Present: Clinton Adams, Nancy Barr, Rhonda Burnett, Regina Craddolph, Benjamin Demps, Gwen Grant, Harold Hawkins, Corey Impens, Rosa James, Linda Lollis, Gwendolyn Lowe, Bonnie McKelvy, Carol Odam, Mary O�Leary, Kay Postma, Linda Ransom, M. C. Richardson, Carolyn Spears, Reginald Taylor, Wanda Taylor
In Ms. Ragsdale�s absence, the meeting was co-chaired by Ms. Linda Lollis, Executive Director of School Leadership, & Mr. Clinton Adams, parent of an alumnus. Copies of the minutes of the May 23 Task Force meeting were made available. Ms. Corey Impens, Associate Principal at the south campus, was introduced.
Superintendent�s Remarks: Mr. Demps requested an evaluation and assessment of the success of LCPA�s marketing plan which includes strategically placed billboard, and television commercials. He discussed concerns regarding the shortage of teaching staff and aggressive recruitment strategies including the development of an Associate Teaching position whereby, under the supervision of certified teachers; degreed professionals with expertise in critical areas, but who do not have a teaching certificate, could fill critical teaching shortages. The beginning salary structure is being reconsidered such that qualified incoming teachers may be offered up to step 15 instead of the current offer of up to step 7. The District is working with a consortium of colleges & universities to explore the possibility of utilizing upper class level education students for extended teaching internships under the supervision of their professors & certified teachers. Alternative types of teacher certification are also being explored with the State of Missouri. The District may ask LCPA students to assist as tutors during Saturday School sessions.
Mr. David Smith of the District�s Public Engagements & Advocacy Office is preparing a newsletter which goes to press in approximately three weeks and will be sent to Kansas City households. Mr. Demps suggested that LCPA prepare an advocacy item to be included in the Fall issue.
Principal�s Remarks: Mr. Hawkins reported that LCPA�s current enrollment is 512 at the high school and 482 at the middle school. Last school year the enrollment at both schools was 1,100. The District has developed a listing of qualified students and sent letters to these students informing them that they qualify for admission to LCPA. LCPA staff has made encouraging telephone calls to students on the list who have not yet applied to LCPA. The suggestion was made that the Admissions Department enclose an application along with the informational letter. Another suggestion was that current LCPA parents, who have been provided with answers to identified concerns, conduct follow-up telephone calls to undecided parents in an effort to encourage them to choose LCPA. Mr. Hawkins is preparing an informational letter which will be sent to every LCPA family as an update. Letters will be sent to families of incoming students inviting them to orientations which will be August 22 for high school students and August 24 for middle school students.
Mr. Hawkins reported that seven teaching positions remain unfilled. They are at the middle school and include three math positions and one each in reading, language arts, & art. He plans to develop newspaper advertisements which are specific to LCPA teacher needs. An inquiry was made regarding reinstating retired teachers or utilizing them as tutors. Mr. Demps discussed concerns regarding the Districts court-defined curriculum and staff development requirements as well as retirement benefit limitations which don�t allow retirees to work a full year. The possibility of utilizing teachers certified in elementary education to teach sixth grade level was discussed.
The marketing plan involving billboards, and television and radio commercials will begin again on August 1. A query was made to identify the factors on which parents are making decisions regarding choosing another school instead of LCPA for qualifying students. Suggestions were made regarding surveying current students & parents as well as conducting departure interview when students choose to leave LCPA in order to identify deciding factors. A committee was formed to develop a marketing plan and strategy for LCPA. The committee will be co-chaired by Gwen Grant & Wanda Taylor. Members will include Regina Craddolph, Carol Odam, Kay Postma, and M. C. Richardson.
The possibility of re-evaluating LCPA entrance requirements by expanding the entrance criteria was considered. An ad hoc committee was formed to explore possibilities and make recommendations. The committee will be chaired by Clinton Adams and members will include Rhonda Burnett, Harold Hawkins, Corey Impens, Linda Lollis, and Kay Postma.
The implementation of the District�s Technology Plan was discussed. Mr. Hawkins discussed architect�s drawings of renovation plans for interchanging the location of the Library and the art and dark room areas to meet Missouri School Improvement Plan (MSIP) requirements for library/media center capacity. The band/orchestra area will also be expanded. The remodeling is being scheduled for the summer of 2001. The auditorium is currently being renovated with wall repair, paint, seat repair & new carpeting. The brick exterior is being tuckpointed.
Ms. Impens in being greeted and welcomed by the teaching staff during several social engagements. Due to restrictions with the District�s information system, current students are just being rolled over into the next grade level which should allow of further development of class schedules. The start time for the high and middle school will remain unchanged for the upcoming school year.
No further meetings of the task force were planned.
Submitted by:
Kay Postma