Submitted by Jen Favalora, RSD #17 BOE.
Class of 2021 Graduation:   The Board of Education set the Graduation Date, and last day of school for all students, as Wednesday, June 16, 2021. Using the latest guidance from the state on indoor and outdoor celebrations, Principal Hayward and her team have several plans in place for prom, commencement and Project Graduation to be celebrated in the most normal ways possible this Spring. The Superintendent re-emphasized that safety and mitigation strategies are especially important for our students right now and asks our communities to aid in the effort to keep our students in school and able to participate in these milestones.
2021-22 School Calendar: Superintendent Dr. Hageman recommended, and the Board agreed, to revise the 2021-2022 School Calendar to align RSD17’s Spring Break with our neighboring school districts. Spring Break will now begin on April 15, 2022 and continue through the following week. This change also affected the last day of school which is now scheduled for June 14, 2022.
The Effect of the Pandemic on Learning: The Curriculum Subcommittee gave an in-depth update on the most recent metrics on student learning in relation to the pandemic. Cumulatively, learning loss for K-8 has been measured at approximately 10% lower than in previous years, with highs and lows varying between grades and between subjects. Additionally it has been noted that students who were already in need of intervention support now require more intensive intervention for longer durations of time. At the high school, more students have been struggling with Math, English and Social Studies courses than in typical years. The district will continue to bridge the gaps through intervention and coaching, and plans are forming for summer learning programs for younger students and summer credit recovery programs for high school students.
Diversity Committee: The District Diversity Leadership Team reported on their plans to hire a consultant to facilitate conversations throughout the district on diversity and equity. This collaboration would support discussion and learning sessions with the Superintendent and Board of Education members, serve as a thought partner for the District Diversity Leadership Team and would provide professional development sessions for administrators and staff to enhance ongoing efforts to address equity and increased cultural competence through teaching and learning.
KES K-1 Playground: The Facilities Subcommittee recommended, and the Board agreed, to install a new playground at KES for Grades K-1. The KES playground for that age group was removed last summer due to safety concerns resulting from the yearly inspection. The new playground, which will cost approximately $25,000, is slated to be installed before the next school year begins.
2020-2021 Budget: The Finance Committee recommended, and the Board agreed, to remove $169,205.19 from the Superintendent’s 2021-2022 budget and purchase these items from the 2020-2021 year-end fund balance. These one-time expenditures include replacing textbooks, worn furniture and broken equipment, as well as updating technology in various schools. Website:  You can read the April 19th presentation on student learning on our RSD17.org website under District →Board of Education → BOE Meeting Schedules and Minutes → Policy Subcommittee → Accelerating Learning In The Face Of A Pandemic.
