SCHOOL DISTRICT OF JEFFERSON

JEFFERSON, WISCONSIN

 

MINUTES

POLICY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE

August 8, 2005

 

The Policy and Community Engagement Committee of the Board of Education of the School District of Jefferson met on Monday, August 8, 2005, in the High School Library.  Chairperson Schroeder called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. with Committee members Koch, Saelens and Salmon present. 

 

Approval of Minutes: A motion to approve the minutes of the July 11, 2005 Policy and Community Engagement Committee meeting as presented was made by Mrs. Saelens, seconded by Mr. Salmon. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TOPICS:

Public Relations

Open Enrollment Promotion:  Mr. Swartz noted that the district should be promoted as a whole, and not just to Open Enrollment families.  Board members brainstormed on options for continued district public relations, including the following:

ü      The Character Education initiative is working on billboards at the four entrances to Jefferson plus one in Sullivan, the enhanced district newsletter, and collaboration with the city of Jefferson and the state Department of Transportation to enhance the signage listing “champion” teams. 

ü      Mr. Swartz will write newspaper articles on a regular basis.  Two per month: one on district “good news” and one on Character Education.

ü      Most Open Enrollment choices are made because of the “convenience” factor

ü      District teachers receive various awards, and should be highlighted

ü      There is a need to improve the public perception of the district

ü      The district could provide information (brochures) for public waiting areas such as doctors, dentists, banks, etc.  If this is done, an employee would be charged with keeping the information current.

ü      The district website is nice, but difficult to find through Google, etc.  Increase the number of sites that link to the district website.

ü      Continue to work with the city of Jefferson to promote both the city and the district.  Enhance the city entrance signage.

ü      Provide placemats for local restaurants.

ü      Agree on a “slogan” - Fort Atkinson school board members use “we want to be the district of choice.”  The WEA “Great Schools” campaign works well.

ü      Many members of the community are still hurt over the Tyson strike - need to work with the image and move on.

 

Legislative Updates: Mr. Swartz noted that the recent discussion on a constitutional amendment to limit the governor’s veto power may have an impact on schools.  Also, the DPI has convened a review panel to determine the fate of the Florence School District. 

 

Mr. Schroeder reported that the City of Jefferson Finance Committee has proposed the formation of a storm water utility.  In essence, this would tax blacktop and concrete to capture revenue from business, churches, and the school district to relieve the residential tax burden.  This may be a good time to schedule a joint meeting with the Common Council to discuss the community image, etc.

 

POLICY/PROCEDURE TOPICS:

First Reading of Revised Policy DIBB – Student Body Activity Account Management: Mrs. Peachey reviewed the revisions to the policy which stem from the district auditor’s suggestions.  The changes were made in order to tighten controls on student funds, including booster clubs.  Committee members’ discussion was lively, and all agreed that the administration needs to meet with the officers of PTO, PTA, and PATH groups as well as booster clubs to discuss the policy changes.  After such a meeting, this policy will be brought back for formal Board approval.

 

Second Reading of Proposed Policy GCQC - Termination and Resignation: Considerable discussion took place on this proposed policy last month at the committee level and also during the special board meeting.  Additional discussion ensued, including concerns over timing, job postings, liquidated damages, post employment benefits, and superintendent discretion.

 

The committee agreed that no action is required at this time, and the district will continue to handle terminations and resignations as stated in the union contracts.

 

Second Reading of Revised Policy GCN – Certified Staff Evaluation: After a brief discussion of the revisions to the policy, a motion to approve Policy GCN - Certified Staff Evaluation as presented and forward for full Board approval was made by Mrs. Saelens, seconded by Mr. Salmon.  The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

 

Review of Policy BB – School Board Legal Status and Composition of School Board: Mr. Swartz reviewed the timeline involved in any request to reduce the number of Board members.  Additional discussion of this issue with take place at a future meeting. 

 

STRATEGIC PLANNING:

Revised Proposed Vision Statement as Part of the Revised Strategic Plan: Mr. Swartz noted that he, Mr. Stoner, and Mr. Rollefson have made some changes to the proposed vision statement.  The revised statement was presented for Committee review.  Discussion on the vision statement revisions included:

 

ü      Could the committee get a copy of the statement without edit marks?  It is difficult to read with the highlight and strike-through areas.

ü      The readability is still difficult; the statement needs proofing by a professional writer.

ü      The choice of words was questioned in several areas: willingly vs. generously, needs vs. resources, leverage, etc.

ü      Who is the intended audience?  The language may be to sophisticated for many.

ü      Too long & wordy; write for conciseness and clarity – maintaining the ideas

 

Additional revisions will be made, and the vision statement will be brought back for Committee review and approval.

 

Discussion of Possible Topics for Future Meetings: Agenda items requested for future meetings included

ü      Policy BB

ü      Vision statement

ü      District promotion

ü      How to we engage the community in a discussion about the needs of the School District of Jefferson

 

A motion to adjourn was made by Mrs. Saelens, seconded by Mr. Salmon.  The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

 

ADJOURNMENT: 6:15 p.m.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Pati Fitzgerald, Secretary