Board Goals

District Vision

“High Expectations, High Achievement”

District Beliefs

We believe that all people have value, all are responsible for their own actions, change is ongoing, all can learn, and learning is a lifelong process

Mission Statement

The Jesup Community School District will develop well-rounded, productive, responsible, caring citizens who are lifelong learners.

Values

Integrity-Honesty-Responsibility-Perseverance-Citizenship-Respect-Cooperation

School Board Goals

1. The Board will provide support in meeting expected proficiency levels and growth on the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress as measured in Reading, Math, and Science of all students. A summary of student performance as compared to previous years will be reported to the school board each spring. (Student Achievement)

2. The Board will expect a monthly update on curriculum materials and instructional strategies as related to student achievement performance within and across building levels. (Curriculum)

3. The Board will promote age appropriate 21st Century Skills in the regular curriculum, job shadows, internships, and other enrichment activities that may not otherwise be available locally, at ALL grade levels as identified in the Iowa Core Curriculum in order for students to be successful post graduation. This work will be measured by a report from each building level at the July board meeting on new activities and experiences conducted throughout the year. (College and Career Ready)

4. The Board will support the continuation of the Teacher Leadership and Compensation program through providing adequate resources and release time for teacher leaders. Successful implementation of the program will be monitored through staff surveys and student assessments. A summary of the findings will be reported to the board at the regular July meeting. (Staffing)

5. The Board will establish a Long Range Facility Study in working with a selected architectural firm including a site analysis, collection of stakeholder input, determination of need, and establishment of funding options. (Facilities)

6. The Board will monitor the financial health of the school district and set a goal of maintaining a minimum cash balance of 10% of general fund expenditures and unspent authority balance of 15% as measured September of each year. (Finance)

7. The Board will lead in developing strong partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and neighboring schools. The Board encourages all building levels to look at ways to strengthen these partnerships as well. A summary of new collaborative partnerships from throughout the year will be reported to the Board at the January and July board meetings.  (Board Leadership)

8. The Board, working with the Superintendent, will actively promote district successes and achievements with all stakeholder groups developing strong and supportive community connections. A summary of work from throughout the year will be reported to the board at the July board meeting. (Superintendent)

9. The Board will support the PS-12th Grade Performing Arts program, providing the necessary resources and assistance to grow participation and retention in the program. The program will focus not only on the development of successful performers but also develop intelligent consumers of the arts. Successful growth of the program will be measured by increased enrollment in all fine arts programs as well as an increase in the diverse scope of activities and genres within each program with a summary reported at the January and July board meetings. (Performing Arts)

10. The Jesup Board expects that all students and staff will have a nurturing and non-threatening learning environment. (Climate)

District Professional Development Mission

The District Leadership Team is a representative group of educators from each building level who strive to provide a framework of professional development opportunities to meet the goals of the district based upon student needs as identified at each grade level. We will accomplish this mission by focusing on the following:

1. Student Centered Classrooms

1. Students will be actively engaged in and accountable for their own learning.

2. Staff will facilitate an environment that encourages students to take ownership of their learning.

2. Teaching for Understanding

1. Students will ask for help when needed.

2. Staff will help students make connections they have between prior knowledge and new knowledge.

3. Assessment for Learning

1. Students will give their best effort in demonstrating their understanding of subject matter.

2. Staff will use frequent checks for understanding to drive instruction. 

4. Rigorous and Relevant Curriculum

1. Students will participate in challenging and meaningful work.

2. Staff will provide engaging lessons with real world connections.

5. Teaching for Learner Differences

1. Students will be advocates for their own learning needs.

2. Staff will be responsive to individual student needs and adjust instruction accordingly.

Elementary/Rural School Professional Development

• By the end of the 2019-20 school year, teams will utilize and collect data on 8 CFAs to inform instruction and impact student achievement. 

• The Comprehensive Literacy initiative, with training led by the AEA, will be implemented as year 1 of a 3-5 year initiative. This will involve a focus on the act of teaching. (data collection, collaboration, literacy environment, evidence of learning, instructional purpose, academic language.) Data will be collected regularly from classroom observations and collaborative groups led by the building admin, TLC, and AEA literacy consultant. 

Middle School Professional Development

For the 2019-20 school year, the middle school will...

• Continue focus on Standards Based Grading and how it relates to every classroom

• Address assessment for learning (Formative Assessment, Summative Assessments, Common Formative Assessments… learning goals/success criteria/Tiers 1-3) as needed

• Seek feedback on specific classroom needs as they relate to the above

• Set up classroom Infinite Campus gradebooks in a consistent manner

• Develop guiding questions for Collaborative Team Meetings

High School Professional Development

By the end of the 2019-2020 school year the high school teachers will develop multiple ways to effectively assess  (formative and summative) student learning. Assessment data will be used to guide instructional practices. 

We will provide trainings, collect and review data, and reflect on our teaching practices to improve student success.