Recap from the June 12, 2024, Groveport Madison Schools Board of Education Regular Meeting
To follow along with this recap, please reference the YouTube broadcast:
RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS (00:48:09 mark on the
YouTube Video)
The Groveport Madison Schools Board of Education began the Recognitions and Presentations portion of the meeting by recognizing the courageous efforts of bus driver La Shonna Tanyhill, who saved 28 middle school students from a bus fire on May 9, 2024. The Board also recognized the Madison Township Fire Department for its service and assistance during the school district's time of need.
In June, we recognize LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Stonewall Uprising was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.
Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. It is also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, and Black Independence Day. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX, and announced the end of the Civil War and slavery. It's a time to reflect on Black Americans' achievements and honor the spirit of freedom, equity, and justice.
TEACHING AND LEARNING UPDATE, INNOVATION, AND ACCOUNTABILITY UPDATE (1:14:35 mark on the
YouTube Video)
In a pre-recorded presentation, Carole Morbitzer spoke about Amplify CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts). CKLA is on the state's approved list of high-quality instructional materials in English Language Arts. After several meetings and presentations, the Curriculum Review Committee, composed of teachers, building administrators, and DSC administrators, selected Amplify CKLA as their first choice (17% chose it as their second choice). GMLSD will receive a total allocation of $297,129.63 from the State of Ohio to subsidize the cost of high-quality instructional materials, for which Amplify CKLA qualifies. As a result of using Amplify CKLA, the district will eliminate other resources/programs that are being inconsistently used, costing the district $263,115 annually.
Following up on the pre-recorded presentation, Mike Morbitzer spoke about moving away from iReady, providing details of the Curriculum Review Committee's strategy and members, and the vetting process in making an informed decision about Amplify CKLA.
Mr. Morbitzer also celebrated the success of the Cruiser PLC Champion Conference. More than thirty Groveport Madison teachers participated in the two-day event. The teachers, with Carole and Mike, analyzed district data, explored how to build a teacher-leader program, and discussed the next steps to improve the district, especially focusing on learning and achievement. Mr. Morbitzer explained that he and Carole are confident that teachers can and want to do the work necessary to get the district where it needs to be.
STUDENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE UPDATES (1:48:20 mark on the
YouTube Video)
The Board discussed preparations for next year's Student Advisory Committee Meetings. Those students who participated last year will be grandfathered into the program for the 2024-2025 school year. Discussions were had on how best to recruit new members interested in participating in these committees. It was determined that applications should be included in Final Forms to get the best reach.
Director of Business Operations Dave Hausmann provided an update on the construction project at 4500 S. Hamilton Rd., where the new transportation center will be located. He also provided the status of the RFP bids for the district's food service, implementation of a district-wide facility rental approval process, and updating/reviewing the Evolv and Safe School ID technologies.
Director of Human Capital Mark Trace provided an update on candidates at the recent Support Staff Job Fair at Canal Winchester High School. This event was a joint effort between Canal Winchester, Groveport Madison, and Whitehall school districts.
UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS
Board of Education meetings generally occur on the second Wednesday of the month, starting at 7:00 p.m. The Board may also schedule special meetings as needed. Upcoming meetings include:
- Wednesday, July 10 @ 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting
MEETING MINUTES
BOE Recognizes bus driver La Shonna Tanyhill (6th from left) and Madison Township Fire Department (5th from left).