This information includes highlights of information received by the Ladue Schools Board of Education at the November 8, 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 November 8 Work Session

Board President Remarks

• Last weekend, Peter, Pablo, and I had the pleasure of presenting at an MSBA conference along with Dr. Wipke and Dr. Macy. It was a great opportunity to build fellowship with other board members from across the state, and I believe this was the first time that MSBA collaborated with MOASBA. It was an opportunity for us to see how education is advancing across the state and learn how we can partner with our partners.

Superintendent Remarks

• On Saturday night, we had the honor of recognizing LMS math teacher Brian Griffin for receiving the Excellence in Education Award from the St. Louis American Foundation. The Foundation put on a very nice dinner and banquet for all of the award recipients and we are super proud of Brian.

• Our middle school has opened yet another new section of renovated space. The band room and orchestra room are now open for business and they look outstanding.

• Parent University is Nov. 15 and should be a fantastic event. All families are welcome and dinner will be provided. Topics to be covered include college and career information, what parents should know about drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and vaping, safety and security in our district, sextortion, special education, and suicide awareness and prevention.

• I want to compliment Jess Winningham who directed Puffs, an outstanding high school play, and I appreciate everything she did to lead that. All of the kids were just wonderful.

• We had 19 students earn a spot in the All-Suburban Honors Concert Band and Jazz Band. We also had five students earn a spot in the All-Suburban Honors Choir. There are so many good things going on in our music programs.

• The high school’s Panorama magazine was named Best of Show in newsmagazines by the National Scholastic Press Association and Journalism Education Association at their fall convention. It’s the first time the Panorama has won the award. Several other students were recognized for their works.

• I also want to recognize our  robotics teams, which have already qualified for the Missouri State VEX Robotics Competition later this year. Both our middle and high school teams are doing an outstanding job.

• Our high school boys’ soccer team won districts and will play again this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at home.

ACTION ITEMS

Spoede Roof Top Unit Replacement

Director of Facilities Mike Noonan recommended, and the Board approved, replacement of the two roof top air conditioning units above the Spoede Elementary gym. The contract will be awarded to Jarrell Contracting for the installed cost of $78,661 for both units.

2023-24 SSD Partnership Agreement

The Board approved the proposed 2023-24 partnership agreement with the Special School District.

INFORMATION ITEMS

High School Course Change Proposals for 2024-25 and 2025-26

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Amy Zielinski shared information on course change proposals for the upcoming two school years at LHWHS. They include new courses, course name changes, and course removals.

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.