DCSS: State of the System Update Dr. Crawford Lewis, Superintendent
Emory LaVista Parent Council Meeting September 16, 2009

Dr. Lewis began his speech with several updates:

1.School Calendar
DCSS will be maintaining a 180 day “sound instructional calendar.” Superintendent Lewis acknowledged Ms. Talley’s role in this decision that considered the modifications proposed by the Fulton County School System as well as the state of uncertainty given the Govenor’s additional reduction in education budget. Dr. Lewis noted that DCSS is proceeding with this option to maximize flexibility given the uncertain financial times.

2.School Closings
DCSS is the 3rd largest school system and has the largest number of schools. After the upcoming closings (2010-2011), Dr. Lewis hoped it would be 5 years before other rounds of school system closings will be made. He noted that every aspect of the county would be impacted because redistricting will be county-wide. He noted the significant cost savings accomplished with school closings as well as his increased experience since the closing that occurred at the beginning of his tenure as superintendent.

3.Block Scheduling
After a review of 7 years of data, block scheduling within the high schools has been determined not to be effective county-wide and will be discontinued after this school year. Dr. Lewis noted that DHHS was on block scheduling before the county adopted it and the data suggests that it continues to work there. He stated that a hybrid model would be better suited for the county. He will recommend return to 7 subjects with options for individual scheduling choices in some high schools.

Dr. Lewis concluded his remarks with a summary:
On 9/14/09 the BOE granted an additional 2 year waiver from meeting enrollment standards that was estimated to have 1.5 to 2 million dollar cost savings. He noted that he will take many factors into account before increasing enrollment.
Within DCSS 80% of schools made AYP. He noted that meeting AYP in high school was severely hampered by the GA law allowing 16 year olds to drop out of school. He stated that DeKalb’s diversity is DCSS’s crown jewel. He commended McNair Middle, Clarkston and Cross Keys Middle for meeting AYP and used them as examples of DCSS progress towards system-wide AYP. He noted that DCSS must transition from being a program driven system to a standards driven system. Specifically, he stated the importance of implementing best practices system-wide. On a daily basis, he was working diligently with principals and administrators to ensure that key educational components of rigor and complexity are present across a global learning curriculum.

Dr. Lewis encouraged all to become familiar with the level of student accomplishment within the DCSS. He noted the tremendous support through the Ronald Simon Family Foundation partnership with 4 DCSS HS (Chamblee Charter, Druid Hills, Redan and Southwest DeKalb) to support economically disadvantaged students to achieve their academic goal of attending college. He shared that he was most inspired by the 08-09 Simon Scholars and viewed DCSS as being instrumental in their success. For more information visit. www.rmsff.org. He also noted his tremendous pride in the selection of DeKalb School of the Arts as one of seven public schools in Georgia to be named 2009 National Blue Ribbon School. The NCLB Blue Ribbon Schools award honors schools for helping students achieve at very high levels and for making significant progress in closing the achievement gap.

Additionally, Dr. Lewis noted that every year DCSS is moving forward. He acknowledged the presence of the best group of principals in his tenure and underscored that principals and teachers shoulder the greatest pressure within our system.

Dr. Lewis was able to take several questions:
Q: Is lower school enrollment due to low school performance?
A: Possibly in some instances but fluctuations in enrollment appear to be based on growth in previously low density areas.
Q: Would seasonal flu vaccines be available in addition to H1N1 vaccines?
A: Possibly, but most likely accomplished through BOH. Additional detail was provided by Mr. Moseley, the DCSS liaison with the BOH.
Q: Where was eSIS system piloted?
A: In each DCSS and Mr. Hunter will provide a detailed update of eSIS implementation.

H1N1 Update by Mr. Moseley:
A system-wide letter was being distributed and is available for review at www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/h1n1/. DCSS custodial staff is implementing daily routine to wipe handles, light switches, faucets, and staff are providing health instruction on hand washing and cough etiquette. Hand sanitizers have been placed in all schools and refills can be requested through DCSS (as well as paper towels). Check for details about upcoming 6 hour free H1N1 vaccination clinics that will occur in each district with a capacity to serve 1000 (federally funded). Some schools are offering flu vaccines to parents through the Parent Summits.

eSIS Update by Mr. Hunter:
He began with a summary of the process to transition to eSIS and noted the complexity of implementing a new information system in such a large school system (27th largest in the nation). eSIS has 3 components:
eSIS Core in which all of student demographic data is compiled from the front office.
eSIS Teacher A application which allows for attendance and grades. Training began during the summer and pre-planning time. Mr. Hunter noted that the TA system is locking up with high use and that is being addressed with improvements daily. The recent 6 week progress reports were generated from the system and worked well. On the progress report is noted the specific way in which each student’s name is registered in the system as well as ID numbers and GT ID #’s all of which will be needed to enroll in the Parent Portal. So, have the progress report in hand when enrolling in the Parent Portal.
eSIS Parent Portal will go on-line on 10-23-09 and had to be delayed to allow for the Core and Teacher Application issues to be resolved. The Parent Portal will be accessible across elementary, middle and high school. Visit www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/parentassistant/ for detailed information. Registration will be on-line and will take at least one day of verification. Evening support will be provided to parents via a web-based ticketing system. Tips will be sent to parents via Kaleidoscope and via email.

Mr. Hunter was able to address some questions:
Q: How do seniors obtain transcripts?
A: Transcripts for current seniors will be available in October 2009 from eSIS and generated from the former system ASO400 for all prior students.
Q: How is tech support for eSIS being provided?
A: Within each school, there is an in-house Tech Support specialist. They receive weekly eSIS tips. Additionally, the Instructional Technology Department is visiting regional schools. Furthermore, at the IT Department, on Tuesdays between 4:00pm and -6:30 pm, labs will be open for teacher training.

Announcements from Emory LaVista Parent Council:

1.Marshall Orson, ELPC Co-President noted the absence of his Co-President, Sally Harrell who was caring for her sick child. He recognized the other ELPC Officers: Nancy Moore, VP; Donna Toulme; Corresponding Secretary; and Greg Studdard, Community Relations. Susan Furman was nominated and elected Recording Secretary. Additionally, Marshall acknowledged the attendance and support of the DCSS BOE members in attendance as well as the attendance of so many members of the DCSS administration as well as principals and teachers. A special note of appreciation went to host Briarvista Principal, Ms. Tutson as well as the PTA for refreshments.

2. The next meeting will address enacting change within the DCSS and be held on 10/21/09 at McLendon Elementary, 3169 Hollywood Drive, Decatur, GA 30033-5104. All meetings begin with refreshments at 8:45 and run from 9:15 to 10:30.

3. To receive information from council, please send an e-mail to EmoryLaVistaParentCouncil@gmail.com

Respectfully Submitted,
Susan M. Furman