August 11, 2025 at 5:00 PM - DOUGLAS SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION

Discussion:  All actions in these Minutes were by unanimous vote unless otherwise stated.

President Tanya Gray called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

Discussion:  Superintendent Kevin Case stated this is the first day back for staff. As he walked through the buildings, he is extremely proud of our leadership and the consistency of our message.  He thanked all the principals and coordinators for the work they have done preparing for today.

Discussion:  Board Member Ben Frerichs connected the Board Working Agreements to learning.  He attended some good sessions at the ASBSD Joint Convention last week.

Discussion:  There was nothing for public forum.

Discussion:         Approved Regular and Annual Meeting Minutes for July 14, 2025.

Discussion:         Approved Personnel Action for August 11, 2025. (Attachment)

Discussion:         Approved the recommendation to deny Alex Ferdinand's request for waiver of liquidated damages.

Discussion:         Approved the June Financial Reports. (Attachment)

Discussion:         Approved the Accounts Payable Report. (Attachment)

Discussion:         Approved the Memorandum of Understanding between West River Mental Health and Douglas School District for the 2025-26 school year.

Discussion:         Approved Memorandum of Understanding between Friends of the Children - He Sapa and Douglas School District for the 2025-26 school year.

Discussion:         Approved adjustment to Adult Meal Prices for the 2025-26 school year: Lunch $5.20 and Breakfast $3.00.

Discussion:         Approved the Tentative Douglas District Transportation Schedule for the 2025-26 school year.

Discussion:         There were no conflicts disclosed as defined in SDCL 3-23.

Discussion:  Elementary and Secondary Curriculum and Instruction Items:

Discussion:  Executive Director of Elementary Academics Ann Pettit shared information on staff professional development planned for new staff last week and all staff this week.  The District welcomed approximately 60 new staff members last week.  Champs, a classroom management training, is in its second year with training for new staff and a refresher for existing staff. There were legal sessions on various topics, and Compass addressed aligning new math curriculum to state standards. All staff participated in the second annual Options-Based PD day with over 40 presenters with sessions for classroom instructional practices, student-centered topics, technology-related topics, and staff-centered for operations and strategic district initiatives.

Discussion:  Executive Director of Elementary Academics Ann Pettit presented the new proposed attendance procedure for the district. It will be consistent across the buildings as well as standardizing the attendance codes.  It balances the district's legal responsibility for compulsory attendance while honoring parents' rights. The district has worked with the State's Attorney's Office in order to involve them earlier in the truancy referral process. The new procedure outlines two pathways for unexcused absences and excused absences; and the processes for each one. The District will be doing more prevention and intervention with students and families. 

Discussion:  Superintendent Items:

Discussion:         Approved Student Assignment Requests SA-26-01 through SA-26-04 as recommended for the 2025-26 school year.    
       Approved Open Enrollment Applications as recommended for the 2025-26 school year.

Discussion:  Fiscal Resources Items:

Discussion:            LET IT BE RESOLVED that the Douglas School District 51-1 Board of Education hereby approves and authorizes the transfer of Impact Aid Funds as presented.

Operational Support Services Items:

Discussion:         Revised Board Policy JED - Student Absences and Excuses
       Revised Board Policy JEDA - Truancy
       Revised Board Policy Regulation JEDA-R - Truancy Regulation
       Delete Board Policy Exhibit JEDA-E(1-3)
       Revised Board Policy Regulation JEE-R - Student Attendance Accounting
       
       

Discussion:         New Board Policy ABAD - Parents' Rights
       New Board Policy DFD - Gate Receipts and Admissions
       New Board Policy ECABB - Multi Occupancy Room Use (Bathrooms)
       Revised Board Policy BD - School Board Minutes
       Revised Board Policy BDDG - Minutes
       Revised Board Policy FC - Facilities Capitalization Program
       Revised Board Policy IGBA - Programs for Children with Disabilities
       Revised Board Policy KLB - Public Complaints about the Curriculum or Instructional Materials
       Revised Board Policy IIAC - Library Materials Selection and Adoption
       Revised Board Policy JEA - Compulsory Attendance Age
       Revised Board Policy JEG - Exclusions and Exemptions from School Attendance
       
       

Discussion:  Buildings and Grounds Coordinator Jace Waltman gave an update on the following summer projects throughout the district: Francis Case ceiling remodel and pilot classroom remodel; high school locker room; high school theater sound and lighting upgrade; high school gym painting and Don Williams Drive maintenance.

Discussion:  Reports:

Discussion:  Superintendent Kevin Case stated great things are happening in the district, starting at the top down.  All administrators attended a three-day Admin Retreat, covering new processes, continuous improvement, importance of consistent language and staff/student legal topics.  Administrators will implement 30/90 day rounding for new staff and including all staff in at least one rounding for the school year.

Discussion:  He reported that seven district members attended the Studer DHP Chicago Conference including a school board member. It was a great opportunity to reaffirm what we are doing, learn some new things and share our Douglas story.  He and Francis Case Principal presented on Reward and Recognition.  Studer CEO Janet Pilcher shared our Douglas Food Service story as well as devoting five pages in her new book to Douglas!

Discussion:  He also attended and presented on the Douglas' continuous improvement journey at the ASBSD Joint Convention in Sioux Falls last week. 

Discussion:  Lastly, he reported that the Facilities Master Plan Committee should have a recommendation for the school board by October.  The next committee meeting is September 10.

Discussion:  Committee Reports from Board Members and Comments from Associate Board Members

Jo Anne Mulholland stated the School Gate opening has been delayed until August 18. 

Tanya Gray reported on the DHP Chicago Conference she attended.  She thanked Superintendent Kevin Case and Francis Case Principal Jeannie Clark for presenting at the conference.  She also attended some of the special education sessions at the ASBSD Joint Convention last week. She would like to see some kind of high-level board presentation in the next few months and schedule a walking building tour after the next BOE meeting.