Huron Valley Schools Mission Huron Valley Schools and our community will provide a premier education which prepares all students to thrive in a global society
SUMMARY OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING SEPTEMBER 9, 2004
Facilities’ Report Phase 3 of the bond issue is nearing an end. Over the summer work took place in 10 buildings. As part of cleanup the casework was replaced at Baker Elementary and at Muir Middle School. At 6 elementary buildings the work consisted of replacement of flooring, painting, new windows, new casework, air conditioning, sitework and other miscellaneous remodeling and at Kurtz and Johnson building additions. While not 100% complete all renovated spaces were ready for students and the additions will come on-line next month. The construction team is now focusing their efforts on the remaining construction to be done and any punchlist or corrective work that must be done. At Milford High School an enormous amount of work was done to more than 25 classrooms including new HVAC, new carpet and windows. Work continues on the locker room, boiler room and manufacturing area. At Lakeland High School there have been numerous struggles with contractors but the majority of the work has been completed and all spaces with the exception of the LGI are usable by students. The team continues to focus on the sitework and the remaining work in the building.
Recognitions Nora Gilbert, Purchasing Supervisor, was recognized for attaining her Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO) Certification.
Association Comment: Jim Vichich, HVEA President, reported on the amount work that has been done in the last two weeks to get the buildings ready for the opening of school, and that the quantity and quality of effort deserves recognition. Teachers put in a tremendous amount of hours of their own time, but the rooms looked good for the kids. Superintendent District Goals: Specific Actions We currently have four District Goals in place for the 2004-05 school year. Each administrator now has completed their personal priorities in alignment with these goals. In addition, specific building, unit and school improvement plans are assembled in line with our District Goals. The 2004-05 school year will present all of us with a rigorous test in our efforts to remain in a zone of constant improvement as we face a fourth year of no new revenue and the possibility of a reduction of existing and promised revenue source. Function Focus Areas Each of the District’s major functions of Human Resources, Administrative Services, Instructional Services and the Communications and Fund Development organize a clear focus of their areas of responsibility prior to the beginning of each school year. Expectations for performance are set, clear and definitive, responsibilities are well defined and specific and aligned actions are well articulated to those who must carry out these assignments. These as in years past will be the basis for evaluating our accomplishments prior to the end of the 2004-05 school year.
To Be the Best “Imprimus” Huron Valley Schools has set a standard of performance that we all know has been of great benefit to the community, our kids and our schools. To maintain this standard as we face a fourth year of no increase in revenue will require at a minimum the iron will of us all to accomplish in the Latin “Imprimus” meaning “the best against the odds.” Instructional Services Strategic Plan Update In August, Teri Thompson and Scott Lindberg trained the action team leaders so they could successfully facilitate the process. The action team leaders are as follows: Exemplary Curriculum: Gayle Lizzet, Debi Chase & Gwen Laura Student Profile: Missy Allen & Kathy Svoboda Safe Environment: Lisa Philip & Kristen McMurren Communication: Janet Roberts & Kathy Zasuwa Financial Planning: Jill Tomyn, Mark Wilson & Meg Wimmer Facilities: Paul DeAngelis & Jeff Peterson Action team membership forms have been included in both the Milford Times and Oakland Press to maximize community involvement. Forms will also be sent home with elementary students and shared with secondary parents. The District and building newsletters will also include sign-up information. Prior to the September 29th Kick-Off, the Strategic Plan will be shared with buildings, committees, community groups and departments to enlist involvement in action plan development. The community and the Board of Education will be kept informed of Strategic Plan initiatives throughout the process. 5th Grade Science Bridge Unit The 5th grade Bridge Unit serves as a review because it continues and extends learning from the earlier grades. Since the MEAP Test will move to the fall in 2005, it is important that students review key scientific concepts from the earlier grades at the beginning of the school year. This year will be a transition year so fifth grade students will experience the bridge unit in January. Next year the Bridge Unit will be taught in the fall. The review includes the following significant concepts: · The relationship of the sun, moon and Earth · Surface changes in the Earth · Relationships within an ecosystem · The combination of water and soil, sand and water · The relationship of matter to sound, light, electricity, force and motion K – 5 Physical Education The revised K-5 physical education curriculum was developed by elementary physical education teachers, Nancy Hadley, Sue Baldwin, and Dr. Kathy Svoboda. Physical education teachers Sherry Bell, Lori Christopher and Mary Ann Rickens also served in leadership roles throughout the process. The revisions were based on the Michigan Physical Education curriculum benchmarks and are reflective of the Michigan State Exemplary Physical Education Curriculum (EPEC). Administrative Services & Business Operations Approval of Transportation Software The Board of Education approved the purchase of the software package from SmartR that offers GIS platform mapping abilities and access to ESRI International University which specializes in GIS software. Human Resources Appointment of Country Oaks Elementary School Principal The Board of Education approved the appointment of Deborah Devers as the Principal of Country Oaks Elementary School.
The next Board of Education Meeting will be held September 30th at 7:30 pm at the Milford High School LGI Room.