developments on the facility side. I could foresee opening up on the first day and welcoming students to that beautiful branch entrance that preserved the elements we wanted, namely the stained glass and the giant love, not a poster, placard mural vacuum on our wall. So we retained our character but achieved the functional security um improvement that we were looking for. That's where we're headed in the next few days getting ready for the school year. >> So, the high school things, there's a lot of things to be excited and celebrate. Um, I um particularly uh student engagement over this summer. Um, we have two programs running. We had a a summer recovery English class. Um, and English is the only course in high school that you need four years of uh in order to meet your graduation requirements. So, it's a really big one. When a student fails a class, falls behind, that becomes a challenge and a real barrier to um progressing on their graduation path as is set out. And um and so one of our new teachers um did a a summer recovery English class. It was a blended version where students came together one night a week in person in class. there was individual um teacher to student meetings where they're working directly um on some of their reading and writing skills. Um and uh the the engagement the the level of thought uh and involvement in work that was produced by those students who um you know really struggled in the past um was was outstanding uh incredibly successful. Well, all six students were able to recover um credits that they otherwise would not have um not had on their transcript. So, that was outstanding. And and similarly um our adult diploma program um which we piloted last year is is going full ahead uh had six students working uh engaged uh on a regular basis throughout the summer. Um and so uh when you think about those students that really be in school and they're showing up on a weekly basis to do school work with staff the whole August um that's really a testament that we are um figuring out the right levers to pull and buttons to push um to meet these kids needs to get them back engaged in working with us uh in a meaningful productive um direction. So super excited um just about the continued growth and development of that program and and plan on uh doing a celebration of learning some point in the future this year for you guys to see and hear from me first. Um I think Chris kind of alluded a little bit to the um the films free parent student information night that we got coming up this uh coming Thursday. um that is going to uh provide an opportunity for students and parents to see firsthand the u the quiet case uh pouches that we'll be using to secure and and be in compliance with this new law and SU policy um eliminating uh student personal devices from the first bell to the last bell. um be partnering with um the Yankee Bookshop who um does a lot of our book fairs as well. They've donated some uh two books that I've read over this summer, The Anxious Generation, and Behind Their Screens. Both of these books are really looking at um adolescence, technology, cell phone uses, social media, um kind of their perspective of things and things that we can do about it. And um it was just great reading material for me over the summer. Um and so looking forward to share out some of that information um give away some books um to participants um and just continue to strengthen our community partnerships. um and things like that. Uh also just piggybacking off of Chris's feedback, we did talk about uh J and I had a conversation about a possible community forum type conversation around substance use shaping other concerns like that. And so, um, I think we will definitely use that opportunity Thursday night to just put that idea out for with those that that show up, um, and maybe start some early planning for, uh, a community forum uh, of that nature. I certainly have spoken with many parents uh, that are want to be involved and welcome being a part of something like that. So, that's something we can do as an action step coming out of that. Um and I guess I should give some updates on that the building project as well. Um it is uh we are getting close to the finish line. Uh there have been some uh delays related to uh securing certain things. Uh the ADA glid that goes up to the stage is something that's not going to be installed till after uh the school year, but that shouldn't impact any play performances or or things that we utilize that for uh in the first initial weeks of school. Um and yeah, they're putting down floors right now, finishing up. Uh we're kind of working on top of each other uh in the moment kind of through construction and cleaning and things like that. Um, so it's a little stressful for our facility staff and and teachers that are kind of coming back setting up their rooms. Um, but I'm confident that we're going to be in in good shape come Monday for fresh orientation. Um, and certainly the welcome the the new entrances um are just going to be a really really nice addition to to the high school and creating more space and uh security as well. Um, I wanted to go back to the phone thing for a minute. Having having been somebody that always worked around rules, I just imagine that it's not going to take long for probably quite a few kids to just come in with a dummy phone that they put into the lock thing while their real phone is in their backpack. Are we prepared to deal with that? Yeah, we we expect um there to be students to try to get around it. I met with a student today that was just flat out, no, I'm not doing that. What's going to happen if I don't? So, um and we expect those um kind of responses and and reactions in certain situations. Um I don't that I don't think that's going to be the large majority of students uh just based on conversations that I've had. Um but there will be some. And we also have some very clear um practices and protocols on what we're going to do uh if a student is found to not be in compliance with uh the protocols and and that's uh certainly going to be part of the uh presentation both uh Thursday night for parents and students. Uh and then we will repeat that on 9th grade orientation, first day of school for all students. um students that are in the building for the full um academic day are going to start out in their home room and that's actually where the um their cell phone electronic devices will go in a quiet pace for the day. So we've kind of built a a routine and a plan around that. So, it's not just uh some schools it's kind of honor system and you put it in your pouch as you walk into the school and there might be somebody standing there kind of observing everything but it's not really followed up on checked and forced. Um and uh our staff is completely committed to not only implementing this but doing it successfully and um creating getting rid of the phones which ends up being a gateway for or of a a tool for uh some of the misbehavior the uh coordination the connection outside of classes and things that uh that we also alluded to earlier. So, um, you know, there there's there's no question in my mind that that staff are on board, right, to enforce this. >> You may know the University of Chicago just instigated in initiated a no screens, no phones policy in all their classrooms because of this issue even at an elite university. So, I think it's really good that people are being adamant about it. Thank you. >> And I see that the CIPs are later down on the exam. So probably >> Okay, great. Um, >> let's see. Policy committee. Dave, >> you went for the policy. >> Which one am I supposed to talk about? Sorry. 8 and 35 >> uh if I knew the numbers that >> social media >> yes so I didn't I don't think there's anything for sorry for B8 electronic communication between employees and students second range so that's not the social media one that's the electronic communication one the last time we talked about it nothing really seemed to have come up I don't know now that it's been a little while people had any other questions or concerns about it from our SU that most of the boards have no further I'm not going tonight either. >> And 35 is the social media one >> and I'm gonna try to quote Jamie. No, I don't think I can. So, uh, B8 was the one that was already supposed to be in place. Um, so we were putting that in place and trying to mesh it well with 35, which is social media. Some of it does seem a bit redundant, but it's really uh covering ourselves to make sure that everything that is supposed to be written in policy is and it's mostly pretty straightforward. We did tweak a little bit of language I think in a second go around. >> Yeah, that we have a social media policy that was in place prior to the legislature last year taking action in statute around the use of social media with employee to student communication. um which essentially banned it except for some specific instances which the our policy addresses. But essentially um when we were looking to revise our social media to ensure it aligned with legis with what the legislature did last uh June that would be taking effect this July 1, we c I we recognized that we were missing this other policy that was supposed to be back in stat that in statute required it back in 2018. Um, so we're looking to implement the policy that should be in regards to electronic communication between staff and students. And then you'll see that that policy even references our social media policy. So they are very much inter intertwined. >> I think coming down the road you'll see uh a few more within the next how many months is that? Four months. I think there were six on the list that we're looking at. Um that either need to be uh updated. Um, so for example, there's one about class sizes that we're talking about most likely developing an updated policy that is already a policy that needs to be updated because for example, it references Iraq law. So, it's going to point to a law should be the correct one. Um, but obviously there's a lot that goes into that. So, um, that'll all be coming within the next couple of months as we spin those up. But as far as the ones that were already on the table, um if there was nothing else, I don't think we're acting on that as a board. >> Next month. >> Next month. Okay. So, you got another month. >> Okay. >> Let you out for a month. >> So, let Dave know if you see anything in those policies that you'd like to be addressed. >> Okay. Um discussion items. appointed member and an alternate to the act 170 merger study committee. First of all, is there any volunteers? Are there any volunteers? >> Yeah, I mean I think uh I think so just so the board knows that most of you were at the full board meeting. Me only Peggy wasn't. Um that right now the guidance is still a member. Now, the statute doesn't talk about whether we could have alternates, but as I said, it alludes to old legislation that referenced Act 46 when there were study committees that had to do with the makeup of those study committees being based on average daily membership. Now, the agency is supposed to provide the merger study committees with guidance. Now, I've heard some people say it references law, which called them study committees, but we're actually talking about merger study committees. So, does it actually even the same? I think some folks may challenge that, >> right? Because they are actually different how they're set up. Study committees can be created as like operators. These merger study committees are very clearly unified unit school district study committees all. So, um I would say it would behoove you to have an an alternate though because if they were to go to ADM, the charts I've seen has showed that RUD would be provided to members to the merger study. Um there's also nothing in statute that um addresses the alternate, meaning it doesn't say whether you could have one or not. So, to be determined, like ARSA just put an alternate in. I don't know if the facilitator is going to allow that. Like the leg the statute doesn't say whether you can have a voting alternate or if it's just the one appointed member. So I think at least if you appointed two if all of a sudden we hear three weeks from now that you can have two at least we know we've got two. That's that's why I was thinking it would behoove you to have them on as district. Now, do these people have to be board members or could we ask >> unlike the study that's also different >> um in regards to the act 46 language that the law references these have to be elected board members. >> So, I would also say to board members, this work goes through September. So, if you were thinking about getting off the board, I would advise you don't take this seat because they need to be elected board members. So the board would have to appoint a new member at that time. >> Um goes through September 27th and they need they need we have to appoint a member a sorry we need to appoint a member the merger study committee by September of this year. >> Yes. By September 15th. >> September. Okay. >> I'd recommend you take action on that >> because otherwise we >> Yeah. Um now we could always rip up paper and draw straws. Well, you'll you'll you'll rip up the paper. >> No, >> I plan to be around and I would volunteer to be an alternate if someone else would prefer to be the first person or I can be first. >> If you're if you're the first person, I'd be willing to be the alternate unless somebody else wants to do the alternate. >> I'm not on other committees and we're not doing bargaining this time. >> You're right. No, which is was the timing of this was good for us in that regard that there's not bargaining on top of the >> right and I I tenure goes next March and then the following March so it's to 28 if I don't peel over frustration first. >> Thank you Jamie. >> Normally I'm happy to overcommit but I've got quite a few weeks in the calendar year that I will not be available. My child is grown. >> So, is there anybody else that would like to be the alternate? >> Okay. Yeah, >> you should do motion and action on this one because >> Okay. Could um I have a motion to uh appoint Jamie as the member to the act 170 merger study committee. And can we do it all in one? >> You could. >> Okay. and me to be the alternate to the act 70 merger study committee move. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I Okay. Okay. We still don't have Julie. >> Is that >> And I will call upon all of you with different levels of experience for advice throughout this process. >> I'm happy to help. However, I was actually really interested when while we've been talking about it, but I I can't commit because for a month straight and then a couple weeks at a time. >> I'm a retired person. >> Yeah, that's what I that's been my excuse, too. But it seems I'm busier now than I was. >> I know. Okay, great. Well, that's good. Um, okay. White River Unified District Schools continuous improvement plan. So you guys are back on again. Who's on first? >> I think we're putting out our goals. Every continuous improvement plan has three goals. Um our leadership team meets each leadership team for each uh program meets to help determine your goals. Um this year for Bethl um they're very simple but we decided to just um start from how kids are doing after the first assessment window that comes through. Um and so based on the growth in math and reading for last year they thought it would be reasonable um to look at percentage points increase. So, um, for math, we're hoping for a 10%age point increase from, um, the first testing window to the the mid year or by the end of the year, I'm sorry. Um, and I would say just to add to that that uh, we had a committee sign up for this math counts um, education pushes coming from the agency. So, I'm very excited for that. So, some embedded professional development for our teachers to help us reach that goal. uh in reading we decided to try to move it by five percentage points. And then um the third goal must be a social emotional goal. So um this past year I believe I put out on it but Sage Albert um did assessment of all children in Bethl about perfect uh protective factors. Um and so we want to try to improve their protective factors index score by 5% um when we're comparing again first to the end of the year and that's really about going to really be about building relationships to improve those protective factors people have trusted adults and feel safe in school. So that's quality. Uh for elementary um we have similar goals. uh we have a 10% increase for reading um from the when comparing the data from fall and summer we have a um 75% of our students will meet mathematics. So when comparing the fall and the summer data and then our social emotional goal is um we really are going to hone in on reducing referrals by 10% um specifically around recess and the day essentials and just being very tactful of the conversations and the the um connections of adults during those times can be really important. Thank you. >> So, on the middle school side of things, I think it needs out of order. Want to start with a celebration. I don't know if you caught it in the news at a recent prize conference and resources initiatives, entrepreneurial adventures at UVM. Dr. Schumacher pointed at our district, our SU and the work we've done on everyday counts and attendance as one of the number one examples in the country in terms of getting students back into school. >> That's a celebration of the work that people in and out of this room had really leaned into last year. I took a little bit of inspiration from that. My leadership team asked the question, now what? So our attendance goal is directly related to making sure we maintain those systems that had a good result. Um seeing how we can increase that collaboration with our partners on in other schools really turn the lens more towards an area we have not looked at that's tardiness. Um a child who's tardy 60 days in the school year has missed 60 advisories. They missed a third of the opening of school as an example. So expanding what we're looking at in terms of attendance beyond now just the chronically absent and trying to improve that work in our literacy. We are now in year two with EL. Um I've been trained even more as an instructional coach as have all of my colleagues. Uh we're ready for the next implementation with Fidelity. We want to see if we can get not just through more of the curriculum but make it tied more tangibly to other aspects of our school. Uh and lastly for math last year we in a sense pigeonhold ourselves by choosing a very hypersp specific data point and saying we are going to prove that one because you would then have all of these constant effects these ripple effects on other aspects and it made it very nebulous and hard to actually measure progress or lack thereof. This year we focused on something that we know we can integrate and that we are already in a sense promoting. uh geometry is a major study, a major point of focus in our math classes. We are looking specifically at the sixth grade, not because of anything in particular to that incoming cohort, but because it's also tied to some changes we made specifically with the sixth grade schedule. The intention is um to really double down on the instruction, but also make sure that's tied to the new opportunities we have with a daily intervention extension. sixth graders now having access to our shop and steam teacher, the art teacher to outdoor ed and to some identified projects around the school that take what they're talking about and give a real world application. Said I would come back to that when we discuss CIPs. That's a concrete example of how we're trying to ear money where our mouth is, so to speak, when we tie geometry lesson to planning out a new gaga pit, finding quality, finding area, building materials, um the evolutions of our shop projects. Again, with the sixth grade having expanded access more than they've had in the past, um we're hoping that that whole pile of approaches, that's a very direct gain in our um challenge scores. And we set a pretty high benchmark of increasing by 15 percentage points. Last year, um we were looking at about 35% of the students were at or above. We're shooting for at least half of our students hitting that benchmark. to a lot of people and I think the value is in in that pursuit. >> So the high school our our CIP goals are quite similar to what they were last year um really focusing more on um how are we going to what adjustments are being made to change these goals. So um you know first goal all students will make progress towards academic proficiency making sure that they're able to access the supports and services allowed. So this is a lot about um both data tracking and managing our our systems um identifying students who are on supports our targeted plans 504 IEPs etc. um and continuing to make adjustments and refinements to how our MTSS team uh multi-ter student system support uh is utilizing that um supporting students and engaging teachers and families um around those plans. Um and we would be specifically looking at um uh the percentage of failed classes uh across the whole school as a a data point uh that we'll be pointing to um regarding effectiveness of that system and progress made there. Um our second goal uh is continuing to develop a robust MTSS system itself. um making sure that all of our students um are able to find a pathway that meets their needs and works for them uh and they have the resources needed to graduate high school. Uh I spent some time talking about the adult diploma program earlier in that uh pathway that we've added to our repertoire. Um and also really going to be leaning into working on um career exploration and college career planning readiness um next year related to that goal. New community based learning coordinator that's um co on staff um and really looking forward to continuing to uh get our students out in the community um creating meaningful partnerships for learning outside the classroom. Uh and lastly uh is going to be around high school uh increasing student engagement, connectedness um and a direct result on uh impact hopefully on cultural acceptance. Uh so that's our goal. That's something that we've been working really hard till high school on for several years now. uh really pleased with uh the the growth and the progress we made, but it's also uh we're not done yet. There are still uh folks that students that find themselves on the outside um or having barriers that um just impact their ability to access school. Um so, uh increasing student clubs, different opportunities for students to find themselves. um is is one of the things that we're going to be looking into in there in addition to um some of the different feedback surveys and and ways that we've been to connect with students and identify um concerns or opportunities to work with them um collectively to address schoolwide issues. Maybe take a little bit of what Chris was talking about earlier as well. Um there there's been some interest in a kind of a studentrun type advisory council that would be a parallel path to the traditional discipline pathway uh within the school system. Uh and we have uh some folks that have been working through our student voice class um with Dana Decker, our equity coordinator um that have explored some of those things uh and we have a new student support coordinator that play coming on board uh be really positioned well to support those students and that next step. >> Thank you. I guess I I was just wondering why the Bethl Elementary CIPs are different than the South Royal Elementary. >> Always different, but we have one leadership team. >> We submit twice for everything. >> I always but um now Ros has it own separate leadership team. So um we've looked at the data globally in the past for the last five years. Um and so we now I think are looking at it building um specifically relative. That's why they're a little bit different. >> I mean I just want to make sure that when our kids go to middle school that they're on the same boat >> not coming in on two different boats. >> Same curriculums still a lot of coordination. Absolutely. I think it's a good idea too, you know, just to I think you see different challenges and what you've seen it, you know, between the two campuses just based on what the student body looks like at the time, you know, when a new incoming class is going to have X Y and Z or that classifying middle school. Yeah, I think different challenges for sure. I always >> Okay. Anything else? >> Uh Pier, I was going to say you had me sold until you mentioned the Gaga pit and I don't want to you could do a study about how to get rid of them. >> May I address you on that one? >> Indaga. In all seriousness, it's an example of how we're trying to do more than just replace or do something poor. The Gaga pit is a source of immense joy for students and a lot of frustration for students and it is the bane of a teacher's existence unless they're right there. And our Gaga pit, yes, it was crafted with love. is getting kind of janky. Over the summer, I bought I would say professional grade dog and pit brackets rather than build it with them. The very first community meeting that's the first Friday of school, I'm hosting the first here's what's this and what this is is the bracket that needs students to help build it, students to design and post the rules, and it will be moved a lot closer to the school. So trying to take something they have a lot of joy in and get some student ownership not just in its construction tangible ties and geometry etc but also have some kind of agreement on what are the rules because every group that sets foot in that circle has a different rule and one of the Pierre's rules will be an appointed referee. So, we're trying to go into that middle step instead of just banning something that causes us frustration. Let them have a hand in creating the new and improved version. and maybe with some ownership there's some responsibility some respect for that because there are days and I will say this on public record I would love to drag that goggle pit into the woods and area but again the joy it brings the students we're trying to see an opportunity to do something again to give them an opportunity to put their hand in something to put their responsibility into something have some ownership within certain guidelines can't be 100 feet wide, but we're trying to take that thorn in our paw and turn it into something a little bit more constructive. >> Ask me how that went a year from now. >> Okay. >> 40%. >> You have to report out the >> Yeah, my CIP goal will be entirely gauged around. >> All three are done. >> Okay. Um uh school district voting to occur via Australian Valley. Probably remember we had the visitor to the board in June who um she actually was here both May and June and wanted us to uh make the decision that we would go to Australian ballot. Uh this is not something we can do at this meeting. it if if we were going to do that to have a vote on it, we would have to do it at the annual meeting. We'd have to warn it and take a vote at the annual meeting. But Jamie said that we could tonight do a straw poll. Um so if how do you feel? You want any discussion about this to remind you? You know, the woman is saying that uh it's too hard to come to the meeting. Uh there wasn't enough parking. There's not enough space. Um she had several points that she was making. >> Um >> so I we're being recorded. I um I I'm really a mixed bag on this one because I tend to agree with some of the background things that she was bringing up and others I've seen brought up a lot. She's not the first person that's mentioned this to me or publicly on other forums. Um I don't know how to fix the problem because I understand why it has developed the way that it has. Um but I do also feel like there are times where it leads to sort of an under representation. I don't know that us taking action to move to Australian ballot is the answer because I I love the idea that give everyone better opportunity to come out and uh have their say on an important issue that directly affects them. Um the problem is that I see such limited engagement with the underlying work that we're doing. And so to put that directly is it is such a a huge thing throughout every year that the board does and that the SU does and that everybody that's involved does to put that to thousands of literally thousands of people who have no engagement through the year is very difficult. But that is that is representative democracy, right? So it's really hard to say for me. >> I would be against having the Australian ballot because I the school meetings have been moved. They used to be on town meeting day or and then they moved into night before town meeting. You know, other people talk about moving to Saturdays and I don't think they've seen any change anywhere that you got more people one time or one day than the other. >> And of course, I didn't go to the last meeting, but the last meeting, you know, we were we have proposed the budgets for this year that were that were large. It was a large tax increase. Instantly people all over were talking about how bad it was. But there were other people who said once I went to the meeting and heard the reasoning then I voted for it. >> Right. >> And I think that's what we would miss with the Australian ballot to really connect with people who are willing to listen >> and agree. I agree. >> I agree. >> Oh, go ahead. >> I would be against it. like well I think it's a school budget is such a complex thing to not be present to have it explained by people together and understand it where you can comprehend it more I wouldn't feel comfortable voting on it myself >> that meeting is really important to hear it broken down understand why it's put together the way it is um I think it's to me there there are things we should do everything we can do fixed to make the meeting as attended as possible and as easy to adapt as possible. I think that's really important. But that's probably one of my favorite things about our school district and why I want to come to the board is that in the top of interest involved in like understanding our complexity of it and going back we're trying to take that away. >> I agree. I think if people care about the issues, they're going to come. Look at how few people come to our meetings here and then complain about, well, the school board does this or it doesn't do that or whatever. And I've had conversations with enough people in Dubo who complain and complain and complain. And I say, well, our meetings are for six to eight. You can come, well, I'm really busy that night or I don't feel like going out at night or whatever. I mean, I just feel like if you care about it, you come. And um you know we give people every opportunity to weigh in on various issues all the time. So it just seems to me a little um disagreement. I mean when I couldn't come this year I was relying on people that I know who are going to be there to make the decisions for me. >> Yeah. >> Or you can car or whatever. Right. >> And I think that we could like one of her >> points that she brought up was the parking and parking is a problem. I think it's probably a problem in Royaltton also in Sorro. Um that maybe it is hard to find a parking place. Okay. So we we can we can do something about that. We could offer shuttles. We could offer an alternative parking area and and shuttle people. We could make more handicap spaces perhaps just for that evening. So, >> so that people that really need those spaces can be close to the school. I think we can deal with the parking part of it. Uh, another problem I see with doing Australian ballot is there's no opportunity to amend the budget. If people are there in attendance and they want they're not happy with our budget, then they can offer amendments. You can't do that with Australian ballot. And how many how many towns in the state or school districts in the state have been having such a hard time because they are using an Australian ballot and it's either a yes or no vote and the school board is left up in the air like okay what do we do now? Some people voted against it. We find out because they didn't think it was high enough. Other people voted against it because they thought it was too high. But there's no feedback loop there. >> There's less voice for the community too because >> Yeah. And so they present another budget and it gets voted down Australian ballot again. >> I that's >> No, I agree with the whole I think that's what I'm saying. I don't think it's a problem that can be fixed but with that by that >> and I think we've bent over backwards in the past few years that I've been aware of it anyways that you know we offer dinner for the family. We offer daycare for the kids. I we we offer all of these things to make it doable for people. We switched it to the evening. Like Peggy said, it used to happen on town meeting day during the day and you know by having it in the evening and offering dinner. >> Yeah. I think you have it in there. But >> so how does the um is that simply up to the board whether that ends up as a >> No. What the process is that's in place and she alluded to it that first night that she came. If you get 300 people on a petition asking for this to be on the ballot at the annual meeting, it will be on the ballot. >> Three 300. Oh, is it across? >> It's across the both districts. So, it's like 10% of the voters >> have to be on the petition asking for this to be added to the ballot. Okay. >> So, if that comes to fruition, >> I propose that we then have at least at least two um public information points that are nights not board meetings you know that are >> hey this is happening come and say your piece because I think part of it is that people want to be heard sort of like myself I recognize that's not the answer but I but I do feel some frustration with that there was two three years ago three years ago we had a really really bad wet season specifically on my hill we physically could not leave the house in the suburban. So, you know, and I caught the black in my mind because I said, "Hey, I wanted to go to that hand and town meeting, but those two days we haven't left our house in two weeks and I'm in my 30s and I have a truck, you know, and people, oh, that's just how we're flatland all of that." And so, I feel that frustration. Some people need that, but then they also need to say, >> but it's still really important that we do it this way so we have that chance so that if you say, "Hey, I don't know if anybody saw line 48, but that's kind of ridiculous." No. So, I think it's really important that if it does come to that, they do have a 300 um signatures that we really do put a lot of effort into making the case because um I think we'll see if it's on the ballot. I think we'll see probably the biggest turnout that we've seen in years for that school. >> Yeah. >> Anybody else have anything else to say on that? >> Okay. Um Okay. public comment. There's no public left. >> Any any other business that we need to discuss? >> I won't be here in October. So, if anybody else is planning on not being here in October, we need to make sure we're planning for forum. We don't have any. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Have a wife. I'll be here. >> I'm retired. Uh future agenda items, anything anybody wants to have put on? Okay. So, our next meeting, Tuesday, September 15th. Motion to adjourn. >> Amen.