White Bear Lake Area School Board Reviews New Initiatives and Tackles Operational Challenges
-
Meeting Type:
School Board
-
Meeting Date:
09/09/2024
-
Recording Published:
09/13/2024
-
Duration:
89 Minutes
-
State:
Minnesota
-
County:
Ramsey County
-
Towns:
Birchwood Village, Centerville, Dellwood, Gem Lake, Hugo, Lino Lakes, Little Canada, Mahtomedi, Maplewood, North Oaks, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake, White Bear Township
- Meeting Overview:
The White Bear Lake Area School Board meeting focused on a variety of topics, including new educational programs, facility improvements, and operational updates, reflecting both achievements and ongoing challenges within the district.
The most newsworthy event discussed was the introduction of a construction career pathway space at the high school. This new facility allows students to practice skills learned during “The Apprentice” days.
The meeting also highlighted the successful relocation of the transition education center to Hugo Elementary, providing young adults in the program with expanded access to facilities, including outdoor areas and an indoor gym. This move was celebrated with an open house, well-attended by parents and students.
In terms of technology, the district’s preparations for the new school year included updates. A team of 25 students from the Tech Depot helped move equipment and set up 1,400 Chromebooks for incoming students. The district also migrated its library system to the cloud for improved reliability and began implementing new features in student information systems to enhance communication and tracking of student attendance. These steps aim to ensure that technological resources are effectively utilized to support student learning.
The board discussed the district’s summer programming, noting an increase of 55 contracts compared to the previous summer. Over 400 children participated in various programs, including activities at Matosa Elementary and Freedom Schools at Willow Lane Elementary. The summer curriculum covered diverse topics such as business creation, nature, Pokémon, STEM game design, mindfulness, and cooking. This variety allowed teachers to connect with students’ interests, using creative methods to teach core concepts. Support from local businesses and a Community Learning Grant facilitated the expansion of these programs, offering students opportunities to engage in enriching activities.
Transportation challenges were another key topic, particularly the difficulty in finalizing bus routes before the school year starts, leading to numerous last-minute changes. The transportation department is expected to cover nearly one and a half million miles this year and make over half a million stops. Acknowledgment was given to students and parents for their patience, with assurances that improvements are ongoing.
Human resources updates revealed that the summer was busy, with over 130 new employees hired, including 61 new teachers. The HR department has successfully transitioned to a new substitute management partner, resulting in an increase in the fill rate for substitute positions. Efforts are ongoing to address staffing shortages, particularly in extended day and nutrition services, with outreach to the community to attract potential candidates.
Community services saw positive developments, particularly within the Early Childhood Program. Despite slightly lower enrollment numbers compared to the previous year, the program has made efforts to address waitlists and expand sections. The Community Services department reported a decrease in waitlists for out-of-school time programs, thanks to proactive staffing strategies and collaboration with nutrition services.
The board also reviewed and approved a tentative agreement for the 2023 to 2025 fiscal year regarding extended staff. This agreement, reached with the SEIU Local 284 bargaining unit, was praised for its timely completion. Additionally, 28 school board policies that had undergone a first reading in August were approved, with plans to revisit the policy on personal communication devices to reflect current technological use.
Board members expressed gratitude for the efforts that went into preparing for the new school year and highlighted initiatives such as the new career pathways program. The meeting concluded with the board setting priorities for the upcoming school year, including the implementation of the strategic plan and a focus on educational equity.
Wayne Kazmierczak
School Board Officials:
Scott Arcand, Deborah Sharpee Beloyed, Kathleen Daniels, Jessica Ellison, Marge Newmaster, Christina Streiff-Oji, Angela Thompson
-
Meeting Type:
School Board
-
Meeting Date:
09/09/2024
-
Recording Published:
09/13/2024
-
Duration:
89 Minutes
-
Notability Score:
Routine
Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:
-
State:
Minnesota
-
County:
Ramsey County
-
Towns:
Birchwood Village, Centerville, Dellwood, Gem Lake, Hugo, Lino Lakes, Little Canada, Mahtomedi, Maplewood, North Oaks, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake, White Bear Township
Recent Meetings Nearby:
- 10/22/2024
- 10/22/2024
- 120 Minutes
- 10/21/2024
- 10/21/2024
- 39 Minutes
- 10/21/2024
- 10/21/2024
- 86 Minutes