SCHOOL DISTRICT OF JEFFERSON

JEFFERSON, WISCONSIN

 

MINUTES

POLICY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE

September 14, 2009

 

The Policy and Community Engagement Committee of the Board of Education of the School District of Jefferson met on Monday, September 14, 2009, in the High School Library.  Chairperson Thompson called the meeting to order at 6:49 p.m. with Committee members Buth and Pupanek present. 

 

Approval of August 10, 2009 Committee Minutes: A motion to approve the 8/10/09 minutes of the Policy and Community Engagement Committee as presented was made by Mr. Buth, seconded by Mrs. Pupanek.  The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

 

GOAL SETTING:

Identification of 2009-10 District / Board / Superintendent Goals: The list of five District goals, five Board goals, and three Superintendent goals was reviewed and discussed.  Committee members were satisfied that the measurements for these goals are now expressed quantitatively.  Discussion included:

 

           Mr. Nolan briefly explained the CREE survey

           One of the measurements lists $10,000 for Character Education – this is not in the current budget

           The student greeter concept was explained

           The district website could be more consistent; currently each school is maintained separately and navigation can be difficult

           Measurement #3 of Board goal #3 will be revised to include the words “and update” as it relates to the district website

           Building principals will provide Board members with a schedule of staff meetings

           How can the district capture back some outgoing open enrollment students?

 

A motion to forward the 2009-2010 District, Board, and Superintendent Goals – with the one language revision - for full board approval was made by Mr. Buth, seconded by Mrs. Pupanek.  The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TOPICS:

Ø      Public Relations

Review of Revised PR Plan:

Section II. C. Electronic Media will include a bullet stating “Posting of all board and committee meeting agendas and approved minutes on the district website”

 

A motion to approve the Public Relations – including the addition of the language above - and forward for full Board approval was made by Mr. Buth, seconded by Mrs. Pupanek.  The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

 

Update on Commitment to Excellence Award Program:

Clarification of the Commitment to Excellence Award Program was provided.  When nominations are received, they are reviewed and scored by the District’s Recognition Committee.  Mr. Swartz noted that there have not been any nominations since 2005.  Staff may need be reminded of this program.

 

Update on Monthly Recognition of Staff: Mr. Swartz explained that other school districts purposely stay away from such a practice because it leads to hard feelings amongst staff.  Committee discussion was passionate, and members stated that they believe the community should know what great employees the district has.  Recognition in printed form (newsletter) can be costly.

 

There will be additional discussion on this issue in the future. 

 

Update on Realtor / Media Breakfast: Mr. Swartz reviewed the most recent Realtor/Media breakfast that was held on August 20, 2002.  The invitation list included 34 realty firms from the areas of Jefferson, Fort Atkinson, Whitewater, Watertown, Cambridge, Lake Mills, and Sullivan.  Additionally, five members of the media were invited as well as the Administrative Team and Board of Education.  Those in attendance included one representative from the Daily Union, four or five realtors, one board member, and the administration. 

 

Attendees received a folder containing the agenda for the meeting, a magnet with our mission statement, teaching calendar, activity calendar, School Performance Report, copy of the strategic planning newsletter, and brochures about the district. 

 

POLICY DEVELOPMENT TOPICS:

Discussion on Cell Phone Use Policy: Administrators noted that the current cell phone use policy is working well.  Consequences for violating the policy are enforceable. 

 

Committee members agreed that, in the future, there will most likely be additional discussion, concern, and policy written related to electronic devices within the schools. 

 

First Reading of New Board Policy ECA – Privacy in Locker Rooms: This policy has been drafted to comply with new statutory requirements (Section 175.22, Wis. Stats.) that require adoption of a written policy that does all of the following:

 

1.     Specifies who may enter and remain in the locker room to interview or seek information from any individual in the locker room.

2.     Specifies the recording devices that may be used in the locker room and the circumstances under which they may be used.  For purposes of this law, a “recording device” means a camera, a video recorder, or any other device that may be used to record or transfer images.

3.     Reflects the privacy interests of individuals who use the locker room.

4.     Specifies that no person may use a cell phone to capture, record, or transfer a representation of a nude or partially nude person in the locker room.

 

A motion to forward Board Policy ECA – Privacy in Locker Rooms as presented to the full Board for two readings was made by Mr. Buth, seconded by Mrs. Pupanek.  The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

 

Update on Administrative Revisions to Board Policy Guidelines for Implementation and/or Exhibits:

The administration has made changes to the guidelines/exhibits of two policies, KBG-Access to Public Records and CC-Administrative Organization Plan. 

 

Mr. Swartz explained that the District Office staff has discussed a minor change in the official hours in order to facilitate other staff members who tend to seek assistance prior to the start of the school day.  The new hours will now be:

            School Year:                7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Monday through Thursday)

                                                7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Friday)

            Summer Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Monday through Friday)

 

The minor changes made to the organizational chart were made to reflect title changes.

 

Discussion of Possible Topics for Future Meetings

           Marketing plan

           Staff recognition

 

A motion to adjourn was made by Mrs. Pupanek, seconded by Mr. Buth. The motion passed on a voice vote. 

 

ADJOURNMENT: 7:50 p.m.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Secretary, Pati Fitzgerald