Board of Education
-

Measuring What Matters: A First Look at TCAPS’ Progress Toward the 2030 Vision
One of the commitments we made in our new 2030 Vision* was to measure what matters—and to share our progress along the way. At yesterday’s Curriculum Committee meeting, we reviewed our latest elementary reading and math outcomes using the NWEA, our district’s benchmark assessment. Unlike the state assessment (M-STEP), which won’t be publicly released until…
-

Serving Students, Supporting Community: Four TCAPS Board Seats on the Ballot
Relentlessly. I keep this word written on my notebook because it’s part of our district vision: “An educational community providing opportunities and resources to relentlessly support all learners in achieving their full potential.” This November, four seats on the TCAPS Board of Education will be on the ballot. It will also be the only local…
-

School Board Meetings for the Week of May 25th, 2026
Have a great holiday weekend! Next week is another busy week for your school board. Curriculum Committee (May 26 at 8:15a): 1) Middle School Science Curriculum 2) AP Research 3) Evidenced-Based Reporting 4) K-12 Technology Usage Finance Committee (May 28 at 8:15a): 1) Extension of 31aa (Mental Health/Safety Funds) Resolution 2) Middle School Science Curriculum…
-

National Headlines, Local Data: Continuing the Conversation About Screens in Classrooms
Following the recent conversation around the Wall Street Journal’s reporting* on YouTube, Chromebooks, and screen use in American classrooms, I wanted to share some information presented at last week’s Curriculum Committee meeting. One finding that stood out: among 127 of our elementary classrooms reporting, the most common Chromebook usage in math, reading, science, and social…
-

Three Cheers for Traverse City Trades Students
At this week’s school board meeting, some truly outstanding TCAPS trades students were recognized during the superintendent’s report. From agriculture and aviation to robotics, engineering, graphic arts, construction trades, early education, and business careers, these students are building real skills, earning state recognition, and representing our district with excellence. A huge congratulations to all of…
-

Elementary Math: Facing Our Outcomes, Refocusing Our Work
We have work to do in elementary math. Our most recent (2025) 4th-grade outcomes* make that clear: • All students: 44% proficient • Economically disadvantaged students: 25% • Non-economically disadvantaged students: 55% What matters is how we respond. I appreciate the Curriculum Committee’s discussion this week, digging into how we’re relaunching/refocusing K–5 math instruction. With…
-

Stronger Outcomes, Shared Responsibility: A Look at Reading & Math Strategies
Grateful for this week’s Curriculum Committee discussion for sharing a clearer “how” behind Goal 1 (math and reading) of our 2030 Vision*. As a school board member, my focus is on our mission/vision/values (our “why”) and our outcomes (our “what” and “how well”) – including improving our reading and math outcomes for all students and,…
-

School Board Committee Meetings This Week
Another busy week ahead for your school board: • Curriculum Committee (April 28 at 8:15a): Strategic Plan activities/strategies for Academic Achievement and Positive Student Behaviors goals, Elementary Mathematics, Personal Finance & Economics, Gone Boarding • Finance Committee (April 30 at 8:15a): Curriculum – Gone Boarding – Licenses and Materials • Executive Committee (April 30 at…
-

TCAPS Curriculum Committee Snapshot: Creativity, Opportunity, and Pathways for All
The TCAPS Curriculum Committee meets to guide and oversee teaching and learning across the district. These meetings bring together school board members, staff, and district leaders to review programs, monitor student progress, and discuss instructional strategies. The Curriculum Committee Snapshot is a monthly series designed to increase awareness and understanding of how this work supports…
