AMES COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS JOINT MEETING WITH UNITED COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES November 18, 2013 President Luke Deardorff called to order the joint meeting of Ames Community School District and United Community School District Boards of Directors at 5:35 p.m. in the Ames High Media Center, 1921 Ames High Dr., in accordance with Open Meetings Law. Present:
Absent: Present:
Absent:
Luke Deardorff, President Teresa Simpson, Vice President Rodney Briggs, Director Mike Espeset, Director Tim Rasmussen, Director Bill Talbot, Director Dr. Tim Taylor, Superintendent Dr. Mandy Ross, Associate Superintendent. Karen Shimp, Chief Financial Officer, Board Secretary/Treasurer Jane Acker, Director Valerie Brewer, United Board President Patti Artzer, Director Kathy Toms, Director Kristin Zehner, Director Ron Mills, Director Sarah Keehn, Superintendent Leonard Larsen, Director
Approval of Agenda and Reading of Mission Statement Vice President Simpson, moved, Director Briggs seconded, to approve the agenda. Motion carried 6-0. Vice President Simpson read the Mission Statement. Introduction of Directors from Both Districts President Luke Deardorff invited the directors and officers from both Boards to introduce themselves. DISCUSSION/INFORMATION ITEM(S) Whole Grade Sharing Trends Superintendent Sara Keehn said the whole grade sharing trend is shifting toward Ames. The trend for sixth graders is to remain at United Community School District until seventh grade. Dr. Taylor said Ames had a slight uptick in enrollment that he expects to hold until two years from now, when the new elementary schools are near completion. He said currently about 50 students open enroll in to Ames from United and about 40 open enroll out from Ames to United. Both superintendents said whole grade sharing is going well and the relationship between the districts is working well. Technology Dr. Taylor summarized the 1:1 computing program that began at Ames High School this year. Associate Superintendent Mandy Ross said she’s working with high school teachers to develop instructional strategies that use technology to extend learning and don’t just replace paper and pencil, and to have a back-up plan if there’s a connectivity issue that prevents using the Internet. Dr. Taylor said teachers are creative with Google Apps for Education forms and documents for formative assessments and for sharing and collaborating. Vice President Simpson said she’s heard feedback that students are remembering to bring their computers to school.
Board Minutes
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November 18, 2013
Technology Services Director Karl Hehr said Iowa State University is evaluating the Ames High School program to collect three or four years of longitudinal data. He said the surveys are unique in that they include parents. Mr. Hehr said the District’s goal is to implement a 1:1 computing program at Ames Middle School next year and develop a technology solution for elementary students by 2017. Ms. Keehn said United students are using both laptops and iPads for different functions. Dr. Taylor said the District is aiming to close the technology gap for United students coming to Ames who are accustomed to 1:1 technology. Communications/Weather Issues Ms. Keehn said the road conditions in the United District during winter weather sometimes make it necessary to close or delay school when Ames does not need to do so. She requested, and Ames staff agreed, to explore methods to include Ms. Keehn in the Infinite Campus emergency alert system. Director Espeset asked if United has considered its response to legislation permitting districts to base their yearly calendars on hours versus days. Ms. Keehn responded that the board and staff are considering a strategy to use a calendar based on days but declare hours to the state. Facilities Update Dr. Taylor updated the status of the District’s facilities master plan. Ms. Keehn described a facilities project increasing classroom space and building a FEMA safe room. She said the response time for emergencies in her district could be as much as 20 minutes and the safe room provides added security. General Discussion Questions The Boards discussed having another joint meeting in the spring. Ms. Keehn pointed out that the districts are half-way through the 10-year sharing agreement. She said transportation continues to be an expense for United under whole grade-sharing agreement. United is running seven bus routes. Adjourn Vice President Simpson moved, Director Rasmussen seconded, to adjourn at 6:29 p.m. Motion carried 6-0. Attest: ________________________________ Lucas Deardorff, President Minutes approved on December 16, 2013.
________________________________________ Karen Shimp, Board Secretary
