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Annual Report Annual Report Annual Report Annual Report
2013201320132013----2014201420142014 Duluth Public Schools Academy, 4020Duluth Public Schools Academy, 4020Duluth Public Schools Academy, 4020Duluth Public Schools Academy, 4020----07070707
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Table of ContentsTable of ContentsTable of ContentsTable of Contents
Leadership and Management………………..……………………………………….………………….……………….Page 3
Ratings and Results ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….…..Pages 4-5
Learning Environment………………………………………………………………………………………..……………...Pages 6-7
Programs and Activities………………………………………….…………………………………………..……………..Pages 8-9
Initiatives…………………………………………………………...………………………………………………………………Pages 10-13
Enrollment and Satisfaction……………………......……………………………………………………………………..Page 14
Finances ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………..Pages 15-16
Governance……………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………….Pages 17-20
Staff……………………………………………………………….……………….………………………………………………...Pages 21-27
North Star Academy
3301 Technology Drive
Duluth, MN 55811
218-728-9556
Raleigh Academy
5905 Raleigh Street
Duluth, MN 55807
218-628-0697
Duluth Public Schools Academy, also known as
Duluth Edison Charter Schools, is charter school
district 4020-07 in Minnesota organized to im-
prove pupil learning and achievement, increase
learning opportunities, use different and innova-
tive teaching methods and measure learning out-
comes and create different and innovative forms
of measuring outcomes. This report demon-
strates how we have met these purposes.
Our North Star Academy serves approximately
1,020 students in grades kindergarten through
eight.
Our West Duluth location , Raleigh
Academy, serves 285 students in a K-5
setting.
www.duluthedisoncharterschools.com
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DPSA Board Offers Outstanding Leadership
Our DPSA Board meets monthly for updates on the schools and to make policy decisions. Standing com-
mittees include Executive Committee, Finance Committee, and Personnel/Board Development Committee.
Minutes of board and committee meetings are posted on our web site. In 2012-13 the board established a
high school task force to consider whether DPSA should move into a 9-12 setting. Ongoing discussion of
this issue continues at the board level. In 2013-14, Board members also approved the founding of the Du-
luth Endowment and Legacy Fund, with a goal of raising $25,000 over the next three years to have a per-
manent source for funds for teacher and student projects. The members of our Board are active and in-
volved parents, teachers and community members. See pages 17-20 for a complete listing of board mem-
bers and updates on their required training.
Dedicated to academic and Dedicated to academic and Dedicated to academic and Dedicated to academic and
personal excellence for every student.personal excellence for every student.personal excellence for every student.personal excellence for every student.
Our Authorizer -- Innovative Quality Schools
We are in our third year with Innovative Quality Schools (IQS) as our authorizer. As an authorizer, IQS’
mission is to authorize a variety of chartered schools in both urban and greater Minnesota, hold author-
ized schools accountable for achieving high standards as exemplified by each student being a successful
learner prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century and pursue schools that foster
innovation in public education. Our contract with them is through June 30, 2017 -- a five year contract --
the longest an authorizer can grant.
Our IQS innovation areas include doing a study which identifies the specific services provided by Edi-
sonLearning and the advantages/disadvantages of this arrangement, continuing to facilitate our arrange-
ment with ID 709 to offer our junior academy students high school credit and track with students the
value of that, and work with other IQS schools to select a process to determine the level of Spanish oral
language acquisition, writing and reading. In 2013-14 , approximately 40 percent of our eighth graders
earned high school credit in Intermediate Algebra or Spanish. Initial pre and post assessments were pi-
loted at several grade levels in the 13-14 school year and in 2014-15 additional grades will be added to
this innovation.
Our contact person for IQS is Phil Moye, PhD., [email protected] or (651) 552-9844.
Management Contract with EdisonLearning
The DPSA Board has a management agreement with EdisonLearning to provide a variety of supports including pro-
fessional development for staff and financial and human resources. The company is a leading international educa-
tion solutions provider with nearly 20 years of experience partnering with schools, districts, governments, organi-
zations, charter authorizers and boards. Our schools and EdisonLearning partner to offer quality educational pro-
gramming that is rooted in the eight core values and focused on a five strand design model that include -- leader-
ship, pedagogy and curriculum, achievement for learning, school and family support systems and learning environ-
ment.
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Expect a commitment of excellence from students, Expect a commitment of excellence from students, Expect a commitment of excellence from students, Expect a commitment of excellence from students,
families, and staff.families, and staff.families, and staff.families, and staff.
Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments
One measure of student achievement is how the schools perform on the Minnesota Comprehensive As-
sessments in math and reading. The chart below shows how our building scores in math, reading and sci-
ence compared to the state averages by grade level.
MDE Ratings for our Schools
The Minnesota Department of Education received a federal waiver related to the No Child Left Behind re-
quirements. All Minnesota schools now receive a Multiple Measurement Rating (MMR) to gauge school
performance and Title I schools receive a designation of reward (top 12 percent in the state), focus (the 10
percent of Title I schools showing the largest achievement gaps in the state) and priority (the bottom five
percent of schools on the MMR). Our ratings based on 2013 and 2014 data from the MCAs are as follows:
MMR Rating
North Star Academy’s MMR Rating for 2014 was
63.32%.
Raleigh Academy’s MMR Rating for 2014 was
62.01%.
Based on these ratings, North Star Academy is a
Celebration eligible school. Last year North Star
was a Reward School and in 2011-12 a Celebra-
tion School. Raleigh missed the Celebration des-
ignation by .30.
Grade Level State Average North Star Raleigh
3rd 71.9 71.6 73.8
4th 70.3 67.3 84.8
5th 60.9 65.4 42.3
6th 56.1 63.2
7th 55.6 41.0
8th 58.2 49.3
MATH 2014
Grade Level State Average North Star Raleigh
3rd 58.1 61.1 61.9
4th 55.0 66.3 77.8
5th 67.6 75.3 58.5
6th 61.0 65.4
7th 56.0 48.7
8th 55.8 60.2
READING 2014
Grade Level State Average North Star Raleigh
5th 61.2 70.0 42.3
8th 44.9 43.7 -
SCIENCE 2014
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
MCA Data 2012-2014
Reading 2012 2013 2014
DPSA 80.4 65.3 62.6
ISD 709 74.8 55.9 58.6
State 75.3 57.6 58.8
Math 2012 2013 2014
DPSA 59.3 61.1 60.2
ISD 709 47.3 52.2 56.1
State 61.3 60.2 60.5
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Raleigh Reading: The percentage of all students in grades three through five
at Raleigh who earn achievement levels of proficient or exceeds the stan-
dards on the reading MCA (all accountability tests) will increase from 63.6
percent in 2013 to 66.6 percent in 2014. Result: 65.7 percent of students
met or exceeded the standards in 2014. Although an increase, goal was not
met.
Quality Compensation Goal Results
We are a Quality Compensation or Q Comp school offering performance pay for our
teachers related to meeting student achievement and professional development
goals. Results for our 2013-2014 school wide goals include:
North Star Math: The percentage of students enrolled October 1 in grades 3-8 at
North Star Academy who earn an achievement level of Meets the Standards or Ex-
ceeds the Standards on the Math MCA (all accountability tests) will increase from
61.8% in 2013 to 65.8% in 2014. Result: 59.1 percent of students met or exceeded
the standards in 2014. Goal was not met.
North Star Reading: The percentage of all students enrolled October 1 in
Grades 3-8 at North Star Academy who earn an achievement level of Meets
the Standards or Exceeds the Standards on the Reading MCA (all accountabil-
ity tests) will increase from 67.0% in 2013 to 70.0% in 2014. Result: 62.1 per-
cent of students met or exceeded the standards in 2014. Goal was not met.
Raleigh Math: The percentage of all students in grades three through five at
Raleigh who earn achievement levels of proficient or exceeds the standards
on the math MCA (all accountability tests) will increase from 66.2 percent in
2013 to 70.2 percent in 2014. Result: 65.7 percent of students met or ex-
ceeded the standards in 2014. Goal was not met.
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Provide a safe and accepting Provide a safe and accepting Provide a safe and accepting Provide a safe and accepting
learning environment.learning environment.learning environment.learning environment.
School Wide: Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SW-PBIS)
2013-2014 Operational Goal:
Continue to build on our first year of school wide PBIS implementation by implementing best
practices for year two as outlined in the training provided by MDE to our district PBIS team. This
will include tracking our implementation through the PBIS assessment trackers and implemen-
tation of tier two interventions.
North Star Academy
Coach: Heather Rapanna
SET Evaluator: Annette Walsh
Team Members: Steve Lindberg,
Marc Wickstrom, Ellie Potter,
Thereasa Hansmeier, Carla
Meneghini, Tami Tapa
Olson, Chris Finch
PBIS District Team:
Danielle Perich, District PBIS Coordinator
Raleigh Academy
Coach: Carrie Preiner
SET Evaluator: Donna Nordstrom
Team Members: Pete Lancrete,
Kathy Haldorsen, Jamie Bodette,
Kyle Wordelman,
Christy Gould
What is PBIS?
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
(PBIS) is a broad range of systematic and individu-
alized strategies for achieving important social and
learning outcomes while preventing problem be-
havior. (OSEP Center on PBIS, 2010). preventing
problem behavior. (OSEP Center on PBIS, 2010).
Improving student academic and behavior out-
comes is about ensuring all students have access
to the most effective and accurately implemented
instructional and behavioral practices and inter-
ventions possible. Positive Behavioral Interven-
tions and Supports provide an operational frame-
work for achieving these outcomes. More impor-
tantly, PBIS is NOT a curriculum, intervention, or
practice, but IS a decision making framework that
guides selection, integration, and implementation
of the best evidence-based academic and behav-
ioral practices for improving important academic
and behavior outcomes for all.
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Eagle Pride
The districts’s implementation effort of PBIS was named EAGLE PRIDE. The Eagle Pride efforts contributed to
our positive culture through intentional efforts teaching, recognizing , and rewarding students and staff for
displaying positive and expected behaviors.
School Wide Evaluation Tool (SET)
Goal is to achieve the “80/80” sustainability score by the end of the two year training — 80% in Expectations
Taught and 80% in Overall Implementation. Both schools had many of the foundational pieces in place and
had a solid first year of implementation. Year two, the momentum continued. Both schools had a SET con-
ducted in the Spring by a peer reviewer. The results of this evaluation indicated that both schools were in the
90/90 or higher sustainability category and are well equipped to continue this positive momentum in the
years ahead.
The data shows that the first two years of implementing the PBIS framework has been successful in our
schools. The teams at the respective buildings have identified an action plan to sustain their efforts for EA-
GLE PRIDE to continue as a positive factor in our district.
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Respect • Responsibility • Compassion • CourageRespect • Responsibility • Compassion • CourageRespect • Responsibility • Compassion • CourageRespect • Responsibility • Compassion • Courage
Hope • Integrity • Justice • Wisdom Hope • Integrity • Justice • Wisdom Hope • Integrity • Justice • Wisdom Hope • Integrity • Justice • Wisdom
Sustain a culture of teaching Sustain a culture of teaching Sustain a culture of teaching Sustain a culture of teaching
and living the following core values:and living the following core values:and living the following core values:and living the following core values:
Raleigh Salutes Veterans
On Monday, November 11, the students at Raleigh Academy presented a concert
to salute our veterans. This program has become a tradition at Raleigh and it is
well supported by the students, staff, family members, and the community. The
concert featured the Raleigh choirs, video presentations, and student speakers. It
serves as a way for the students to show their gratitude for the enormous sacri-
fices our veterans make for our country.
Core Values
Our core values are at the heart of who we are as a school community. Each month
we focus on a particular core value through K-5 morning meetings, grades 6-8 home
bases and in our academic classes. We think about what it means to live these core
values at school, home and the broader community. Each month at assemblies stu-
dents who are exhibiting the core value of the month are recognized.
Service Projects
In December, both schools conducted a food drive for the Second Harvest
Food Shelf providing several hundred pounds of food. North Star students
also participated in the Salvation Army Toyland Express. From November
18-December 13, kindergarten through second grade students and their
families donated new, unwrapped gifts for children ages birth-16 years of
age. The Salvation Army picked up the donated toys and distributed them to
families in need around the area. Students also made bowls for the com-
munity-wide Empty Bowl event. Each person attending the event gets to
pick out a handmade bowl and enjoy soup, bread, and local entertainment.
One hundred percent of the proceeds go toward Second Harvest Northern
Lakes Food Bank. February found students raising several thousand dollars
through Jump Rope for Heart. In March students in both buildings partici-
pated in the local drive, Coins for Cancer, a fundraiser to help fund cancer
research and services for those with childhood cancer.
Bully Free Starts With Me
Students at the Duluth Edison Charter Schools were given the opportunity to submit
a design and/or slogan which would be used on a t-shirt to promote the Olweus
bully free initiatives. Through the many generous donations from the community,
all the students at North Star were able to receive free t-shirts. The winning slogans
include, “Don’t Be Mean, Let’s Be a Team”, “Be Bully Free Just Like Me”, and
“Bullies Tear Down, Friends Build Up”.
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Appreciate each student’s diverse Appreciate each student’s diverse Appreciate each student’s diverse Appreciate each student’s diverse
character and interests through an active character and interests through an active character and interests through an active character and interests through an active
approach to curriculum, programs, and approach to curriculum, programs, and approach to curriculum, programs, and approach to curriculum, programs, and
projects.projects.projects.projects.
Programs and Activities
In 2013-14, our students participated in several activities and partnerships with members of
the greater Duluth community. Some of this year’s highlights include:
2014 Science Fairs
The DECS science program allows students to develop their inquiry and critical-thinking skills by
exploring the nature of physical, life, and earth science. To dive deeper into this vast world of sci-
ence, students participate in annual science fairs. Junior Academy students have several project
types they can do including a traditional science fair project. Winners at the local level for this sci-
ence fair then go on to regional competition. In 2013-14 two students went on to state.
In the K-5 setting, students work as class groups until fifth grade. Kindergarten-third grade pre-
sented whole class science experiments, fourth grade was able to either do a group project or a
class project, and fifth grade did independent science projects. Each student put together a pres-
entation board for the science fair.
National History Day
National History Day is a research based project for all seventh and eighth graders. Students choose a
topic related to history and engage in the research process over a period of several weeks. Students not
only find out about the specifics of their topic, but also the historical context in which it occurred and
the long lasting impacts it had. This year’s theme was ”Rights and Responsibilities.” A school based open
house gives students an opportunity to show case their work. School based winners go on to regional
competition. National History Day Regionals were a huge success. There were nine projects that quali-
fied for state competition.
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Uphold the professional innovation, creativity, Uphold the professional innovation, creativity, Uphold the professional innovation, creativity, Uphold the professional innovation, creativity,
and collegiality of exceptional staff.and collegiality of exceptional staff.and collegiality of exceptional staff.and collegiality of exceptional staff.
Our Staff
Duluth Public Schools Academy staff is led by Bonnie Jorgenson, Head of School, who is the lead administrator for
the charter school. Ms. Jorgenson completed her fourteenth year in that role.
The All School Lead team that worked with Ms. Jorgenson in coordinating the DPSA program for 2013-14 included
Raleigh Principal Danielle Perich,, Technology Manager Harold Dols, School Operations Manager Mary Grund,
North Star Dean of Students Steve Lindberg, Raleigh Dean of Students Donna Nordstrom,
Special Education Coordinator Rachel Komarek, School Finance Manager Jill Moline, Special Projects Coordinator
Matt Petersen and Student Achievement Coordinator Tammy Rackliffe.
A complete listing of our staff in 2013-4 can be found beginning on pages 24-27.
Golden Feather Winners
In 2013-14, the DPSA Board established the Golden Feather Award. This award is to recognize the hard work and
dedication of the men and women that make our schools special. Parents and guardians were asked to nominate
a teacher, paraprofessional or staff member that they thought exemplified the core values of respect, responsi-
bility, compassion, justice, courage, integrity, hope and wisdom every day.
For the 2013-14 school year, the recipients of this award were: (Raleigh) Rachel Sertich and Megan Erickson;
(North Star) Jayme Thorson, Heather Lindstrom, Claire Nordskog, Barb Juntune. Congratulations!
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Innovative Practices
FRAMEWORK FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING: All teaching staff participated in EdisonLearning’s
Framework for Teaching and Learning observation and evaluation process. This framework, devel-
oped by EdisonLearning based on best practice research, begins with foundational skills related to a
focus on the well being, development and progress of learners, learner behavior management, self
development and personal and professional conduct. It next moves to power themes related to as-
sessment, intentional use of learning strategies, and classroom climate and culture. A third ranking of
extension themes offers proficient and exemplary teachers further ways to enhance their skills. The
observations are done by administrators and lead teachers and include pre and post conferences and
observations. . At the end of the 2013-4 academic year, 15 percent of teachers were rated devel-
oping, 18 percent rated proficient and 67 percent exemplary.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS: All staff set annual professional development goals at the be-
ginning of the school year and then provided evidence through a portfolio and reflection of their suc-
cess in meeting the goals. At the end of the year, 92 percent of our teachers and professional staff
earned a rating of exemplary on their portfolio and accomplishment of their goals.
ONGOING DEVELOPMENT OF THE RTI PROCESS: In 2013-14, DECS received Alternative Delivery of
Specialized Instructional Services (ADSIS) funds for the first time. This allowed us to expand our Re-
sponse to Intervention process (RTI) to include, not only additional interventions in reading for stu-
dents, but also math and behavior. The students whose data suggests a need for additional instruc-
tion (two or more levels below grade level) receive an additional 40 minutes of math and/or reading
daily. Behavior intervention needs are based on numbers of referrals. At the end of the year, we
found that 79 percent of our reading intervention students had demonstrated accelerated growth.
Utilizing ADSIS definitions, we found that 62 percent of the students we served in math made signifi-
cant or some progress (1.5 grade levels or more gain) and in behavior 45 percent of the students
served saw significant or some progress utilizing a statistical formula related to referrals before and
after intervention services began. This program will continue to be refined in 2014-15.
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Individual Teacher Goals
Goal: 65 percent of the students a teacher instructs will meet his or her RIT target in
math and reading from fall to spring
A RIT target is an estimation of a student's instructional level and also measures stu-
dent progress or growth in school. When students take MAP in the fall a target score
of desired growth is established. Our goal of 65 percent or more meeting the target is
an above norm goal. Most schools average in the 50-65 percent range.
Percent that met RIT target in MATH:
100-65 percent met target = 37 percent
64-55 percent met target = 28 percent
54-45 percent met target = 24 percent
44 percent or lower = 11 percent
North Star grades K-8 percentage meeting RIT target is 62 percent
Raleigh grades K-5 percentage meeting RIT target is 63.2 percent
North Star grades K-5 percentage meeting RIT target is 68.7 percent
Percent that met RIT target in READING:
100-65 percent met target = 30 percent
64-55 percent met target = 34 percent
54-45 percent met target = 22 percent
44 percent or lower = 14 percent
North Star grades K-8 percentage meeting RIT target is 59 percent
Raleigh grades K-5 percentage meeting RIT target is 56 percent
North Star grades K-5 percentage meeting RIT target is 57 percent
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Technology Initiatives 2013-2014
OPERATIONAL GOAL: Further enhance blended learning
options for our students that support collaboration and/or
interaction with other students and/or the teacher. This
will result in every K-5 and specialist teacher having a mini-
mum of one blended learning opportunity for their students
per semester and our 6-8th grade content area teachers
providing monthly opportunities.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Initiative: In 2013-14, we
piloted a BYOD environment with our Junior Academy
(grades 6-8 students). This included modifications of our
Acceptable Use Policy to cover a digital environment and
creation of a BYOD policy and a significant expansion of
our bandwidth. We also implemented an extensive
Meraki wireless system in both buildings. In practical
terms the most commonly used device was students’ cell
phones. Procedures were implemented in the Junior
Academy that helped students utilize their devices for
educational purposes and expanded the amount of tech-
nology use.
Implementation of Google Apps for Education (GAFE):
We transitioned all staff and students from a First Class
and Microsoft Office environment to a unified Google
Apps for Education environment. We did this for a number
of reasons:
1. Unified solution – Email, Documents, Drive, Calendar,
Communication, etc. –
2. Cost: It’s Free – and is saving the district well over
$60,000
3. Device Independent: We no longer are tied to Win-
dows-Based operating
4. Collaboration: GAFE has great collaboration tools
that allow the sharing of writing, comments and
more
5. Accessibility: Teachers & Staff can work and access
their drive anywhere
6. Training for the Future: Universities and Corporations
Expansion of Technology Tools Sixth and seventh grade students had iPads in their math classes. This allows teachers to differentiate
instruction for individual students based on the needs or strengths their assessment data shows.
We added Chrome Books to our Junior Academy core subject classrooms on a two student to one
Chrome Book ratio.
Additional mobile labs were purchased for both buildings.
All of these purchases made our tech device/student ratio one device per every two students in our district.
We view this expansion of technology use in our schools as serving two critical concerns. The first is allowing us
to utilize a variety of programs and apps to tailor learning to meet individual student’s instructional needs. The
second is to better prepare our students for the 21st century world -- making them career and college ready.
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Require sound and responsible business and Require sound and responsible business and Require sound and responsible business and Require sound and responsible business and
operational management practices.operational management practices.operational management practices.operational management practices.
Another Record Enrollment
Our enrollment reached an all time high in 2013-14. 1309 students attended our
school and we had an attrition rate of 6.34%. See chart below.
School Year K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Attrition
Rates
2010-11 121 128 132 130 139 109 120 88 105 7.70%
2011-12 141 149 131 137 146 134 139 124 89 8.57%
2012-13 150 147 148 150 140 150 121 139 112 10.26%
2013-14 148 156 151 155 152 140 144 127 136 10.47%
2014-15 est 150 152 158 150 154 156 140 140 124
Total Enrollment 1309
Special Ed 203 15.5%
Student of Color 245 18.7%
Free & Reduced 580 44.3%
Customer Satisfaction
Our annual Harris Survey for parents, staff and students showed ongoing positive
ratings. Overall satisfaction ratings on a 10 point scale (10 being the highest) for
2012-13 included:
Raleigh Academy
Parents 8.7
Staff -- 8.2
Elementary students (grades 3-5) -- 8.3
North Star Academy
Parents -- 8.1
Staff - 7.7
Elementary students (grades 3-5) -- 7.8
Secondary students (grades 6-8) - 6.2
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MDE 2013 School Finance Award Honoree
This past year we received the Minnesota Department of Education School
Finance Award. This award recognizes schools for :
1. Timely submission of financial data and compliance with Minnesota Stat-
ute,
2. Presence of select indicators of fiscal health, and
3. Accuracy in financial reporting.
2013-14 Financial Overview
Our audits for the past three years were completed and classified as unquali-
fied, a strong rating. We had a strong financial year in 2013-2014. The aver-
age daily membership increased by approximately 50, providing additional
funding to carry out the objectives of the school. The FY12-13 audit report
was completed and classified as unqualified, a strong rating. No significant
audit findings were cited. The financial position of the school remains strong
and assets had exceeded liabilities by $726,314 as of June 30, 2013. Duluth
Public Schools Academy has internal controls in place that meet the stan-
dards set by the auditors. The Board has a Finance Committee that meets
every month prior to the monthly Board meeting to monitor the budget and
ensure that operations are proceeding in a fiscally responsible direction.
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Duluth Public Schools Academy (Dist. 4020-07)
Governmental Funds
Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance
For the Year Ended June 30, 2014
Major Funds
General * Food Service
Community
Education FY14 Total
REVENUES
Local Sources 212,856 110,843 142,239 465,938
State Sources 14,385,389 24,796 - 14,410,185
Federal Sources 568,880 333,159 - 902,039
Total Revenues 15,167,125 468,798 142,239 15,778,162
EXPENDITURES
Administration 482,153 482,153
Direct Support Services 1,563,708 1,563,708
Regular Instruction 4,699,060 4,699,060
Special Ed Instruction 4,251,965 4,251,965
Community Education & Services - 119,072 119,072
Instructional Support Services 253,369 253,369
Pupil Support Services 1,422,062 454,607 1,876,668
Site and Buildings 2,173,565 2,173,565
Interest & Fiscal Charges 179,322 179,322
Total Expenditures 15,025,204 454,607 119,072 15,598,882
Revenues Over/(Under) Expenditures 141,921 14,192 23,167 179,280
Fund Balance (Deficit)-Beginning 998,588 122,814 11,751 1,133,154
Prior Period Adjustment - - - -
Fund Balance (Deficit)-Ending $ 1,140,510 $ 137,006 $ 34,918 $ 1,312,434
Ending Fund Balance 8%
** DSCR Calculation
Revenues Over/(Under) Expenditures 245,419
Annual Debt Service 1,289,728
1,535,147
Divided by Annual Debt Service ÷ 1,289,728
1.19
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School GovernanceSchool GovernanceSchool GovernanceSchool Governance
2013-2014 School Year Charter Public School Board
This table contains information for ALL board members.
2013-2014 Election Date: November 7, 2013
2014-2015 Anticipated Election Date: November 18, 2014.
Name Board
Position
Group
Affiliation
Date
Elected
Date
Seated
Term
Expiration
Phone
Number
Address
Member
Meeting At-
tendance Rate
Siebert,
Tami
Chair
Finished Term
as Board Chair
in January
2014.
Parent
Represen-
tative
11/11/2010 1/11/2011 1/14/2014 218-340-
5164
tami_siebe
rt@hotmai
l.com
5/6 mtgs. at-
tended
Palmer,
Crystal
Chair
Appointed as
Chair in Janu-
ary 2014.
Commu-
nity
Represen-
tative
11/08/2012 1/8/2013 1/19/2016 218-218-
7935
Cpalmer.d
psaboard
@gmail.co
m
12/12 mtgs.
attended
St. John,
Mike
Vice-President
Appointed as
Vice-President
in January
2013.
Parent
Represen-
tative
11/8/2012 1/8/2013 1/19/2016 218-724-
2260
Mstjohn.d
psaboard
@gmail.co
m
12/12 mtgs.
attended
Hodgman,
Hilary
Treasurer
Appointed as
Treasurer in
January 2014
Parent
Represen-
tative
08/16/2012 08/16/201
2
1/20/2015 218-591-
0416
Hhodg-
man.dpsab
oard@gma
il.com
12/12 mtgs.
attended
Harold, Lisa Secretary
Appointed as
Secretary in
January 2013
Teacher
Represen-
tative
11/10/2011 1/10/2012 1/120/2015 218-728-
9556 ext.
3038
lisa.harold
@duluthe-
dison.com
11/12 mtgs.
attended
Fornear,
Ben
Community
Representative
Community
Represen-
tative
11/11/2010 1/11/2011 1/14/2014 218-525-
3516
bfor-
near@gma
il.com
6/6 mtgs. at-
tended
Dillon,
Allison
Teacher Repre-
sentative
Teacher
FF#410650
11/11/2010 1/11/2011 1/14/2014 218-728-
9556
ext. 3327
alli-
son.dillon
@duluthe-
dison.com
6/6 mtgs. at-
tended
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Lynch, Mary
Teacher Repre-
sentative
Teacher
FF#319986
11/10/2011 1/10/2012 1/20/2015 218-728-
9556
ext. 3318
mary.lynch
@duluthe-
dison.com
9/12 mtgs.
attended
Petersen,
Val
Teacher
Representative
Teacher
FF#398404
5/14/2013 5/14/2013 1/19/2016 218-728-
9556
ext. 2202
val.peterse
n@duluthe
dison.com
12/12 mtgs.
attended
Furman,
Thomas
Community
Representative
Community
Represen-
tative
11/10/2011 1/10/2012 1/20/2015 218-727-
4174
Tfurman.d
psaboard
@gmail.co
m
10/12 mtgs.
attended
Augustine,
Lucy
Resigned
from board
in August
2014
Parent
Representative
Parent
Represen-
tative
11/10/2011 1/10/2012 1/20/2015 218-260-
1092
Lau-
gustine.dp
saboard@g
mail.com
9/12 mtgs.
attended
Byce, Neil Parent Repre-
sentative
Parent
Represen-
tative
11/7/2013 01/21/2014 01/17/201
7
218-966-
9277
Nbyce.dps
aboard@g
mail.com
6/6 mtgs. at-
tended
Nault, Mitch Parent Repre-
sentative
Parent
Represen-
tative
11/7/2013 01/21/2014 01/17/201
7
218-348-
7298
Mnault.dp
saboard@g
mail.com
6/6 mtgs. at-
tended
Sydow,
Steve
Parent Repre-
sentative
Parent rep-
resentative
11/7/2013 01/21/2014 01/17/201
7
218-722-
7447
Ssy-
dow.dpsab
oard@gma
il.com
6/6 mtgs. at-
tended
Name Board
Position
Group
Affiliation
Date
Elected
Date
Seated
Term
Expiration
Phone
Number
Address
Member
Meeting At-
tendance Rate
SCHOOL GOVERNANCE CONTINUEDSCHOOL GOVERNANCE CONTINUEDSCHOOL GOVERNANCE CONTINUEDSCHOOL GOVERNANCE CONTINUED
19
Required Board
Training
Employment Mat-
ters
Financial Mat-
ters
Board Govern-
ance
Training Compliance
Ben Fornear 3/12/2011
St. Thomas
3/12/2011
St. Thomas
3/12/2011
St. Thomas
Ben Fornear needed to engage in required
board training by June 30, 2011 and com-
plete his required training by December
30, 2011. He completed his training within
the required timeframe.
Crystal Palmer 2/18/2012
Kennedy and
Graven- Tim Pal-
matier
4/28/2012
Stenmark Fi-
nancial- Josh
Mahlen
2/18/2012
Kennedy and
Graven- Tim
Palmatier
Crystal Palmer needed to engage in re-
quired board training by March 30, 2012
and complete her training by September
30, 2012. She completed her training
within the required timeframe.
Lucy Augustine 2/18/2012
Kennedy and
Graven- Tim Pal-
matier
4/28/2012
Stenmark Fi-
nancial- Josh
Mahlen
2/18/2012
Kennedy and
Graven- Tim
Palmatier
Lucy Augustine needed to engage in re-
quired board training by June 30, 2012 and
complete her training by December 30,
2012. She completed her training within
the required timeframe.
Thomas Furman
2/18/2012
Kennedy and
Graven- Tim Pal-
matier
8/7/2012
St. Thomas
2/18/2012
Kennedy and
Graven- Tim
Palmatier
Tom Furman needed to engage in required
board training by June 30, 2012 and com-
plete his training by December 30, 2012.
Tom engaged in training before June 30th
and will complete his last training on Au-
gust 7th
. He completed his training within
the required timeframe.
Allison Dillon 8/24/2010
Laura Tubbs Booth
8/30/2010
St. Thomas
5/25/2010
School Business
Solutions
Allison Dillon needed to engage in required
board training by June 30, 2010 and com-
plete her training by December 30, 2010.
She completed her training within the re-
quired timeframe.
Mary Lynch 12/10/2012
St. Thomas
12/10/2012
St. Thomas
12/10/2012
St. Thomas
Mary Lynch needed to engage in required
board training by February 30, 2012 and
complete her training by August 30, 2012.
She completed her training within the re-
quired timeframe.
Tami Siebert 2/12/2011
St. Thomas
2/12/2011
St. Thomas
2/12/2011
St. Thomas
Tami Siebert needed to engage in required
board training by June 30, 2011 and com-
plete the required training by December
30, 2011. She completed her training
within the required timeframe.
Lisa Harold 8/27/2011
St. Thomas
8/27/2011
St. Thomas
8/27/2011
St. Thomas
Lisa Harold needed to engage in required
board training by January 30, 2012 and
complete her training by July 30, 2012. She
completed her training within the required
timeframe.
Duluth Public Schools Academy Board Duluth Public Schools Academy Board Duluth Public Schools Academy Board Duluth Public Schools Academy Board
Board Members and Required Board Training Completion DatesBoard Members and Required Board Training Completion DatesBoard Members and Required Board Training Completion DatesBoard Members and Required Board Training Completion Dates
20
Hilary Hodgman
12/8/2012
St. Thomas
12/8/2012
St. Thomas
12/8/2012
St. Thomas
Hilary Hodgman needed to engage in re-
quired board training by February 16, 2013
and complete her training by August 15,
2013. She completed her training within
the required timeframe.
Mike St. John 6/1/2013
Kennedy and
Graven- Tim Pal-
matier
6/18/2013
Stenmark Fi-
nancial- Josh
Mahlen
6/1/2013
Kennedy and
Graven- Tim
Palmatier
Mike St. John needed to engage in re-
quired board training by June 30, 2013 and
complete his training by December 31,
2013. He completed his training within the
required timeframe.
Val Petersen 6/1/2013
Kennedy and
Graven- Tim Pal-
matier
6/18/2013
Stenmark Fi-
nancial- Josh
Mahlen
6/1/2013
Kennedy and
Graven- Tim
Palmatier
Val Petersen needed to engage in required
board training by June 30, 2013 and com-
plete her training by December 31, 2013.
She completed her training within the re-
quired timeframe.
Neil Byce Awaiting comple-
tion
5/19/2014
MACS- via
online
5/20/2014
Rebecca Dymit
from MACS held
at NorthStar
Neil Byce needed to engage in required
board training by June 30, 2014 and com-
plete by December 31, 2014. Two of the
three courses have been completed and he
is on track to have all completed by the
end of the year.
Mitch Nault Awaiting comple-
tion
5/19/2014
MACS- via
online
5/20/2014
Rebecca Dymit
from MACS held
at NorthStar
Mitch Nault needed to engage in required
board training by June 30, 2014 and com-
plete by December 31, 2014. Two of the
three courses have been completed and he
is on track to have all completed by the
end of the year.
Steve Sydow Awaiting comple-
tion
5/19/2014
MACS- via
online
5/20/2014
Rebecca Dymit
from MACS held
at NorthStar
Steve Sydow needed to engage in required
board training by June 30, 2014 and com-
plete by December 31, 2014. Two of the
three courses have been completed and he
is on track to have all completed by the
end of the year.
Required Board
Training
Employment Mat-
ters
Financial Mat-
ters
Board Govern-
ance
Training Compliance
ACADEMY BOARD CONTINUEDACADEMY BOARD CONTINUEDACADEMY BOARD CONTINUEDACADEMY BOARD CONTINUED
21
SCHOOL MANAGEMENT AND FACULTY SCHOOL MANAGEMENT AND FACULTY SCHOOL MANAGEMENT AND FACULTY SCHOOL MANAGEMENT AND FACULTY
Name File Folder
Number Assignment
Years
Employed
Left During
13/14
Not Returning
14/15
Adams, David Paraprofessional 6
Akins, Heidi Paraprofessional 4 X
Anderson, Mark Paraprofessional 9
Anderson, Tammy Other Non-Licensed 1
Andresen, Robin Paraprofessional 3
Arseneau, Rachel Other Non-Licensed 1 X
Baker,Lauren Paraprofessional 1 X
Basara, Megan Other Non-Licensed 2 X
Benson, Alyssa Other Non-Licensed 3
Bergeson, Elise Other Non-Licensed 2 X
Boman, Krissa Other Non-Licensed 1
Boustead, Katie Paraprofessional 3
Buechner, Nathan Paraprofessional 1
Burwell, Shana Paraprofessional 6 X
Campbell, Grace Other Non-Licensed 1
Clokey, Brandon Other Non-Licensed 1
Coombes, Kevin Other Non-Licensed 3
Cronin, Kerry Admin Non-Licensed 9
Dickey, Christopher Paraprofessional 1
Dickinson, Ryan Paraprofessional 8
Dols, Harold Technology Coordinator 13
Dontje, Steven Other Non-Licensed 11
Douglas, Michaelle Other Non-Licensed 16
Downing, Kayla Other Non-Licensed 2 X
Fern, Ashley Other Non-Licensed 1 X
Finch, Christopher Paraprofessional 6
Flannigan, Judy Paraprofessional 5
Fuller, Barbara Other Non-Licensed 5
Getten, Shelley Paraprofessional 6
Gohde, Alexandra Paraprofessional 7
Goossens, Luke Other Non-Licensed 1
Gould, Christine Paraprofessional 7
Graber, Angela Other Non-Licensed 3
Green, Leonard Custodian 3
Grund, Mary Admin Non-Licensed 5 X
Halbakken, Emily Paraprofessional 1
Hall, Tanner Paraprofessional 8 X
Hammon, Stephanie Other Non-Licensed 2 X
Hansen, Lindsey Paraprofessional 3
Harold, Timothy Paraprofessional 12
22
Name File Folder
Number Assignment
Years
Employed
Left During
13/14
Not Returning
14/15
Harteau, Brenda Paraprofessional 14
Higgins, Brooke Paraprofessional 1 X
Holcomb, Keely Paraprofessional 6
Honer, Chip Paraprofessional 1
Jacoby, Jill Paraprofessional 3
Jakubek, Charlotte Student Support/Health 2
Jenko, Kerri Paraprofessional 12
Johnson, Michael Other Non-Licensed 2 X
Johnson, Michele Student Support/Health 7
Johnson, Stuart Computer Programmers / Operator 3
Johnson, Sydney Other Non-Licensed 1 X
Jorgenson, Bonnie Admin Non-Licensed 17
Jorgenson, Ryan Computer Programmers / Operator 3
Juntune, Barbara Clerical/Secretarial 15
Juntune, Carolyn Paraprofessional 8
Kaus, Elizabeth Clerical/Secretarial 2 X
Kinzinger, Olivia Other Non-Licensed 1
Kuettel, Sean Other Non-Licensed 1
Kuettel, Sherry Custodian 17
Kwapick-Engen, Dru Paraprofessional 1
Lee, Jennifer Paraprofessional 4 X
Lindberg, Steven Admin Non-Licensed 17
Linder, Jon Custodian 10
Locker, Angela Paraprofessional 3 X
Longrie, Malika Other Non-Licensed 2
Maras, Susan Student Support/Health 4
McCumber, Jodi Lee Student Support/Health 8
Mehling, Terrence Custodian 14 X
Meier, Greg Paraprofessional 13
Milburn, Brynn Other Non-Licensed 1
Milburn, Robert Custodian 5
Miller, Jolene Paraprofessional 2
SCHOOL MANAGEMENT AND FACULTY CONTINUEDSCHOOL MANAGEMENT AND FACULTY CONTINUEDSCHOOL MANAGEMENT AND FACULTY CONTINUEDSCHOOL MANAGEMENT AND FACULTY CONTINUED
Miller, Robin Other Non-Licensed 1 X
Moline, Jill School Business Manager 2
Mongan-Rallis, Kathryn Tech Coordinator/Int Specialist 1 X
Montoye, Joseph Other Non-Licensed 1
Mueller, Barbara Paraprofessional 12
Nelson, Renee Paraprofessional 1
Nordman, Juliane Paraprofessional 10
Nordstrom, Donna Admin Non-Licensed 1 X
Norman, James Other Non-Licensed 1 X
23
Norrell, Kristen Paraprofessional 3
Olson, Peggy Paraprofessional 8
Ostazeski, Kathy Student Support/Health 3 X
Pearson, Sarah Ann Paraprofessional 5 X
Name File Folder
Number Assignment
Years
Employed
Left During
13/14
Not Returning
14/15
Perich, Danielle, O Admin Non-Licensed 13
Petersen, Matthew Admin Non-Licensed 17
Phelps, Ashley Paraprofessional 4
Rackliffe, Tamra Admin Non-Licensed 15
Redenbaugh, Darcy Paraprofessional 14
Rich, Randey Paraprofessional 3
Ringer, Katherine Paraprofessional 1
Roebke, Charles Custodian 1
Rolland, Jessi Paraprofessional 3
Roushar, Richard Paraprofessional 1
Sarvela, Faye Clerical/Secretarial 4
Slayton, Julie Paraprofessional 1 X
Smith, Lawrence Paraprofessional 14
Steile, Drew Paraprofessional
Strom, Maria Paraprofessional 1 X
Swenson, Nickolas Other Non-Licensed 3 X
Switzer, Renee M Other Non-Licensed 3
Tapa-Olsen, Tammy Clerical/Secretarial 3
Turman, Brenda Paraprofessional 14
Udesen, Annika Other Non-Licensed 1 X
Vanbuskirk, Cherie Clerical/Secretarial 17
Wakely, Andrea Paraprofessional 1 X
Weinstein, Barbara Library 2
Westin, Bayley Paraprofessional 7
Westin, Kristin Clerical/Secretarial 13
Westin, Mackenzie Paraprofessional 3 X
Willet, Roy Custodian 11
Wilson, Carrie Paraprofessional 1
Witzig, Sarah Paraprofessional 8
Wordelman, Keely Paraprofessional 5
Wronka, Reva Other Non-Licensed 1
Zavodnik, Brenna Paraprofessional 3
Ziebart, Daniel Paraprofessional 16
24
TEACHERS TEACHERS TEACHERS TEACHERS
Achartz, Heidi J 386583 Music/Band
Achartz, John J 377078 Music/Band
Allen, Elizabeth M 452065 Elementary Education
Anderson, Katie E 418764 DAPE
Bailey, Kathleen C 419809 School Nurse
Bassett, Rachel N 467466 Comprehensive Language Arts X
Becker, Sharon J 441359 Reading Interventionlist
Benoit, Tiffany D 415126 Elementary Education
Blix, Jennifer L 407198 Elementary Education
Name File Folder
Number Assignment
Years
Employed
Left During
13/14
Not Returning
14/15
Bodette, Jamie M 422941 Physical Education
Bratley, Paul R 350725 School Psychologist
Breitkreutz, Marinda M 385823 Special Ed Teacher
Bushey, Tahirih R 312823 Speech Language Pathologist
Cameron, Shaleen K 433882 Special Ed Teacher
Carlino, Denise L 411687 Reading Interventionlist
Christiansen, Sherry A 405075 Spanish
Conklin, Madeline K 472157 Elementary Education
Crodts, Tiffany J 425539 Special Ed Teacher
Dahl, Deann M 471650 Elementary Education X
Daniels, Amanda G 426971 Elementary Education
De Moure, Ellen M 352764 Elementary Art
Dietlin, Jeffery Stephen 385085 Special Ed Teacher
Dillon, Allison L 410650 Special Ed Teacher X
Dols, Mary K 364326 Math Interventionalist
Eberhardt, Sally E 441073 Special Ed Teacher
Edington, Maria L 467793 Special Ed Teacher
Ellison, Judith L 322292 Math Teacher/Math Interventionalist X
Erickson, Megan L 386765 Elementary Education
Filippini, Kristina M 436619 Music/Band
Finlayson, Dustin 437915 7th/8th Grade Math/Algebra
Fitzpatrick, Amy D 402055 Elementary Art, Middle/Jr Visual Arts
Garramone, Eve Marie 477462 School Social Worker
Gastler, Karoline L 441208 Elementary Education X
Geissler, Marcus P 352730 7th Grade Math
Goldsworthy, Melissa A 436137 Special Ed Teacher
Greene, Katie J 449055 Math Interventionlist
Griffin, Jamie J 460434 Elementary Education
Haldorsen, Kathleen E 257656 Elementary Education
25
Name File Folder
Number Assignment/Subject
Years
Employed
Left During
13/14
Not Returning
14/15
Halverson, Jamie 478296 Special Ed Teacher
Hansmeier, Thereasa A 409203 Elementary Education X
Hanson, Nathan William 476016 Physical Education
Hanson, Nicholas Ian 476131 Special Ed Teacher
Hard, Jessica 460541 Special Ed Teacher
Harem, Megan L 381059 Spanish
Harold, Lisa M 319951 Elementary Education
Hartman, Richard P 460877 Reserve Teacher X
Heins, Erika L 398415 History
Hoole, Elissa J 379707 Comprehensive Language Arts
Ingram, Michelle J 448876 Elementary Education
Jacobson, Heather L 441156 Kindergarten X
Jensen, Nicole 454772 Elementary Education
Johnson, Brianne M 430069 Physical Science
Johnson, Marlys 251952 Special Ed Teacher X
Josefson, Courtney E 463854 Physical Education
Kalanzi, Rebecca J 462036 Elementary Education X
Keller, Amy K 400909 Reading Interventionlist
Kennedy, Karen D 237846 Special Education Director
Kinziger, Aundrea E 356729 Music
Komarek, Rachel A 288945 Program Coordinator/SPED
Lambert, Monica J 378968 Elementary Education
Lancour, Shanna L 415141 Elementary Art
Lancrete, Peter J 383696 Elementary Education
Larson, Janelle R 451730 Reserve Teacher X
Larson, Naomi R 269947 Elementary Education
Latour, Glenda I 440682 Spanish
Lewis, Jamie N 449141 Kindergarten X
Lindstrom, Heather M 427148 Kindergarten
Lynch, Mary E 319986 Comprehensive Language Arts
Marsolek, Amber 475285 Kindergarten X
Mattsen, Alicia M 390492 Special Ed Teacher
Meneghini, Carla 447764 6th Grade Math/8th Grade Algebra
Milliken, Patty J 337259 Middle/Jr Visual Arts
Moe, Megan K 442342 Reading Interventionlist
Moran, Colleen 387833 Elementary Education
Niemi-Alexander, Jamie L 377342 Elementary Education
Nordskog, Claire L 429223 TOSA/Tutoring
Norton, Abby M 433929 Elementary Education
Olson, Jennifer M 379465 Kindergarten
26
TEACHERS CONTINUEDTEACHERS CONTINUEDTEACHERS CONTINUEDTEACHERS CONTINUED
Olson, Jennifer Marie 472713 Special Ed Teacher X
Ondrus, Jennifer J 361208 Elementary Education
Ondrus, Stephen W 368044 Elementary Math
Oswskey, Jennifer E 416602 Elementary Education
Pastoor, Rachel V 320416 Comprehensive Language Arts
Pavkovich, Shanna L 468121 Early Childhood Special Education
Pecharich, Brooke J 390846 Special Ed Teacher
Petersen, Valerie R 398404 Early Childhood Special Education
Peterson, Julia K 320949 Speech Language Pathologist
Peterson, Lindsey A 448982 Speech Language Pathologist
Pitoscia, Marcia 332807 Special Ed Teacher
Polo, Kristin R 442618 Kindergarten
Potter, Eleanor M 370295 Spanish X
Preiner, Carrie L 389660 School Social Worker
Prout, Heather 433530 Kindergarten
Rappana, Heather L 405041 School Social Worker
Reed, Margaret 425537 Reading Interventionlist
Regas, Kristin M 363330 Elementary Education
Reker, Christina A 389345 Reading Interventionlist
Salo, Cody M 456238 Physical Education
Scheall, Christy L 385967 Special Ed Teacher
Schuldt, Ann M 339536 Reading Interventionlist
Scott, Abby L 469515 Music X
Sertich, Rachel Ann 449267 Elementary Education
Silverness, Emily M 389048 Early Childhood Special Education
Sivertson, Krista L 408821 TOSA/Mentor SPED
Smith, Lynette K 338201 History
Sosniecki, Stacey A 458535 Elementary Education
Spoelhof, Gregory D 442014 Special Ed Teacher
Stricker, Debra M 368181 Elementary Education
Stigsell, Rachael M 447782 Early Childhood Special Education
Thomson, Patrick Michael 422015 Special Ed Teacher X
Thorson, Jayme D 383247 Elementary Education
Tomassoni, Pamela J 289301 Staff Development X
Tombers, Jenna Rae 460340 Physical Science
Tweten, Cheryl K 405504 Special Ed Teacher
Uselman, Dale L 454149 Elementary Education
Vatne, Erin C 422391 Elementary Education
Wade, Matthew P 430256 Music
Walch, Kristin J 406481 Physical Science X
Name File Folder
Number Assignment
Years
Employed
Left During
13/14
Not Returning
14/15
27
Walsh, Annette L 409358 School Social Worker
Welch, Debra J 319417 Elementary Education
Wickstrom, Marc D 414459 8th Grade Math/TOSA
Wordelman, Kyle R 441110 Special Ed Teacher X
Name File Folder
Number Assignment
Years
Employed
Left During
13/14
Not Returning
14/15
This DECS Annual Report was approved by the DPSA Board on November 18, 2014.
It will be posted on the school web site and will be distributed to each family with
students at the school, to staff and to Innovative Quality Schools, our authorizer.
28