Discovery Public
School of Faribault
2012-2013 Annual
Report on
Curriculum,
Instruction, and
Student Achievement
1
Table of Contents
Report Information
Page #
Cover Page
1
Table of Contents
2-3
Mission Statement
4
School’s Vision
4
School Enrollment
5
Demographic Information
5
Student Attrition
5
Governance and Management
6
School Board Training
6
Staffing
7
Academic Performance
8-18
Environmental Education
18-19
School Report Card
19
Operational Performance
19
Innovative Practices and Implementation
19
Future Plans
20
Non – Profit Status
20
Authorizer Information
20
Charter School Director- Job Description
21-23
Professional Development Plan for Director
24-26
Evaluation Process
26-27
2
Finance
28-32
3
Discovery Public School of Faribault 2012-2013 Annual
Report on Curriculum, Instruction, and Student
Achievement
School Mission Statement
Discovery Public School of Faribault provides students in Grades 6-12 a learning environment
and social structure that gives them the tools and knowledge necessary to lead satisfying and
productive lives upon graduation.
Our Vision
The vision of Discovery Public School is to meet the current and future needs of middle school
and high school students by providing a stable and consistent environment in which each student
builds necessary social, academic, personal, and career skills for a satisfying and productive life.
To reach this vision, the school will integrate the following tools and methods throughout the
instructional program:





Project Based Learning
Small Class Sizes
Student established short and long-term goals
Basic Skills Instruction
Career assessment and exploration of post-secondary options
Discovery Public School desires that all students who graduate from the school have acquired:








Proficiency in basic reading, writing and math skills
Knowledge, skills, and ability to compete in the market place
Knowledge and skills necessary to be productive citizens
Ability to solve problems and think critically
A willingness to hold themselves accountable for their decisions, behavior, and
performance
A positive sense of self as an important human being
Internal resilience and the tools for self-advocacy
An understanding of the need, and having the desire, for lifelong learning
4
School Enrollment
2006-2007 – 54.48
2007-2008 – 53.25
2008-2009 – 50.61
2009-2010 – 58.95
2010-2011 – 69.96
2011-2012 – 60.67
2012-2013 – 47.14
Demographic Information
Ethnicity – White- 89%, Black- 5%, Hispanic- 5%, Asian / Pacific Islander- 0%, Am. Indian2%
Economic Indicator – Paid-29%, Reduced-10%, Free- 61%
Disability – No Disability- 78%, Specific Learning Disabilities- 6%, Emotional/Behavioral
Disorder- 10%, Speech/Language Disability- 2%, Developmental Cognitive Disabilities- 2%,
Other Health Disabilities- 2%
Student Attrition
Discovery Public School did experience a slight drop in student enrollment. When students do
come off the rolls it is due to one of the following:
-
Student moved or transferred to another school
Student committed to Correctional Facility
Truancy (dropped after 15 days of absence)
Student Graduated
5
Governance and Management
Governance
Date board elections are held: April
Name
Date Elected: If
member has
served multiple
terms, list date
first elected.
Sheila Karn
Russ Kennedy
Dan Weisser
Sam Macklay
Jim Severson
Kay Hammer
Dirk Wells
September 2009
April 2005
August 2006
October 2011
September 2009
August 2008
Positions:
Officer of
board or
Committee
chair
Affiliation [Teacher
(File Folder#),
parent, community
member]
Board
Attendance
Clerk/Treasurer
Chairperson
Vice Chair
Member
Ex-Officio
Member
Member
Parent
Community Member
Teacher #427995
Teacher #369829
Teacher #251210
Community Member
Teacher #262109
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
There were not many changes to our School Board over the 2012-2013 school year. The
school’s attendance of the members has been around 90%, only because of occasional conflicts
of schedule. Jim Severson, our Ex-Officio regularly attends Board Meetings.
Board Training in Previous Year
The Board has been discussing the possibility of having an Annual School Board Training
Session to keep all members updated in the areas of Charter School Governance, Finance, and
Law.
The Board as a whole did receive Finance Training on two occasions during Board Meetings.
The training sessions were given by Brenda Kes of Beltz, Kes, Darling, and Associates. The
trainings involved Charter School Finance and focused on successful budgeting.
3/14/13 Members present: Dan Weisser, Sheila Karn, Kay Hammer, Sam Macklay, Jim
Severson (Ex-Officio)
6/20/13 Members present: Russ Kennedy, Dan Weisser, Sheila Karn, Kay Hammer, Sam
Macklay, Jim Severson (Ex-Officio)
6
School Management and Faculty Information
2012-2013
Name
Jim Severson
Dan Weisser
Karen Natole
Kris Thomas
Sonia Flores
Yvonne
Ackmann
John Erickson
Terry
McCullough
File #
Assignment
Director
Assistant Director
Office Manager
Paraprofessional
Paraprofessional
Paraprofessional
Years
Employed
10
7
2
5
2
2
Returning for
2013-2014
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
251210
427995
Custodian
Office Assistant
1
1
yes
no
Years
Employed
10
7
10
7
5
7
3
Returning for
2013-2014
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
3
Yes
Teaching Staff Information
2012-2013
Name
File #
Assignment
Steve Darkow
Sam Macklay
Jim Severson
Dan Weisser
Dirk Wells
Delica Caldwell
Kim Hildahl
215267
369829
251210
427995
262109
415845
448878
Polly Ames
239056
Math
Science
Director
Social Studies
Special Education
Reading
Language Arts/
Art/Health/Phy Ed
Special
Education/ELL
Discovery Public School’s teaching staff remained very much in tact for the 2012-2013 school
year. This is a very positive thing, especially when working with many kids who do not work
well with big changes. Kim Hildahl will be leaving for the 2013-2014 school year. She will be
hard to replace, as she did a great job and taught a variety of subjects. Also, due to our large
population of Special Education students we will be able to bring back Polly Ames once again
and have 2 Special Education Teachers. Polly will also be working as our ELL Instructor.
7
Academic Performance and Goals
Program success and best practices
The most significant program success for Discovery Public School is related to the area of
graduation rate. The school has been working hard to address the basic skills throughout the
curriculum. Students will know that all courses will utilize basic skills, and that upon graduation
all students will be proficient in basic areas.
Anytime a charter school can graduate students it is an achievement. The achievement is great,
because the students that we are accustomed to receiving are behind academically. The past year
saw the school graduate 5 students. The school did see a drop in the number of seniors who
graduated this year. However, the school is very pleased with all of the hard work that these
seniors put in to achieve their goal. Many of those students who graduated had to overcome
large obstacles. The staff is very proud of those students graduated, and will be moving on.
Over the years, the school has taken measures to increase academic achievement in the core
areas. The school hired a full time Reading teacher, and has been working hard at raising student
test scores. Discovery Public has steadily made progress in the areas of Reading and Graduation.
The school continues to struggle in with getting students to be proficient in Math. In the 20122013 school year the school did see improvement in Math! A placement test will continue to be
given to gage what academic level current students are at, progress will also be monitored by
continuing to give the NWEA Test in Math and Reading. As the school changed its plans for
curriculum, all teachers have played a role in achieving academic success. The staff is
responsible for catching students up, and utilizing unique strategies to bring students to
proficiency. As students remain at the school for longer periods of time, their progress can be
tracked and their success can be realized.
Project based learning is being implemented on a small scale, and students grades are raising as a
result. Students respond differently to being taught all curriculum areas on the same topics.
Discipline issues have also been greatly reduced over the past few years, as measured by the
number of office referrals. The school believes this is largely due to keeping its teaching staff
very much in tact.
The greatest success of the school is keeping the school open through adversity. The school
would have been closed if it did not find a sponsor by the end of June 2005, and that would have
been catastrophic to the achievement of the students that the school was serving. Another great
win is a continual growth in community awareness. Prior to the transition to Discovery Public
School, many in the community thought we were a private school. Since moving locations and
raising public awareness, we have been able to shed these myths and show the community that
we are here to help their students. Discovery Public School has enjoyed its steadiest enrollment
since being open over the last few years and hopes to continue with this progress. The school
has also received much positive press in the last year, often being in the paper. The school had
articles for fundraising, school projects, graduation, etc. The school is very pleased with the
success of the school over the past few years, and glad to see Discovery heading in a positive
direction.
8
Program challenges
The number one academic problem that the school faces is in relation to attendance. Attendance
has an effect on all areas of academic performance and is correlated to behavior. The school has
been trying to improve these areas with the help of staff, parents, and community members. It
had actually been improving over the past few years, but the school saw a drop in 2012-2013.
The school has set a hard policy on attendance. The school handbook is under constant revision,
and the goal is to have a user friendly product that helps parents know what their responsibilities
are in relation to their student’s education. Our school meets twice officially for parent – teacher
conferences, but our staff encourages parents to stop by or contact them to discuss things such as
grades and behavior. The school calls each and every student that is not in attendance by first
hour. The major response is that parents are glad to know the location of their students and will
do what they need to in order to keep their students in school.
Discovery school has made a dramatic improvement in the area of reading, and it shows.
Discovery’s testing scores in that area have steadily been going up. We have made Reading a
required course for all students, and it has really seemed to make a difference. For the 20132014 school year, we have hired back a full-time Reading teacher to help all students with
comprehension, vocabulary, and reading skills. This has shown very positive results in the past.
Students have also struggled in the area of math, and our math teacher is constantly preparing
our students for MCA tests, and life after high school.
9
Accountability Data
2012-2013
Academic Goals
Did the school meet this
goal in 2012-2013?
Supporting
Information
Response to
results
Academic Goal #1
Yes
In 2013 57.9% of
students in grades
6-12 enrolled
October 1 made
their expected
growth on NWEA
Reading Test from
the fall testing
window to the
spring testing
window.
Yes
In 2013 33.4% of
students in grades
6-12 enrolled
October 1 made
their expected
growth on NWEA
Math Test from
the fall testing
window to the
spring testing
window.
By studying
NWEA scores
teachers are
finding common
areas of
weaknesses and
addressing them
in classes.
Remediation will
be put into place
for the students
who are not
making their
expected growth.
By studying
NWEA scores
teachers are
finding common
areas of
weaknesses and
addressing them
in classes.
Remediation will
be put into place
for the students
who are not
making their
expected growth.
In 2013, 50% of
students in grades
6-12 enrolled by
October 1 will
make their expected
growth on the
NWEA Reading
Test from the fall
testing window to
the spring testing
window.
Academic Goal #2
In 2013, 30% of
students in grades 612 enrolled October 1
will make their
expected growth on
NWEA Math Test
from the fall testing
window to the spring
testing window.
10
Academic Goal # 3
Over 33% of students
in grades 6-12
enrolled October 1
will score
proficiently on the
MCA Reading Test.
(33 % was the
percentage of
students proficient in
Reading who were
enrolled October 1
in 2011)
Yes
In 2013 53 % of
students in grades
6-12 enrolled
October 1 scored
proficient on the
MCA Reading
Test.
The school will
continue putting
an emphasis on
the importance of
passing MCA
Tests.
Specifically by
practice tests,
preparation, and
analyzing areas
that need
improvement.
The school is
further
researching better
scientifically
research based
interventions.
Academic Goal # 4
Over 7% of students
in grades 6-12
enrolled October 1
will score
proficiently on the
MCA III Math Test.
(7% was the
percentage of
students proficient in
Math who were
enrolled October 1 in
2011)
Yes
In 2013 38 % of
students in grades
6-12 enrolled
October 1 scored
proficient on the
MCA Math Test.
The school is
putting an
emphasis on the
importance of
passing MCA
Tests.
Specifically by
practice tests,
preparation, and
analyzing areas
that need
improvement.
The school is
further
researching better
scientifically
research based
interventions.
11
Non-Academic Goal
#1 Students’
inappropriate
behaviors will
decrease by 10%
from the previous
school year as
measured by the
number of office
referrals.
Yes
Number of office
visits dropped
from 298 to 157!
The staff is
constantly
communicating
their concerns
amongst one
another and is
therefore more
able to address
student problems.
Non-Academic Goal
#2
Discovery Public
School will have an
85% attendance rate.
No
The school’s
attendance rate for
2012-2103 was
83.79%. The
school did not
meet this goal.
The school is
working closely
with Rice County
Social Services
and Corrections
in order to
achieve higher
attendance rates.
Also, the school
is working with
area schools that
will also be
experiencing the
same situation.
The school’s
newly adopted
truancy policy
will play a big
role in addressing
attendance.
Other school accountability measures
Parental involvement continues improve at Discovery. We offer a variety of communication
means for parents to reach the school and for us to reach parents. We also have an open door
policy allowing parents to stop in and check on how their student is doing, which many parent
have been using. We offer long hours for parent/teacher conferences in the hopes of having
every parent stop in. We will continue to keep in contact with parents; letting them know of
important dates in advance and if there are any issues with their student. The parents that are
12
involved report a high level of satisfaction with the school. We have made it known that we are
going to involve parents as best we can; we just need them to work with us.
The community has been starting to really show support to our school. We have had local
businesses make donations, both monetary and in supplies. We have had community members
stop in and volunteer their time. We have had opportunities to use our community facilities, i.e.
the library, health center. We also had a local grocery store fund a comedy night fundraiser for
the school and provide food, and donate all the proceeds. Overall, community support is at an
all-time high, and the school has received many compliments throughout the last couple school
years.
All academic goals for the upcoming year
In working with Audubon Center of the North Woods (ACNW) Discovery Public School has
made some big changes in their goals for the 2013-2014 school year. The process took a lot of
discussion and planning, but both the school and its authorizer are now pleased with the
following goals for the upcoming school year.
Discovery Public School of Faribault’s Academic Goals with Audubon Center
of the North Woods (ACNW)
Academic Proficiency
2013 Reading MCA Results:
In 2013 53 % of students in grades 6-12 enrolled October 1 scored proficient on the MCA
Reading Test. The school met its goal of 36%. (9/17)
(The school has also included students who have passed the Grad portion of the MCA Test
as proficient)
(The school will adjust these year by year goals on an annual basis to reflect a 3% increase
per year in the number of student’s proficient. The goals read the way they were prepared
for the contract goals with ACNW.)
Reading Proficiency Goals
By 2016, 45% of all students in grades 6-12 enrolled by October 1 will achieve proficiency in
reading as measured by annual MCA tests.
This represents an increase of 3% annually from the school’s 2012 level of 33%.
Year by Year Breakdown
13
By 2014, 39% of all students in grades 6-12 enrolled by October 1 will achieve proficiency in
reading as measured by annual MCA tests.
By 2015, 42% of all students in grades 6-12 enrolled by October 1 will achieve proficiency in
reading as measured by annual MCA tests.
By 2016, 45% of all students in grades 6-12 enrolled by October 1 will achieve proficiency in
reading as measured by annual MCA tests.
2013 Math MCA Results:
In 2013 38 % of students in grades 6-12 enrolled October 1 scored proficient on the MCA
Math Test. The school met its goal of 17%. (6/16)
(The school has also included students who have passed the Grad portion of the MCA Test
as proficient)
(The school will adjust these year by year goals on an annual basis to reflect a 3% increase
per year in the number of student’s proficient. The goals read the way they were prepared
for the contract goals with ACNW.)
Math Proficiency Goals
By 2016, 26% of all students in grades 6-12 enrolled by October 1 will achieve proficiency as
measured by annual MCA tests.
This represents an increase of 3% annually from the school’s 2012 level of 14%.
Year by Year Breakdown
By 2014, 20% of all students in grades 6-12 enrolled by October 1 will achieve proficiency in
math as measured by annual MCA tests.
By 2015, 23% of all students in grades 6-12 enrolled by October 1 will achieve proficiency in
math as measured by annual MCA tests.
By 2016, 26% of all students in grades 6-12 enrolled by October 1 will achieve proficiency in
math as measured by annual MCA tests.
Academic Growth
Reading Growth Goals:
This data is from the NWEA Achievement Status and Growth Summary Report.
The NWEA tests are administered in October and May. Only students who are enrolled during
both testing windows are included in the results.
14
By 2016, 64% of all students in grades 6-12 enrolled by October 1 will make their expected
growth on the NWEA Reading Test.
This represents an increase of 2% annually from the school’s 2013 level of 57.9%.
Year by Year Breakdown
In 2013 57.9% of students made their expected growth on NWEA Reading Test from the fall
testing window to the spring testing window.
In 2014, 60% of students will make their expected growth on the NWEA Reading Test from the
fall testing window to the spring testing window.
In 2015, 62% of students will make their expected growth on the NWEA Reading Test from the
fall testing window to the spring testing window.
In 2016, 64% of students will make their expected growth on the NWEA Reading Test from the
fall testing window to the spring testing window.
Math Growth Goals:
This data is from the NWEA Achievement Status and Growth Summary Report.
The NWEA tests are administered in October and May. Only students who are enrolled during
both testing windows are included in the results.
By 2016, 40% of all students in grades 6-12 enrolled by October 1 will make their expected
growth on the NWEA Math Test.
This represents an increase of 2.2% annually from the school’s 2013 level of 33.4%.
Year by Year Breakdown
In 2013 33.4% of students made their expected growth on NWEA Math Test from the fall testing
window to the spring testing window.
In 2014, 36% of students will make their expected growth on NWEA Math Test from the fall
testing window to the spring testing window.
In 2015, 38% of students will make their expected growth on NWEA Math Test from the fall
testing window to the spring testing window.
In 2016, 40% of students will make their expected growth on NWEA Math Test from the fall
testing window to the spring testing window.
15
Reading Curriculum-based Proficiency Goal
LANGUAGE! Placement Test
Data for the Language test is from Fall of 2011 to Fall of 2012. It only measures students who
were enrolled for that full year.
Of the 30 students measured in fall of 2011 and again in fall of 2012, the average RL increase
was 1.19. RL means reading grade level as measured by LANGUAGE! Placement Test, Sopris
West.
By 2016, all students in grades 6-12 enrolled by October 1 will grow by more than one grade
level in reading.
This represents an increase of 2% annually.
Year by Year Breakdown
In 2012, we had 57% of our students in grades 6-12 enrolled by October 1 grow by more than
one grade level in reading. (17/30)
In 2013, 59% of students in grades 6-12 enrolled by October 1 will grow by more than one grade
level in reading.
In 2014, 61% of students in grades 6-12 enrolled by October 1 will grow by more than one grade
level in reading.
In 2015, 63% of students in grades 6-12 enrolled by October 1 will grow by more than one grade
level in reading.
In 2016, 65% of students in grades 6-12 enrolled by October 1 will grow by more than one grade
level in reading.
Math Curriculum-based Proficiency Goal
Math Placement Test (85 Question Diagnostic Test)
(5 points represents a 6% increase in a student’s score)
16
In 2013 70% of students in grades 9-12 enrolled October 1 improved their score on the Math
Placement Test by 5 points.
Year by Year Breakdown
In 2014, 72% of students in grades 9-12 enrolled October 1 will improve their score on the Math
Placement Test by 5 points.
In 2015, 74% of students in grades 9-12 enrolled October 1 will improve their score on the Math
Placement Test by 5 points.
In 2016, 76% of students in grades 9-12 enrolled October 1 will improve their score on the Math
Placement Test by 5 points.
Writing proficiency goal
In 2013 100% of students enrolled as of October 1 scored proficient on the Grad Writing Test.
In 2014 100% of students enrolled as of October 1 will score proficient on the Grad Writing
Test.
In 2015 100% of students enrolled as of October 1 will score proficient on the Grad Writing
Test.
In 2016 100% of students enrolled as of October 1 will score proficient on the Grad Writing
Test.
Mission Related Goals
Community Service:
The school has developed the following mission-specific goal as part of its new contract:
By 2014, 100% of students at Discovery Public School of Faribault will have engaged in a
minimum of 3 different community activities with a minimal time commitment to be 10 hours.
(measuring those enrolled after week 1)
This will be done through the school’s curriculum and after school activities. The school
believes this will help students to develop social skills. The school also hopes these activities
will help build positive relationships in the community.
By 2015, 100% of students at Discovery Public School of Faribault will have engaged in a
minimum of 3 different community activities with a minimal time commitment to be 10 hours.
(measuring those enrolled after week 1)
17
By 2016, 100% of students at Discovery Public School of Faribault will have engaged in a
minimum of 3 different community activities with a minimal time commitment to be 10 hours.
(measuring those enrolled after week 1)
Post-Secondary Readiness Goal:
In 2014 100% of students in grades 9-12 will complete a Post-Secondary Plan that will be
updated biannually.
In 2015 100% of students in grades 9-12 will complete a Post-Secondary Plan that will be
updated biannually.
In 2016 100% of students in grades 9-12 will complete a Post-Secondary Plan that will be
updated biannually.
Plan will include:
•
•
•
4 year college plan
Technical School Plan (job training)
Job Application Plan
Environmental Education
Discovery Public School of Faribault has been working hard to continue building the school’s
Environmental Education Program. Staff and students have been involved in a variety of
different environmental education activities, and the school will try and build on these activities
each year.
The school has set the following goals to help improve this program:
*Implementation of an Environmental Science class into the current curriculum with a goal of
every student completing on year in the course. We look forward to teaching the students more
about their carbon footprints, saving energy, participating in the annual bird count, and how to
live in balance with the Earth.
*Discovery Public School currently engages the students in Environmental Service Projects.
These service projects will be given more structure and incorporated into the Environmental
Science classes.
*Students will make more field trips to the River Bend Nature Center and other area resources to
incorporate more experiential learning to further the students understanding and appreciation for
Environmental Sciences.
Discovery Public School has participated in the following activities over the past year:
18
*Adopt A Highway
*Straight River Trail clean up
* 2013 SE Area “MN Environthon”
* Participation with the local food shelf, ringing bells for Salvation Army, and ‘Feed My
Starving Children’ events
*Take home kits for energy and water conservation observance in the home
*School wide recycling and energy saving measures
*Discovery Sports Club: kids learn about outdoor activities, their impact on the environment,
and ways to enjoy nature
The school looks forward to adding many activities to this list in future years, as well as
continued participation in the activities above. This year the school plans to implement an onsite
garden, start onsite composting, maintain science classroom pets, and participate in Buckthorn
reduction at the Riverbend Nature Center.
School Report Card
Our School Report Card can be found at:
http://education.state.mn.us/ReportCard2005/index.do
Operational Performance
Discovery Public School of Faribault is currently operating at an all-time high! The School has
had a very hard working staff that has been returning each year. Keeping a staff together has
made a big difference for us as a school and also for our students. The school is continuously
adding employees where needed. The school was able to keep second Special Education teacher
employed during the 2012-2013 school year, and plans to do the same going forward.
Our School Board has also been operating well. The core of our Board has been in place for
quite a while now, and our paper work is all in order. The School Board will be looking to fill
their final open seat.
Innovative Practices and Implementation
The school has tried many different strategies to stay current with technology and improve
student achievement and testing scores. Over the past few years the school has put together a
much better computer lab, and purchased some programs to go along with them.
The School purchased a program called Skills Tutor, and also implemented the NWEA online
test. Skills Tutor is a program where students work alone on a computer. They pick a subject
and then must complete lessons for that subject. They must then pass a test to move on. We
have found this successful, especially in the area of Special Education.
19
Discovery School has also partnered with the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA). The
School now gives the NWEA Map test. This enables us to track students learning throughout the
year. We can then study specific student results, and use that to help them improve.
Future Plans
Discovery Public School of Faribault believes there is a definite need for the school in the
community, and that it is helping many kids to succeed. Future plans include expanding our
computer lab, and getting more computers in our resource room. Along with this we will also
need to budget for more up to date educational supplies, such as textbooks and online programs.
The school is currently working to raise enrollment. An ad is being placed in the local paper on
a quarterly basis. The school hopes to continue having excellent staff retention. The school
hopes to continue to have success in future years, and looks forward to improving student
achievement.
School’s Non Profit Status
Our school was given a 501(c)3 status as Covenant Academy in 2001. Our school has had to
move to a new facility and we changed our name to Discovery Public School. At the time, we
were unclear about having to submit another 1023 application to the IRS to apply for our 501(c)3
status again. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions.
Authorizer Information
Discovery Pubic School of Faribault’s authorizer is Audubon Center of the North Woods. The
Audubon Center of the North Woods is a private, non-profit residential environmental learning
center (RELC), a wildlife rehabilitation facility, and conference & retreat center nestled on the
shores of Grindstone Lake near Sandstone, MN in east-central Minnesota.
Discovery Public School signed a three year contract with Audubon in July of 2011, and looks
forward to working together in future years!
Audubon Center of the North Woods
(Located just 90 miles from the Twin Cities and St. Cloud and 70 miles from Duluth)
P.O. Box 530 (shipping address = 54165 Audubon Dr.), Sandstone, MN 55072
Phone: (320)245-2648; Fax: (320)245-5272
Charter School Authorization
20
David Greenberg, Lead Coordinator, greenberg@auduboncharterschools.org
Charter School Director - Job Description
TITLE: Principal / Director
REPORTS TO: School Board
SUPERVISES: All administrative, professional, paraprofessional, and non-teaching
personnel
POSITION OBJECTIVE:
 The Principal/Executive Director is the executive, educational, and instructional
leader of the school.
 The Principal/Executive Director, who serves as the lead administrator of the
school, is hired and reports directly to the School Board.
 The position entails general and specific responsibilities as required by the
Minnesota Association of Charter Schools Office, Minnesota Department of
Education, School Board for Discovery Public School, and the Charter School’s
Accountability Plan
 These responsibilities are unique to this school and its population.
QUALIFICATIONS:
 Must have a minimum of a BA Education (Administrative License Preferred)
 Charter School Experience (Preferred)
 Must possess knowledge of Charter School Law
 Budget development and Management
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 Implementation of standards-based curriculum
 Demonstrates experience in educational leadership
Ability to:
 Work effectively with School Board
 Develop and maintain positive and productive relationships with the
Department of Education, staff, students, parents, and the community
Effectively lead school
 Effectively lead a diverse staff and student population
 Effectively implement data-driven decisions following the school’s Accountability
Plan
School Board Communication
 Director (Ex-Officio) regularly communicates with the Chairman of the School
Board, and other board members
 Regularly attend School Board Meetings
 Reports to and seeks input from School Board
 Develops and implements recommendations of the School Board regarding the
governance of Discovery Public School
 Regularly report to the Board on school activities and relevant matters
 Sits on the Board as a non-voting ex-officio member
Personnel and Programs
 Within the school community, inspire a culture of excellence that is centered on
the School’s vision
 Manages and supervises all full and part-time staff
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 Oversees annual evaluations of teacher’s and other administrative staff
Oversees the development and maintenance of job descriptions, personnel
policies and procedures
 Insure that all teachers are highly qualified, certified
 Coordinates and oversees staff development and training that is aligned to the
State Requirements and School’s Accountability Plan
 Conducts regular staff meeting
Financial
 Oversees the development of the School’s annual budget in coordination with the
School Board
 Presents the annual budget to the School Board or final approval, and is
responsible for the implementation of the budget
 Maintains on-going communication regarding financial decisions with the Finance
Committee (attends monthly meetings)
 Oversees the preparation of monthly financial reports to the Finance Committee
of the School Board
 Oversees the reporting of financial data to the State Department of Education
 Oversees all financial transactions including payroll
Parents/Community
 Maintains an open-door policy for parents
 Participates in teacher-parent conferences when appropriate
 Articulates the schools mission and vision to parents and the community
Conducts annual parent surveys and recommends changes to School Board
when appropriate
 Conducts community outreach programs in order to create a positive influence in
the community
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Professional Development Plan for a Charter School Director
(Without Administrative License)
The goal of this professional development plan is to continually develop the skills
necessary for our school’s director. If the Director does not possess an Administrative
License they must demonstrate competency in the following areas:
Community Relations
 Director/School will partner with organizations within the community that will
benefit the school and it’s students
 Director will be involved in raising funds for the school by communication with
local businesses
 Director will ensure that the school maintains a positive standing within the
community
School Finance and Budgeting
 Director will attend monthly finance meetings with the School Board Finance
Committee
 Maintain regular contact with the school’s accounting firm
 Work with the School Board to ensure that the school is always put in the best
financial position
 Oversee all Grants and Reporting that involve the school’s budget
 Consistently gain knowledge and experience in the field of finance through
attending necessary meetings and trainings
Supervision and Evaluation of Personnel
 Director will maintain a professional environment in the workplace
 Ensure professional behavior by all employees, and discipline employees if
necessary
 Observe all staff on a regular basis to be sure they are acting appropriately and
professionally
 Director will observe each teacher on an annual basis, and fill out an evaluation
sheet that will be kept on file by the school
 Observe teacher’s new to the school twice annually
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Federal and State Civil Rights and Education Laws
 Director will ensure that the school exhibits equal employment and treatment of
all staff regardless of race, gender, disability, or economic status
 Director will ensure that the school exhibits equal treatment of all students
regardless of race, gender, disability, or economic status
 Attend at least one conference on Charter School Law annually to keep current
with new laws and practice.
Organization and Planning




Ensure all reporting, testing, and finances are in order
Keep all school records and important documents in an orderly fashion
Have all teaching staff keep curriculum mapping up to date for each school year
Always plan ahead for a year in advance (staffing / finance)
Educational Leadership
 Director will lead the school according to the board’s vision and the school’s
mission statement
 Be prepared to handle any problems that arise on a day to day basis throughout
the year
 Exhibit positive and professional leadership qualities throughout each school
year
Educational Philosophy and Theory
 Director will do their job according to the school’s vision and mission statement
 Maintain a positive atmosphere within the building between staff and students
 Be sure all students and staff are treated equally
Effective Instruction
 Director will oversee all staff and be sure they are fully licensed at all times, and
teaching their subject to the correct standards
 Keep up to date curriculum in classrooms
 Observe and report on teacher’s annually
 Continually work to improve school’s academic progress
Curriculum Development
 Director will be sure all teachers are correctly licensed for subjects they are
teaching
 Organize staff workshops for improvement
 Constantly try to update curriculum in classrooms
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Staff Development
 Provide professional development opportunities for staff at the school
 Provide new teachers with a mentor at the school to help get them started
 Lead staff meetings on a regular basis
Equal Employment Practices
 Director will abide by all employment laws and practices set by the Minnesota
Department of Education
At the end of each school year the Director will meet with the School Board’s
Administrative Review Committee. At this meeting the Committee and Director will go
through the Director’s Job Description and Professional Development Plan. Together
they will choose one of the key competency areas that both would like to see the
Director improve on. At that time they will discuss a way to address that need. This
could be in the form of a class, training, online tutorials, etc.
Evaluation Process
Charter School Director Evaluation
The Director of Discovery Public School will be evaluated on an annual basis by the
School Board’s Administrative Review Committee. At this time the Director and
Committee will first go through the Job Description for the Director. Together they will
evaluate how well the Director is fulfilling that Description. Recommendations may be
voiced by the Committee.
Secondly, the Committee will go over each area of the Director’s Professional
Development Plan. The Committee will ensure that the Director is meeting all
requirements of that plan. They will also, with the director, choose one key competency
area that both feel the director could make improvement on. Once that area is chosen
the Committee and Director will agree upon a plan for the Director to address this need.
Lastly, the Committee will summarize the input received from students, parents, and
staff on the current director. This input will come in the form of a short survey on
performance of the School and the Director. Both strengths and weaknesses will be
discussed, and also any changes that the Committee feels should be made. This
information will be summarized and shared with the whole school board at the next
board meeting.
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Parent 360 Plan
A short survey will be mailed to all parents towards the end of each school year. The
survey will ask questions about both the School and Director’s performance, and if the
parent is satisfied with this performance. It will ask what areas, if any the School or
Director can to improve on. These surveys will be reviewed by the School Boards
Administrative Review Committee.
Student 360 Plan
A short survey will be given to all students towards the end of each school year. The
survey will ask questions about both the School and Director’s performance, and if the
student has been satisfied with their experience at the school. It will ask what areas, if
any the School or Director can improve on. These surveys will be reviewed by the
School Boards Administrative Review Committee.
Staff 360 Plan
A short survey will be given to all staff towards the end of each school year. The survey
will ask questions about both the School and Director’s performance, and if the staff
member is satisfied with this performance. It will ask what areas, if any the School or
Director can to improve on. These surveys will be reviewed by the School Boards
Administrative Review Committee.
Performance Appraisal
After review of the surveys filled out by parents, students, and staff the Administrative
Review Board Committee will fill out a Performance Appraisal on the Director. On this
appraisal the Director will be evaluated on key objectives important to their position.
The committee will rate the Director on a scale of 1-5 for each area. These results will
be shared with the School Board at the next meeting.
Teacher Evaluation Process
During the school year each teacher will be observed by the Director at least one time.
New teachers must be reviewed twice. The Director will then fill out a Performance
Appraisal for each teacher. The Director will then discuss this Performance Appraisal
with the teacher giving examples of both strengths and weaknesses. This evaluation
will be kept on file at the school, and discussed with the School Board if the Director has
any concerns.
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Finance
Discovery Public School is in good financial shape. The school’s finances are handled
by Beltz, Kes, Darling, and Associates. Attached is a report of the schools up to date
finances.
Discovery Public School of Faribault
Faribault, MN
Preliminary Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2013
Audited
Balance
June 30, 2012
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and Investments
Accounts Receivable
Due from Other Funds
State Aids Receivable - fy 2011-12
MDE/State Aids Receivable/(Deferred Rev.)
Estimated Federal Aids Receivable 2012-13
Prepaid Expenses and Deposits
Total Current Assets
Total All Assets
Liabilities and Fund Balance
Current Liabilities
Salaries and Wages Payable, fy 2012-13
Ending
Balance
June 30, 2013
46,052
201
0
282,885
10,629
8,396
348,163
207,026
0
0
(0)
87,128
7,559
8,808
310,521
348,163
310,521
41,558
50,453
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Accounts Payable
Line of Credit Payable
12,906
0
(36)
0
0
0
11,655
14,291
0
0
66,119
64,707
191,072
90,972
282,044
Due to Other Funds
Payroll Deductions and Contributions
Deferred Revenue
Total Current Liabilities
Fund Balance
Fund Balance 6-30-2011
Net Income fy 11-12
Estimated Net Income fy 12-13
Total Fund Balance
282,044
(36,230)
245,814
Total Liabilities and Fund Balance
348,163
310,521
Discovery Public School of Faribault
Faribault, MN
Statement of Revenues and Expenditures
June 30, 2013
12/12
General Fund - 01
Revenues
State Revenues
General Education Aid
Charter School Lease Aid
Special Education Aid
Estimated State Aid fyd 2012-13
FY 201213
Adopted
Budget
65
FY 2012-13
Revised
Budget
50
571,084
66,240
155,449
487,110
66,240
170,710
100%
Year to
Date
Activity
Percent
of
Budget
414,318
57,231
149,716
87,128
85.1%
86.4%
87.7%
29
Total State Revenues
792,773
724,060
708,393
97.8%
Federal Revenues
Title Programs, I & II
Special Education Aid, F419
Education Jobs Fund, F152
REAP Funds
Total Federal Revenues
23,438
22,031
0
17,367
62,836
22,254
21,732
0
17,367
61,353
22,254
21,731
0
17,367
61,352
100.0%
100.0%
0.0%
100.0%
100.0%
Local Revenues
Interest Earnings
Truancy Grant
SHIP Grant
Donations & Contributions
Miscellaneous local Revenues, snack fund
Total Local Revenues
0
10,000
0
1,000
2,500
13,500
0
10,000
1,500
1,300
5,000
17,800
0
9,999
1,433
1,200
7,279
19,911
0.0%
100.0%
0.0%
92.3%
145.6%
111.9%
Total Revenues
869,109
803,213
789,657
98%
Working Budget adjustments
Expenditures
Salaries and Benefits including contracted
staffing
Salaries payable fy 12-13, included in salaries
total
Contracted Services
Communications Services
Postage
Utilities
Property and Liability Insurance
Repairs and Maintenance, mowing and plowing
Contracted Transportation (spec ed cost)
Travel, Conferences, and Staff Training
Building Lease
Other Rentals and Operating Leases
Supplies - Non Instructional
Supplies - Bldg Maint
Instructional Supplies
Textbooks & Media resources
Fuel
Rice Co. Mini Grant Discovery Sports Club
Equipment & Technology Equipment
(65,896)
401,611
400,036
388,833
97.2%
60,663
4,397
1,083
14,971
11,119
6,544
0
2,111
73,600
2,798
8,282
2,679
1,724
1,099
318
0
3,723
78,111
4,397
852
14,000
11,119
5,744
0
2,111
73,600
2,152
5,782
3,979
1,724
864
318
0
3,723
0
80,511
2,310
568
14,000
6,071
5,926
0
497
73,600
2,498
6,846
3,917
1,413
833
210
0
2,660
incl above
103.1%
52.6%
66.8%
100.0%
54.6%
103.2%
0.0%
23.5%
100.0%
116.1%
118.4%
98.4%
82.0%
96.3%
66.0%
0.0%
71.5%
30
Interest Expense
Dues and Memberships; Fees
Other Expenses
State Special Ed
Title Programs - Federal
Federal Special Ed, Director and Specialists
Subtotal Expenditures
Transfers to Other Funds
Total Expenditures
Expenditures Working Budget
adjustments
General Fund Net Income
Food Services Fund - 02
Revenues
State Revenues
Federal Revenues
Sale of Lunches and Other Local Revenues
Transfer from General Fund
Total Revenues
0
12,375
2,378
170,710
23,438
21,732
0
10,375
2,379
170,710
22,254
21,732
90
10,376
1,922
171,411
22,254
21,393
0.0%
100.0%
80.8%
100.4%
100.0%
98.4%
827,355
835,961
818,140
97.9%
0
0
0
827,355
835,961
818,140
97.9%
8,606
41,754
(32,748)
(28,483)
4,265
0
20,596
0
0
0
13,107
0
0
437
8,831
3,998
0
0.0%
67.4%
0.0%
0.0%
20,596
13,107
13,266
101.2%
(7,489)
Expenditures
Salaries and Wages
Employee Benefits
Purchased Services
Supplies and Materials
0
0
20,596
0
0
0
21,241
0
2,200
405
416
17,991
0.0%
0.0%
2.0%
0.0%
Total Expenditures
20,596
21,241
21,013
98.9%
0
645
(8,134)
(7,747)
792,773
83,432
724,060
74,460
708,831
70,183
Food Services Fund Net Income
Total All Funds
Revenues
State Revenues
Federal Revenues
387
97.9%
94.3%
31
Local Revenues
13,500
17,800
23,909
134.3%
Total Revenues
889,705
816,320
802,923
98.4%
391,438
186,398
31,210
2,660
90
227,356
839,153
97.9%
87.4%
246.4%
71.5%
0.0%
100.0%
97.9%
(73,385)
Expenditures
Salaries and Benefits
Purchased Services
Supplies and Materials
Equipment
Short Term Financing Costs
Other (Fundraising, Special Ed, Dues, etc.)
Total Expenditures
401,611
197,882
14,102
3,723
0
230,633
847,951
400,036
213,327
12,668
3,723
0
227,449
857,202
9,251
Total Revenues All Funds
Total Expenditures All Funds
Net Income - All Funds
889,705
847,951
816,320
857,202
802,923
839,153
98.4%
97.9%
41,754
(40,882)
(36,230)
4,653
Net working budget adjustments revenue less expense
Fund Balance, All Funds as of June 30, 2012
Projected Fund Balance, All Funds, June 30, 2013
282,044
323,798
38%
$ (82,636)
282,044
241,162
28%
282,044
245,814
29%
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