Superintendent Newsletter August 2020 Superintendent Update · At the end of the report are some...
5
Superintendent Newsletter August 2020 Superintendent Update At Tuesday’s board of education meeting the board accepted my resignation as Superintendent. My last official day of service to the district will be September 30 in order to take another career opportunity. It truly has been an honor and a privilege to serve this district and community. I love our school, our staff, and our students. Even after I leave I will continue to be the biggest supporter and cheerleader for our school. We have accomplished much in a short amount of time these past three plus years. Passing a building referendum, leading the county in student achievement scores, and helping to maintain fiscal stewardship are just some of the major accomplishments that I am proud to have been a part of. I have truly always done what I believe is right for our district. These last five months have been difficult on all of us but I believe that Mrs. Norton and our teachers are in a great place, with a great plan, to continue to lead our district and students through this unprecedented time. The future is bright at Smithton School and I am proud to have been a small part of that. With a new building addition going up and an excellent principal leading a great staff who teaches awesome students…it’s a great time to be a Cougar!!! Reopening Updates We understand the beginning of the school year has been a struggle. The board and administration will continue to discuss the process moving forward to open the building. As soon as public health guidance changes a transition back to school we will begin first with small groups of students back into the building. We continue to watch the guidance from the state and plan to meet locally with our health department for further guidance and considerations. The next consideration by the administration and school board for changing the current remote learning plan will take place the week of September 18, unless it can be done sooner. Construction Updates At the end of the report are some pictures of the current progress of construction. Our architect, FGM is very happy with the progress so far. If you have driven around the school you will see much work is taking place. We are also very lucky that much of this great work is being done by our very own local Smithton tradespersons. Coming soon the new faculty parking lot will be going in, as well as the asphalt bus drop off/blacktop area, and the roof trusses in the classroom wing.
Transcript of Superintendent Newsletter August 2020 Superintendent Update · At the end of the report are some...
Superintendent Newsletter
August 2020
Superintendent Update At Tuesday’s board of education meeting the board accepted my resignation as Superintendent. My last official day of service to the district will be September 30 in order to take another career opportunity. It truly has been an honor and a privilege to serve this district and community. I love our school, our staff, and our students. Even after I leave I will continue to be the biggest supporter and cheerleader for our school. We have accomplished much in a short amount of time these past three plus years. Passing a building referendum, leading the county in student achievement scores, and helping to maintain fiscal stewardship are just some of the major accomplishments that I am proud to have been a part of. I have truly always done what I believe is right for our district. These last five months have been difficult on all of us but I believe that Mrs. Norton and our teachers are in a great place, with a great plan, to continue to lead our district and students through this unprecedented time. The future is bright at Smithton School and I am proud to have been a small part of that. With a new building addition going up and an excellent principal leading a great staff who teaches awesome students…it’s a great time to be a Cougar!!! Reopening Updates We understand the beginning of the school year has been a struggle. The board and administration will continue to discuss the process moving forward to open the building. As soon as public health guidance changes a transition back to school we will begin first with small groups of students back into the building. We continue to watch the guidance from the state and plan to meet locally with our health department for further guidance and considerations. The next consideration by the administration and school board for changing the current remote learning plan will take place the week of September 18, unless it can be done sooner. Construction Updates At the end of the report are some pictures of the current progress of construction. Our architect, FGM is very happy with the progress so far. If you have driven around the school you will see much work is taking place. We are also very lucky that much of this great work is being done by our very own local Smithton tradespersons. Coming soon the new faculty parking lot will be going in, as well as the asphalt bus drop off/blacktop area, and the roof trusses in the classroom wing.
Board Meeting Highlights
Unfinished Business
Consider Approval of Board Policy Updates (Press Policy Updates #104)
The board approved the second reading of policy updates as recommended by the Illinois Association of School Boards.
New Business
Consider 1st Reading of Board Policy Updates (Press Policy Updates #105)
These are the newest updated policies from IASB. No action was taken this month.
Consider Approval of 2021 Proposed Tentative Budget
The board approved the 2021 proposed tentative budget and the hearing that will take place at next month’s regular meeting.
Consider Approval of Closed Session Minutes and Audio Recordings
The board approved the semi-annual approval of closed session minutes and the destruction of audio recordings from closed session.
Informational Items
Toward World Class Academic Excellence – Positive Points to Ponder
• The board of education sends out their sincerest thanks to all of the teachers and staff for working hard and for doing their very best with this challenging start to the school year!
Enrollment Report
Current enrollment is 546 students.
After closed session the board approved the following personnel action items:
Consider Approval of Coaches and Sponsors The board approved Andy Johnson as volunteer assistant coach for the baseball team. Consider Approval of Stipends The board approved the fall stipends for coaches. Consider Legal Engagement Agreement The board approved to hire Kriha-Boucek for legal services to represent the district during an upcoming detachment and annexation hearing. A Smithton family is petitioning the regional board of school trustees to switch their land from the Millstadt
Elementary School District to Smithton Elementary. Because Millstadt and Smithton are both represented by the same school attorney we needed to hire an outside firm to represent the district during this process. The hearing should take place sometime in November. Consider Personnel Resignations The board approved the resignation of Superintendent, Dr. Ryan J. Wamser effective September 30, 2020. Construction Pictures
