001Call the meeting regular meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. Gordon Maxim James to the flag of the United States of America and to the for it stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. All right. I guess we have uh the board today about would like to speak. I guess we turn Donna gets our extra time. All right. We are here tonight to address um a critical issue facing in our school district. The urgent need for additional math interventionists to support our students from kindergarten through sixth grade. Currently, we have approximately 70 students receiving math intervention services. Only one math intervention teacher planned for next school year. The situation severely limits our ability to provide adequate support for struggling learners. Early mathematical skills are foundational for future academic success. Tier 2 with tier
002three interventions are crucial components of our multi-tered system of support that helps ensure all students receive the assistance they need to succeed. Tier 2 interventions typically involve small group instruction, approximately six students, and focus on targeted skills. These interventions are designed for students who need additional support beyond core instruction or not significantly behind the peers. Tier three instruct interventions are more intensive, often involving one-on-one or very small group instruction, typically one to three students. These interventions are for students who have not responded adequately to tier 2 support and requiring more individualized frequent instruction. Effective math interventions require consistent dedicated time. Tier 2 usually three times per week, 30 minutes per session with a maximum of six students in each group. While tier three is a daily session 30 to 60 minutes each with a maximum
003of three students in each group with only one interventionist. It is impossible to provide this level of support to study students while maintaining the frequency and duration needed for effective intervention. Without adequate intervention, students may fall further behind widening the achievement gap. Struggling learners may develop negative attitudes towards math and long-term academic performance across subjects may suffer. Student self-esteem and confidence may decrease. Future career opportunities could be limited due to poor math foundations along with lack of test for improvement. With 70 students needing support, quality of interventions may be compromised due to larger group sizes. Frequency of sessions may be reduced. Limiting effectiveness. Individualized attention becomes nearly impossible. Teacher burnout is a significant risk. And students may not receive timely interventions exacerbating their struggles. By increasing our number of math interventionists, we can provide more
004frequent and targeted interventions, reduce group reduce group sizes for more personalized instruction, better distinguish between tier 2 and tier three needs, improve student outcomes, and close achievement gaps, enhance overhaul overall math proficiency across our district. I urge the board to consider allocating resources for additional math interventions. This investment in our students mathematical foundations will yield significant returns in their academic success in future opportunities. So that was kind of what intervention does and I'm going to kind of talk about what intervention looks like mostly in the four five six grade levels. Um so math intervention holds an important piece within how the students learn and retain material. The intervention piece not only helps students at the tiers two or three level but also supports our students who don't require more individualized instruction and each year intervention
005has looked a little bit differently. So two for the past two years. So, two years ago, last year, um we had a math intervention teacher and they were able to go into um the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades for a half hour. And our math block is typically an hour long. So, we have um two adults in the room for a half hour of time, which means we are able to co-e and we can group students by their needs. And it was more fluid. So students who um needed help on that lesson were getting more individualized support, we were able to kind of decide based on the whole group lesson which kids really needed a little bit extra support. And then the next day after we looked at exit tickets, we were able to kind
006of build off of that. So we were able to co-e. It was very fluid. kids were in and out of the tier 2 um based on what they needed at that time because tier 2 is bridging grade level gaps. Tier three is bridging um gaps that they may not have or skills that they may not have gotten before that. So, they're pulled out and that's a half hour of one-on-one or small groupoup instruction. And we were able to do that the last two years. This year it has changed um because we don't have um an intervention teacher specifically fifth and sixth grade level. Um so that has been grade level teachers doing that. So what we're doing this year is um there is only one adult in the classroom during math. So that full hour
007and it makes it more difficult to do smaller groups. So, it's more whole group setting or partner work where the teachers are bouncing. And then that's for tier um that's kind of just our whole group. Um because in previous years, tier 2 was done during math time. And sometimes the kids could double dip like those tier three kids, they could go in that small group during math class and then they could get their pull out. Then it now it is um at the end of the day during their studying call time they have two um fifth grade has tier 2 and tier three. Sixth grade luckily only has um tier 2. They don't have any need for tier three. Um but that is a grade level teacher and so for fifth grade it's me doing
008it. For sixth grade it's Maria Fenmore and um I'm doing tier three. Aby's doing tier 2, but the tier 2 kids aren't getting that fluidness. So, they can't just pop in and out. It's determined at our intervention meetings once a month. And so, if a kid is struggling that day, they're not getting extra help. And then I'm not in study hall to help the other students who aren't in an intervention when they're struggling with their math homework as well. So, we're still getting it. It's just not being done in an effective way and we're not meeting the needs of all of the kids. That was questions. Oh, thank you very much for us. Thank you. All right. Thank you. Um it's really scary actually for teachers to stand up in front of you. It's it's
009sometimes fearful but it's also we talk better to kids. So it it is hard sometimes to come and talk in front of adults. So thank you for listening to us. So I'm here tonight representing the GBA and speaking on behalf of the many students, staff, and community members who are gravely concerned about the proposed staff and program cuts intended to close a final budget gap of approximately $275,000. These proposed eliminations, including the fully funded after school and summer programs, as well as essential teaching and aid positions, stand in direct contradiction to the board's publicly stated goals for the 2425 school year or goal. During the 2425 school year, the district will regularly showcase academic and extracurricular programs to increase program awareness by June 30th, 2025. Program awareness efforts were made this winter. The district is
010now proposing to cut both staffing and programming, including high school courses, at school clubs, and summer enrichment opportunities that have seen increased enrollment and interest. These are the very programs that were being highlighted and gaining momentum. To eliminate them, just as participation grows undermines the very purpose of the goal and work already done to achieve it. Of particular concern is the proposed elimination of the afterchool program and the beloved fun in the jungle summer program. Both of which are offered to our community free of charge. Our elementary students look forward to these experiences every year. Each day they ask me what activities are we planning for this summer? When are we swimming? Time on the stage and the special connections that they make during these programs. The adults who staff these programs are not only
011emotionally invested but also financially impacted. For many, this summer work is a critical part of their income. Removing these opportunities is not just a loss of enrichment for our students. It's a hardship for the people who care for and support them. board. The district will showcase accomplishments and highlight improvements made in STEAM, athletics, academics, extracurricular opportunities via social media, weekly email, newsletter, and videos. We have indeed seen success here. Our students, staff, and community have proudly shared. We have a growing awareness of the exceptional things we do here at GBCS. We've even had other districts reach out to replicate our innovations, but these accomplishments are now at risk. Budget cuts will remove critical supports or eliminate programs altogether. For the staff who remain, the increased workload will dilute the very excellence we've been recognized for.
012This is not sustainable and it jeopardizes future growth and recognition. board goal define academic pathways in dad design and building trades and outline an academic pathway for students to earn an associates degree concurrently with GB diploma. As a member of these relevant departments and a potential teacher of courses that would contribute to these goals, I can say definitively that neither I nor my colleagues were consulted in creating these pathways. There has been no genuine effort to engage those closest to this work. And now with the elimination of teaching positions and electives, the realizations of these goals become significantly less likely. We cannot build academic pathways if we continue cutting the very people who complete them. Board goal update the budget development process to ensure transparent transparent communication finding dissemination of information and an inclusive approach.
013This process has fallen short. teaching staff and student program cuts were only made public within the last two weeks in a manner that was not easily accessible unless one was actively seeking out budget details. Today, the vast majority of our community still has no idea that their child's teacher, intervention services, or academic opportunities may be eliminated. This is not transparency. It's not timely and it is far from inclusive. In addition, the board has frequently spoken about the increased needs of students, especially in special education. And yet, over the last several years, the district has consistently cut intervention staff. Those very professionals who help struggling students over they fall behind or require classification. These supports are what keep students in the general education classroom. You've expressed concern about teachers feeling overwhelmed but continue to cut to
014team members and who help manage their workload and meet the Zoom meetings. According to a recent budget analysis, the district has ended the past three fiscal years with a surplus above the 4% threshold. Surpluses that have built an unrestricted fund balance of approximately $1.2 million. Even as funds are redirected into capital and transportation reserves, this pattern of unanticipated savings continues. We estimate that the district may again close this year with an operating surplus of approximately $430,000, more than enough to preserve the proposed cuts to staff and programming for the 2526 school year. We're not asking for a permanent fix tonight. We're asking the board to use these available unrestricted funds as a one-year stop gap in that year. Seek out grant opportunities, develop community and regional partnerships, and most importantly, engage the staff, the community
015in a meaningful, transparent discussion about priorities, sustainability, and our shared vision for Jen Valley. Over the last decade, the district has been a model for others. We have embodied the spirit of a true community school, but the steady erosion of our staff and programs, especially over the past few years, has left us dangerously close to losing that identity. If the proposed cuts are allowed to proceed, we will no longer be the district that does what's best for kids. This board has the power and the resources to choose a different path. Preserve what makes Jese Valley exceptional. Honor the goals you've set. Protect the people and programs that make a difference. And restore the trust and confidence of your staff, your students, and your community. Follow. Thanks. Any questions, comments concerning the minutes? All in favor?
016Opposed? Administrator reports. Everybody had committee reports committing the recap winter sports. There was a lot of good very few concerns, nothing major. Um, we did have have a passionate conversation that I was proud of with regarding a lot of the topics that Brian Fon brought up the last 10 weeks in here. Kind of went over every single one. Everybody took it very serious. I walked away feeling a good job. I think you guys did too. Yeah. We kind of landed on that if we were to split up, it's not going to have that consistency for kids. you're asking them to compete against each other in one sport and then turn around teammates in the other two. It's just kind of an awkward scenario for them. So, we think it' be more healthier way to go
017forward to just have them have that consist consistency across the board. And then we talked about splitting seventh and eighth, maybe have just a seventh grade unit and eighth grade unit to keep programs developing. Problem with that is that no other schools are doing it. So if you have a seventh grade team, you'll be playing against 8th to nth graders. So kind of away from that as well. We will take a look at the idea of of freshman moving down modified especially if the numbers keep there's no defined decision made there. It's just something that we're going to continue to monitor. Um but we we kind of landed on it coming away from the meeting that's with the consistency being something we wanted to lean forward into probably be an announcement in the future that
018this is going to be more of a not coming at a longterm solution. That way we kind of fueling the question of why is it a yearby-year basis? We're not doing it yearbyear. Oh, I got pretty much the blessing seems to be even more so now both managing both programs. So obviously yeah nothing nothing I need a financial report I need a motion to must be kidnapped. Um so the budget was sent to you guys um reflected in that was what was discussed in the budget work session two weeks ago. Um with those changes the total budget is 20,667,582. Um this is a 2.35% increase over last year. Um within that budget is.5% tax levy increase which is just over 2700. So keep this under questions budget wise Brian can verify for me that we
019don't have obviously any numbers on additional revenue. So but we are still including the additional at this point right? Yes. Um, roughly 85,000. I need a motion to approve the treasuries motion second. Thanks a second. Any questions concern? All favor. [Music] I need a motion to approve the order. Second question that all in favor. All right. I need a motion to approve the revenue status and appro appropriation status detail reports. Jamie, Michelle, any questions, comments, concern about that? All favor. Uh go to your dendo under financial a motion to adopt 2045 20 budget all motions motion second questions comments concerns all in favor I oppose Ely financial reports on your denim approve property tax report card. Any questions concern? All in favor? Oppos. On to consent agenda. I need a motion to approve the consent
020agenda. questions, comments, concerns that [Music] do you want to comfort? They can't do it. They can't that this year and future they've got a new system. So it's going to be like this from now on. So for the future I don't know if that's kind of I think that's something I'll have to put out. We're just going to have to go back to G. It was kind of something I ran on when I first ran because a lot of the old time I think yeah I mean we've all had a mix emotions on it come to the point that it's just what spend days on and we're not seeing a huge spike where we're getting a ton of additional voters with two sites than we did when we had one on the election day. Pam
021and share the data just after that. So you can take a look at you'll have that to show what the numbers you'll see pretty consistent. Yeah. The only time I can remember being a huge was budget for me that was yeah was a huge mailing but we really did have a huge increase during that. So, right. What was a lot of the concerns you heard about when they wanted that some people had a hard time getting Yeah. I mean, we got such a huge district from the most part coming to GB from West. I would recommend Tom. Yeah. We pay the vote inspectors at both sites, too. I did cut back to two each time frame instead of three. Um because there's just not enough people that come out. Yeah. Carolyn, are the kids excited?
022Yes. Practicing. They are very excited. Actually, they're like getting on my case, but when we come back, we store we needed to tour a farm on the way back. So, now like I got that on my They're great at giving me things and I uh Please, please keep us updated how it went. Yeah, I will. I actually did just have a student though that applied for a supervised experience grant that received $500. So, he'll be getting that at the state convention. So, he's very excited to put that into his Maple stuff outside of school. Um, any other questions, comments, concerns on the consent agenda? All in favor? Oppos? Well, I need a motion to approve both 202526 budget. A motion. Second. The motion change. Second. Any questions, comments, concerns? Yes. Everything looked out for you
023too increase a bigger increase to additional administrative position that solve that issue. questions, comments, all in favor. The motion to cast the vote for me. motion as such James the second they cast a vote for each I think all city members Any questions, comments, concerns? All in favor? Opposal action items. I need a motion to grant tenure to Kayla Marsh. Motion second. Any questions, comments, concerns? All in favor? I post motion carries. Congratulations. No, I thought that I did not see. Oh, congratulations. All right. I know this one's here. Need a motion to grant tenure to Holly in the back. What the hell are you? Got Max with a motion. James with a second. I don't know if you Oh, any questions, concerns? I'll leave. Not at all. Second. All in favor? I opposed. Motion
024carries. Congratulations. Motion to grant tenure to Brian Edmister the third. The motion with the second. Any questions, comments, concerns, Brian? All in favor? I oppose. Motion carried. Congratulations, Bri. I need a motion to appoint 712 math teacher Zachary Smith. So with a motion for the second questions, comments, [Music] concern no longer needs to read. Oh, there's changes. with your permission and I will address that in the motion after the fact has nothing to do on sorry Zach has nothing to do on your appointment the language in the appointment to make sure okay we caught that I should say we someone caught that this afternoon thank you Mrs. Thank you. Any other questions? I don't even know. We'll take our Yeah. will not affect any. We haven't negotiated it yet. Favor. Thank you everyone. I'm excited
025for comments. So yourself um throughout the information discussion uh the next meeting dates are there. We intend to have just so you're aware of the code of conduct hearing as the safety plan hearing after the next meeting. So you get that safety plan out for you to review in advance if you want to. The public hearing for that will be following those public hearings code of conduct and the city we have 30 days to make changes to the plan and then be adopting those after June. still be done in advance trying to set that as an annual schedule so that we're not chasing them in August and September and you'll also be getting both hands pleasure trying to um that's all I've got uh as far as camp draft scheduling for the um next year's
026schedule I would encourage I enourage you to take a look at the the open date for the reorganization and the retreat and have a conversation to occur sometime between 1 and that's all I have. I'll second. All in favor? [Music]