This information includes highlights of information received by the Ladue Schools Board of Education at the October 25, 2023 Board of Education business meeting. This is an unofficial record. Official minutes of each Board meeting are posted on the district website and are available for viewing at the Administrative Center after the Board approves them, typically two weeks after the meeting.

View a recording from the October 25 Business Meeting

Board President Remarks

• On behalf of the Ladue Schools Board of Education, we want to acknowledge that our hearts are heavy for our students and families who are suffering under the weight of war between Israel and Hamas. I would like to invite our entire community and those in this room for a moment of silence for the victims of violence in the Middle East … thank you.

• I would also like to add that I am incredibly proud of two LHWHS student affinity groups: our Jewish Student Union and our Muslim Student Association have partnered to raise funds for the International Committee of the Red Cross. The ICRC is an impartial, neutral, and independent organization with the humanitarian mission to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other violent situations and to provide them with assistance. Anyone who wishes to contribute can offer support and donate to the fund by visiting the high school website for additional information.

• Our commitment as a district to offer ongoing support for our students and families is unwavering and we are here to assist any students or staff who may be struggling as events unfold in the media and on social media platforms about the war.

• On October 4 we hosted the MSBA regional fall meeting for District 7.

• On October 7, I participated, along with Dr. Wipke, Marissa Rosen, and several others, participated in the Ladue Education Foundation ‘Due Run.

• Later that afternoon, I also participated in the Prop L tours of Ladue Middle School, Old Bonhomme, and Spoede, along with Jeff Kopolow. We gave tours to more than 100 taxpayers to give them a sneak peek of our new buildings before they officially hold their ribbon-cuttings. I would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Wipke, Mike Noonan, our building administrators, the Communications Department, and the students who assisted with those tours.

• I want to give a shoutout to LMS math teacher Brian Griffin who will be honored at the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Awards Gala on November 4.

• On November 18, Dr. Patricia Wilson and Leah Crawford will receive the Apple for the Teacher Award.

Superintendent Remarks

• We successfully completed the first quarter of the academic year on Oct. 13. Reflecting on our journey since the beginning of the school year, it’s evident that a lot has transpired. I want to share my heartfelt appreciation with the Board of Education for all of its support this quarter because we have had some obstacles to overcome. Our collective efforts continue to propel us forward and we’ve made some significant strides in some areas. Our commitment to fulfilling our promises of Prop L remains strong; we’ve achieved substantial progress in realizing these goals. Our students have exhibited remarkable growth and achievement during the first quarter; their dedication to learning and the tireless efforts of our educators have yielded impressive results. Kudos to our teachers – conference nights are long nights for our teachers and staff but they are well worth it. I’m thrilled to share that we have excelled in some areas of sports and after-school activities. I just want to highlight two: our girls’ tennis team won state again which is quite an accomplishment. Our girls’ volleyball team made it to the district championship game, so we’ve had some significant milestones.

• Let’s talk a little bit about our celebrations: it would not be this time of year without trunk-or-treats, dance-a-thons, and all kinds of things that don’t happen without the support of our parents. I’m participating this Sunday at the Fifth Grade Center for a pie in the face; I’m sure there will be a few that want to participate and attend that with me.

• Looking ahead, I’m excited to announce that we will participate in the MSBA conference in Kansas City Nov. 2-4. I’m anticipating a great conference where we will learn a lot.

• I want to recognize two other items of importance for our community to know. Our Finance and Facilities Committee led by Dr. Geoff Macy met for the first time. This is where we start to break down and analyze a new five-year plan for our facilities. We had several of our Board members there along with Dr. Macy and Mike Noonan and I want to thank Dr. Macy for his leadership and we look forward to many more meetings.

• I have student advisory committees that meet at both the middle school and high school. We can anticipate significant contributions from these student groups because we are going to work on some critical issues surrounding drug and alcohol use and vaping. These initiatives are part of our commitment to providing students with a well-rounded and informed education.

ACTION ITEMS

S.M. Wilson Presentation, Change Order Requests, and Pay Application

Representatives from S.M. Wilson provided updates on construction progress and Ladue Middle School, Old Bonhomme Elementary, and Spoede Elementary, along with the latest change order requests and pay application.

Wachter Presentation, Change Order Request, and Pay Application

Representatives from Wachter, Inc. provided updates on construction progress and Conway Elementary and Reed Elementary, along with the latest change order requests and pay application.

2024-25 Board of Education Meeting Schedule

The Board voted to table a vote on the proposed Board of Education 2024-25 meeting dates until January 24, 2024.

Candidate Filing Agreement

The Board voted to reject the candidate filing agreement with the St. Louis County Board of Elections.

Board Policy Updates

The Board approved updates to policies BBF, BBBA-1, AC, and EF.

Right at School

The Board approved a partnership with Right at School to provide before- and after-school enrichment programs for the district.

INFORMATION ITEMS

Counselor/SEB Team Presentation

Members of the district’s Social/Emotional/Behavioral Team and school counselors provided updates on the district’s counseling and SEB initiatives.

2023-24 SSD Partnership Agreement

Dr. Wallace gave a presentation on the 2023-24 Ladue Schools partnership agreement with Special School District.

Student Enrollment and Projections

Dr. Wallace gave a presentation outlining student enrollment for the current school year.

2023-24 Budget Update

Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Dr. Geoff Macy provided an update on the 2023-24 budget.

Spoede Roof Top Unit Replacement

Director of Facilities Mike Noonan shared information about replacement of the two roof top air conditioning units above the Spoede Elementary gym. Administration recommends awarding the work to Jarrell Contracting for the installed cost of $78,661 for both units.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

The next Board of Education regular business meeting is Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023. The Meeting ID will be posted on the Featured tab of BoardDocs when the meeting information is officially posted.