Thanks to Blue Sky Bookkeeping for their support.
The annual report and strategic plan were officially approved by the ISD 197 School Board, but the more substantive parts of the meeting included site reports on Branch Out and the Early Learning Center.
Annual Report & Strategic Implementation Plan
The school board unanimously approved the 2023-2024 Annual Report and 2024-2025 Strategic Implementation Plan. These documents are required by the state and show the district’s progress on goals. The board previously reviewed the annual report and the strategic goals. There was an opportunity for public comment in a separate meeting immediately before the regular school board meeting, but no one from the public attended.
Branch Out
Rachel Johnston, the special education supervisor, gave a site report on the Branch Out special education transition program:
- Growth: The program started the year with 31 students, the largest class ever.
- Changes: Branch Out is undergoing a number of changes, including a state-required graduation on a students’ 22nd birthday, a refurbished space that’s creating program pride, and turnover in the teaching staff, which is bringing fresh ideas and energy.
- Pride: The program is especially proud of their participation (half the performances!) in the spring’s REAL program talent show, adding a 3D printer to their Assistive Technology Resource Center where students can create adaptive devices to help other students, and being the first school in the district to order and display the new Minnesota state flag.
- What’s next: Branch Out is looking to expand work-based learning opportunities and looking forward to their annual Holiday Boutique.
Early Learning Center
Laurie Hume, the assistant director of early learning programs, gave a site report on the Early Learning Center:
- Attendance: Numbers are up to nearly pre-COVID numbers, with Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) nearly doubling since last year and preschool numbers up as well.
- Growth: Students made significant growth in all areas from the fall to the spring, showing the best scores teachers have seen since the Early Learning Center opened.
- Equipment: A grant from the ISD 197 Education Foundation paid for large motor equipment, including climbing play structures, scooters, and gardening play toys.
- What’s next: Teachers are going through rigorous science of reading training, they’re implementing the AMAZEworks anti-bias curriculum, and looking forward to a Family Dance Party on October 15, DJed by ALMAS.
Other Items on the Agenda
- Recognitions: Two students from Two Rivers High School were recognized as National Merit semifinalists.
- Updates: The School Health Advisory Committee gave an update on health initiatives and Board Member Marcus Hill reported on the Association of Metropolitan School Districts (AMSD) and their efforts to lobby on behalf of school districts.
Engage
- More: Agendas and minutes for ISD 197 School Board meetings are available online.
- Watch: You can watch this meeting online and see the video recap from Superintendent Peter Olson-Skog and Board Member Marcus Hill.
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