Student representatives were excused. Director Mason was absent without notification. 

Deputy Superintendent Jill Burnes opened the presentation with a welcome and introduced an activity for the members of cabinet and the Board of Directors. Ms. Burnes shared that the evening's presentation would cover areas of information concerning the district's five commitments, system accountability, math, special education and MTSS (multi-tiered systems of support).  Participating in the presentation were Ms. Burnes, Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning, Lea Tiger Tice, Director of Teaching and Learning, Lindsey Marquardt, Assistant Director of Student Support Services, Courtney Bowie and Director of Student Support Services, Carolyne Zieske.  

Ms. Tice shared discussed the district's five commitments and the tools being used to assess progress toward the commitments.  She reminded the Board of the leadership team setting goals in alignment with the five commitments in August of 2024. She updated the Board on the work during the leadership advance days in August 2025 with the leadership team engaging in analyzing student data to identify celebrations, areas of improvement and set next steps for goals for the upcoming school year. Presentation slides were shared with data relating to student well-being and their responses on the hope survey. Other data shared included assessments surrounding literacy proficiency, algebraic reasoning, on-track for graduation by grade 9 and graduating with a plan and a pathway.  Ms. Burnes shared the data analysis and preliminary goals from the leadership advance days were being reviewed by cabinet members and would be presented to the leadership team for additional feedback.  These goals will be solidified and shared by the end of September so they can be included in the School Improvement Plans.  

Ms. Burnes shared that the leadership team spent time discussing accountability in terms of norms and professional behavior for themselves and all staff. The leadership team discussed the current culture and the reasons why collective expectations for professional behavior are important. 

The Board asked clarifying questions surrounding algebraic reasoning, math scores at the middle school level and the hope survey. They asked how data is analyzed and summarized to impact future learning and student well being. Superintendent Dr. Carey stated that the team will be reviewing classroom pass rates to see if there is a correlation with subject matter test scores.  The Board also asked clarifying questions concerning the freshmen skills assessment and learned more about the questions being asked of students. Also discussed was the required course, "Career Choices" for all freshmen students.  

Ms. Marquardt led members of cabinet and the Board of Directors in a math experience utilizing wipe books. The exercise was an experience in cooperative learning with participants sharing strategies. Ms. Marquardt shared this experience is similar to new math curriculum that is developing students' mathematical thinking skills.  She stated that professional development was provided to principals to assist them with math pedagogy, understanding design principles and aligning instructional framework.  Teacher teams are creating math resources and are sharing them with each other. 

Ms. Zieske shared the multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) and the process for providing support for a student who is struggling. This program started in the elementary schools and in August all elementary teams met to access their groups. Full day trainings are scheduled in September and October for secondary school teams. The MTSS approach has brought success for students and has prevented referrals to special education as a first response for a student who is struggling. 

Ms. Bowie shared that the special education team participated in a learning opportunity in August. Topics covered were IEP goal writing, inclusionary practices and an overview of special education laws. A video was shared about student inclusion and Ms. Bowie shared myths and facts concerning student inclusion in the classroom.  

Superintendent Dr. Carey thanked the Teaching and Learning team for their excellent presentation and shared this is a small piece of the work happening in the district. He stated systems are in place to increase the opportunity to reach every student in the district. He reminded the board of their annual goal of focusing on student outcomes and that this is a step toward understanding the tools available with more information to be presented at future meetings.

Board President DeShayes asked if there was a need for a debrief. Director Fisher offered thanks to the Teaching and Learning Team for their focus on engaging students and encouraging them to have fun. He shared that he sees the effort and preparation and knows it will pay off for students. 

Superintendent Dr. Carey stated the Board was in need of an exempt session to converse as a board with several cabinet members to talk about labor contract negotiations.