4. District leaders and principals gave a presentation about collegial relationships and professional development provided through the “elementary school cadre” groups. Each of the three elementary directors (Loraye Jones, Ketsy Fields and Julie Hawkins) oversees 11 schools, and the principals meet monthly in their cadres for brainstorming and mutual support. Lori Bowen, a district science specialist, said they are working toward a clear vision of effective teaching and learning. One effort involves using the “5-E” instructional model, which stands for engage, explore, explain, elaborate and evaluate. “This year we have really focused on engagement. It’s important students are excited every day,” Bowen said. “Our goal is we’ll see great instruction in every school for every kid every day.” Another initiative is for teachers to embrace technology, such as digital voice recorders, flip video cameras, iSchool, podcasting and videoconferences. Board member John Price thanked the teachers for modeling how to be life-long learners.

5. The board received the monthly construction report from Chief Operating Officer Mary Wright, updating renovation projects at Cassidy, Russell Cave and Arlington elementaries, Bryan Station and Leestown middle schools, as well as the athletic field projects at Lafayette and Henry Clay high schools.

6.  The board approved several items by consent, including routine personnel matters and bid awards, the extension of the Employee Assistance Program contract, and several construction change orders.

7. Board members agreed to the program requirements for the “Race to the Top” application process. If awarded a Race to the Top federal grant this spring, Kentucky would gain about $80 million and FCPS about $4 million. This money is earmarked for improving student achievement, increasing graduation rates and eliminating achievement gaps. “This is an opportunity to really support our work,” Superintendent Stu Silberman said. “I do believe it’ll come our way.”

8. The board amended the 2010-2011 instructional calendar in anticipation of extreme traffic congestion during the World Equestrian Games’ closing ceremonies, the opening of fall races at Keeneland and a University of Kentucky home football game. FCPS created a three-day fall break Oct. 6-8 by moving a flexible staff development day from Sept. 24 and moving a flexible records/conference day from Oct. 1. No other dates were affected.  

9. The board approved a revised Certified Staff Evaluation Plan, which now goes to the Kentucky Department of Education for review. Administrative evaluations would now include a 1-to-5 scale, which allows for indicating growth, rather than the simple choice of “meets” or “does not meet” expectations. Other staff evaluation procedures, including those for teachers, are not affected by this revision.

10. The board accepted a Kentucky Education Technology System offer of assistance for fiscal year 2010 in the amount of $475,704. The district, which matches the KETS offer in kind through budgeted salaries, uses the state dollars to buy classroom and lab computers and technology for schools and to fund the Student Technology Leadership Program.

11. The board approved a sustainability initiative that will focus on four areas: energy conservation and savings, curriculum enhancement and teacher support, identification of funding sources for sustainable projects, and green facility design. Silberman said the efforts ultimately should result in a net profit for FCPS as the district takes better care of the environment.

12. The board granted approval on the construction documents and gave the go-ahead to begin bid advertisements for the renovation of Yates Elementary School. Construction is planned to begin in June 2010, with a completion date of August 2011.

13. The board went into closed session to discuss acquisition or sale of real property, proposed or pending litigation, and student disciplinary matters.