Summer School & Construction
LGISD Board Hears Updates on Both at Monthly Meeting
Things are beginning to return to normal (or at least as normal as possible) at La Grange ISD. Summer school began on Monday with 48 students in attendance in person and 11 students participating through virtual learning and packets. The schedule will have two weeks of instruction followed by one week off and then two more weeks of instruction. The students are being kept socially distanced in the classroom with lunch being brought to them in to go containers by the cafeteria staff.
Superintendent Bill Wagner told that board that plans are underway for the 2020-2021 school year. The district received word that all schools in the state will receive PPE for the students and staff.
La Grange will be receiving disposable masks and (tentatively) some reusable masks from the state. They will also receive disposable gloves, thermometers, and gallons of hand sanitizer.
The availability of these protective items (which are being provided to every district in the state) does not mean students will have to wear masks in the fall when they return to school – it’s a precautionary measure in the event of another major outbreak.
He also reported that the enrollment at the end of the 2019- 2020 school year was 1919 students which was five students more than the previous year.
The academic banquet will take place at the pavilion at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church in Hostyn. The district received permission to hold the banquet at this outdoor facility since it was a once in a lifetime event for the seniors.
Graduation is still planned for June 25 with a make-up date of June 26 in case of inclement weather.
Construction Update
Tony Nielsen, project manager for the construction of the school additions and renovations, gave an update on the progress of phase 2 of the construction to the school board on Monday night. The progress to date includes the completion of the following:
• Auditorium test and balance
• ADA accessibility inspection at the auditorium
• Parking and drive framing, steel and pour underway at the Special Education/Tech District Offices
• Carpet, tile, finishes and fixtures complete at the Special Education/Tech District Offices
• Intermediate bus lane and parking is ready for use • Construction of band hall
• Construction of band hall (old library building) interiors underway at elementary school
Insurance Changes
The board discussed changes to the school insurance. Currently the district pays a portion of the insurance premium for employees. The recommendation is for the district to increase the contribution by $10 per month which would amount to $26,400 for the year based on the current number of participants in the district’s insurance. This number could increase if more employees choose to participate in the district’s health insurance. This will be voted on at the meeting next month.
Proficiency Plans
Under House Bill 3, school boards are required to adopt plans that target proficiency in early childhood literacy and math, as well as college, career, and military readiness. These plans include five-year student outcome goals with annual targets for overall student performance and for student performance in each group.
Currently, the literacy of the students in early childhood ranges from 23% student mastery in Pre-K to 66% mastery in grade 3. The five-year goal is to get those numbers to 70% and 75% respectively. The math numbers range from 7% mastery in Pre-K to 46% in grade 3. The five year goal is for all groups to be at 70% or higher.
The college, career and military readiness goals measure percent of students earning dual credit, industry-based certifications, and enlisting in the military. Currently the district has 24% of the students earning dual credit with a goal of 35%, 14% earning industry-based certifications with a goal of 25%, and 4% of the students enlisting in the military with a goal of 8%. Other Board Actions
Other Board Actions
The board approved a budget amendment to move $40,000 from instruction to health services for payroll and COVID-19 supplies. They also approved the purchase of furnishings for the special education/technology center for $28,788.06. There will be an increase of $.25 per adult meal to bring the cafeteria into compliance with the United States Department of Agricultures pricing structure. The cost for adult meals will be $2.50 for breakfast and $4.00 for lunch.
New Hires and Resignations
Several employees were hired at Monday night’s board meeting. They are Tyler Machahigh school science teacher, Lee Hartsell-ARD Facilitator, Sara Swearingen-ARD Facilitator, Madison Oltmannelementary teacher, Landry Owens-elementary teacher, Erin Stephens-elementary teacher, Kelli Tavarez-elementary teacher and Cheryl Pavliska-LVN at elementary campus.
Resignations were received from Gabby Matocha, Mendee Sodolak, Will Kates, Jenelle Kates and Brandy Zingelmann.