SLEEPY EYE - District. 84 Superintendent John Cselovszki revealed his goals for the 2012-13 school year Tuesday at a board retreat.
One goal is implementing flipped math classroom methods in grades 7-12 to boost test scores.
"Flipped math is a very efficient teaching method that should boost test scores," Cselovszki said.
Other goals are completion of rewriting K-12 language/arts curriculum; installation of a new, improved district-wide phone system that should save money; exploration of staff sharing to reduce the number of part-time teachers; working toward implementation of a Farm to School agriculture production program; continuation of Professional Learning Communities (PLC) and cross-district PLC training and participation to improve teaching effectiveness.
Cselovszki called the PLC program a great way for teachers to share information among the faculty with daily intervention, including site visits and Skype (online) discussions.
An operating referendum is still needed, according to the superintendent.
"We want to keep talking about passing an operating levy referendum, which is something we ultimately need," Cselovszki said.
Board members discussed the importance of working together and negotiating to solve issues.
"We all have our passions," said Board Chairperson Darla Remus.
"I'd like to continue meeting at least quarterly with other Sleepy Eye schools on things like the school calendar," she said.
Board member Ron Geiger suggested a staff survey on administration be done early in the school year.
Board member Keith Lendt said the survey results should be noted in Meet and Confer committee meetings and disseminated to board members.
Lendt said the district PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) is looking for new leadership. Interested persons can contact Cselovszki at the school
(Fritz Busch can be e-mailed at fbusch@nujournal.com).