June 4, 2007 Minutes

The final meeting of the 2006-07 District-Wide Educational Improvement Council took place at 6:30 PM on June 4, 2007 in the boardroom of L.A. Mills Administrative Complex. There were 22 members in attendance. Appointed chair Judy Walling moderated the meeting.

Federal Programs:
Lisa Knight, Special Programs Coordinator, discussed the Federal Programs for 2006-07 and federal budgets for 2006-07. She discussed how federal funds were used this year. Several of the federal funds are being cut for next year. Some adjustments are being made to accommodate the differences.

Title I- Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged-$294,236- Used on the Title I Schoolwide Campus, J. A. Vitovsky. Funds are based on percentage of qualifying students.

Percentage of identified economically disadvantaged students:

J.A. Vitovsky Elementary- 42.4% Mt. Peak Elementary- 14.1%

T. E. Baxter Elementary- 24.7% Frank Seale Middle School- 12.3%

J.R. Irvin Elementary- 22.9% Longbranch Elementary – 9.7%

Walnut Grove Middle School- 15.6% Midlothian High School- 9.68%

Title I, Part C- Education of Migratory Children- $4,719
May be used for dental care, school supplies, clothing, shoes, etc. for all migrant students and for credit recovery for high school students.

Title II, Part A- Teacher and Principal Recruitment and Training- $101,185- Recruiting, hiring and retention of highly qualified teachers, assistant principals and pupil services personnel, improving the quality of the teacher workforce to meet the requirements of highly qualified, professional development for teachers in and administrators in core content areas, including math and science TEXTEAMS, WOW, etc.

Title II, Part D, Enhancing Education through Technology- $3.871- Staff Development for technology integration

Title III- English Language Acquisition- $$19,866- ESL and Bilingual program supplements, stipends for bilingual program, cooperative with Region 10 for professional development for working with students whose first language is not English, Bilingual/ESL Institutes, parent meetings.

Title IV- Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities- $19,064- Drug, bullying, gang awareness, red ribbon week, Life Skills classes, grant activity for elementary counseling groups, security cameras at high school, REACH Council, Project Success, Safe Schools Survey, Drug Detection Dog, Peer Mediation, PALS, STAND

Title V- Innovative Programs-$5,962-Used to improve programs, math pentathlon, G/T, Summer Gifted week, library and media materials, at-risk credit recovery.

Input from the committee was sought for the application for federal funding for 2007-08, with an explanation of allowable use of funds. The committee was in agreement with next year’s proposed budgets, which are based on the available federal funds and the district’s needs.

Safe Schools Survey Results:
Lisa Knight discussed the Safe Schools Survey that was conducted the last week in February. Students must have a signed permission form in order to participate in the voluntary survey, which is completed online through Region 10 Education Service Center at no cost to the district. The survey shows that students feel safe on their campuses and know the procedures to report incidents of concern.
This year 430 students in grades 7, 10, and 12 participated, while 106 teachers and 26 parents also completed the survey. We hope to expand these numbers for next year.

A couple of responses to questions led the committee to believe that the questions should be modified so that the local districts could better discern the student’s answer. We will discuss this with Region 10 and see if those questions can be clarified.

Staff Development:
Judy Walling, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, discussed staff development plans for 2007-08. She went over new teacher training and staff development for all staff.
Teachers new to teaching will have a mentor and those new to the district will have a buddy. All new staff will have training in WOW foundations, Working on the Work. Judy would like some of the teachers on the committee to help with the WOW training with the new teachers as some did last year.

All MISD staff will hear Dr. Eric Cupp speak on August 20 at the opening convocation, Dr. Cupp recently spoke to some elementary staff and it was suggested that everyone should hear him. He really speaks to capturing students’ hearts and reaching the at-risk student. Ron Clark, “Teacher of the Year” will speak at the Waxahachie Civic Center to Ennis, Waxahachie, and Midlothian on August 21.

Other staff development days are as follows:

August 22 will be a Campus Staff Development Day so that principals can have the freedom to do what their staff really can benefit from.

August 23 will be an elementary workday and secondary staff development

August 24 will be for elementary staff development.

August 27 will be the first day of school.

Preliminary TAKS results:
Judy Walling discussed the preliminary district-wide TAKS scores. Official scores will not be released from the Texas Education Agency until August.

Changes:
There are changes coming due to recent legislation. End of Course Exams will go into effect when this year’s fifth graders enter 9th grade. This will replace TAKS at the high school level as a graduation requirement.
There are additional P.E. requirements that will have to be addressed

Judy Walling thanked all who attended.

Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Knight

March 22 , 2007 Minutes

MEETING MINUTES

I. PROPOSED DRESS CODE
FOR 2007-08 - Handout included (DR. HEMMLE)
PAGE 1-2 No changes
Changes are noted on the handout including hoodies for security and some other more appropriate clothing.

Changes were made with the intention of making the code more concise and clear where possible.

II. DISTRICT CRISIS RESPONSE PLAN (DR. HEMMLE)
A PowerPoint Presentation was given highlighting the plan. The training emphasizes saving as many kids as possible for a true crisis as provided in NIMS (National Incident Management System). This could be in contrast to the idea of saving every kid in certain high-level crisis situations.

NIMS also addresses many other areas and situations which had not been previously seriously addressed by most schools. One serious problem was communications. At Colombine first responders were unable to reach the school campus due to the use of cell phones by the students. Their calls had prompted the arrival of parents and many others before first responders could get there.

School personnel on our campuses are now encouraged to immediately call 911 in event of a crisis rather than to call the Principal first. The principal or other administrators will then be contacted immediately thereafter. The Midlothian Police Department and the Midlothian Fire Department are our local first responders.

Many details of the PLAN were reviewed and appeared to have been meticulously put together.

III. BUDGET UPDATE – Handout included (DR. HEMMLE)
About $50 Million from $8 to $9 million from 7 years ago or so.
Transportation and Building School and Maintenance have risen a great deal over time.

IV. BOND EXPENDITURE REPORT – Handout included (DR. HEMMLE)
As of February in good shape overall. Many aspects of the REPORT were highlighted.

V. SCHOOL NAMING COMMITTEE
REPRESENTATIVES – Ballot included (DR. HEMMLE)
Rules were reviewed for this process and each Council Member present voted for two community representatives and two parent representatives from a slate of four (4) candidates in each category.

VI. ITEMS FOR NEXT DEIC MEETING
FEDERAL FUNDING UPDATE

VII. Handouts as noted above
Joe O. Barrentine

January 25, 2007 Minutes

Dr. Al Hemmle welcomed the members, outlined the agenda and introduced Ms. Judy Walling who reported on the following:

I. AEIS (Academic Excellence Indicator System –
Ms. Walling presented some of the highlights of the report including several
Campus Accountability Ratings and Gold Performances

She also did a comparison of MISD with another school which received a higher rating than MISD to show the differences in performances and to illustrate that Academically Acceptable is not a very good descriptor of the MISD performance although it is accurate according to the State of Texas. MISD outperformed the other district in almost every category.

Some highlights covered were commended Performances, Recommended High School Plan TSI Math with several campuses reporting 50% or more Commended Performances in several areas. The overall picture was a very good one and is outlined in detail for each member in the AEIS Report provided.

II. Campus/District Improvements Plans – This document provides each campus’ analyzing of TAKS performances for the previous year and the strategy to improve those performances. It is a detailed report filled with information that is useful, important and encouraging.

III. School Calendar – The calendar was reviewed and the development of it was discussed. It is not a great deal different than previous years due to the construction which has been underway at MISD. For other districts, the new start date required by the State of Texas will bring them into line with when we have been starting the last couple of years. It is clear that the end of the first semester will no longer be possible to take place prior to Christmas as has been done in the past by most districts. Again this will not impact us much since we have already been following a “late” start date schedule.

Dr. Hemmle also commented on some of the items above and received comments from Council members. All the information was well received.

Dr. Hemmle then discussed the following:
Demographic / Enrollment Update – based on the Bob Templeton Report
It is a fact based report of the past growth and projected growth of the area and MISD in particular. The report has historically been very accurate and an indispensable tool for staff and facility planning. We have never been turned down by the voters for school facilities which indicates the communities commitment to education. Several specific subdivisions were cited in the northwest portion of the district which are expected to contribute to substantial growth of the district’s population and needs for more facilities and additional staff. Loop 9 is expected to have a major impact creating growth at a rapid pace as it nears completion. Currently is appears that we will be needing a new elementary school about every two (2) years and other facilities including a second high school will be needed in the not too distant future. It appears we are blessed with a healthy economy and many attributes which attract families to the MISD area.

Our next meeting agenda will most likely include the following:
Budget Update
Dress Code 2007-2008
District Crisis Response Plan
Staffing Allocations

May 11, 2006 Minutes

The final meeting of the 2005-2006 District-Wide Educational Improvement Council took place at 7:00 PM on May 11, 2006 in the boardroom of L.A.Mills Administrative Complex. There were 17 members in attendance. Appointed chair Dr. Al Hemmle moderated the meeting.

WOW Philosophy:
Dr. Hemmle began by discussing the WOW philosophy of teaching. He wants this information to infiltrate all levels from top to bottom. His accompanying handout showed that people remember 90% of what they learn while talking and interacting. He informed us of the book, The World is Flat, by Thomas L. Friedman, that is currently used in an administrative book study. It makes us question how are students will do when compared with other children worldwide. The Schlechty Center asserts that the core business of schools is: To produce work that is so compelling that students persist when they experience difficulties, and that is so challenging that students have a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction – indeed, of delight – when they successfully accomplish the tasks assigned. Phillip Schlechty

Staff Development:
Judy Walling discussed plans for staff development. She told us what had already been covered in Lesson Design. Although our WOW initiative will continue during the 2006-2007 school year, the direction of our staff development will move to the campus level. This will allow each campus to individualize staff development to their campus. Each campus will survey staff to determine needs.

2006-2007 Calendar:
Dr. Hemmle presented the 2006-2007 calendar. A few items were questioned, but Dr. Hemmle and Diane Foster explained the need for certain dates remaining unchanged, due to coordination with the Waxahachie schedule, construction schedules, and various testing schedules.

Educational Showcase Report:
Judy Walling discussed the success of the showcase, held on May 1, 2006 at FSMS. She saw some really neat things going on in all of the classrooms. Twenty-two colleagues from Hereford ISD, a district similar in make-up to ours, flew in to attend the symposium and showcase, and they could not believe the community turnout.

Dress Code:
Dr. Hemmle presented a draft of the dress code policy that will be taken to the board. There are only a few changes – cotton pants with drawstrings or elastic waistbands, torn clothing, or clothing with holes, and one piece jump suits being added to the prohibited list. Untucked shirts may not extend below the middle of the thigh. Girls may wear no more than three earrings per ear. And for either sex, visible objects like spacers in any body piercing are prohibited. There were a few items questioned by the members, but all other rules will stand as they were.

Federal Program Funds:
Lisa Knight presented Special Population and Title Funds and how funds were used this year. ?
Title 1 - $313,797 ?Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged - Used by JA Vitovsky based on percentage of qualifying students?

Percentage of students on free and reduced lunch:
JA Vitovsky – 47.46% Mt. Peak Elem. – 14%
Baxter Elem. – 27.27% FSMS – 13.4%
Irvin Elem. – 19.2% MHS – 9.98%
WGMS – 16.25% Longbranch Elem. 8.9%

Title 1, Part C - Education Of Migratory Children - $3,143?- Dental care, school supplies, clothing, shoes, etc. for all students and credit recovery for high school students

Title 2, Part A Teacher and Principal Recruitment and Training - $99,619?- Staff development for teachers and administrators in becoming highly qualified, ?TEXTEAMS for math and science, and WOW for all teachers

Title 2, Part D Enhancing Education through Tech - $6,761?- Staff development for technology integration

Title 3 – LEP - $24,863?- ESL and Bilingual program supplements, stipends for bilingual teachers, coop with Region 10 for Bilingual/ESL Institutes, and parent meetings

Title 4 - $20,107 Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities -?Drug, bullying, and gang awareness, red ribbon week, life skills, Ropes for elementary counseling groups, metal detector at DAEP, REACH, Project Success, Safe Schools Survey, Drug Detection Dog, Peer Mediation, PAL, STAND

Title 5 – Innovative Programs - $18,827 - ?Used to improve programs, pentathlon, G/T, Summer Gifted week, library and media materials, at-risk credit recovery

Respectfully submitted,
Lynn Redden

May 12, 2005 Minutes

The fourth meeting of the 2004-2005 District-Wide Educational Improvement Council took place at 7:00 PM on May 12, 2005 in the boardroom of L.A.Mills Administrative Complex. There were 22 members in attendance. Appointed chair Dr. Al Hemmle moderated the meeting.

Dr. Hemmle began by sharing the WOW showcase video made by students of Dody Wiggins media class. The Educational Showcase is the first of many to come.

Dr. Hemmle shared TAKS scores hot off the press. He gave a general overview of all the campus scores. 3 students out of 440 tested did not pass 7th grade Writing at FSMS. That is outstanding! Across the board, the scores were good.

Special Populations and Title Funds
Lisa Knight presented Special Population and Title Funds and how funds were used this year.
Title 1 - $290,794
Used by Baxter and Irvin based on percentage of qualifying students
STARS - Reading assistance program
COMET – Math assistance program
2 Title 1 teachers, 2 paraprofessionals, supplies and training, computer lab upgrades

Education Of Migratory Children - $14,339
Dental care, school supplies, clothing, shoes, etc. for all students and credit recovery for high school students

Title 2 Teacher and Principal Recruitment and Training - $99,361
Staff development for teachers and administrators in becoming highly qualified
TEXTEAMS for math and science, and WOW for all teachers

Enhancing Education through Tech - $9,563
Staff development for technology integration

Title 3 – LEP - $20,208
ESL and Bilingual program supplements, stipends for bilingual teachers, coop with Region 10 for Bilingual/ESL Institutes

Title 4 - $18,403 Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities
Drug prevention, red ribbon week, life skills, Ropes for elementary counseling groups, metal detector at DAEP, REACH, Project Success, Safe Schools Survey, Drug Detection Dog, Peer Mediation, PAL, STAND

Title 5 – Innovative Programs - $19,668
Used to improve programs, pentathalon, G/T, Summer Gifted week, library and media materials, at-risk credit recovery

Carl Perkins - $36,920
To be used for vocational programs

Lisa discussed cuts coming up for next year in these programs due to state finance decisions

Staff Development for 2005-06
Judy Walling – Discussion of staff development for the 2005-06 school year
The district applied for a waiver for 10 staff development days to be used up front due to construction and moving
Judy gave out a rough draft of in-service:
Aug.16 - 18, for new teachers.
Aug. 19 – 26 – 6 days for returning teachers.
Oct. 17 – Staff Development/Comp Day
Jan. 8 – Campus: Teacher Plannning/Preparation
May 1 – Educational Showcase
June 9 – Campus: Teacher Planning/Preparation

Dr. Hemmle reported on a document being drafted to answer all the questions of moving – like moving files, etc. What needs to be communicated to teachers to answer all the concerns of the big move. This should be out to the teachers and on the web site by Wednesday of next week.

Construction Update
Dr. Hemmle reported on the construction update. He presented a schematic of the MHS Renovation. He referred to the information on the MISD website, stating that it is up-to-date. Good weather has enabled the WGMS timeline to be ahead of schedule. The old DAEP building has already been closed, and moved to other quarters.

Demographics and School Rezoning
Dr. Hemmle reported on Demographics and School Rezoning. He stated that he had only fielded about a dozen calls regarding this topic. Most refer to transfer requests between campuses, and a policy is in place on the campuses. It does not allow for “grandfathering”, and is very specific.

Enrollment Report/Growth Projections
Dr. Hemmle also reported on the enrollment report/growth projection. He gave out copies of a report as stated by the demographer, Bob Templeton, that show the projections for enrollment of each campus next year. Staffing is based on 22/1 ratio for PK-4, 25/1 for 5, 28/1 for 6 – 12 grade.

Update on School Uniforms
Dr. Hemmle reported on school uniforms. The leadership team feels very strongly that the district needs to look at the uniform policy is some form next year for the following year. The plan is to start with some town meetings and discuss rationale and see where the public opinion is. The hope is to look at possibly having something in place for the 2006-07 school year. Policies for dress code for next year are under discussion at this time. They hope to present to the board by the May 23 meeting so students can be informed of any changes before summer.

Brenda Jenkins questioned the hiring of nurse aides or LVN’s intead of RN’s for next year. She feels this is a liability for the district. Dr. Hemmle responded that this is a budget decision. The concern is that the library positions have replaced the nursing positions. This is noted by the district, and will be looked into.

Dr. Hemmle thanked all for attending, and invited everyone to look at the new DAEP facilities at the Ad. Building. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50.

Respectfully submitted,
Lynn Redden

Respectfully submitted,
Robin Mach
Recording secretary