Salida R-32-J Board Looks Back and Moves Forward
At their recent board meeting on September 8th, the Salida R-32-J School Board and Superintendent John Rouse reflected on what has been accomplished in the two years since Mr. Rouse came to the school district. In addition to reviewing the accomplishments, the board members heard reports from the principals and department heads from the school district regarding progress this school year. Finally the Board and Superintendent Rouse examined the priority goals that had been established for the 2008-09 school year and considered adjustments for the upcoming year.
Although the Board reviewed a long list of accomplishments, a few of the key ones were as follows:
• Revised and updated the entire policy manual for the school district and made it available on line.
• Developed written curriculum documents for every course currently offered. All curriculum documents are now available via the district’s internal network.
• Completed the construction at the Early Childhood Center and implemented programs that accept children from the age of five weeks old through four years old.
• Expanded access to technology in the schools by installing a wireless network throughout the system and by providing additional mobile computer labs and interactive white boards at every campus. This was funded through PILT and TANF funds.
• Expanded the public school options for parents in our community by building cooperative relationships with Crest Academy and Strawberry Door kindergarten.
• Created an alternative high school campus in Salida which is currently serving around 21 students. Many of these students were not attending school prior to the inception of this program.
• Increased our Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings at the high school.
• Added two additional instructional days to the school calendar.
• Partially addressed health, safety, and nutrition concerns at the high school by closing the campus at lunch for 9th and 10th graders.
• Increased the district’s operating efficiency by reducing staffing levels in custodial, transportation, and secondary physical education.
• Successfully passed a mill levy to increase staff salaries by 15% over a three-year period.
• Early enrollment numbers indicated that we have increased our enrollment by over 70 students.
After looking back, the Board and superintendent discussed next steps to moving forward. Among the items discussed were the administration’s continuing efforts at securing state funding for sorely needed construction projects in the district as well as the need to increase community involvement in several key areas impacting decision making. To this end, several new committees are being formed. For these committees to be effective and reflect the wishes of the community, volunteers from the community (including students) are needed to serve on these committees. At the District Accountability Committee’s (DAC) first meeting of the school year on Monday, September 21st at 7:00 pm at Salida High School, Mr. Rouse will fully explain the focus of each of the committee and together with DAC will encourage citizens and students to take active roles in these groups.
Briefly stated, here are the new committees:
• Community Engagement – promotes service learning; creates field-based (on the job) experiences and apprenticeships; and expands volunteerism by students and staff
• Staff Recognition and Public Relations – celebrates successes; and promotes positive PR
• School Calendar- considers calendar options for future school years including a post Labor Day start and possibly year-round education
• Standards-Based Learning – explores the concept of standards-based learning; considers non-graded schools and standards-based grading (includes travel to other districts)
• Facilities Planning (BEST) – participates in the planning process and development of the BEST application for state matching funds; considers options for addressing our facility needs; and explores “green” building approaches (1st meeting- September 22nd)
• Post Secondary Options – investigates the potential for attracting a four-year university branch to our community; and works with the city and county to develop incentives for bringing a post secondary institution to Salida.
Please get involved in your public school system. Come to the DAC on the 21st and sign up for a committee or call (or e-mail) Mr. Rouse expressing your willingness to serve (530-5203 or jrouse@salida.k12.co.us).
