Action of the School Board Action of the School Board 10/26/15 | Page 2
es of students involved with programs such as free and reduced, English learner programs
and others. Information included in this report are used for district planning processes.
More information: http://bit.ly/1Mf9eOl.
Bridge to College math proposal
The School Board reviewed and approved a proposal to improve math instruction and
achievement levels at all five district high schools based on the successful pilot of a “Bridge
to College” Math program at Anoka High School (AHS). The class is offered to freshman
students at grade-level proficiency to improve preparedness for college, postsecondary
and career options. Results comparing students in the program to others across the district
show higher student achievement on common assessments and a failure rate roughly half
of students in Intermediate Algebra. Jeff McGonigal, associate superintendent for high
schools, Mike Farley, principal of AHS and Kim Pavlovich, director of secondary curriculum, presented the proposal which the board approved on a 5-1 vote. Director Harvey
voted no.
Student data update
Johnna Rohmer-Hirt, director of research, evaluation and testing, presented a comprehensive update on student performance on key academic measures along with results from
surveys of student perceptions in the district. Along with data, Rohmer-Hirt provided
background information on the district’s continuous improvement model, key demographic information and alignment of information with the district’s scorecard to measure performance. Rohmer-Hirt provided data in a wide range of areas including early learning/kindergarten readiness, Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments results for reading, math and
science, achievement gap closure, graduation rates and additional measures. Data from this
report is considered an important source to shape decision making for the School Board
and staff at all levels. More information: http://bit.ly/20xMSS6.
Resolution of School Board supporting district application to the Minnesota State
High School League Foundation
Jeff McGonigal, associate superintendent for high schools, presented a resolution to involve
Anoka-Hennepin students in funding and support provided by the Minnesota State High
School League Foundation. The School Board adopted the resolution on a 6-0 vote.
Communication and public relations
Social media policy
Paul Cady, general counsel, Nicole Tuescher, executive director of human r esources and
Kay Villella, assistant director of communication and public relations, presented a draft
policy that would provide guidelines regarding the use of social media. This policy applies to district staff in their use of district provided sites and personal social media sites in
relation to their employment with the district. This was a first reading of the policy and the
School Board asked for further communication and feedback with key employee groups
prior to approval.
Elementary and secondary education
Mental health status report
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ACTION
Dr. Jinger Gustafson, associate superintendent for middle schools, and Dr. Nita Kumar,
mental health consultant, presented the annual report and status update regarding mental health recommendations to support students. Gustafson aligned the work done in the
mental health area to the district’s strategic direction. She noted the role of the parent and
the ability to partner with them as important to increasing student success while ensuring a
caring, highly trained staff working effectively within the resources available.
Over the past three school years, Anoka-Hennepin has been implementing 42 action items
developed within nine mental health recommendations. These recommendations have
included: