Here are the links to the agenda and YouTube video of the meeting. The school board meetings have been unbelievably short this year.
Below is the time stamp from the video with highlights of topics likely to be of interest to our members.
1:10:20 FCEA President’s Report: Please watch and note the three themes:
33 of 36 schools received PBIS awards and recognition as well as many individuals as well
Academic Freedom: At some sites there has been a misapplication of PLC concepts. While common assessments and goals and the examination of results are prioritized within the district. However, some sites have misinterpreted this as meaning all teachers must teach in lock step. As both the PLC process and consultants point out, how a teacher reaches those goals and organizes their lesson plans is up to them as long as student learning is achieved. As Bob Marzano says - Teaching is both a science and an art and we don’t want to lose the art in the teacher and student relationship.
Admin communication: Teachers are expected to return communications from families within 2 working days. FCEA would like to see administrators including those working out of ESC to follow the same rule and answer or at least acknowledge emails and phone calls within 2 working days.
1:20:15 Discussion BP 5131.8: Update board policy about mobile communication devices. Lengthy discussion of approximately 50+ minutes. In the end there was no action taken but look for continued discussion in future meetings.
There are 3 versions of the policy: (1) current version = “small”; (2) new - “medium”; (3) new - “large”. The newer version extends language to 9-12th grade of the current policy at middle schools prohibiting phones in classrooms, passing periods and high school. This is coming back in November. Both student board members had concerns as did some board members. Look for opportunities to get input form high schools and teachers prior to any changes that wouldn’t start until the 25-26 school year.
For existing language there were two recommendations: (1) extend the ban on electronic devices in gym locker rooms to bathrooms and (2) for language consistency change turned off to powered off.
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