Quincy Public School District #172

NEWS & EVENTS

9-22-05

ENROLLMENT REPORT

Superintendent Tom Leahy reported on enrollment figures as of September 1, 2005. Total enrollment is 6,379. This is down 83 students from September 1, 2004. Enrollment at the K-3 schools increased 59 students while enrollment at Baldwin, Junior High and Senior High decreased

QPS EDUCATION RESCUE—HURRICANE KATRINA PREPARATION

Superintendent Leahy thanked all staff who helped prepare for the arrival of displaced Hurricane Katrina victims. He thanked the PTA for organizing book bags and school supplies for students. Although the city has been informed that a large number of Katrina victims will not be relocated to Quincy, the preparations demonstrate that school district staff and PTA can pull together and work with other agencies and volunteers to provide assistance in an emergency.

Students at several schools have been collecting money and other items for the Katrina victims. At last night’s Board meeting, Mrs. Vollrath’s kindergarten students from Madison School presented information to Board members on their special project to donate stuffed animals for children affected by the hurricane. The project was initiated by the students who were worried that children would have lost their stuffed toys in the flood waters.

ANNUAL YEARLY PROGRESS

Trish Viniard, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum/Instruction, reported on Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) as part of the No Child Left Behind legislation. At the district level, we are meeting AYP in 21 of 22 areas. The one area in which we are not meeting as a district is in reading with the “Students with Disabilities” subgroup. Each of the eight primary schools met AYP requirements. At QJHS, the “Students with Disabilities” subgroup did not make AYP in math, while at QHS, the “Students with Disabilities” subgroup did not make AYP in reading. Both of these schools are on the Academic Early Warning List. At Baldwin, two subgroups—“Students with Disabilities” and “Black”—did not make AYP in reading. Mrs. Viniard reported that the challenge in helping IEP students meet AYP requirements is being experienced at the state and national levels. QPS will review the entire special educational structure—including curriculum and delivery of instruction—to look at ways to improve services and support for students with special needs. She also noted that QPS and the Curriculum Committee are working closely with the Black Star group to identify and implement effective ways to support and meet the needs of our minority students. Mrs. Viniard thanked all staff for the progress that has been made and for the ongoing efforts to improve student learning and help all children achieve.

QHS HOMECOMING

Phillip Johnson, QHS Student Council President, highlighted events for Homecoming 2005. This year’s theme is New York, New York. The parade is Thursday, September 29—6 pm. The route is 12th & Maine to QHS with a Pep Rally to follow in the QHS Gym. The football game Friday night is against Rock Island Alleman. Homecoming concludes with a dance on Saturday night.

DISTRICT DISASTER PLAN

Quincy Public Schools Chief of Security Billy Meyer reported to the Board on the District’s Crisis Management Plan. The Plan is updated yearly. Some of the crisis situations covered in the plan include evacuation, hazardous materials, fire, intruder, severe weather, and terrorism. The Crisis Management Plan is provided to the Quincy Police Department and other pertinent agencies.

QUINCY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT BUILDINGS 1970-2005

Board Member Carol Nichols reported on the history of the district’s buildings 1970 to 2005. A loss of major employers in the 1970’s led to declining population in Quincy . In 1978, in response to declining enrollment and decreased revenue, Emerson, Franklin and Jackson Schools were closed. There were 66 teachers laid off. A tax referendum of .50 for the Education Fund was defeated. Further reductions in capacity were made in 1981 with the closing of Senior High I and Webster Elementary. (Webster School burned in April 1982.)

In 1982, another tax referendum failed. Six plans were presented to the community and public meetings were held to address the district’s financial woes. The decision was made to close Highland-Riverside, Lincoln, Madison and Berrian Schools. School capacity was 8,467 with an enrollment of 7,202. Remaining elementary schools were for grades K-3 and Baldwin opened in the former Senior High I building for 4-6.

A Reorganization Task Force comprised of community and staff members was formed in 1995 and recommended a K-5 elementary, 6-7-8 middle school, and 9-12 high school plan. The plan was shelved due to cost. The plan was estimated to cost over $5 million one time for start up and continuing costs of $851,000 per year. Buildings added in the last ten years include Early Childhood & Family Center, Alternative at 14th, Berrian (re-opened) and Madison (re-opened).

Board Member Nichols concluded that the first closings in 1978 were driven by major enrollment declines and finances. In 1982, the closings were driven by finances. The plan preferred by the community in 1995 was stopped due to limited finances although some construction and remodeling progressed.

PUBLIC RELATIONS UPDATE

Christie Dickens, public relations coordinator for the district, reported on the National Schools Public Relations Conference she attended this summer. She updated the Board on upcoming activities. A quarterly district internal newsletter is being planned with assistance from Quincy Senior High journalism students. The Job Shadowing Program will continue this year with opportunities for community members to shadow district employees. Senior citizens, local government, city employees and other community groups will be encouraged to visit the schools throughout the year. Students and staff will be spotlighted for their achievements and successes.

POLICY CHANGES

Policies 705.03, 705.19 Mandatory School Attendance. State law requires mandatory school attendance to age 17. Policies were revised to reflect this change.

Policy 270.10 School Board Meetings Agenda. This policy was changed to the policy provided by the Illinois Association of School Boards Policy Services and is more general. Specific agenda items are not listed. It states that the Board President determines the order of business and consults on agenda items.

Policy 655.06 District Retention and Promotion. This policy was updated to delete obsolete tests: The decision to promote a student to the next grade level shall be based on successful completion of the curriculum, attendance, and performance based on testing.