Forming a Partnership with Pella

Mr. Shaffer and I participated in a multi-day planning session this week with Pella business leaders and staff members to consider how Shenandoah High School and Pella can develop a partnership to provide a seamless transition for students as they transition from school to work. This experience was an excellent opportunity to learn from each other, stretch our thinking, grow new ideas, and build upon the strengths of both the District and Pella.

The result of our conversation was to develop a plan of how we can work together to add course options that will introduce students to manufacturing with the support of staff from Pella, transition them into Career Technical Education (CTE) courses in woods, allow the students to participate in an internship and mentor them into full-time employment.  We also considered ways we could introduce students to manufacturing and CTE at a younger age by working with Pella to sponsor some of our afterschool and summer interest camps. 

This is exciting and motivational work as it ties directly into meeting a District goal to expand curriculum and access to CTE programs that are aligned with post-secondary learning opportunities and certification programs.  Developing this partnership will be an important focus for the District because we know and understand when schools, business, and communities work together it is good for our students and powerful things happen that are a benefit to everyone.

Thank you for the invitation, Pella. We are better for having spent time working together.

Working Together with Essex

In recent weeks I have been asked several times about how Shenandoah might respond to the recent announcements that were made about the Essex school district at a public meeting.  I have tried to be careful to not assume too much or make statements that I cannot validate, but I do believe I can share some information today that will help provide some insight.

Essex held a public meeting to share information about their financial circumstance and talk about the need to consider whole grade sharing in 2020-2021.  At this meeting, they asked for input about which schools the patrons of the Essex district would like to consider as a whole grade sharing partner.  Naturally, Shenandoah was one of those options as it has a contiguous border and is only 6 miles from Essex. Clarinda, Red Oak, and Stanton are other districts that are being considered.

On February 1^st, I received an email request for information about the Shenandoah district specifically asking about:

Student performance on the Iowa Assessments for the past 5 years;

What course offerings are available in grades 7-12 (elementary was also provided);

What extracurricular  programs are available; and

What type of sharing would our district be willing to consider with Essex? If it was whole grade  sharing would it be K-12, 7-12, or 9-12? and Is there other sharing options we would like to consider?

These are all valid questions and are good think about as districts look to whole grade share or partner with other districts.   In response, the district provided the information requested and some additional information about the district in video format.  The videos create a visual and make a connection that is difficult to achieve through written documents.

Shenandoah High School Academics

SW Iowa STEM Educator of the Year Brett Roberts talks about data driven design

7^th grade students talking about their learning

Shenandoah Activities

Early Childhood

                                                                

Shenandoah has responded verbally and in writing that we have a strong interest in working together to develop a cohesive and consistent long-range plan the would potentially lead to full consolidation.  Knowing this is a very bold response on the part of both districts, we are open to considering 7-12 whole grade sharing inclusive of all activities as an initial step and good faith action.   We would also consider a k-12 whole grade sharing solution. 

Other possibilities include giving consideration to operational sharing of some of our administrative services such as what we currently do with South Page and the Shenandoah Business Office.

I should further clarify these are not the only options Shenandoah is willing to discuss or consider. When Jean Fitcher and I met with Paul Croghan and Tyler Johnson we expressed strong interest in working with Essex in a collaborative manner and would be open to discussing a wide range of options as long as it is cohesive, consistent and long range in nature.  While consolidation is a desirable outcome at some point in the future, we did not suggest or specify a timeline in which any action towards this would be expected.  Consolidation is possible at some point, but if whole grade sharing is sustainable we would consider that a viable solution to continue until it is not financially feasible to continue. 

Different people have asked what would happen to the Essex facilities.  We do not know the complete answer to this question.  If we were to whole grade share 7-12, Essex would be able to continue their elementary program in their existing building.  It may be possible to consider sharing gym space or other components of the facility or programs.  To answer some of these questions we need to be able to work in collaboration with Essex to further understand what is available and desirable so we can find common ground to build upon as decisions are made that are in the best interest of all of our students. 

I appreciate Essex’s request for information and invitation to have an initial conversation.  It is our hope that the information provided and the conversations held will serve as a foundation for future collaboration between our schools and communities.  It is my belief that if we continue to work with Essex in a collaborative manner we will be able to provide greater learning opportunities for our students in both districts.  It is good for students, schools, and communities when we make good faith efforts to do so.

An Update on the Board Meeting

There were several great topics on the Board agenda on Monday evening. 

One of the administrative reports was about the district profile that is being created to share more about the Shenandoah CSD with the community and at the request of Essex.  There were several videos that were viewed that will be showcased on social media and we will also share with Essex. 

Here are two videos that were shared last night. The rest will be on the district website.

High School Academics

SW Iowa STEM Educator of the Year

I was very pleased the Board approved the addition of the .25 FTE Business/Technology position for the 2019-2020 school year. This will allow us to expand the current program and add additional courses in these areas. This is good for our students! 

All of the normal financial reports, personnel reports, and other consent agenda items were approved.  This did include a list of people who have accepted the retirement incentive including Becky Sturm, Cindy Novinger, Ellen Christensen, Kent Schubert, Marcia Armstrong, Renee Kettwick, Marcia Johnson, and Dennis Rogers. There are great staff members on this list. They have given a lot to the district and they will be missed.  

The Negotiations process has started.  Both SEA and SSA+ presented their opening proposals to the board. Additionally, the Support Staff Handbook and Licensed Teacher Personnel Handbook were approved by the Board last night.    

The Board approved the purchase of a new suburban from Doug Meyer Chevrolet for $46,550.  It was the lowest bid and was also a local business.  I was pleased to see this as it is important to support local businesses in the community when we have the opportunity to do so. Strong communities, businesses, and schools grow together.  The Board also discussed the need to purchase two new buses.

Two important committees were appointed at the meeting.  The Board appointed a committee to discuss sharing agreements for operations and programs.  Jean Fichter and Adam Van Der Vliet will serve on this committee.  Additionally, the Board approved a facility committee that includes community members and some staff.  There will be some additional members added to the group as needed to support the work of the committee.  Those named included Dean Adkins, Jon Finn, Chelsie Green, Dennis Grebert, Lisa Langenberg, Sarah F. Martin, Jeff Miller, Ryan O'Rourke, Jason Rystrom, Benne Rogers, Brett Roberts, Jay Sweet, and Chad Tiemeyer.  The staff will serve as ad hoc members of the committee.   I am very thankful each of these individuals has agreed to serve in this role. They will be charged with an important task to make a recommendation on new construction the district is considering.  This will be good work.

It was a good meeting and I am pleased with the work that was accomplished.