The Board heard exciting news and a presentation from Pupil Services Director Angela Klein, Social & Emotional Learning Coach Dani Robb, and Middle/High School Counselor Erika Brunson regarding a school-based mental health grant the district was fortunate to be the recipient of.
It is a two-year grant from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. For Mineral Point, it will be focused at the middle school level. Part of the money is used to offset staffing costs for the Social & Emotional Learning Coach, as well as cover the cost for a Universal Screening Tool.
Some goals of the grant:
— By June 30, 2023, decrease the number of students in grades 6-8 who report experiencing symptoms of either anxiety, depression, or self-harm.
— By June 30, 2023, decrease the number of students who report they do not have a teacher they can confide in or a person they could go to in order to talk about a problem.
— By June 30, 2023, decrease the number of students in grades 6-8 who identify they rarely or never get help when they need it.
The team is very excited about continuing to implement positive and proactive changes to help ensure student success.
(Go to the 44 minute mark)
Video link: https://youtu.be/VEUy5fCP2w0
Other Business:
— The meeting began with recognition of the State Girls & Boys Cross Country teams. (This begins the video)
— The Board spent much of its meeting Monday reviewing current health protocols for the district. Despite many suggestions and attempts to make changes to the document, no updates ended up being made in the end at this time. (Go to the one hour, three minute, 30 second mark)
— The Board heard the upcoming School Board Election Timeline. Notice of non-candidacy by incumbents not wishing to seek another term must be filed no later than Monday, December 27 at 5 pm in the District Office. The deadline for candidates, including incumbents, to file all documents needed to establish eligibility on the Spring 2022 ballot is Tuesday, January 4 at 5 pm in the District Office. (Go to the 58 minute mark)
— The Board discussed members registering for the State Education Convention to be held in Milwaukee in January. (Go to the one hour, 15 second mark)
— Superintendent Mitch Wainwright presented his monthly budget comparison. (Go to the one hour, two minute mark)
— Board unanimously approved changing the adult lunch price, based on a memorandum from USDA, to $4.65. (Go to the three hour, three minute mark)
— Board unanimously approved a purchase in excess of $5,000 for a replacement water softener. (Go to the three hour, four minute, 30 second mark)
— Board unanimously approved the credit card statement and bills payable. (Go to the three hour, six minute mark)
— The Board will hold a special meeting Monday, November 15 at 6:30 pm. The next regular meeting of the Board will be Monday, December 13 at 5 pm (early start time due to Middle/High School Winter Concert at 7 pm).