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DESE Public Hearing

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Normandy Schools Collaborative

Public Hearing

December 4, 2026

Normandy Schools Collaborative (NSC), in partnership with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), hosted a public hearing on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Normandy High School. During the meeting, NSC Superintendent Dr. Michael Triplett and members of his cabinet presented key issues impacting the district. Following the presentation, attendees engaged in a discussion focused on academic improvement, community involvement, and family engagement.

CLICK HERE for the video of the hearing.

CLICK HERE for a copy of the presentation.

 

Overview of the Public Hearing

Normandy Schools Collaborative (NSC), in partnership with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), is required to host two Public Hearings annually. The most recent Public Hearing was held on Thursday, December 4, at Normandy High School.

Following welcome remarks from DESE Commissioner of Education Lisa Serino and Assistant Commissioner Kyle Kruse, district leaders provided updates on key areas of focus. Presentations were led by Dr. Michael Triplett, NSC Superintendent; Dr. Tiffany McConnell, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction; and Dr. Tony O. Brooks, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services.

At the conclusion of the presentations, attendees participated in a Tabletop Exercise designed to gather insights and recommendations from families, staff, and community members. Discussions centered on three priority areas:

  • Academic Performance

  • Student Attendance

  • Meaningful Community Engagement

Below is a summary of the feedback gathered during the Tabletop Exercise.

Academic Performance

  • Expand Summer Engagement Programs: Increase communication with families to ensure households are aware of summer learning opportunities offered by NSC and community partners.

  • Emphasize the Importance of Attendance: Reinforce the connection between daily attendance and academic success. Provide incentives and contests for students and families. Host pep rallies and create after-school enrichment programs based on student interests (e.g., clubs, sports, STEM).

  • Incentivize Teachers: Offer incentives for teachers to support professional growth, strengthen instructional practices, and provide targeted interventions.

  • Develop Individual Academic Plans: Engage students, educators, and families in creating plans that build strong study habits and learning skills.

  • Revise Promotion Policies: Conduct a comprehensive review of current promotion and retention policies to ensure they support student mastery and readiness for the next grade level.

Student Attendance

  • Increase Student Engagement: Survey students to understand what makes school appealing and use their feedback to shape programming. Continue educating students about why attendance matters.

  • Strengthen Parent Engagement: Expand parent education, including PowerSchool training, attendance expectations, and information on extended learning opportunities before/after school and during the summer. Consider creating attendance-focused parent groups or PTO committees.

  • Implement Proactive Strategies: Offer incentives such as recognition, rewards, and celebrations. Reinstate truancy interventions. Increase home visits and family meetings for students with chronic absences. Communicate with parents to increase understanding that attendance is measured by instructional minutes, not just daily presence.

  • Address Safety Concerns: Families expressed concerns about after-school program safety due to transportation limitations and unsafe walking routes. The district should prioritize safe spaces, enhance discipline practices, and ensure students feel secure on campus.

  • Clarify Attendance Coding: Improve training to ensure accurate attendance recording.

  • Improve Tracking and Transfers: Strengthen the system used to monitor student transfers and gather school-level input on how processes can be improved.

  • Refine Suspension and Re-Entry Processes: Provide clear communication to families about expectations following suspensions. Staff should follow up consistently to ensure students return to class and receive the necessary support.

Meaningful Community Engagement

  • Strengthen Parent University: Increase participation to support parent learning around PowerSchool, attendance expectations, and the Special Education process.

  • Improve District Events: Survey families to determine preferred topics and formats, and offer more culturally relevant programming. Host Table Talks and Town Hall meetings at various times—including midday and evenings—to accommodate diverse schedules.

  • Increase Staff Visibility: Encourage NSC staff to attend community events to build trust and strengthen relationships.

  • Engage Alumni: Invite alumni to assist with events such as Homecoming and other school traditions.

  • Mobilize Community Partners: Allow community members to serve as Wrap-Around partners by tutoring students, supporting schools, and volunteering their time.

By focusing on these core areas—academic achievement, student attendance, and community engagement—NSC aims to strengthen its learning environment and deepen collaboration among educators, families, students, and community members. These efforts will support improved student outcomes and foster a more connected and engaged school community.