Below is a recap of Tuesday’s meeting (with some additional comments provided).
September 6, 2016 Meeting
Ms. Lawson (Principal at PHS) provided a school update and reviewed SAT and Advance Placement results with members. She highlighted some of the changes she has implemented and the rationale for some of the changes, including “Senior Privilege.”
I provided a recap of the first week of school and highlighted both the successes of our transportation services and the challenges we also faced in the first week, particularly with the number of parents making alternate route changes. (All in all, I felt Deb Johnson and her team did a remarkably good job!) I also reviewed the arrangements of our new substitute service, Source4Teachers (S4T). I provided numerous examples that demonstrate to me the worthiness of their efforts to begin successfully here in Portland. (I know that S4T has hired numerous former subs and is now working diligently to significantly increase the pool of qualified people. You will likely see a S4T representative at each of the upcoming Open House events.)
I also shared with the BOE the draft of our Teaching and Learning Priorities for the year. (Once they are completed, I will share them with all parents and hope to speak more about them at various events throughout the year.
The Board approved a few “out of state” field trips, discussed (and approved) a new agenda format, and also approved the following policies, copies of which will soon be uploaded to our website. (By the way, this completes the BOE’s initial work outlined in the 2015 CABE policy audit we initiated when I arrived. Now members will begin to look at the remaining Portland policies that need updating and refining.)
Replacement Policies
Policy 2400 Evaluation of Administrators with Policy 2400 Evaluation of Superintendent
New Policies
Policy 0050
Code of Ethics
Policy 0521 Commitment to Religious Neutrality
Policy 112.5 Media Access to Students
Policy 1414/1324 Fund-Raising and Solutions
Policy 1325 Advertising in Our Schools
Policy 2300 Statement of Ethics for Administrators
Policy 3240 Tuition Fees
Policy 3513.1 Energy Conservation
Policy 3516.4 Sex Offender Notification
Policy 4112.61/ HIPPA
Policy 5131.111 Video Surveillance (version1)
Policy 5145.53 Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youth
Policy6141.311 Programs for Limited English Proficient Students
Finally, the BOE and I went into Executive Session to began our discussion of the possible continuation of my current 3-year contract that ends in June.
Other Tidbits
On Tuesday, the Chromebooks were seamlessly distributed across the 8th grade team! All students seemed pleased to have their devices back in hand and the 8th grade staff immediately began implementation via Google classroom, completing a writing assessment, and conducting research projects. Way to go, 8th grade team!!!
On Friday, the 7th grade students participated in an introductory Chromebook workshop, led by Corey Toussaint & Sarah Harris, where they established the climate and culture for this digital initiative. Our 7th grade team will roll out chrome books on Monday.!
I have spent time in each and every one of our schools the past two weeks and I am truly amazed by the bustle of positive energy and true progress. My thanks to you for your help in getting the students off to a productive start and thank you for your ongoing support of the Portland Public Schools!
I might see some of you at the 175 Anniversary Parade tomorrow.