2017-07-12 CC Minutes - Approved

Home Browse Search

City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes July 12, 2017 1.Centennial School District (ISD12) – Superintendent Mr. Brian Dietz, Director of Technology Mr. Mike Christenson, Centerville Elementary School Principal Mr. Wayne Whitwam and Centennial Middle School Principal Mr. Bob Stevens Superintendent Dietz briefly reviewed the 2016/2017 school year, he stated that the School District had established eight goals during strategic planning: having people who identify, value, and engage as the community that is Centennial; analyze causes of the achievement gap and provide accessibility at all levels and for all steakholders; find strategic ways to communicate using staff, students, and community; establish a plan-do-check model for all areas; professional development (balancing wellness vs. relevance, efficiency, and inclusiveness); expanding programming and infrastructure to address the vocational, college prep, and remedial needs of each student; develop a partnership between students and community; (on a service level and on a business level) and a two-pronged approach to lobbying and fundraising. He reported that after six (6) months, six (6) have been completed. He stated that 23 new initiatives came from these goals. He also reported that over a three (3) year period the District has made improvements at several schools (floors, HVAC systems, Science Labs, Learning Center, etc.) along with receiving numerous awards and ACT testing scores outperforming state average. Superintendent Dietz stated that the District supports its students, staff, the learning process and appreciates the City’s support also. Centennial Middle School Principal Stevens briefly reviewed the LEAP (Lunch, Energize, Achieve, Participate) program which was launched at the high school level this year allowing students during the mid-day break ranging from academic-related opportunities such as study hall time and homework help, to making connections with friends through playing cards and games. He stated that Pinterest and scrapbooking along with Harry Potter and book clubs, and robotics are also offered. Open gym, walking groups and yoga are also offered. Council Member Love questioned what students do during this time if they do not need additional time to make up tests, decompress, socialize, etc. Principal Stevens stated that students are allowed to work independently and socialize if they desire. He also stated that the District desires to add more offerings to the program in the next few years. Centerville Elementary School Principal Whitwam reported that they commenced the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program similar to what is being offered in rdthth the high school in an attempt to assist average students – 3, 4 & 5 graders in organization and study habits/skills for going forward in middle school and high school. Superintendent Dietz reported that the School District’s annual report would be forwarded to all residents and businesses within the School District’s boundaries within the next few weeks. He also stated that he invites individuals in to visit the schools following renovations, feels that their efforts for the past year are paying off and their staff is seeing the results. He reported that the District worked hard to secure additional funding through the State of 2% and they will continue to work in this area rather than requesting funding from taxpayers. He also stated that the District is being fiscally prudent with the funds that they are receiving. Page 2 of 9