Board Briefs for Monday, February 27, 2017

The board met in work session on Monday, February 27, 2017 at 6 p.m. at Muscatine High School in the Student Commons. Board members present: Bower, Drawbaugh (left at 7:15 p.m. to attend a vocal music concert), Dabeet, Finn, Mather, Naber, Wildermuth. Also present: Superintendent Jerry Riibe, members of the District Advisory Committee, members of the School Improvement Advisory Committee, building principals, and facilitators Chuck Manges and Dave Markward.

The purpose of the meeting was to provide guidance and feedback as the district works towards developing its board goals, mission, core values, and vision. People were divided into five groups and rotated through five different categories: mission/vision, core values, academic, social/emotional, and fiscal/facilities.

Vision - Presenter: Chuck Manges
Group members were assessed the task of looking at the district's current vision statement and then offering their suggestions on how to make this more succinct (ideally the vision should be 10-15 words in length) and embody the district's vision for educating Muscatine's children.

Core Values - Presenter: Dave Markward
Group members reviewed samples of core values (core values = how we go about doing our work) and then chose/developed four - five they felt represent MCSD.

Academics - Presenters: Elena Bobay and Shauna Dennison
Mrs. Bobay and Ms. Dennison presented information on proposed goals from the district needs assessment, as well as reviewed data on attendance, FAST data, and ACT data and discussed other focus areas including post-secondary attendance and diploma+.

Social and Emotional - Presenters: Joelle McConnaha and Terry Hogenson
Ms. McConnaha and Mr. Hogenson reviewed information from the district's needs assessment, the proposed goal from this information, and the PK-12th grade recommendations. Group members were asked to provide feedback.

Fiscal/Facilities- Presenters: Chris Nienhaus and Jeff Miller
Mr. Nienhaus and Mr. Miller reviewed the Master Facility Plan for the next five years, funding allocation, and the challenges ahead for some of the district's current school buildings. Group members were asked to provide feedback and/or offer suggestions and ideas regarding facilities.

The facilitators and administration will gather the information and feedback obtained from each of these groups. This information will guide the district and board in developing MCSD's board goals, mission/vision, and core values.

The meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.