Dist. 84 looks at Flexible Learning Years
Camera-based alarm system, intercom upgradeBy Fritz Busch — Staff Writer
SLEEPY EYE - On Thursday, the District 84 Board of Education learned about the Flexible Learning Years program via a Powerpoint presentation from Supt. John Cselovszki.
Flexible Learning plans authorize districts to evaluate, plan and employ the use of flexible learning year programs.
A variety of alternatives will allow each district seeking to utilize this concept to suitably fulfill the educational needs of its pupils.
Plans must include, but are not be limited to 45 school days followed by 15 vacation days four-quarter plans, quinmester plans, extended learning year plans, flexible all-year plans, and four-day week plans.
Such plans are geared to utilize buildings and facilities during the entire year or that provides forms of optional scheduling during the learning year in elementary and secondary schools or residential facilities for children with a disability.
"It's out-of-the-box thinking that has been shown to improve student test scores by 50 points in a 100-point system over a three-year period by improving learning and teaching effectiveness," Cselovszki said.
Under a K-16 education calendar plan being studied by 25 southwest and southcentral school district superintendents and colleges, the next school year would start Monday, Aug. 23, 2010.
School districts collaborating on the plan include Sleepy Eye, Cedar Mountain-Comfrey, Springfield and other districts in southwest Minnesota.
Before implementing a flexible learning year program in any facility of the district, the board must negotiate with the teachers, principals, assistant principals, supervisory personnel and employees to the extent required by the Public Employment Labor Relations Act.
The board must consult with the parents of pupils who would be affected by the change, and with the community at large.
This must include at least three informational meetings for which the board has given published notice to the teachers and employees and to the parents of pupils affected.
The board also learned that its Health and Safety Committee approved spending $9,000 for a camera-based alarm system and $4,000 for intercom upgrades with funds earmarked for Safe Schools programs.
District 84 recently applied for a $190,000 educational technology grant that would provide 60 laptop computers and two Smartboards (inter-active, overhead projection systems).
The next board meeting that includes a Truth In Taxation hearing begins at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 10.
Fritz Busch can be e-mailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.
