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Rapid City Area School Board names evaluation priorities, plans to set metrics and schedule follow-up
Summary
Board members used a SuperEval tool to rate governance standards, identified four priorities (data monitoring, board development, community communications, governance practices) and approved a motion to hold an executive session; they agreed to finalize measurable district metrics in a later meeting.
Board members of Rapid City Area School District 51-4 reviewed results from a SuperEval board self-evaluation and identified areas to convert into annual board objectives, including data-driven monitoring of district goals, board professional development, improved communication with the community, and a board-governance review.
President Troy Carr guided the review of the evaluation results and said no standard was rated ineffective. The board identified three lowest-rated standards to address: 1C (board regularly monitors progress on district goals, instruction and student achievement with data-based information), 1E (board conducts self-evaluation and participates in professional development) and 3B (communication and community relations). Members later added 2D (board governance responsibilities and delegation to the superintendent) to the list of annual objectives.
Several board members said they wanted clearer, higher-level district metrics rather than broad or selectively chosen reports from administration. “If attendance is a goal, I want specific data on attendance,” said Jamie Clapham, vice president. Christine Stephenson and others urged the board to be more rigorous in selecting metrics so the board can see year-to-year comparisons and measure progress on strategic-plan outcomes.
Board members proposed a practical approach: the board’s objective would be to identify 3–5 district metrics it wants to monitor and then require regular reports on those measures. Jamie Clapham suggested a timeline for completing that identification: “Within the next three months, we’re going to have identified the data that we want given to us as a board.” Members discussed collecting input by email or survey and then prioritizing metrics at a future study session.
The board also discussed professional development and noted the district-sponsored session with consultant David Barker was part of the paid superintendent-evaluation work. Board member Walt Swan said academic outcomes for Native American students should be a potential focus when selecting metrics.
Other operational items included scheduling and communications. Board staff said a paper master calendar of committee dates is in board binders; members asked for a digital calendar and calendar invites. Sheila, the board clerk, said she would circulate an updated schedule and work with administration to publish a master digital calendar for board members.
Procedural actions: the board approved the proposed agenda as amended at the start of the meeting in a roll-call vote with all six present voting yes. Later the board moved and approved a motion to enter executive session for reasons 1 and 3; the roll-call vote was unanimous.
Board members noted upcoming events: student representatives will begin attending board meetings starting Oct. 7, and the board agreed to continue refining the objectives and specific metrics at a future study session or by email prior to the next formal meeting.
