LTUSD recap for August 10 board meeting

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - During the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) board meeting on August 10, staff and the trustees heard several items from the recent two-day board retreat to positive changes to math instruction at Sierra House Elementary.

Here is a recap of that meeting:

LTUSD Superintendent Dr. Cutler informed board members that the District Leadership Team attended a retreat on August 8 and 9, 2023. Dr. Angie Taylor of Guardian Quest LLC. facilitated informative discussions around Orgometrics and Equametrics survey data gathered over the last three years. District Leaders analyzed the survey data to identify three areas of focus for the year: aligning the system with the District’s vision and mission, effective communication about the vision and mission, and cultural awareness. On day two of the retreat, Nicole Anderson of Nicole Anderson and Associates Consulting LLC. focused the training and discussions on the mission statement and what it means to embrace diversity and promote equity. Dr. Cutler noted that our “leaders left the two days tired, but inspired”.

New staff orientation will be August 23 with a welcome back to all staff on August 24. School starts on August 28.

Dr. Cutler said he is excited to welcome everyone back to school and is looking forward to a wonderful year.

During public comment, Dave Norton requested that the Board grant him the opportunity to purchase the naming rights for a driveway at South Tahoe Middle School. Superintendent Cutler committed to follow-up regarding next steps.

Public Information Officer (PIO) Teresa Schow provided an update to the Board on recent developments in the PIO office. She highlighted the recently organized South Lake Tahoe PIO group who are collaborating and training in order to be better prepared in the event of an emergency or crisis in the community.

Principal Karin Holmes and Content Area Specialist Trish Suglian provided the Board with an overview of the positive changes that Sierra House Elementary staff made to math instruction for K-3 students. Staff now regularly analyze data and implement immediate changes to teaching so that all students gain mastery of the math concepts.

Director of Multilingual Learner Equity Karen Goldberg presented an update to the Board regarding the Core Districts Improvement Academy. The District focused on supporting English Learner (EL)/ ‘multilingual” students and the EL Roadmap because of the poor performance of English Learners. Goldberg noted that the goal of achieving 100 percent of teachers increasing their expertise in the school’s selected EL Roadmap is aligned with the District's vision of discovering and fostering the unique talents and potential of all students.

Director of Student Services Beth Shepherd highlighted the summer program for LTUSD students. Forty-three students attended, LTUSD provided the bus transportation, and the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe (BGCLT) provided meals for the students. In partnership with BGCLT, LTUSD provided 365 summer camp opportunities to local children which included Bay Area overnight trips, boating trips on Lake Tahoe, and summer camp fun. Director Shepherd added that Jump Start programs will begin the week of August 14, 2023.

Associate Superintendent Dr. Alan Reeder opened a discussion of the proposed changes to board policies and administrative regulations regarding grades and evaluation of student achievement, homework and makeup work, and absences and excuses. Several board members had questions about the changes and wanted to confirm that teachers had an opportunity to provide input before the changes were adopted. In order to give teachers time to review the changes and provide input, this will be an action item at the September 14 meeting.

The Board approved Non-Resident Fees for the 2023-24 school in the amount of $8880.00 for the academic year.