Iowa Watchdog's Sebring dox

From: Sent: To: Sl!bject:

July 12, 2013

Mr. Roeder:

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Friday, July 12, 2013 12:16 PM Roeder, Phillip Information request from Des Moines Register

Please consider this a formal request, made under the Iowa Open Records Law, for access to records in the possession of the Des Moines school district.

Specifically, this request is for:

---The total number of DMPS administrators, by race (So, for example, the number of white administrators, the number of

Hispanic administrators, the number of African American administrators, the number of mixed race administrators, the number of Asian administrators, the number of Native American administrators and the number of Pacific Islander administrators.)

----The total number of DMPS teachers, by race (Following same format as above)

---The total number of DMPS teachers, by race, by school (Following same format as above)

---The total number of DMPS students, by race (Following same format as above)

---The total number of DMPS students, by race, by school (Following same format as above)

If this request is denied, please cite the specific Open Records Law exemption on which the denial is based.

If there are fees associated with compliance of this request, please notify me in advance of the work being done and provide an itemized, detailed breakdown of those proposed fees. I respectfully ask that any fees be waived as disclosure is in the public interest.

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To save on copying costs, I will supply a thumb drive or the documents can be emailed to [email protected].

Thank you for your help in this maw~r. Please call or email with any questions.

Sincerely, Mary Stegmeir

Mary Stegmeir Education Reporter The Des Moines Register [email protected] 515-284-8525 (o) 515-803-0245 (c) @marystegmeir

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From: Sent: To: Subject:

Thanks!

Mary Stegmeir Education Reporter The. Des Moines Register [email protected] 515-284-8525 (o) 515-803-0245 (c) @marystegmeir

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Friday, June 28, 2013 2:37 PM Roeder, Phillip RE: Sebring lawsuit

From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected] Sent: Friday, June 28, 2013 2:36 PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: Sebring lawsuit

Hi:

This was only filed yesterday afternoon; a copy has been forwarded to our insurer and we are waiting to hear back from them. In regard to having a cost estimate at this point in the process: no.

Take care,

Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools 901 Walnut Street Des Moines, lA 50319 515-242-8153-0 www.dmschools.org www.twitter.com/DMschools www.facebook.com/DMschools

From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, June 28, 2013 1:23PM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: FW: Sebring lawsuit

One additional follow-up:

Does the district have an estimate of how much it will have to spend on attorney/legal costs in this lawsuit?

Mary

Mary Stegmeir

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Education Reporter The Des Moines Register mstegmeir@dmreg .com 515-284-8525 (o) 515-803-0245 (c) @marystegmeir

From: Stegmeir, Mary Sent: Friday, June 28, 2013 1:08 PM To: 'Roeder, Phillip' Subject: RE: Sebring lawsuit

Phil,

I have another follow-up question re: attorney costs.

Will the district's legal costs in the Sebring lawsuit be covered by its insurance policy?

Thanks for your help with this,

Mary


From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected] Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2013 5:53 PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: Sebring lawsuit

Hi Mary:

I got your voice mail, thanks for the call.

Teree, Pat and I would be defended by the district, of course, since these claims result from our work, but it's too early in the process to go into more details.

I appreciate the opportunity to respond. I'll decline, for now. I tend to make it a practice not to comment on pending litigation, no matter how unbelievable or unfounded it may be.

Thanks,

Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools 901 Walnut Street Des Moines, lA 50319 515-242-8153-0

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www.dmschools.org www.twitter.com/DMschools www.facebook.com/DMschools

From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2013 3:40 PM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: Sebring lawsuit

Hi Phil,

I'm working on story about the lawsuit Nancy Sebring filed today, but the doc itself is not showing up on Iowa Courts Online yet.

Does the district have a copy? If so, can you share that info with us?

Thanks, Mary

Mary Stegmeir Education Reporter The Des Moines Register mstegmeir@dmreg .com 515-284-8525 (o) 515-803-0245 (c) @marystegmeir

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From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments:

Hi:

Roeder, Phillip Friday, June 28, 2013 11:58 AM Roeder, Phillip DMPS Community Report -June 2013 2012-13-Yearln Review-2.pdf

I'm very pleased to send you a copy of the June 2013 edition of the DMPS Community Report, the bimonthly newsletter of Des Moines Public Schools.

For the second year in a row, our June newsletter is a special year-in-review edition, looking back at just some of the

many stories, both large and small, that highlight the great work of our students, teachers, staff, volunteers and partners over the past school year.

We hope you enjoy this latest update from Iowa's largest provider of public education. And, to receive more news, information and announcements from Des Moines Public Schools anytime and anywhere, be sure to follow us at www.facebook.com/DMschools and www.twitter.com/DMschools.

All the best,

Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools 901 Walnut Street Des Moines, lA 50319 515-242-8153-0 www.dmschoois.org www.twitter.com/DMschools www.facebook.com/DMschools

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Roeder, Phillip Thursday, June 27, 2013 5:20 PM Stegmeir, Mary RE: Sebring lawsuit 003-000 Petition 06.27.13.pdf

I've attached a copy of what we've received.

Also, here's a statement from Superintendent Ahart about the lawsuit:

"This lawsuit is unbelievable. In this matter, the school district did the right thing and properly released public records according to Iowa law, a fact that has already been established by the Iowa District Court. As a public school district, we abide by the state's open records law, and will continue to properly respond to requests for public records. Everyone at Des Moines Public Schools is focused on our number one priority: the education of our 32,000 students."

Thanks,


From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2013 3:40 PM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: Sebring lawsuit

Hi Phil,

I'm working on story about the lawsuit Nancy Sebring filed today, but the doc itself is not showing up on Iowa Courts Online yet.

Does the district have a copy? If so, can you share that info with us?

Thanks, Mary

Mary Stegmeir Education Reporter The Des Moines Register [email protected] 515-284-8525 (o) 515-803-0245 (c)

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@marystegmeir

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Roeder, Phillip Thursday, June 27, 2013 1:31 PM Roeder, Phillip DMPS One of Five to Receive the Governor's Iowa Environmental Excellence Award

NEWS RELEASE DMPS ONE OF FIVE TO RECEIVE THE GOVERNOR'S IOWA ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARD

DES MOINES, lA (June 27, 2013)- Environmental honors continue to roll in for Des Moines Public Schools, as today the school district was recognized as one of the 2013 recipients of the Governor's Iowa Environmental Excellence Award. The award, presented to the district by Governor Terry Branstad, is the premier Iowa environmental honor and recognized DMPS for its district-wide environmental and sustainable strategies and tactics. It is the third major environmental award DMPS has received this year.

"It is always rewarding to showcase and celebrate the innovation Iowans exhibit in creating new jobs and protecting our natural resources," said Governor Branstad.

In addition to rewarding important efforts to improve Iowa's natural resources, Governor Branstad noted that highlighting success stories benefits other businesses and organizations in the state.

"In every aspect of what we do, providing the best opportunities for our students is a daily goal," added Superintendent Tom Ahart. "I am proud that we are a national model for other school districts on this issue, and have a solid record of proven strategies for the smart use of our resources."

"Our students and community deserve the best, and our energy efficiency and environmental efforts are based upon that approach," said Bill Good, COO of Des Moines Public Schools. "We take the optimization of our financial and environmental resources seriously as proven by our state and national recognitions."

This is the second year in a row that Des Moines Public Schools has earned three major environmental and sustainability awards. In March, the school district repeated its recognition as Energy Star Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In April, the U.S. Department of Education presented DMPS with another Green Ribbon School award in recognition of district-wide environmental practices and curriculum programs. Last year, DMPS earned a special recognition Iowa Environmental Excellence Award for energy efficiency; this year's top honor is for the district's overall efforts.

The Governor's Iowa Environmental Excellence Award honored DMPS for the following reasons:

Des Moines Public Schools is committed to being an environmental leader; efforts span multiple areas including reducing environmental impact and costs, improving student and staff health and providing effective environmental and sustainabifity education. All renovations to school buildings are carefully planned and include sustainability projects that maximize the return on investment. In 2012, DMPS upgraded four schools to geothermal heating and cooling systems, bringing the total number of schools in the district using geothermal up to 33. Instead of replacing carpet, the concrete subfloor is polished and sealed, providing years of maintenance-free use. Water retention is addressed in every renovation plan, and rain gardens have been installed at several schools. Landfill waste has been reduced and recycling efforts have increased district-wide.

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DMPS has begun testing for lead, a plan is in place for asbestos management and the district conducts radon tests in all buildings, though only required to do so in preschool classrooms.

Finally, DMPS is implementing ground-breaking initiatives in environmental and sustainability education, incorporating these concepts into all grade levels. DMPS teachers partner with bio-renewable scientists at Iowa State University to stay informed on the latest STEM-industry developments. The district also participates in Symbi to educate and inspire students about renewable energy, sustainable technology and green products. DMPS has introduced AP Environmental Science at five high schools, and the cutting-edge Iowa Energy and Sustainability Academy operates out of Central Campus.

Other recipients of the Environmental Excellence Award were:

• City of Clinton • Lennox Industries; Inc., Marshalltown • RDG, Des Moines • Rathbun Land and Water Alliance, Centerville

For more information about the Governor's Iowa Environmental Excellence Awards, go to www. iowadnr. gov/eeawards.

The awards are sponsored by the Governor's Office, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the Iowa Department of Economic Development, the Iowa Department of Education, the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Iowa Waste Reduction Center.


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From: Sent: To:

Roeder, Phillip Tuesday, June 25, 2013 3:34 PM Stegmeir, Mary

Subject: Re: ELL source

Hi:

Sorry, been out of the office at an appointment. That program's been offered the past 6 summers.

Phil Roeder Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 25, 2013, at 11:46 AM, "Stegmeir, Mary" <[email protected]> wrote:

One more question for you: Is SUCCESS 4 Sixth Grade a new program, or has it been offered in past years?

Mary


From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2013 11:18 AM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: ELL source

Hi Mary:

First, I've attached a list that highlights most of our summer activities. We actually just posted a blog item that has some additional information: http://www.dmschools.org/2013/06/when-should-schoolstart-at-dmps-when-does-it-ever-end/. In light of the recent "debate" about when school should start, I thought it made sense to point out that, at least around here, it never really ends with thousands of students showing up for one activity throughout the summer.

Also, 1 sent Vinh a note to give you a call. Even though he's out this week I did get an email from him yesterday so I think he's checking in. He's really our expert on all things ELL (as far as I'm concerned, he's the top expert in Iowa on this issue). Otherwise, let me know what you need and I can see about tracking it down.

Talk soon,

Phil Roeder

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Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools 901 Walnut Street Des Moines, lA 50319 515-242-8153-0 www.dmschools.org www.twitter.com/DMschools www.facebook.com/DMschools

From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2013 9:33 AM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: ELL source

Hey Phil,

I'm working on a story about ELL funding, but I see Vinh is out of the office. Is there someone else with the district who could talk about research on language acquisition?

Also, last year I got a document from you with all the summer schooi/CCLC/ Americorp activities going on in the district.

Has a list of this year's events/classes been drawn up yet? Can I get a copy?

Thanks,

Mary


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Hi Mary:

Roeder, Phillip Tuesday, June 25, 2013 11:18 AM Stegmeir, Mary RE: ELL source DMPS2013SummerProgramming.docx

First, I've attached a list that highlights most of our summer activities. We actually just posted a blog item that has some additiona I information: http://www .d mschools.o rg/2013/06/when-sho u ld-schoo 1-sta rt -at -d m ps-when-d oes-it -everend/. In light of the recent "debate" about when school should start, I thought it made sense to point out that, at least around here, it never really ends with thousands of students showing up for one activity throughout the summer.

Also, I sent Vinh a note to give you a call. Even though he's out this week I did get an email from him yesterday so I think he's checking in. He's really our expert on all things ELL (as far as I'm concerned, he's the top expert in Iowa on this issue). Otherwise, let me know what you need and I can see about tracking it down.

Talk soon,

Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools 901 Walnut Street Des Moines, lA 50319 515-242-8153-0 www.dmschools,org www.twitter.com/DMschools www.facebook.com/DMschools

From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2013 9:33 AM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: ELL source

Hey Phil,

I'm working on a story about ELL funding, but I see Vinh is out of the office. Is there someone else with the district who could talk about research on language acquisition?

Also, last year I got a document from you with all the summer schooi/CCLC/Americorp activities going on in the district.

Has a list of this year's events/classes been drawn up yet? Can I get a copy?

Thanks,

Mary

Mary Stegmeir Education Reporter

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The Des Moines Register [email protected] 515-284-8525 (o) 515-803-0245 (c) @marystegmeir

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Hi:

Roeder, Phillip Thursday, June 20, 2013 6:35 PM Stegmeir, Mary RE: Tonight's meeting

Just to follow up on this issue, the Governor signed the "standings bill" late this afternoon and the extension of ELL funding from 4 to 5 years remained in tact. I posted a quick item about it on our web site at http://www.dmschools.org/news release/governor-signs-bill-to-extend-support-for-ell-students/.

Talk soon ... Phil

From: Stegmeir, Mary [[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2013 4:35 PM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: RE: Tonight's meeting

Thank you.


From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2013 4:34 PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: Tonight's meeting

Hi:

It's a two-parter. The shorter powerpoint myself and Andrea Jansa with our government relations firm are doing, giving a reminder of our priorities and the work to extend ELL support, which became a top focus. The second is from Margaret Buckton, who lobbies for UEN, and going over anything and everything relating to education that was addressed during the session.


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From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2013 4:30 PM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: Tonight's meeting

Hi Phil,

Can I please get a copy (electronic or paper- whichever is easiest) of your power point presentation for tonight.

Depending on how in-depth the discussion is, I might end up writing something on it tonight for tomorrow's paper.

Mary


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Hi:

Roeder, Phillip Tuesday, June 18, 2013 4:34 PM Stegmeir, Mary RE: Tonight's meeting Legislative Update DMPS June 2013.pptx; 2013 Legislative Review.pptx

It's a two-parter. The shorter powerpoint myself and Andrea Jansa with our government relations firm are doing, giving a reminder of our priorities and the work to extend ELL support, which became a top focus. The second is from Margaret Buckton, who lobbies for UEN, and going over anything and everything relating to education that was addressed during the session.


From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2013 4:30 PM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: Tonight's meeting

Hi Phil,

Can I please get a copy (electronic or paper- whichever is easiest) of your power point presentation for tonight.

Depending on how in-depth the discussion is, I might end up writing something on it tonight for tomorrow's paper.

Mary


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From: Roeder, Phillip Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2013 11:53 AM

Roeder, Phillip To: Subject: DMPS Earns National Honors for Communications and Public Relations

NEWS RELEASE DMPS EARNS NATIONAL HONORS FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

DES MOINES (June 18, 2013)- Des Moines Public Schools earned recognition for its communications efforts in several categories from the National School Public Relations Association. The district earned a total of seven awards in NSPRA's annual Publications and Electronic Media Awards competition.

For the first time ever DMPS received two Awards of Excellence, the highest honor awarded in any category. One of the top awards was presented for the district's on-going use of social media. The school district's online presence includes Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Flickr, Tumblr, and Pinterest, which are integrated with the district's website.

DMPS also earned an Award of Excellence in the Special Purpose Publication category for "Turning Around. Moving Ahead." This publication was a progress report on schools in Des Moines taking part in the School Improvement Grant program.

NSPRA also presented Des Moines Public Schools with four Awards of Merit for the school district's blog (For the Record), newsletter (DMPSCommunity Report), and for two video reports produced by DMPS-TV, one featuring Iowa judges assisting AP Government classes and the other highlighting the work of actor Forest Whitaker at Findley Elementary School. The district also received Honorable Mention for Excellencing in Writing for a guest editorial about Advanced Placement courses.

"A top priority has been to make news and information about DMPS readily available to the public in a variety of formats, and it's an honor that this effort has been recognized nationally," said Phil Roeder, director of community relations for Des Moines Public Schools. "While it's great to be awarded for our work over the past year, I'm looking forward to our efforts in the coming months and years to do even more."

The following is a list of the awards earned in various categories by DMPS (with links to those items available online):

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

• Social Media: Integrated use of multiple social media sites including www.facebook.com/DMschools, www.twitter.com/DMschools, www.flickr.com/dmps, www.youtube.com/dmpstv, http://dmschools.tumblr.com/, www.pinterest.com/dmschools

• Special Purpose Publication: "Turning Around. Moving Ahead." a progress report on Des Moines schools and the School Improvement Grant program.

AWARD OF MERIT

• Blog: The district's "For the Record" blog at blog.dmschools.org 18

• Newsletter: DMPS Community Report, the district's every-other-month newsletter • Videocasting: DMPS-TV report on Iowa judges helping AP Government classes. • Videocasting: DMPS-TV report on Forest Whitaker at Findley Elementarv School.

HONORABLE MENTION

• Excellence in Writing: "Criticism of AP Classes is Wrong-Headed" (newspaper editorial published November 21, 2012 in the Des Moines Register)

NSPRA is a professional organization dedicated to building support and trust for education through responsible public relations that leads to success for all students. For more information about the organization, including a complete list of award winners from across the country, visit www.nspra.org.

Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools 901 Walnut Street Des Moines, lA 50319 515-242-8153-0 www.dmschools.org www. twitter.com/DMschools www.facebook.com/DMschools

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Thanks.


Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Monday, June 17, 2013 5:16PM Roeder, Phillip RE: Well ness

From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, June 17, 2013 5:00PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: Wellness

Hi:

Here's a couple of items that might be helpful. First, go to page 23 of this document: http://www.dmschools.org/wpcontent/uploads/2011/11/BoardMinutes-01-081.pdf. These are the minutes from the Board meeting back in January when the Wellness program was first presented. It doesn't have dollar amounts, from what I can tell, but does discuss the scope of the program and some of the areas it may reduce health care needs.

Also, here's the language from the Citizen's Budget Advisory Committee that supported this initiative:

Develop a comprehensive health and wellness program for all staff We recommend that DMPS develops a health and wellness program for all staff. Our recommendation would be to hire a highly qualified wellness coordinator who can work with staff and administration to fully develop a wellness program. One of the main outcomes of the program will be to lower health care costs. This will happen through educational programs, wellness programs, etc. initiated via the wellness coordinator. The lower costs will result in a happier, healthier and more

· productive staff. Staff will model healthy behavior for students and a happier employee makes for happier customers, our students, parents and the community. This cost savings can then be used to hire more staff when and where needed.

According to a press release from The Chicago Public Schools, February 21, 2012: "Well ness programs implemented across the country have not only led to healthier employees, but have also found significant financial savings. The American Journal of Health Promotion reviewed published studies of dozens of workplace well ness programs and concluded that on average, every $1 investment in wellness resulted in $3.50 in savings from lower health care costs and lower absenteeism. A second study by the same group found average reductions of 27 percent in absenteeism from illness, 26 percent in health care costs and 32 percent in workers compensation and disability claims."

If we design and implement an effective and innovative program, it typically takes anywhere from 3 to 5 years to realize a return on a comprehensive wellness plan, based on industry averages that reflects cost savings and results. Such a plan would have a positive and dramatic impact on our schools, students and community.

Hope this helps ... Phil

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Roeder, Phillip Thursday, June 13, 2013 9:01AM Roeder, Phillip North's Mike Vukovich to be High School's Next Principal MikeVukovich.jpg

NEWS RELEASE NORTH'S MIKE VUKOVICH TO BE HIGH SCHOOL'S NEXT PRINCIPAL

DES MOINES (June 13, 2013)- Des Moines Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Vukovich, the vice principal at North High School, as the school's next principal. He will succeed Matt Smith, who becomes thE\ Executive Director of Learning Services and Student Activities for DMPS on July 1.

"Mike has played a key role in the recent turnaround at North High, and is the right person at the right time to lead the school's ongoing momentum," said Superintendent Tom Ahart.

"I'm really excited for the opportunity to help continue our success at North High School, and look forward to pushing us forward to even greater things in the future," added Vukovich. "And I am especially honored to be able to continue working with the great group of students, educators and families who make up the North community."

North High School, located at 501 Holcomb Avenue, is home to more than 1,100 students in grade 9-12.

Vukovich has been vice principal at North High School for the past two years, and was North's School Improvement Leader during the 2010-11 school year. Prior to that he was at Hoover High School, where his roles included interim dean/vice principal, academic interventionist, and special education teacher as well as the head baseball coach. Vukovich has a BA in history education from Southern Illinois University and a M.Ed. in educational leadership from Iowa State University.

During Vukovich's time at North High, students made academic gains in several areas including an increase in proficiency and an increase in the graduation rate, and for the first time ever North was ranked as a Top 50 school (28th) on the Iowa AP Index. He also helped oversee the school's implementation of a 1:1 technology program, making North High the largest school in Iowa where each student was provided with a laptop computer. North High has recently been selected as one of the College Board's "Spotlight on Schools" for their efforts in increasing Advanced Placement courses, and has also just been named by the U.S. Department of Education as a "School of Focus" for its innovative use of School Improvement Grant funds for professional development.

Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools

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901 Walnut Street Des Moines, lA 50319 515-242-8153-0 www.dmschools.org www.twitter.com/DMschools www.facebook.com/DMschools

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Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Wednesday, June 12, 2013 12:06 PM Roeder, Phillip Out of Office: DMPS-TV Airs All Eight Commencement Ceremonies Next Week

Mary Stegmeir is out of the office until Monday, June 17. If your message needs to be addressed sooner than that,

please contact Metro Editor Kathy Bolten at [email protected] or 515-284-8383. Thanks!

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From:

Sent: To: Subject:

Roeder, Phillip Wednesday, June 12, 2013 12:06 PM

Roeder, Phillip DMPS-TV Airs All Eight Commencement Ceremonies Next Week

NEWS RELEASE DMPS-TV AIRS ALL EIGHT COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES NEXT WEEK

DES MOINES (June 12, 2013)- A couple of weeks ago, nearly 1,800 students received their high school diplomas at eight separate commencements throughout Des Moines.

Next week, DMPS-TV, the cable television station of Des Moines Public Schools, will broadcast a replay of each graduation ceremony.

The commencements will air at Noon and again at 8:00 PM as follows:

• Sunday, June 16th -Scavo, Ruby Van Meter, and District-Wide Programs • Monday, June 17th - North High School • Wednesday, June 19th -Hoover High School • Thursday, June 20th- Lincoln High School • Friday, June 21st -Roosevelt High School • Saturday, June 22nd - East High School

DMPS-TV can be viewed on Mediacom channel 85 or 97.3.

In addition, starting Monday, all eight graduation ceremonies will be available for viewing at any time on the DMPS-TV YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/dmpstv.

Finally, a DVD of any of the graduation ceremonies is available for $20 each. To place an order, visit the DMPS-TVweb page.


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Thanks!


Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Friday, June 07, 2013 1:15 PM Roeder, Phillip RE: Information request

From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, June 07, 2013 1:14PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: Information request

Hi Mary:

The attached spread sheet contains the enrollment information in response to your request below.

Talk soon,

Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools 901 Walnut Street Des Moines, lA 50319 515-242-8153 - 0


From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, June 05, 2013 12:39 PM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: Information request

June 5, 2013

Mr. Roeder:


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Specifically, this request is for enrollment totals, by grade, at Hoover, Scavo, Roosevelt, North, Lincoln and East high schools on each of the following days:

• March 22, 2013; March 25, 2013; March 29, 2013; Aprill, 2013; April 5, 2013; April8, 2013; and April12, 2013.




Thank you for your help in this matter. Please call or email with any questions.

Sincerely,

Mary Stegmeir


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Hi Mary:

Roeder, Phillip Friday, June 07, 2013 1:14 PM Stegmeir, Mary RE: Information request HSenrollmentStegmeirRequest.xlsx

The attached spread sheet contains the enrollment information in response to your request below.

Talk soon,



June 5, 2013

Mr. Roeder:

Please consider this a formal request, made under the Iowa Open Records law, for access to records in the possession of the Des Moines school district.

Specifically, this request is for enrollment totals, by grade, at Hoover, Scavo, Roosevelt, North, lincoln and East high schools on each of the following days:

• March 22, 2013; March 25, 2013; March 29, 2013; Aprill, 2013; AprilS, 2013; AprilS, 2013; and April12, 2013.





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Sincerely,

Mary Stegmeir


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From: Sent:

Stegmeir, Mary <mstegmeir@desmoine:gannett.com> Wednesday, June OS, 2013 3:32 PM

To: Subject:

Thanks!

Mary Stegmeir Reporter

Roeder, Phillip Re: Information request

The Des Moines Register [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> 515-284-8525 (office) 515-803-0245 (mobile) Twitter: @marystegmeir Sent from my iPhone. Please excuse typos/brevity.

On Jun 5, 2013, at 3:19 PM, "Roeder, Phillip" <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]» wrote:

Mary:

I just wanted to acknowledge receipt of your request. I should have this information to you by tomorrow or no later than the end of the week.

Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools 901 Walnut Street Des Moines, lA 50319 515-242-8153-0 www.dmschools.org<http://www.dmps.k12.ia.us/> www.twitter.com/DMschools<http://www.twitter.com/DMschools> www.facebook.com/DMschools<http://www.facebook.com/DMschools>


June 5, 2013 Mr. Roeder: Please consider this a formal request, made under the Iowa Open Records Law, for access to records in the possession of the Des Moines school district. Specifically, this request is for enrollment totals, by grade, at Hoover, Scavo, Roosevelt, North, Lincoln and East high schools on each of the following days:

§ March 22, 2013; March 25, 2013; March 29, 2013; April1, 2013; April 5, 2013; April 8, 2013; and April12, 2013. If this request is denied, please cite the specific Open Records Law exemption on which the denial is based.

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If there are fees associated with compliance of this request, please notify me in advance of the work being done and provide an itemized, detailed breakdown of those proposed fees. I respectfully ask that any fees be waived as disclosure is in the public interest. To save on copying costs, I will supply a thumb drive or the documents can be emailed to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>.


Sincerely, Mary Stegmeir

Mary Stegmeir Education Reporter The Des Moines Register [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> 515-284-8525 (o} 515-803-0245 (c) @marystegmeir

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Mary:

Roeder, Phillip Wednesday, June 05, 2013 3:20 PM Stegmeir, Mary RE: Information request

I just wanted to acknowledge receipt of your request. I should have this information to you by tomorrow or no later than the end of the week.

Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools 901 Walnut Street Des Moines, lA 50319 515-242-8153- 0



June 5, 2013

Mr. Roeder:


Specifically, this request is for enrollment totals, by grade, at Hoover, Scavo, Roosevelt, North, Lincoln and East high schools on each of the following days:

• March 22, 2013; March 25, 2013; March 29, 2013; Aprill, 2013; AprilS, 2013; April8, 2013; and April12, 2013.





Sincerely,

32

Mary Stegmeir


33

From: Sent:

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Tuesday, June 04, 2013 1:53 PM

To: Subject:

Thanks I


Roeder, Phillip RE: K-12 enrollment by race

From: Roeder, Phillip [mallto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 1:52 PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: K-12 enrollment by race

Hi again:

See below ... here's the district-wide count by race by grade level for 2011-12.

Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools

416

384

402

425

401

406

373

359

361

434

456

34

5

7

8

10

10 134

13 142

13 124

14 151

8 165

10 141

8 157

634

543

555

517

532

472

458

482

398

421

393

712

170

144

160

147

138

154

145

149

151

121

115

171

901 Walnut Street Des Moines, lA 50319 515-242-8153-0 www.dmschools.org www.twitter.com/DMschools www.facebook.com/DMschools

From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 1:29PM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: K-12 enrollment by race

Hi Phil,

I left a message on your work phone earlier today, but wanted to follow up by email.

I'm looking for the district's K-12 enrollment figures by race by 2011-12 for a story I'm working on about the demographic study. Specifically, I'm looking for the number of students in each racial category for that school year.

Are you able to provide that data?

The state's data includes preschool students, but I'm looking specifically for K-12 numbers. I need the info for a story I'm working on for tomorrow's paper.

Mary


35


Hi:

Roeder, Phillip Tuesday, June 04, 2013 1:45 PM Stegmeir, Mary RE: K-12 enrollment by race 2011-12 DMPS Enrollment Report.xls

Yes, the reports we submit do include preschool students (see the third tab on the attached spread sheet for the 2011-12 overall numbers by school and by race}. I left a message with one of our data people to see if she can do a quick run for that year minus preschoolers.


From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 1:29PM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: K-12 enrollment by race

Hi Phil,

!left a message on your work phone earlier today, but wanted to follow up by email.

I'm looking for the district's K-12 enrollment figures by race by 2011-12 for a story I'm working on about the demographic study. Specifically, I'm looking for the number of students in each racial category for that school year.

Are you able to provide that data?

The state's data includes preschool students, but I'm looking specifically for K-12 numbers. I need the info for a story I'm working on for tomorrow's paper.

Mary


36

37


Thank you!!


Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Friday, May 31, 2013 4:55 PM Roeder, Phillip RE: Jamie Gilley

From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, May 31, 2013 4:45 PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: Jamie Gilley

Hi:

Here's a shot of Jamie ...


38


Hi:

Here's a shot of Jamie ...

Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools 901 Walnut Street Des Moines, lA 50319 515-242-8153-0 www.dmschools.org www.twitter.com/DMschools www.facebook.com/DMschoois

Roeder, Phillip Friday, May 31, 2013 4:45 PM

Mary Stegmeier ([email protected])

Jamie Gilley _MG_8420Jpg

39


Roeder, Phillip Tuesday, May 28, 2013 2:51 PM Roeder, Phillip DMPS Names New Principals at McKinley, Morris and Moulton Schools

NEWS RELEASE

DMPS NAMES NEW PRINCIPALS AT MCKINLEY, MORRIS AND MOULTON SCHOOLS

DES MOINES (May 28, 2013)- Des Moines Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of three new educational leaders as school principals in Iowa's largest district: Lois Brass at McKinley Elementary School, Sherry Amos at Morris Elementary School, and Cheri Dixon at Moulton Extended Learning Center.

"Lois, Sherry and Cheri bring a record of experience and success in being educational leaders at schools," said Superintendent Tom Ahart. "I know they share the goals of our teachers and families in helping every student succeed."

All three principals will officially begiri their new roles on July 1. Additional information on each new principal and school is as follows:

MCKINLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL McKinley Elementary, located 1610 SE 6th Street, is home to more than 300 students in grades K-5. Lois Brass replaces Sherry Amos, who is becoming the principal of Morris Elementary School. Brass is currently the K-12 Counseling and Destination Graduation Coordinator for Des Moines Public Schools. Prior to that she was principal of Findley Elementary School from 2007-11, after serving as assistant principal at the school, and was also dean of students at River Woods Elementary School. In addition to having worked as an elementary school teacher and counselor earlier in her career, she spent nearly nine years as the Student Services Coordinator at the Drake University School of Education. Brass has a BS in secondary education, a MS in elementary school counseling, and an Ed.S in educational leadership, all from Drake University.

MORRIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Morris Elementary, located 1401 Geil Avenue, is home to 610 students in grades K-5. Sherry Amos replaces Todd Martin, who has accepted a position in another school district. Amos has spent much of her education career in Houston, TX, as a teacher and assistant principal. She joined Des Moines Public Schools 5 years ago, and has been the principal at McKinley Elementary for the past 3 years. Amos has BA degrees in elementary education and early childhood education, both from the University of Northern Iowa, and a Masters in Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston.

MOULTON EXTENDED LEARNING CENTER Moulton Extended Learning Center, located at 1541 8th Street, is home to more than 420 students in grades K-5 and 81

h grade. Cheri Dixon is replacing Craig Saddler, who has accepted a position in another school district. Dixon has spent much of her career as a teacher and administrator in Texas. Since 2006; she has been principal of Green Valley Elementary School in the Galena Park (TX) school district, a school with 750 pupils and a student body that is 95% minority, 90%+ free/reduced meals, and 40% ELL. She was a 2011 finalist for Texas School Administrator of the Year. Dixon is a graduate of Mason City (lA) High School and has an AA in

40

physical education from NIACC, a BA in elementary education from Buena Vista University, and a M.Ed in administration and supervision from the University of Houston.


-30-

41


Roeder, Phillip Friday, May 24, 2013 12:24 PM Roeder, Phillip DMPS Observes Memorial Day

As we head into the Memorial Day weekend, I wanted to share with you a couple of items about Des Moines Public Schools observing this occasion.

First, we honored the namesakes of thirty of our schools, past and present, with a photo essay of their final resting places in the Des Moines metro. You may see these photographs on our Flickr page at http://flic.kr/s/aHsjFkuaPJ. With each photo is a brief biographical note about the individual and where they are buried. Any school namesakes not included in this photo essay are either buried outside of Iowa or we were unable to yet confirm the location of their grave.

Second, after 71 years, a WWII veteran was presented with a well-deserved diploma this morning. Vernon "Paul" Young was supposed to be a member of the Class of 1942 at North High School. But on December 8, 1941- a day after Pearl Harbor- he left school and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Today, during North's Class Day, to recognize the Class of 2013, Paul Young was among those in a green cap and gown and presented with an honorary diploma. Read and see more about this very special event on our For the Record blog at http://www.dmschools.org/2013/05/71-years-Jater-a-welldeserved-diploma-for-wwii-veteran/.

And a reminder that DMPS is in the midst of high school graduations, with all five comprehensive high schools holding commencement ceremonies this weekend. For a complete Jist of graduation events, please visit http://www. d mschoo Is .o rg/ about/district -calendars/.

All the best,


42

From: Sent:

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Monday, May 13, 2013 2:04 PM

To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: RE: Gillette v. DSM School Board Members

Thanks.


From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, May 13, 2013 2:03 PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: Gillette v. DSM School Board Members

Yes, it was done sometime mid-week.


From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, May 13, 2013 2:02 PM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: Gillette v. DSM School Board Members

Phil,

I just wanted to check in re: Gillette v. DSM School Board.

Has the district turned over the tape/transcript yet?

Mary

Mary Stegmeir Education Reporter The Des Moines Register

43

[email protected] 515-284-8525 (o) 515-803-0245 (c) @marystegmeir

44


Phil,

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Friday, May 03, 2013 3:13 PM Roeder, Phillip Graham Gillette ruling

I tried to leave a message on your work phone, but was told the voice mail system is down over there.

I'm working on a story about today's ruling in Graham Gillette v. the board.

Can you tell me: when does the district intend to turn over the tape/transcript?

Any other comments you'd like to add?

Mary


45

From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments:

Pendleton, Debra Monday, April 29, 2013 1:24 PM [email protected] Roeder, Phillip; Lantz, Patricia; Sanny, Linda RE: Materials for tonight's board meeting Open Enrollment 42913.docx

Hi Mary - I believe the attached document is in progress, so be sure to check when you come tonight for the final version.

Deb Pendleton 242-7713

From: Roeder, Phillip Sent: Monday, April 29, 2013 12:09 PM To: Pendleton, Debra Subject: Fwd: Materials for tonight's board meeting

Deb:

See below. Are their any handouts or materials?


Begin forwarded message:

From: "Stegmeir, Mary" <[email protected]> Date: April 29, 2013, 11:51:29 AM CDT To: "Roeder, Phillip" <[email protected]> Subject: Materials for tonight's board meeting

Phil,

I'll be covering tonight's board meeting. Can you please email me copies of whatever materials the board will be reviewing?

Thanks, Mary


46

From: Sent:

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Monday, April15, 2013 9:34 PM

To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: Re: Trying to get in touch with Mr. Ahart

He got back to me. Thanks.

Mary Stegmeir Reporter The Des Moines Register [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> 515-284-8525 (office) 515-803-0245 (mobile) Twitter: @marystegmeir Sent from my iPhone. Please excuse typos/brevity.

On Apr 15, 2013, at 9:29 PM, "Roeder, Phillip" <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]» wrote:

Hi:

Sorry but for some reason your email just popped up in my in box a couple of minutes ago. I don't know if Tom got in touch; I just left him a message and forwarded your email to him, too.


On Apr 15, 2013, at 7:53 PM, "Stegmeir, Mary" <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:

Hey Phil,

I'm working on a story for tomorrow's paper about the proposal to add central administration positions.

I'm on a tight deadline, and left a message and email for Mr. Ahart about 45 minutes ago but haven't yet heard back.

If you're still at the office, would you please mind asking him to give me a call on my cell phone 515-803-0245?

My deadline is 8:30p.m.

Thanks,

Mary


47

The Des Moines Register [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> 515-284-8525 (o) 515-803-0245 (c) @marystegmeir

48


Hey Phil,

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Monday, AprillS, 2013 7:53 PM Roeder, Phillip Trying to get in touch with Mr. Ahart

I'm working on a story for tomorrow's paper about the proposal to add central administration positions.

I'm on a tight deadline, and left a message and email for Mr. Ahart about 45 minutes ago but haven't yet heard back.

If you're still at the office, would you please mind asking him to give me a call on my cell phone 515-803-0245?

My deadline is 8:30p.m.

Thanks,

Mary


49


OK, thank you!


Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Wednesday, AprillO, 2013 5:13 PM Roeder, Phillip RE: Follow-up on bus driver questions

From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, April10, 2013 5:11PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: Follow-up on bus driver questions

Hi:

I'm running the video question past our attorney. I don't know if there are any issues relating to its release, but I just want to be certain.


From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 4:06 PM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: RE: Follow-up on bus driver questions

Thanks for the update.

What about the bus security tape? Will you be able to release that?

Mary


50


From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 4:05 PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: Follow-up on bus driver questions

Hi:

Sorry, I seem to be swinging and missing, but I'll see what I can still get. There was not a photo of Mr. Lubbert in Infinite Campus, but our transportation staff is seeing what, if anything, they might have. And I've talked to two secretaries at East, who were both in the office when the students and mother got to school this morning, and neither could recall her name (although both said she did a great job}; one of them was going to go back and see if she could figure out the student that belonged to the parent to identify her.

Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools 901 Walnut Street Des Moines, lA 50319 515-242-8153-0 www.dmschools.org www.twitter.com/DMschools www. facebook.com/DMschools

From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, April10, 2013 2:26 PM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: Follow-up on bus driver questions

Hey Phil,

I just wanted to check back and see if you would be able to release:

a} A photo of Mr. Lubber! b) A security tape from the bus c) The name of the parent who assisted in CPR

Mary


51


Thank you.


Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Wednesday, AprillO, 2013 12:35 PM Roeder, Phillip RE: Bus Driver

From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 12:25 PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: Bus Driver

Mary:

A few more details as we know them. When the driver pulled over and was clearly suffering from a medical situation, a student on the bus called 911. A parent who was at a bus stop saw that there was a problem and entered to bus to try and assist. Another DMPS school bus was passing nearby, also saw that there appeared to be a problem and pulled up to the scene; they radioed into our dispatch to report the emergency; that driver escorted students from Art Lubbert's bus to their own bus and took them to school as the paramedics arrived.

Hope that helps fill in a few details ...


52


Thank you!


Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Tuesday, March 26, 2013 3:22 PM Roeder, Phillip RE: SIG

From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 26, 2013 3:22 PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: SIG

Hi Mary:

Wilma was in a meeting but !left her a message to give you a call.

In regard to work being done at the SIG schools which may help at other schools, one example is the one· to-one laptop experience at North High. While we do not have another one-to-one school in the district, that experience is helping with a "bring your own device" pilot project we have at Lincoln and Merrill (students being able to use their own laptops/tablets/smart phones at school), both in best practices on using devices in the classroom as well as technologyrelated issues to implement.

Another example that could be down the road is Harding Middle School. One aspect of their turnaround plan is a later starting time: they have the district's latest school start time at 8:45AM. That part of their experience during the three years of the SIG program will provide some data on whether or not a later start time is something to be considered for other schools.

Finally, the test results for elementary schools is grades 3-5, middle schools is grades 6-8, and high school is only grade 11 (that's the only grade required to be reported to the federal government under SIG).

Hope that helps ...


53

54


Thanks!


Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Tuesday, March 19, 2013 1:12 PM Roeder, Phillip RE: Information request

From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2013 1:01 PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: Information request

Mary:

The attached PDF includes the correspondence in response to your request below.


From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, March 11, 2013 11:56 AM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: Information request

March 11, 2013

Mr. Roeder,

Please consider this a formal request, made under the Iowa Open Records Law, for access to records in the possession of Des Moines Public Schools.

Specifically, this request is for any written or electronic communication:

55

• between Tom Ahart and school board members Dick Murphy, Cindy Elsbernd, Teree Caldwell-Johnson, Connie Boesen, Pat Sweeney, Bill Howard and Joe Jongewaard from Feb. 21, 2013 to March 11, 2013;

• between yourself and board president Dick Murphy from Feb. 21, 2013 to March 11, 2013; • and between attorney Pat Lantz and board members Dick Murphy, Cindy Elsbernd, Teree Caldwell-Johnson,

Connie Boesen, Pat Sweeney, Bill Howard and Joe Jongewaard from Feb. 21, 2013 to March 11, 2013.





Sincerely,

Mary Stegmeir


56

From: Sent:

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Monday, March 18, 2013 8:33 PM

To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: Re: Good and bad (or bad and good)

Thanks for the update.

Mary Stegmeir Reporter The Des Moines Register [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> 515-284-8525 {office) 515-803-0245 {mobile) Twitter: @marystegmeir Sent from my iPhone. Please excuse typos/brevity.

On Mar 18, 2013, at 8:05PM, "Roeder, Phillip" <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]» wrote:

Hi:

Just wanted to follow up on the ELL bill ... it was approved on the Senate floor 48-0 tonight.

Phil

From: Stegmeir, Mary [[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>] Sent: Saturday, March 09, 2013 2:06PM To: Roeder, Phillip Cc: Bolten, Kathy; Hunter, Carol Subject: RE: Good and bad {or bad and good)

Phil,

Thanks so much for your email.

I will talk to my editors about getting a correction into Sunday's paper.

I think the issue was that some sentences got jumbled when making additions to the article between press time for the

state and metro editions.

The sentence included the word "later" because it had been originally followed an explanation of what happened at Friday's board meeting.

Just to be clear, the proposed contract would extend through June 30, 2015, correct?

And thanks for the additional information about the ELL bill. I know Mr. Ahart talked about at on Monday and was hoping to follow up with him for more information.

57

Mary

Mary Stegmeir Education Reporter The Des Moines Register [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> 515-284-8525 (o) 515-803-0245 (c) @marystegmeir

From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Saturday, March 09, 2013 1:20 PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: Good and bad (or bad and good)

Mary:

I wanted to touch base on two things.

I was debating whether to send an email but, since you asked for us to let you know of mistakes, I thought I'd drop a note. I'll let Dick Murphy address if he has any concerns about how the Board's work was reported, but there was one thing that directly pertained to my work.

In the lede of this morning's story you wrote, "The district later issued a news release saying he would be awarded a two-year contract at a salary of $260,000 annually, subject to approval by the board." I'm not going to speculate on what was being implied by writing "later," but it's simply not accurate. The press release was posted to our web site at 2:34, was emailed out at 2:40, and me being "old school" a print version was given to you and other reporters immediately at the end of the Murphy/ Ahart remarks. The web posting actually happened a minute or two before Dick Murphy even announced that Tom Ahart was being offered a contract and the email was sent while the event was still in progress. Also, while the press release twice noted that the contract would be voted on by the Board on Tuesday and with a salary of $260,000, it didn't say anything about the length (it's my understanding that it's a little longer than 2 years).

On something completely unrelated (the "good" of the subject line, IMO), I just wanted to give you a heads up on a piece of legislation you might be interested in taking a look at: SF 266. With everything else going on last week, this got a little overlooked in the shuffle. This is a bill that Senator Janet Petersen introduced, which would extend the weighted formula for ELL students from the current 4 years to up to 7 years. The bill was approved with no opposition by the Senate Education Committee on Thursday afternoon (and so made the funnel deadline), and appears to have bipartisan support heading to the Senate floor. This is a priority of ours and the UEN as well as a number of smaller districts that have large ELL populations (i.e. Storm Lake or Denison, which both have around 50% of their enrollment being ELL students). With the increasing number of refugee students coming to Des Moines and elsewhere in Iowa, this bill would provide districts with additional support for a longer period of time for those students who need it. Even though we see roughly 15-20% of our students actually become proficient and leave ELL before four years, many of the students arriving today are not literate in their home language and so additional time and support is needed to help them learn English and acclimate to school. Vinh Nguyen is, of course, our expert in Des Moines on ELL and there are others (the superintendent in Denison, the high school principal in Marshalltown) who are very knowledgeable about the need for this change. Anyway, just wanted to give you a heads up on something that could make a difference for a growing number of students here and across the state.

Talk soon ... Phil

58

From: Sent:

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Wednesday, March 13, 2013 12:37 PM

To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: Re: Superintendent contract

Sorry for the confusion. I wrote that email at last night's meeting, but my outlook didn't send it until this morning.


On Mar 13, 2013, at 11:43 AM, "Roeder, Phillip" <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:

Mary:

Sorry, I'm unclear what you mean by proposed. I have a signed copy of the contract, which is attached.

Also, I know you're talking with Bill Good a little later about the proposed new facility at Casady, and have called Randi Oleson. She was a little timid to talk about this, but I told her it'd be good to talk with you about what this will mean for the middle school program that is a part of her department. I've traded calls with her this morning, but feel free to give her another try after you talk with Bill.

Talk soon,

Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools 901 W<;~lnut Street Des Moines, lA 50319 515-242-8153-0 www.dmschools.org<http://www.dmps.k12.ia.us/> www.twitter.com/DMschools<http://www.twitter.com/DMschools> www.facebook.com/DMschools<http://www.facebook.com/DMschools>

From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 8:12AM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: Superintendent contract

Phil,

Can I please get a copy of the proposed superintendent contract?

59

Thank you,

Mary

Mary Stegmeir Education Reporter The Des Moines Register [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> 515-284-8525 {o} 515-803-0245 (c) @marystegmeir

<Supt. contract 2013 0312.pdf>

60


Phil,

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Wednesday, March 13, 2013 8:12AM Roeder, Phillip Superintendent contract

Can I please get a copy of the proposed superintendent contract?

Thank you,

Mary


61

From: Sent:

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Tuesday, March 12, 2013 6:55 PM

To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: Re: Presentation for tonight

Thank you. Can you please tell me what Mr. Ahart's annual annuity is?

Thanks,

Mary


On Mar 12, 2013, at 6:37 PM, "Roeder, Phillip" <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]»

wrote:

And here's the presentation on the revenue bond sale.

Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools www.dmschools.org<http://www.dmschools.org> www.facebook.com/DMschools<http://www.facebook.com/DMschools> www.twitter.com/DMschools<http://www.twitter.com/DMschools> Sent from my iPad

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Good, Harold" <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Date: March 12, 2013, 1:31:36 PM CDT To: "Roeder, Phillip" <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]», "Taylor, Sarah" <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Subject: Presentation for tonight

Please confirm this will be loaded for tonight. Thanks

Bill Good Chief Operations Officer Des Moines Public Schools <image002.jpg>

62

P Please consider your environmental responsibility before printing this e-mail CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email, and any attachments hereto, contains information which may be CONFIDENTIAL and/or ATIORNEY CLIENT PRIVILEGED. The information is intended to be for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient, please note that any unauthorized disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the information is prohibited. If you have received this electronic transmission in error, please return the e-mail to the sender, delete it from your computer and destroy all copies.

<Phase 3 bonding ahead 3.13.pptx>

63


Thank you!


Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Tuesday, March 12, 2013 4:09 PM Roeder, Phillip RE: Information request

From: Roeder, Phillip [mallto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 4:08 PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: Information request

Mary:

I meant to let you know that I received your request below. Our person who pulls electronic records is out until tomorrow. I'll let you know when this is ready, and in advance if there are any fees involved.



From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, March 11, 2013 11:56 AM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: Information request

March 11, 2013

Mr. Roeder,

Please consider this a formal request, made under the Iowa Open Records Law, for access to records in the possession of Des Moines Public Schools.

Specifically, this request is for any written or electronic communication:

64

• between Tom Ahart and school board members Dick Murphy, Cindy Elsbernd, Teree Caldwell-Johnson, Connie Boesen, Pat Sweeney, Bill Howard and Joe Jongewaard from Feb. 21, 2013 to March 11, 2013;

• between yourself and board president Dick Murphy from Feb. 21, 2013 to March 11, 2013; • and between attorney Pat Lantz and board members Dick Murphy, Cindy Elsbernd, Teree Caldwell-Johnson,

Connie Boesen, Pat Sweeney, Bill Howard and Joe Jongewaard from Feb. 21, 2013 to March 11, 2013.





Sincerely,

Mary Stegmeir


65

From: Sent:

Hunter, Carol <[email protected]> Saturday, March 09, 2013 8:51 PM

To: Roeder, Phillip Cc: Bolten, Kathy; Stegmeir, Mary Subject: FW: Good and bad (or bad and good)

Phil: I finally got time to go back through versions of the story and, sigh, the error with "later" was mine. It happened in the rewrite, as Mary explained. I had been concerned in the story with establishing sequence. Unfortunately, I somehow bollixed it. I wasn't intending to imply anything; I just wanted to get the sequence right. From her first draft posted Friday afternoon, Mary had it clear. Her initial paragraph: "A press release issued while the announcement was being made said that Ahart will be paid $260,000 a year and that the board would vote on his contract Tuesday." I apologize for the error and any confusion it caused. Carol Hunter

From: Stegmeir, Mary Sent: Saturday, March 09, 2013 2:06 PM To: Roeder, Phillip Cc: Bolten, Kathy; Hunter, Carol Subject: RE: Good and bad (or bad and good)

Phil,

Thanks so much for your email.

I will talk to my editors about getting a correction into Sunday's paper.

I think the issue was that some sentences got jumbled when making additions to the article between press time for the state and metro editions.

The sentence included the word "later'' because it had been originally followed an explanation of what happened at Friday's board meeting.

Just to be clear, the proposed contract would extend through June 30, 2015, correct?

And thanks for the additional information about the ELL bill. I know Mr. Ahart talked about at on Monday and was hoping to follow up with him for more information.

Mary


66

From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Saturday, March 09, 2013 1:20PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: Good and bad (or bad and good)

Mary:



In the lede of this morning's story you wrote, "The district later issued a news release saying he would be awarded a two-year contract at a salary of $260,000 annually, subject to approval by the board." I'm not going to speculate on what was being implied by writing "later," but it's simply not accurate. The press release was posted to our web site at 2:34, was emailed out at 2:40, and me being "old school" a print version was given to you and other reporters immediately at the end of the Murphy/Ahart remarks. The web posting actually happened a minute or two before Dick Murphy even announced that Tom Ahart was being offered a contract and the email was sent while the event was still in progress. Also, while the press release twice noted that the contract would be voted on by the Board on Tuesday and with a salary of $260,000, it didn't say anything about the length (it's my understanding that it's a little longer than 2 years).

On something completely unrelated (the "good" of the subject line, IMO), I just wanted to give you a heads up on a piece of legislation you might be interested in taking a look at: SF 266. With everything else going on last week, this got a little overlooked in the shuffle. This is a bill that Senator Janet Petersen introduced, which would extend the weighted formula for ELL students from the current 4 years to up to 7 years. The bill was approved with no opposition by the Senate Education Committee on Thursday afternoon (and so made the funnel deadline), and appears to have bipartisan support heading to the Senate floor. This is a priority of ours and the UEN as well as a number of smaller districts that have large ELL populations (i.e. Storm Lake or Denison, which both have around 50% of their enrollment being ELL students). With the increasing number of refugee students coming to Des Moines and elsewhere in Iowa, this bill would provide districts with additional support for a longer period of time for those students who need it. Even though we see roughly 15-20% of our students actually become proficient and leave ELL before four years, many of the students arriving today are not literate in their home language and so additional time and support is needed to help them learn English and acclimate to school. Vinh Nguyen is, of course, our expert in Des Moines on ELL and there are others (the superintendent in Denison, the high school principal in Marshalltown) who are very knowledgeable about the need for this change. Anyway, just wanted to give you a heads up on something that could make a difference for a growing number of students here and across the state.

Talk soon ... Phil

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From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject:

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Saturday, March 09, 2013 6:08 PM Murphy, Richard Stegmeir, Mary; Roeder, Phillip Re: Length of Contract

Thank you for the information. I will be sure to include the contract end date in our correction.

Mary

Mary Stegmeir Reporter The Des Moines Register [email protected] 515-284-8525 (office) 515-803-0245 (mobile) Twitter: @marystegmeir Sent from my !Phone. Please excuse typos/brevity.

On Mar 9, 2013, at 6:02PM, "richard murphy" <[email protected]> wrote:

> > >Hi Mary, >The contract that will be presented and acted upon on Tuesday, March 12 calls for a little longer term than two years. It will go into effect March 12, 2013 and run until June 30, 2015. The reason for this is that the current contract for the Interim Superintendent expires on the appointment of the new Superintendent. So, if the contract were to begin on July 1, 2013, and the current Interim contract expires on March 12, we would be without a school leader from March 12, 2013 through June 30, 2013.

> >You may ask, "Why don't you just extend the interim contract until June 30, 2013?" That would require re-negotiating the interim contract and negotiating the superintendent contract. It is more efficient and, I believe, more economical to offer the proposed contract.

> > Dick Murphy

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Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Saturday, March 09, 2013 2:28 PM Roeder, Phillip RE: Good and bad (or bad and good)

The online version of the story should be corrected momentarily.


From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Saturday, March 09, 2013 1:20 PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: Good and bad (or bad and good)

Mary:



In the lede of this morning's story you wrote, "The district later issued a news release saying he would be awarded a two-year contract at a salary of $2601000 annually1 subject to approval by the board." I'm not going to speculate on what was being implied by writing "later," but it's simply not accurate. The press release was posted to our web site at 2:341 was emailed out at 2:40, and me being "old school" a print version was given to you and other reporters immediately at the end of the Murphy/Ahart remarks. The web posting actually happened a minute or two before Dick Murphy even announced that Tom Ahart was being offered a contract and the email was sent while the event was still in progress. Also, while the press release twice noted that the contract would be voted on by the Board on Tuesday and with a salary of $260,000, it didn't say anything about the length (it's my understanding that it's a little longer than 2 years).

On something completely unrelated (the "good" of the subject line, IMO), I just wanted to give you a heads up on a piece of legislation you might be interested in taking a look at: SF 266. With everything else going on last week/ this got a little overlooked in the shuffle. This is a bill that Senator Janet Petersen introduced/ which would extend the weighted formula for ELL students from the current 4 years to up to 7 years. The bill was approved with no opposition by the Senate Education Committee on Thursday afternoon (and so made the funnel deadline), and appears to have bipartisan support heading to the Senate floor. This is a priority of ours and the UEN as well as a number of smaller districts that have large ELL populations (i.e. Storm Lake or Denison, which both have around 50% of their enrollment being ELL students). With the increasing number of refugee

69

students coming to Des Moines and elsewhere in Iowa, this bill would provide districts with additional support for a longer period of time for those students who need it. Even though we see roughly 15-20% of our students actually become proficient and leave ELL before four years, many of the students arriving today are not literate in their home language and so additional time and support is needed to help them learn English and acclimate to school. Vinh Nguyen is, of course, our expert in Des Moines on ELL and there are others (the superintendent in Denison, the high school principal in Marshalltown) who are very knowledgeable about the need for this change. Anyway, just wanted to give you a heads up on something that could make a difference for a growing number of students here and across the state.

Talk soon ... Phil

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Thank you!


-----Original Message-----

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Friday, March 08, 2013 1:08 PM Roeder, Phillip RE: Press conference

From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, March 08, 2013 1:07 PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: Press conference

It'll be 2:30 in room 6A on the 6th floor.

Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools 901 Walnut Street Des Moines, lA 50319 515-242-8153- 0 www.dmschools.org www.twitter.com/DMschools www.facebook.com/DMschools

-----Original Message-----From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, March 08, 2013 12:51 PM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: Press conference

Hey Phil,

Please call my cell or email w details about the press conference.

I'm waiting downtaira at 901 walnut, but we still need to be able to get our photo dept here.

Mary Stegmeir Reporter The Des Moines Register

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[email protected] 515-284-8525 (office) 515-803-0245 (mobile) Twitter: @marystegmeir Sent from my iPhone. Please excuse typos/brevity.

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Taylor, Sarah Thursday, March 07, 2013 3:39 PM [email protected] Roeder, Phillip Harding Data

Hi Mary- here is the data you requested for the 2010-11 school year. This is the percent proficient on the IBTS for reading and math at Harding.

6'h Grade

Reading 42.5%

Math 41.3%

Sarah Taylor Communications Specialist, Des Moines Public Schools 90 I Walnut Street, Des Moines \A S0309 PH (SIS) 242-8162 www.dmschools.org www.facebook,com/DMschools www.twitter.com/DMschools

7'h Grade a'h Grade

50.5% 44.4%

57.5% 45.1%

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Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Thursday, March 07, 2013 12:51 AM Roeder, Phillip Closed meeting

http ://blogs.desmo i nesregiste r .com/ d m r /index. ph p/2013/03/07/ no-wo rd-on-whe n-d m ps-boa rd-will-resume-closedsession-meeting/article

Can you please tell me when this meeting will resume?

Thank you, Mary


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Phil,

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Wednesday, March 06, 2013 3:31 PM Roeder, Phillip Superintendent announcement

I just left you a voice mail, but thought I'd also send an email... I imagine it's another busy day over there.

I'm planning out our coverage for the rest of the week.

Do you have an estimation of when the board will announce its superintendent selection?

Will that announcement be made during a board meeting; via a press release or through a press conference?

Mary


75


OK, thanks.


Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Monday, March 04, 2013 7:48 PM Roeder, Phillip RE: Resume from Ahart

From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, March 04, 2013 7:48 PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: Re: Resume from Ahart

I don't have anything beyond the bios from the search firm. You'll need to ask Tom when this is over to get you a copy (or Dick).

Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools www.dmschools.org www.facebook.com/DMschools www.twitter.com/DMschools Sent from my iPad

On Mar 4, 2013, at 7:37PM, "Stegmeir, Mary" <[email protected]> wrote:

Hey Phil,

I'm still getting questions from my editors about whether I will have employment dates, details for Ahart.

Are you able to get me his resume yet tonight?

Mary

Mary Stegmeir Education Reporter The Des Moines Register mstegmeir@dmreg .com 515-284-8525 (o)

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515-803-0245 (c) @marystegmeir

77


Hey Phil,

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Monday, March 04, 2013 6:47AM Roeder, Phillip Resumes, cover letters

Will the district be releasing the candidate's cover letters and resumes?

I found old versions from Wright and Browder online, but nothing from Ahart.

Mary

Mary Stegmeir Reporter The Des Moines Register [email protected] 515-284-8525 (office) 515-803-0245 (mobile) Twitter: @marystegmeir Sent from my iPhone. Please excuse typos/brevity.

78

From: Sent:

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Saturday, March 02, 2013 10:58 AM

To: Subject:

Thanks.


Roeder, Phillip Re: Finalist photos


On Mar 2, 2013, at 10:50 AM, "Roeder, Phillip" <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]» wrote:

Hi Mary:

There are photos posted of the finalists at http://www.dmschools.org/board/superintendent-search/finalists/. If you click on the image you can download a larger version. The one of Tom Ahart is high-res. Unfortunately, the search firm did not pass along very good quality photos of the other two (I've asked them to get me something better), but in the meantime hopefully this is helpful.

Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools 901 Walnut Street Des Moines, lA 50319 515-242-8153-0 www.dmschools.org<http://www.dmps.k12.ia.us/> www.twitter.com/DMschools<http://www.twitter.com/DMschools> www.facebook.com/DMschools<http://www.facebook.com/DMschools>

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Hi Mary,

richard murphy <[email protected]> Friday, March 01, 2013 4:38 PM Stegmeir, Mary Roeder, Phillip; _Board Re: Request for time with superintendent candidates

Good idea. How about spending 1 0-15 minutes with each candidate after the meet and greet? We might end the sessions a little early and either find a location in the library or at neighboring Starbucks. My only suggestion would be that you follow a consistent format in your interviews. We are striving for fairness and equity. I know you can be relied on for this. Thanks for you suggestion.

Dick Murphy

Dick Murphy On Mar 1, 2013, at 12:18 PM, Stegmeir, Mary wrote:

Hello all,

I know the district is busy putting together the superintendent candidate schedules for next week.

I wanted to ask if you could please include a short window -10 minutes- in each candidate's schedule for an interview with The Register.

Perhaps before or after the meet-and-greets?

Thanks for your consideration,

Mary


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Phil,

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Thursday, February 28, 2013 10:40 AM Roeder, Phillip SB tapes

Just wanted to check in and see if you had an ETA of when the CD would be available today ...

Mary


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Thanks!


Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Wednesday, February 27, 2013 3:18 PM Roeder, Phillip RE: Report

From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2013 3:17PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: Report

Hi Mary:

Thanks for passing this along. As you can probably guess there is not a lot I can add given the age of the student. I can say that, while the student will face disciplinary action at school, our first priority right now has been working with the family to find the best program to support the student moving forward.

Talk soon,


From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2013 1:29PM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: FW: Report

Mary Stegmeir Education Reporter The Des Moines Register [email protected]

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515-284-8525 (o) 515-803-0245 (c) @marystegmeir

From: Zilbermints, Regina Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2013 1:20PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: Report

The handwriting on this report is awful ... l can barely read it on the actual page, let alone in a photo. But it's a pretty short report, so here's the text. Let me know if you need anything else I

Reporting person and victim: Michelle McClure, WF25. McClure lives at 309 Caulder Ave in Des Moines and works at Jackson Elementary. Date/time: Occured Feb. 25, 2013 at 8:15-8:35 a.m., reported Feb. 25 at 11:50 a.m. Location: 3825 Indianola Ave.

Witnesses: Sandy Mortale, 3825 Indianola Ave. and Vicke Halverson, 1825 E. Glendwood

Summary: Tripped by dispatch to Jackson Elementary on an assault. Upon my arrival I spoke to a Ms. Michelle McClure who stated that she was dealing with another student when [redacted] started to argue with his mother, strike his mother and knocked over a desk. When Ms. McClure got done dealing with her student, she went back to where [redacted] was at. [Redacted] then slapped Ms. McClure across the face (left side.) I was informed by school employees that [redacted] mother took him to Mercy Franklin.

Type of injury: Redness to left cheek

Suspect's name was redacted (meaning he either wasn't charged when the report was made or because he's so young) but he's listed as a white male, age 10.

Regina Zilbermints The Des Moines Register Work: (515) 284-8088 Cell: (515) 771-1385 Twitter: @RZilbermints www.DesMoinesRegister.com

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Hey Phil,

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Wednesday, February 27, 2013 1:01 PM Roeder, Phillip Meeting tapes, grad rates

I left you a couple of messages on your office phone, but thought I'd check in via email as well.

First off, I wanted to see when I would be able to listen to the audio tapes from Monday and Tuesday's open session of the school board.

Secondly, I wanted to ask you a couple of questions about graduation rates.

Can you please give me a call when you have a sec?

Thanks,

Mary


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Thanks! I got it.



Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Friday, February 22, 2013 5:39 PM Roeder, Phillip RE: Clarification

From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, February 22, 2013 5:38 PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: Clarification

Hi Mary:

I just want to clarify one thir\g I told you about the Board's meetings next week. I think I said they adjourn each night between closed sessions but they actually recess between each night. Technicality, but just want to be clear.

Thanks,

Phil Roeder Sent from my !Phone

85

From: Sent:

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Monday, February 18, 2013 11:32 AM

To: Subject:

Thank you!


Roeder, Phillip Re: IB schools


On Feb 18, 2013, at 11:01 AM, "Roeder, Phillip" <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]» wrote:

Hi:

No, Lincoln is not an IB school. Some people have recently raised the idea, since Brody Middle School feeds into Lincoln, but there hasn't been a decision made about beginning that process.

Here's a link to a page on our web site that includes a list of the authorized and pending IB schools in the district: http://www.dmschools.org/academics/programs/international-baccalaureate/

Talk soon,


www.dmschools.org<http://www.dmps.k12.ia.us/> www.twitter.com/DMschools<http://www.twitter.com/DMschools> www.facebook.com/DMschools<http://www.facebook.com/DMschools>

From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, February 18, 2013 10:47 AM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: IB schools

Phil,

I had a parent call me this morning and say that Lincoln was an IB school.

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I had only seen Hoover mentioned in the past as a high school pursuing IB status.

Can you please send me an updated list of all the DM schools that are either certified as IB or pursing certification?

Thank you,

Mary


The Des Moines Register [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> 515-284-8525 (o) 515-803-0245 (c) @marystegmeir

87


Phil,

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Monday, February 18, 2013 10:47 AM Roeder, Phillip IB schools

I had a parent call me this morning and say that Lincoln was an IB school.

I had only seen Hoover mentioned in the past as a high school pursuing IB status.

Can you please send me an updated list of all the DM schools that are either certified as IB or pursing certification?

Thank you,

Mary


88


OK! Thanks!



Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Friday, February 08, 2013 3:24 PM Roeder, Phillip RE: Superintendent applications

From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, February 08, 2013 2:55 PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: Superintendent applications

Hi Mary:

I'm going to forward your note to Dick Murphy and ask that he talk with you on Monday. The Board is really the "flack" on the search process.

Have a good weekend ...



-----Original Message-----From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, February 08, 2013 12:23 PM To: Roeder, phillip Subject: Superintendent applications

Hey Phil,

Can I give you a call Monday afternoon? I want to do a blog update that evening about how many applications the district has received for the superintendent position.

89

Mary Stegmeir Reporter The Des Moines Register [email protected] 515-284-8525 (office) 515-803-0245 (mobile) Twitter: @marystegmeir Sent from my iPhone. Please excuse typos/brevity.

90


Thanks so much!


Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Tuesday, February 05, 2013 2:17 PM Roeder, Phillip RE: Tonight's work session

From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, February 05, 2013 2:17 PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: Tonight's work session

Hi:

There will be, but it's still being worked on. I should have a copy before the meeting and, if so, will pass it along.


From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, February 05, 2013 10:17 AM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: Tonight's work session

Hey Phil,

Will there be any handouts or powerpoint presentations at tonight's budget workshop.

If so, can I get a copy of those materials?

Thank you,

Mary

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92


Thanks!


Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Monday, February 04, 2013 9:07AM Roeder, Phillip RE: Work session

From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, February 04, 2013 8:25AM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: Re: Work session

Hi:

Yes, at noon today at 901. They are discussing the early retirement change that's on tomorrow night's agenda.


On Feb 3, 2013, at 7:04 PM, "Stegmeir, Mary" <[email protected]> wrote:

Is a board work session scheduled for tomorrow (Monday, Feb. 4)?


93


Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Saturday, February 02, 2013 8:12 AM Roeder, Phillip Out of Office: Central Campus Closed Today

Mary Stegmeir is out of the office through Monday, Feb. 5. If your message needs to be addressed sooner than that, please contact Metro Editor Kathy Bolten at [email protected] or 515-284-8383. Thanks!

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From: Taylor, Sarah Sent: To: Cc:

Tuesday, January 29, 2013 2:34 PM [email protected] Roeder, Phillip

Subject: Class Size

Mary -I think these are probably the figures you noticed that were off. I checked with our data person and the numbers on both of these somehow got doubled.

• Hillis 4'h grade should be 20 instead of 40

• Willard Kindergarten should be 19 instead of 38

Thanks, Sarah

Sarah Taylor Communications Specialist, Des Moines Public Schools 90 I Walnut Street, Des Moines lA 50309 PH (5 15) 242-8162 www.dmschools.ore www.facebook.com/DMschools www.twitter.com/DMschools

95

From: Sent:

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Sunday, January 27, 2013 6:48 PM

To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: Re: Class size ratios

Yes, very much so, thank you.

I may give you a call tomorrow if I want a confirmation on any particular lines.


On Jan 27, 2013, at 5:58 PM, "Roeder, Phillip" <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]» wrote:

Hi:

I think this answers your questions. First, all of the elementary schools should be included on this list. It is mostly but not. entirely in alphabetical order; it's ordered by a numeric code that's assigned to each school and is listed in column A (i.e. Capitol View is 0427). It's mostly alpha but because of the numeric code some schools {Brubaker and Downtown are a couple I've noticed) appear out of order.

Yes, most schools uses the same code for their classrooms {"00" is kindergarten, "01" is 1st grade, etc.), with the second number representing the classroom's section at that school ... our schools mostly range from 2 to 4 sections per grade. There are some schools that include other codes (ie. HR08 or MIS0999) which are students in individualized special education or intensive Ell programs. Also, the Downtown School and Cowles have combined grades and so their codes are a little different.

The total enrollment for each school is then the last item listed in its section of the spreadsheet. For example, figures for Capitol View begin on row 3; row 30 lists the total count for each grade (columns D thru J) and the school's total enrollment of 533 in column K, row 30. Carver Elementary then begins on row 31.

Does that make sense and/or what you're looking for?

Phil

From: Stegmeir, Mary [[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>] Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2013 4:36PM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: RE: Class size ratios

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Phil,

Can you please tell me which schools are represented on the elementary homeroom document?

It appears to me that each school uses the same coding. (I.E. HR00-1 =one section of kindergarten).

So, can you please tell me where each school's enrollment figures begin on the document. I.E. which school's totals start at line 31, line 56, etc.

Thanks!

Mary


From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, January 25, 2013 10:09 AM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: Class size ratios

Hi:

Attached is a report on elementary school class size for grades K-5. This is current as of yesterday. The spreadsheet lists each comprehensive elementary school and then each classroom within the school with a student count.

As I mentioned below, the state only requires that this be compiled for grades K-3, but we track for all of elementary. Homeroom sizes in middle and high schools average around 25 students, but there is not a comparable class size report for secondary schools.


www .dmschools.org<http :/ /www .d m ps. k12. ia. us/> www.twitter.com/DMschools<http://www.twitter.com/DMschools> www. face boo k.com/DMschoo ls<http:/ /www. facebook. com/DM schoo Is>

From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2013 1:30 PM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: RE: Class size ratios

Thank you!

97

Mary,Stegmeir Education Reporter The Des Moines Register [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> 515-284-8525 (a) 515-803-0245 (c) @marystegmeir

From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2013 1:28PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: Class size ratios

Hi:

I'll have a rundown of all elementary class sizes for you in the morning (it will be current as of today). The State only requires that this data be collected for grades K-3 but we do a K-5 report. The secondary school class size is not tracked the same way so it will only be an estimate.


www .dmschoo ls.org<http :/ /www .d m ps. k12. ia. us/> www.twitter.com/DMschools<http:/ /www.twitter.com/DMschools> www. facebook.co m/D M schoo Is< http://www. facebook.com/DMschoo Is>

From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2013 10:37 AM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: RE: Class size ratios

Thanks,

I just talked to my editors and they pushed back by deadline for the story.

But, they also want to get me to include more specific class size information with the article.

By the end of the day Friday, can you please provide me with class size data by building and by class for each school in the district?

Mary

Mary Stegmeir Education Reporter The Des Moines Register [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> 515-284-8525 (a)

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515-803-0245 (c) @marystegmeir

From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2013 10:23 AM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: Class size ratios

Hi Mary:

Let me see what I can get from people here ...

Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools 901 Walnut Street Des Moines, lA 50319 515-242-8153-0 www .dmschools.o rg<http :/ /www .d m ps. k12. ia. us/> www.twitter.com/DMschools<http://www.twitter.com/DMschools> www. face boo k.com/DM schoo ls<http:/ /www. facebook. com/DM schools>

From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2013 10:09 AM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: Class size ratios

Hey Phil,

I'm working on a story about the budget for tomorrow's paper.

Can you tell me what the average class sizes are for elementary, middle and high school students are this year?

Thanks!

Mary


99


Phil,

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Sunday, January 27, 2013 4:36 PM Roeder, Phillip RE: Class size ratios

Can you please tell me which schools are represented on the elementary homeroom document?

It appears to me that each school uses the same coding. (I.E. HR00-1 =one section of kindergarten).

So, can you please tell me where each school's enrollment figures begin on the document. I.E. which school's totals start at line 31, line 56, etc.

Thanks!

Mary



Hi:

Attached is a report on elementary school class size for grades K-5. This is current as of yesterday. The spreadsheet lists each comprehensive elementary school and then each classroom within the school. with a student count.


Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations· Des Moines Public Schools 901 Walnut Street Des Moines, lA 50319 515-242-8153-0 www.dmschools.org www.twitter.com/DMschools www. facebook.com/DMschools

100

From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2013 1:30PM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: RE: Class size ratios

Thank you I


From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2013 1:28 PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: Class size ratios

Hi:




Thanks,




Mary

101


From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2013 10:23 AM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: Class size ratios

Hi Mary:





Hey Phil,



Thanks I

Mary


102


Thank you.


Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Friday, January 25, 2013 10:10 AM Roeder, Phillip RE: Class size ratios


Hi:

Attached is a report on elementary school class size for grades K-5. This is current as of yesterday. The spreadsheet lists each comprehensive elementary school and then each classroom within the school with a student count.


Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools 901 Walnut Street Des Moines, lA 50319 515-242·8153- 0


From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2013 1:30PM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: RE: Class size ratios

Thank you!


103


From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2013 1:28PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: Class size ratios

Hi:


Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools 901 Walnut Street Des Moines, lA 50319 515-242-8153-0 www.dmschools.org www. twitter.com/DMschools www.facebook.com/DMschools


Thanks,




Mary


From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2013 10:23 AM

104

To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: Class size ratios

Hi Mary:




Hey Phil,



Thanks I

Mary

Mary Stegmeir

Education Reporter The Des Moines Register [email protected] 515-284-8525 (o) 515-803-0245 (c) @marystegmeir

105


Taylor, Sarah Tuesday, January 22, 2013 2:00 PM _DMPSTV; Roeder, Phillip; Wellman, Michael [email protected] DM PS Art Show

Here's some information about the upcoming DMPS Art Show featuring artists from all across the school d~rict .

The DMPS art show will run from February 7-14. The show will be in the Capital Square Mall Lobby located at 400 Locust Street downtown. An opening reception is at 5:30-7:30 PM February 7 with comments by the Interim Superintendent starting at 5:45 on the evening of Feb. 7.

Thanks, Sarah

Sarah Taylor Communications Specialist, Des Moines Public Schools 90 I Walnut Street, Des Moines lA 50309 PH (515) 242-8162 www.dmschools.org www.facebook.com/DMschools www.twitter.com/DMschools

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From: Sent:

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Friday, January 11, 2013 4:15 PM

To: Subject:

Thank you!



Roeder, Phillip RE: Link to the story

From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, January 11, 2013 3:47PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: Link to the story

No problem. Also, the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee meets again next week: Thursday at 6:30 here at 901 Walnut.


-----Original Message-----From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, January 11, 2013 3:02 PM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: Re: Link to the story

Okl Thanks for taking a look!

Mary Stegmeir Reporter The Des Moines Register [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> 515-284-8525 (office) 515-803-0245 (mobile)

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Twitter: @marystegmeir Sent from my !Phone. Please excuse typos/brevity.

On Jan 11, 2013, at 2:24PM, "Roeder, Phillip" <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]» wrote:

Thanks. At this point there's really nothing new for us to add beyond what was filed and argued in court.

Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools 901 Walnut Street Des Moines, lA 50319 515-242-8153-0 www .d mschools.o rg< http:/ fwww .d m ps. k12. ia. us/> www.twitter.com/DMschools<http:/ /www.twitter.com/DMschools> www.facebook.com/DMschools<http:/ /www.facebook.com/DMschools>

From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, January 11, 2013 2:20PM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: Link to the story

http:/ /blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2013/01/11/judge-hears-arguments-in-public-recordslawsuit/article

Mary Stegmeir Education Reporter The Des Moines Register [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> 515-284-8525 (o) 515-803-0245 (c) @ma,rystegmeir

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From: Sent:

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Friday, January 11, 2013 3:02 PM

To: Subject:

Okl Thanks for taking a look!


Roeder, Phillip Re: Link to the story


On Jan 11, 2013, at 2:24PM, "Roeder, Phillip" <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]» wrote:

Thanks. At this point there's really nothing new for us to add beyond what was filed and argued in court.

Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools 901 Walnut Street Des Moines, lA 50319 515-242-8153-0 www. d mschoo ls.org<http :/ /www .d m ps. k12. ia. us/> www. twitter .com/DMschoo Is< http://www. twitter .com/DMschoo Is> www. facebook.com/DMschools<http :/ /www. facebook.com/DM schoo Is>

From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, January 11, 2013 2:20 PM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: Link to the story

http:/ /blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2013/01/11/judge-hears-arguments-in-public-recordslawsuit/article


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Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Friday, January 11, 2013 2:20 PM Roeder, Phillip Link to the story

http ://blogs. d esmoi nesregiste r .com/ d m r /index. ph p/20 13/0 1/11/j ud ge-hea rs-a rgu me nts-i n-pu b lic-reco rd slawsuit/article


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Hey Phil,

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Friday, January 11, 2013 11:47 AM Roeder, Phillip Citizen's Budget Committee meetings

I'm looking on the website, but I can't find any information stating when the Citizen's Budget Committee meets.

Can you please forward me that info?

Thank you,

Mary

Mary Stegmeir Education Reporter The Des Moines Register [email protected] 515-284-8525 {o) 515-803-0245 {c) @marystegmeir

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Thank you!



Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Wednesday, January 09, 2013 4:20 PM Roeder, Phillip RE: One last weapons follow-up question

From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2013 4:19 PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: One last weapons follow-up question

I'm still waiting to confirm. Looking at our expulsion Jist, there was a "dangerous weapon" in early January of last year at North that Jed to a student being expelled but it doesn't indicate on my Jist what type of weapon it was. Hopefully I'll have an answer for you soon.



-----Original Message-----From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2013 1:08 PM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: Re: One last weapons follow-up question

Sorry, I was not clear. I meant the last time a loaded gun was confiscated prior to the November 30 incident. (The gun confiscated outside north was not loaded).

Mary Stegmeir Reporter The Des Moines Register

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[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> 515-284-8525 (office) 515-803-0245 (mobile) Twitter: @marystegmeir Sent from my iPhone. Please excuse typos/brevity.


We've had two handgun confiscations this year. The last time a loaded gun was confiscated by a school official would have been on November 30 at Hoover. The last time by a police officer would have been on the night of December 14 outside of North (you'd need to check with DMPD if it was loaded or not; the report we have didn't indicate if it was or not).

Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools 901 Walnut Street Des Moines, lA 50319 515-242-8153-0 www .d mschoo ls.o rg<http:/ /www .d m ps. k12. ia. us/> www.twitter.com/DMschools<http:/ /www.twitter.com/DMschools> www.facebook.com/DMschools<http://www.facebook.com/DMschools>

From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]) Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2013 12:15 PM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: One last weapons follow-up question

Can you tell me when was the last time a loaded gun was confiscated by school officials? At what school?

Thanks! Mary


113

From: Sent:

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Wednesday, January 09, 2013 1:08 PM

To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: Re: One last weapons follow-up question

Sorry, I was not clear. I meant the last time a loaded gun was confiscated prior to the November 30 incident. (The gun confiscated outside north was not loaded).



We've had two handgun confiscations this year. The last time a loaded gun was confiscated by a school official would have been on November 30 at Hoover. The last time by a police officer would have been on the night of December 14 outside of North (you'd need to check with DMPD if it was loaded or not; the report we have didn't indicate if it was or not).


www .d mschools.o rg<http:/ /www .d m ps. k12. ia. us/> www. twitter .com/D Mschoo ls<http :/ /www. twitter .com/DMschoo Is> www.facebook.com/DMschools<http:/ /www.facebook.com/DMschools>

From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2013 12:15 PM To: Roeder, Phillip Subject: One last weapons follow-up question


Thanks! Mary


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[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> 515-284-8525 (a) 515-803-0245 (c) @marystegmeir

115


Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Wednesday, January 09, 2013 12:15 PM Roeder, Phillip One last weapons follow-up question


Thanks! Mary


116


Thanks!


Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Tuesday, January 08, 2013 3:30 PM Roeder, Phillip RE: Expulsions

From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2013 3:29 RM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: Expulsions

Mary:

Yes, the expulsion of a student was approved last night and another hearing is set for tomorrow evening.

Phil Roeder Director of Community Relations Des Moines Public Schools 901 Walnut Street Des Moines, lA 50319 515·242·8153 - 0


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Thanks Phil,

I did hear from Todd, thanks.

Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Friday, January 04, 2013 2:16 PM Roeder, Phillip RE: Questions about weapons in DMPS buildings

As for today's story, I'm pretty sure that it was written during our night cops beat. Most of those stories are written off police reports. That's why I'm following up.

Mary


From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, January 04, 2013 2:13 PM To: Stegmeir, Mary; Taylor, Sarah Subject: RE: Questions about weapons in DMPS buildings

Mary:

I just wanted to follow up on some of your questions below. I am curious why the Register didn't contact the district about this story yesterday? And why no one from DMPD was quoted in this morning's story? I spoke with my counterpart at DMPD and have a copy of the police report you sent over as well as one pertaining to an arrest outside of a school on the night of a basketball game (which happened outside of North, not Roosevelt as was reported).

I've put my responses in CAPS below in your email.

Also, just listened to your message about your call to Todd Liston. He called me, and hopefully you've heard back from him by now?

Hope this helps. let me know if you need anything else ...


www.dmschools.org

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www.twitter.com/DMschools www.facebook.com/DMschools

From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, January 04, 2013 10:35 AM To: Taylor, Sarah Cc: Roeder, Phillip; Stegmeir, Mary Subject: Questions about weapons in DMPS buildings

Hi Sarah,

As we discussed on the phone, I'm working on a story about weapons in schools following today's article regarding guns found inside DMPS high schools. (http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013301040044)

Here's the data I'm looking for: 1: How many weapons were confiscated in the first semester? OUR SEMESTERS DO NOT ACTUALLY CHANGE UNTIL MIDJANUARY, BUT SO FAR THIS SCHOOL YEAR WE HAVE HAD SIX WEAPONS-RELATED OFFENSES (WHICH RESULTED IN THE CONFISCATION OF 3 KNIVES, 2 GUNS, AND A TASER). HERE ARE THE NUMBER OF WEAPONS-RELATED OFFENSES DURING THE PREVIOUS FOUR SCHOOL YEARS: 2008-09:9 2009-10: 2 2010-11: 7 2011-12: 7 2: What kinds of weapons were confiscated? SEE ABOVE 3: Were the students fo6nd in possession of the weapons arrested or suspended? Are they back in school now? THE STUDENTS WHO HAD A DANGEROUS WEAPON CONFISCATED AT SCHOOL WERE ARRESTED. OF THE STUDENTS WHO HAVE WEAPONS CONFISCATED THIS YEAR, TWO ARE BEING RECOMMENDED FOR EXPULSION, WITH THEIR HEARINGS BEING HELD NEXT WEEK, AND THE OTHERS HAVE ALREADY BEEN EXPELLED. YOU MAY ALREADY HAVE THIS, BUT HERE'S A COPY OF THE SECTION OF OUR DISCIPLINE CODE IN REGARD TO DANGEROUS WEAPONS:

Firearm/Dangerous weapon. A dangerous weapon includes any instrument designed primarily to use in inflicting death or injury upon a human being or animal, and which is capable of inflicting death upon a human being when used in the manner for that it was designed. This also includes any instrument of any sort whatsoever which is actually used in such a manner as to indicate that the person using it intends to inflict death or serious injury upon another, and which is capable of inflicting death upon a human being. Dangerous weapons include, but are not limited to, any dangerous weapon as described in Iowa Code Section 702.7 (2007), pistol, revolver, or other firearm, dagger, razor, stiletto, switchblade knife, knife having a blade exceeding five (5) inches in length, or any portable device or weapon directing an electric current, impulse, wave, or beam that produces a high-voltage pulse designed to immobilize a person. (The complete discipline code is at http://www.dmschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Secondary-Discipline-CodeProcedures-Revised-May-2012.pdf)

I'd also like to do a phone interview with someone in the district about the issue. Below are three of my main questions, but I'll likely have more once I review the data.

1: How do the number of weapons Confiscated in the first semester compare to those found on students in previous semesters? SEE #1 ABOVE

' 2: A Dec. 18 police report regarding a Hoover student found to be in possession of an "auto knife attached to a set of make-shift brass knuckles" cites gang activity. Do Des Moines school officials believe any of the weapons confiscated on school grounds were in the possession of gang members? OUR EXPERIENCE IS THAT MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, WEAPONS-RELATED OFFENSES ARE RELATED IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER TO GANG INVOLVEMENT. IN FACT, OF THE SIX WEAPONS CONFISCATIONS THIS SCHOOL YEAR, IT APPEARS THAT FIVE ARE OR MAY BE GANG-RELATED. 3: Did any gang violence occur on school grounds in the first semester? NO. THANKFULLY, NONE OF THE WEAPONS CONFISCATED WERE USED OR DISPLAYED AT A SCHOOL AND TO DATE THIS YEAR WE HAVE HAD NO EXPULSIONS

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RELATED TO ASSAULTS. I'D ADD THAT, IN ADDITION TO THE WORK OF THE SROs, IT IS OFTEN TIMES SCHOOL STAFF AND STUDENTS WHO PLAY A KEY ROLE IN BRINGING ISSUES TO THE ATIENTION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS (SUCH WAS THE CASE WITH A GUN CONFISCATION AT HOOVER), AND HELP PREVENT A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION FROM ESCALATING.

Thanks in advance for your help on this!

Mary


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Here's the police report.

Mary


Stegmeir, Mary <[email protected]> Friday, January 04, 2013 1:19 PM Roeder, Phillip RE: Questions about weapons in DMPS buildings HooverPoliceReport.pdf

From: Roeder, Phillip [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, January 04, 2013 12:18 PM To: Stegmeir, Mary Subject: RE: Questions about weapons in DMPS buildings

Mary:

Can you provide us with a copy of whatever it is DMPS provided?

Thanks,


From: Stegmeir, Mary [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, January 04, 2013 10:35 AM To: Taylor, Sarah Cc: Roeder, Phillip; Stegmeir, Mary Subject: Questions about weapons in DMPS buildings

Hi Sarah,

As we discussed on the phone, I'm working on a story about weapons in schools following today's article regarding guns found inside DMPS high schools. (http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013301040044)

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Here's the data I'm looking for: 1: How many weapons were confiscated in the first semester? 2: What kinds of weapons were confiscated? 3: Were the students found in possession of the weapons arrested or suspended? Are they back in school now?

I'd also like to do a phone interview with someone in the district about the issue. Below are three of my main questions, but I'll likely have more once I review the data. 1: How do the number of weapons confiscated in the first semester compare to those found on students in previous semesters? 2: A Dec. 18 police report regarding a Hoover student found to be in possession of an "auto knife attached to a set of make-shift brass knuckles" cites gang activity. Do Des Moines school officials believe any of the weapons confiscated on school grounds were in the possession of gang members? 3: Did any gang violence occur on school grounds in the first semester?

Thanks in-advance for your help on this!

Mary


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Documents

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