Mental Health services to double
The Clarion Goldfield Dows (CGD) School Board met Wednesday, January 11th at 8:00 AM in the district office board room by opening the forum to the public, though no one had anything to say. They then approved the agenda. In old business, the board took a few minutes to watch a video presentation called "Transforming Inclusive Education" which a group of local teachers saw in a recent special education conference held in Minneapolis, and then discussed teacher takeaways from the conference. Chief among the takeaways was that "all means all", and teachers need to aim for teaching the most needy students, and give that same level of support to all students. The teachers expressed their thanks to Superintendent Joe Nelson for finding the conference, and to the Board of Education for sending them.
In his report to the board, Superintendent Joe Nelson began by discussing enrollment, noting that halfway through the year, there were 12 less students enrolled than at the beginning of the year, which Nelson described as normal. Asked if some of those students were drop outs, confirmed that some are. As a followup he was asked if the school follows up with dropouts, and he indicated that the school does.
Next Nelson gave the board a handout on collaboration which he suggested the board members review in order to better answer questions from the community.
Next, Nelson discussed the Elementary school, noting that there are over 500 students in the elementary school and their needs get greater and greater year after year. "We have reached the point where some extra support in that building for our teachers would be fantastic," Nelson said. To that end, Nelson discussed the notion of adding a Dean of Students position. Nelson noted that 500 students or more was the typical "line of demarcation" where schools will often hire an Assistant Principal. However, Nelson pointed out, that was not financially feasible. A Dean of Students might be a more feasible possibility, Nelson suggested. Nelson stressed that the position would be a stressful job, precisely because it is so needed.
Nelson then spoke to the district's experience with kids learning English as a new language. "The success of our kids learning English has just skyrocketed," Nelson enthused, "it's been fantastic."
Next Nelson addressed Gov. Kim Reynolds' proposed school voucher program, which the Governor has said is her top priority, and critics say would steer funding away from public schools, towards private schools. "What that entails is a $7600 savings account. So an example would be, you're a parent that lives in Clarion, and you decide that maybe you want to go to a private school – St. Eds is close – or just another private school. The state through taxpayer funds would give you $7600 to do that."
"If you lose numbers year after year, that's going to be really gonna be tough on rural schools. It's yet to be seen if the Governor has enough support in the house to pass that," Nelson said.
The board discussed the controversy, broadly expressing concern that the Governor's proposal would undermine the public school. Nelson also raised concerns about the level of care students leaving the public school might not receive, noting that public schools aren't bound by the same requirements as public schools are. "take the special Ed and TAG (Talented And Gifted) piece," Nelson said, "we just finished talking about that. About how important those interventions are. We're bound by those, and we should be, those kids deserve that." But Nelson expressed concern that under the Governor's proposal students that get that kind of service in public school, wouldn't in private schools, because it would not be mandated. "People are really, really concerned about this," Nelson said, noting that when school superintendents get together these days, this issue comes up first. "It's definitely very concerning," Nelson said.
Nelson then spoke to the matter of mental health care in the schools. "We will be adding a mental health position to the High School," Nelson said. "We will be doubling the mental health clinician hours and services at the high school very soon," Nelson added, "possibly at the end of this month."
Next, was a matter with what Nelson called "an international twist." Noting that the Mayor of Clarion's sister city in Kosovo will be coming to Clarion to tour the city next month.
Nelson then wrapped up his report by noting that Steve Haberman's upcoming retirement after 24 years in the district will leave "big shoes to fill" but "we all congratulate Steve, and realize that he's got plenty of great years ahead of him to keep doing what he wants to do."
Following the Superintendent's report, the board went through their consent agenda. In which they approved the minutes of the meeting held on December 14, 2022, payment of bills between meetings, payment of monthly bills, discussed the facilities of the new gym, resignations, early retirements, a maternity leave request, reviewed policies 503.5, 503.7, 503.10, 503.11, and discussed the FFA foreign trip request.
On the new gymnasium, Nelson remarked "This place is going to be a community hub," adding, "this is our community gathering spot." Noting that the facility should bring money into the district with the concession stand, he also pointed out that it will be an improved facility for games. "I don't think we even realize how much we're going to use this next year," Nelson said.
In new business, the board approved the SBRC- Modified Supplemental Amount At-Risk/Dropout Prevention plan for fiscal year 2024, after discussion revealed the the cost had not increased and the program had been satisfactory. The board then discussed, and then approved the Grundmeyer Leader Services Contract.
Finally, the board scheduled their February regular meeting February the 8th at 8:00 am, before adjourning.
