SCHOOL DISTRICT OF JEFFERSON

JEFFERSON, WISCONSIN

 

MINUTES

POLICY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE

May 9, 2005

 

The Policy and Community Engagement Committee of the Board of Education of the School District of Jefferson met on Monday, May 9, 2005, in the High School Library.  Chairperson Schroeder called the meeting to order at 8:41 p.m. with Committee members Koch, Saelens, and Salmon present.

 

POLICY TOPICS:

Request for Waiver of Policy KG – Community Use of School Facilities: Committee members reviewed a letter from Hilde Will, Vice President of the Jefferson Cab Committee requesting consideration for a fee waiver for the use of the auditorium in August.  Representatives of the Jefferson Cab Committee answered committee questions about the event.

 

A motion to approve the waiver of Policy KG as it relates to the fee for use of the high school auditorium as requested by the Jefferson Cab Committee and forward for full Board approval was made by Mr. Salmon, seconded by Mrs. Saelens.  The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

 

The Policy and Community Engagement Committee moved into recess at 9:05 p.m. in order to resume the Curriculum & Instruction Committee.  The Policy and Community Engagement Committee reconvened at 9:43 p.m.

 

Approval of Minutes: A motion to approve the minutes of the April 11, 2005 PR/Goals/Legislation Committee meeting as presented was made by Mrs. Saelens, seconded by Mr. Salmon. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

 

POLICY TOPICS:

Second Reading of School Handbooks: The committee conducted a second reading of the proposed handbooks for Sullivan, West, Middle, and the High School. 

 

The committee agreed on one minor language change for page 30 of the high school handbook as follows:

 

In light of recent trends in dress, we, as an educational institution, feel the need to establish a more specific dress code to limit the definition of clothing that is appropriate for our educational setting. 

 

A motion to approve the 2005-2006 handbooks for Sullivan, West, Middle, and High schools - with the one revision to the High School handbook as noted above - and forward for full Board approval was made by Mrs. Saelens, seconded by Mr. Koch.  The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TOPICS:

Public Relations:

Ø      Update on Character Education Initiative

Mr. Swartz provided an update on the various activities planned in conjunction with the Character Education initiative such as the billboard and community-wide graduation party.

 

Goals:

Ø      Final Review of Progress of 2004-05 District and Board Goals

The final review/update on the progress to date of the 2004-05 goals was postponed until the next Policy and Community Engagement Committee meeting.  This topic deserves more time and attention than is possible due to the late hour. 

 

Ø      Discussion of Procedures for the Identification of Board/District/Superintendent Goals for the

2005-06 School Year

The goal setting process for the 2005-06 school year was also deferred to a future meeting.   There is a need to solidify the strategic plan process first.  When this issue is discussed, the agenda will allow time for ample discussion, and materials from a recent seminar attended by Mrs. Saelens will be provided. 

 

Ø      Recap of Special Board Meeting on Strategic Planning

Mr. Swartz noted that the administrative team was not impressed with the progress made during the strategic planning session.  Committee discussion followed on the “right” number of attendees as well as the “optimal” length of the next meeting.  Another meeting will be scheduled and the process will continue.

 

Legislative Updates: Mr. Swartz briefly noted that pending legislation may affect the timing of any future referendum. 

 

Review/Approval of 2005-06 Board/Committee Meeting Reports Schedule: Committee members reviewed the proposed 2005-2006 Board and Committee Reports schedule.

 

Discussion of Possible Topics for Future Meetings:

Board meeting management – (agenda order)

Good news reports

Review of Policy KG

 

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

 

ADJOURNMENT: 10:30 p.m.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Secretary, Pati Fitzgerald