The discussion of SCIP 2.0 was a point of the meeting, with Superintendent Kent Pekel introducing the proposed changes aimed at providing schools with increased autonomy while maintaining accountability. The transition from SCIP 1.0 to SCIP 2.0 is designed to allow schools to set their own priorities based on rigorous needs assessments rather than relying solely on central office initiatives. Superintendent Pekel emphasized the importance of this shift, stating, “The big shift…is to be providing our sites with more support and more guidance in setting their priorities.”

Dr. Peter Ruck and Gretchen Acasio presented findings from interviews with school principals, highlighting five common challenges in the current SCIP process: district structure complexities, unclear progress tracking, inflexible goal-setting, limited data literacy, and scheduling difficulties. These insights are informing the development of SCIP 2.0, which aims to streamline communication and increase school autonomy while ensuring district-wide coherence.

A key element of SCIP 2.0 includes a limited number of performance measures tailored to elementary, middle, and high schools, which the board will soon review. The new framework seeks to empower schools to set improvement goals and initiatives specific to their needs, with district-wide directives for schools struggling with low performance. This approach aims to strike a balance between the need for autonomy and the desire for a structured framework.

Budget alignment with strategic goals was another discussion, with concerns raised about the current Strategic Improvement Planning (SKIP) process occurring after the budgeting cycle. This timing has led to missed opportunities for integrating financial decisions with strategic planning. The board recognized the need for better alignment of district goals with budgetary considerations.

The board also addressed the district’s financial forecast, highlighting the potential deficits and the impact of legislative changes on the budget.

Health insurance costs and rising vendor contract expenses were focal points, with strategies to control costs including the implementation of a new tier with a local medical center. The superintendent reiterated the district’s goal of becoming the provider of choice in Rochester, emphasizing the need for effective marketing of the district’s educational offerings and retaining existing students.

The board also discussed legislative priorities, including the need for increased Career and Technical Education funding and addressing disparities in transportation funding. A proposal was made to double the reimbursement for transportation costs from 35% to 70%, which would offset expenses for the district. The board emphasized the importance of strategic planning in the legislative process to secure funding and address budgetary challenges.