October Superintendents Report submitted by Brenda Boeke Six local school districts: Minster, New Bremen, New Knoxville, Marion Local, St. Henry, and Ft. Recovery are applying for a Straight A Fund grant. The Straight A Fund will provide funds to educational entities in Ohio with the drive and courage to try new approaches that: Meet the learning needs of its students, Reduce the cost of running a school or school district, or Drive more dollars to the classroom. Our grant is titled GROW. The goal for our “GROW” innovative project is to: G- graduate all by making our students college and career ready R- reach all students by providing early literacy and exceptional children interventions O- opportunities for all students to meet the demands of our global society W- workforce development for all through partnerships with our local community development organizations. Our school districts are high preforming school districts yet we struggle to close the achievement gaps for our gifted and students with disability populations. We are also small school districts will limited personnel and course offerings. We also understand the importance of partnering with the local business and industries to prepare our students for the workforce. If awarded this grant we will address these concerns by providing:  Across district professional development for all teachers  Research Based Intervention Programs  Early Intervention Programs  Additional course offerings through online learning  Blended learning offerings to extend the learning of our gifted and regular education students  A workforce outreach specialist to who will develop career exploration programs for students and parents designed to keep Auglaize/Mercer County graduates in our area Grant applications were due October 25, 2013. Grants will be awarded Dec. 17, 2013

We were notified that Minster Local Schools is eligible for a School Security Grant. Up to $2000 for one emergency communication system or Multi-Agency Radio Communication System (MARCS) unit per eligible school building; and up to $5000 for cost incurred with the purchase of a security entrance system consisting of a security camera, an intercom, and remote access equipment for one entrance per eligible school building are available to us through this grant. We will be applying for the grant though funds will not flow until the state controlling board releases the funds. Their next meeting is scheduled for November 18, 2013.