Altamont School Board, School Officials Discuss Variety of Topics at Work Weekend

The Board reviewed academic data; discussed implementing a Professional Learning Organization plan; and discussed a strategic plan for the Altamont district. The strategic plan will be available on the District's website later this spring once approved by the Board.

The potential addition of an instructional coach/interventionist teaching position was discussed. Superintendent Steve Mayerhofer said it's a relatively new idea focused on providing support to students and staff.

A district technology coordinator position was discussed, since Charlie Niehaus is retiring after this school year. The coordinator would provide overall technology vision and also teach a class.

The Altamont board discussed class size. It was decided the optimal class sizes would be: K-3 16 to 20; Grades 4-8 20 to 25; and Grades 9-12 under 30. It was agreed individual conditions may require higher numbers. The Board also discussed an additional second grade teaching position and a Kindergarten teaching position.

Board members discussed the Altamont district's two-way communication plan, teacher learning teams, building learning teams, and district learning teams. Also discussed were the contracts with district teachers and district support staff, and ways to minimize legal representation on both sides during negotiations.

The Board discussed uses of county facility sales taxes should the measure be approved by voters on April 2, which would have generated $747,000 last year based on Altamont enrollment.

Board members discussed upcoming increases in the state minimum wage, bonds that need retired, potential minimum salaries for increase at the state level for teachers, and the district's financial rating.

Altamont board members also discussed the facilities priority list, the bus and van trade-in schedule, and progress on the new district website.