With new R-P Superintendent Jon Thompson at the helm, the school board appears to be making steady progress on getting any needed modifications and updates in place prior to the start of the 2019-2020 school year. At the Monday, August 19 meeting, Thompson asked the board to consider open enrollment policy revision.
“I’m asking the board to do this a little differently,” began Thompson. “Enrollment season is upon us and I’m getting calls daily about enrollment, primarily from the north.” The board was urged to specifically set numbers within the policy.
“Without going into the details of those conversations, it is clear to me that some revisions can be made to improve our existing policy while following state law. Specifically, we need to set section size limits, transportation guidelines, timelines, and how best to handle siblings of students already open enrolled into our district,” wrote Thompson in a memo to the board. Two variables were presented to the board.
“We might not do everything we want to tonight. I don’t want to overdo it in one shot. We can bring it back for another reading, but I think it’s critical,” added Thompson. “The consensus is that more consideration should be given to open enrollment. It’s really something as a school district that you’re going to have to decide on. This is the first step.”
Thompson went on to discuss options in giving legitimate, honest answers to those within the district and those looking to enroll from non-resident districts. Reading and then noting the state statute wording as, “clear as mud,” Thompson urged the board to tweak the policy by adding specifics. “We’re giving resident students priority, but it gives a pecking order of who should get in.”
Board Director Chris Grindland suggested leaving any State of Minnesota drafted portions in the policy, citing the source and that legal review likely took place. The board unanimously approved modifying only the specifics that relate to R-P.
In a related topic, it was decided that students receiving open enrollment transportation will now meet at designated bus stops, as opposed to district busses and vans trying to pick up students at multiple locations within neighboring districts. Thomson noted that it provides the same transportation offerings provided to in-district students.
The board also got an update on a new discipline matrix that was crafted by a group of 10-12 staff members over the course of three meetings, May-July. Both the current policy and those of other area schools were reviewed for consideration.
Significant changes include detention limitations of Tuesday and Thursdays only for 45 minutes duration. Any detention will also now supersede participation in any and all other activities. “It’s putting a little teeth to it,” said High School Principal Jake Timm. “We clarified it some and gave steps to it.”
In School Suspensions (ISS) will also see some changes. In the past, these occured very rarely. However, with the rise of vaping, more students are receiving ISS. “It became abundantly clear that we needed a space,” said Timm, who indicated there will now be a designated space on campus for ISS.
In addition, what Timm dubbed as “restorative justice” has been added. They will have to meet with administration/counselor and discuss the matter, as well as completing a supsension-related writing assignment.
Changes are also coming for study hall expectations. “They were all over the place,” said Timm. “The teachers got together and said, ‘This is what study halls will look like.’” Consistency will be coupled with attention-focusing measures including mounted cell phones holders for students. “They’ll walk in and put them in the holder. At the end of class, they’ll pick it up. Timm stressed that the changes to cell phone possession aren’t to punish students, but to help draw attention to class activities and remove the temptation to check phones.
Some of the board concerns with the changes were regarding students having to work off vandalism penalties, which was done previously. Now, students will receive ISS and pay restitution. Another concern was regarding the lack of mobility for students in ISS, particularly those students in Special Education. Timm clarified that whenever an Individual Education Plan (IEP) dictates specific guidelines, the IEP will be followed. Police referral will be given for instances of assault and battery of staff, drugs, alcohol, and distribution, and weapons and bombs, with sexual offense and stealing receiving potential police referral, depending on the situation.
“All consequences progressive before. This gives clarity to it,” said Timm. “Now, students and parents, these are the rules we’ll follow. We’ll work hard with students that this isn’t a punishment, this is to help you learn. The same thing with detention and suspension. It’s a consequence, but the big thing is talking it through with them.” The developing policy will be reviewed during the year for any potentially needed modifications.
The district noted thanks and appreciation to Lupe Myhro and family for working to coordinate the donation of a 1915 Steinway Model A Piano to the school. The previous owner was Myhro’s daughter, Sandra, who passed away in 2017. The piano is currently located in New York and costs associated with shipping it to the school are estimated at $2,000. Given the piano’s high value, estimated in the mid to high five digit range, as well as its musical appeal, Thompson noted the cost is well worth it. The shipping company will store the piano in climate controlled area until arrangements can be made to get it to the school. Existing funds in fine arts will pay for the shipping and tuning.
The next regularly scheduled board meeting is Monday, September 16, at 5:30 p.m., in the forum room. The public is encouraged to attend.
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