Review of Policies, Curriculum on Agenda at SCSD#1 Work Session

In the SCSD#1 board of trustees Work Session on Tuesday, Feb. 7, the board discussed two policies, one that concerned homeless students and their rights, and one concerning Narcan nasal spray.

Superintendent Pete Kilbride talked about how the policy wording was clarified. Students are living in inadequate housing are still entitled to an education at SCSD#1. “We wanted more definitions of everything in the policy,” Kilbride said. He talked about some families that may live in temporary housing due to a move or other factors. He said the policy will make a distinction between those who are homeless and those who choose not to live with their parents. He also said the policy will be revised to including temporary housing. “It just needs to define this more clearly,” Kilbride stated.

He added that the district has to provide transportation to SCSD#1 students who are in a temporary housing situation, but live out of the district. The board discussed the policy and the discussion will continue at an upcoming board meeting.

Also discussed was Narcan, Kilbride said this,

He added that the policy would be similar to the policy concerning Epinephrine, which is used to counteract a severe allergy attack, such as a reaction to a bee sting. Discussion centered around making it available but in a controlled setting, and training people to use it correctly. Kilbride also mentioned it was safe to give if the person was not having an opioid overdose.

There was discussion on whether snow days should be virtual school days or not. This year there was only one snow day to make up and it will happen on March 31.

Chairman Clint Krumm talked about the board visiting student councils and schools in the SCSD#1.

Each board member selected the school they would like to visit.

Lee Zimmer, curriculum director, talked to the board about curriculum at SCSD#1.

In a handout for the board Zimmer said this, “The board delegates the responsibility for the selection of learning materials to the professional staff employed by the school system and declares that selections made shall be held to have been made by the board. While selection of learning resources may involve many people, (administrators, teachers, students, parents, community persons and resource center personnel) the responsibility for coordinating the selection of school learning resources and making the recommendations for purchase rests with the principal and professional personnel. (Board Policy llAB-llAC)

She talked about the curriculum committee, to give the school another set of eyes and ears in the community.

As the governing body of the school district, the board is responsible for the selection of materials and instructional supplies.

She said that teachers in SCSD#1 write their own curriculum, which have to adhere to state standards, and choose materials to enhance that curriculum. It is one of the very few schools where teachers do that.

Zimmer added about the teachers and how they choose curriculum.

The board also addressed board orientation, the board received the orientation pamphlet when they were elected to the board, and Kilbride pointed out a few items that he felt were important to the board.

He added that boards should be progressive, but should be cautious about making a change just for change sake. But don’t be afraid to change if its the right thing.

The regular board meeting will be held on Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. in the Ranchester Central Office.