The Becker School Board met Monday night and discussed careers in manufacturing, Big Dog challenge celebration, recommendations on the hiring of admin. assistants, administrative capacity, facility use policy and strategic planning.

 

Becker Innovates is celebrating the first year of successful innovation. Malone said school board members are welcome to join school staff members May 31 at 3:15 p.m. at Pebble Creek for a chance to hear Becker’s innovation teams tell their success stories and celebrate the Big Dog challenge winners.

 

The Intermediate School was subject to an unannounced MDE compliance check for MCA testing  April 13. Test security, administrative procedures, and test protocols were observed. The compliance officer observed Anna Kunz’s class (4th grade) completed their MCA exams. Also, several staff members were interviewed.

 

The School District and Intermediate School were found to be in compliance with all the MDE rules and procedures relative to state testing. 

 

Malone reminded board members that  May 9 is National Teacher Day. 

 

“I would like to say ‘thank you’ to the teachers of the Becker School District,” Malone said. “This is a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make in the lives of children.” 

 

The high school hosted a Career Day April 12. In partnership with SCTCC, area businesses and industries were present. Malone said this was a wonderful opportunity for Becker’s high school students to learn about vocational and industry careers directly from employers. SCTCC was present along with 15 area vocational technical employers.

 

Administrative Assistant Positions

Malone said the need for additional administrative assistance has become more pronounced in recent years as the district student population and the number of staff has steadily increased. He said the district student enrollment has increased by nearly 800 students (27%) since 2000, while the non-licensed administrative staff at the primary, intermediate and middle schools has stayed the same. 

 

Meanwhile, Malone says, the administrative clerical duties associated with accountability, data management and reporting have increased significantly over the past 17 years.

 

Malone asked the board to approve 1.5 FTE AA positions (0.5 FTE for each of the schools mentioned above).

 

The cost of $60,000 for the increase of 1.5 non-licensed FTE is included in the FY 18 general fund, approved on April 3 by the school board.

 

The community education board recently reviewed and updated Policy 902-1 - Use Of School District Facilities and Equipment Addendum I an Fee Schedule.

 

The changes reflect current practice and updates  to the policy including identifying where school use applications can be found, who decides time and date, when contracts need to be submitted, rules and regulations priorities, custodian responsibilities, event supervisor contact information, certification for concessions, and permitted use of equipment for vendors, staffing, swim meet equipment procedures and changes to the fee schedule. 

 

Last month, the school board assigned the top ideas from each of the stakeholder categories to district exit outcomes. Pursuant to the school board’s annual agenda adopted in January, the board began discussions of the strategic goals and their development.

 

Malone pointed to the handouts that showed the ideas initiated and the exit outcomes. He also touched on strategic goals from previous years and the status of those objectives.

 

The school district presented Kami Ziebarth and Ryan Sommerdorf with certificates of recognition for their excellent service as the student school board representatives during the 2016-17 school year.

 

The next Becker School Board meeting is June 5 at 6:30 p.m.