Corporation Discussion Notes
Monday, March 3, 2008

Members Present: Martessa Conover, Chris Sluder, Lossie Crane, Jan Kienholz,
Stephanie Foster, Wayne Shipe, Steve Sims

Administrators Present: Mark Keen, Rick Phillips, Nick Verhoff, Kevin Scanlon, Ed Mendoza, Chris Baldwin, Dave Mundy, Todd Lambert, Tenna Pershing, Robyn Lynch,
Cindy Keever, Chase Stinson, Joe Montalone, Lynn Schemel, Susan Hobson, Scott Williams

Item One: RtI (Response to Intervention)

Lynn Schemel addressed the legal requirements, in addition to GEI ,that the school system must address regarding those students who do not meet their baseline NWEA score. Chase Stinson, Lynn and Todd Lambert are working out strategies and interventions to work with these students and keep a fluid movement from tier to tier to get them to their baseline. They are striving to keep it as fluid as possible while still meeting the mandate that is required. WCTA will be receiving once a month updates regarding this program.

Item Two: High Ability

The district is looking at K-12 high ability students. Typically, third grade is the testing point and then enter into the higher content in fourth grade. Central Office has been looking at what we are already using to assist and progress these students, what is working and what is not. Dr. Rebecca Mann, an expert in the area of differentiation, has been invited to assist all K-4 classroom teachers in new ways to differentiate, offer some quick tips, and time management ideas for teachers & the high ability students in their classroom. Substitute teachers will be hired for each classroom teacher to have a 3 hour workshop, these workshops will also be offered to the Intermediate classroom teachers as well this spring & they are looking at offering it to the middle school next school year. The guidance counselor’s have been involved in this project as well.

Item Three: School Starting Times and Possible 3^rd Bus Route

Dr. Keen is asking WCTA to begin collecting volunteers to serve on a committee discussing the issues above. He would like to begin this committee this spring. The committee will be discussing how to implement a third bus route, to change school start/end times or not and possibly redistricting for Monon Trail Elementary School. Monon Trail Elementary School will open fall of 2009. Dr. Keen was very adamant that we keep this a low-key committee just consisting of WCTA members and administration members until we formulate our ideas and plans on these topics.

Item Four: Other Items : Legislation

Dr. Keen and other administrators are anxiously awaiting the property tax decision from the state house. WCTA agreed that it was a common issue between WCTA and administration. Currently there is talk of a 1%, 2%, or 3% circuit breaker cap on assessed value which would directly affect the Capital Projects Fund. The organization that runs the impact of the legislative discussions LSA estimated our deficit could run between $14,000.00 & $600,000.00. Any referendum that is passed would only affect non-instructional funding but that impacts transportation and maintenance. More than likely the 1028 building funds will not be included in the restructuring since they have already been passed through a public process. Dr. Keen mentioned the possibility of contacting house/senate representatives as the property tax restructuring continues as it could have a great impact on our district.

Next Corporation Discussion: Monday, March 31st at 3:45 in the Board Room