5-8-01 Board Meeting

EVERETT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
EVERETT, WASHINGTON Regular Meeting

The Board of Directors of Everett Public Schools, Snohomish County, Washington, held a regular Board meeting on Tuesday, July 5, 2005, beginning at 4:30 p.m., in the Board Room of the Educational Service Center, 4730 Colby Avenue, Everett, Washington. Those in attendance were Kristie Dutton, Karen Madsen, Sue Cooper, Paul Roberts and Roy Yates. In the absence of Secretary to the Board Carol Whitehead, Associate Superintendent for Instruction Karst Brandsma served as Secretary ProTem.

ADOPTION OF AGENDA
President Yates called for any recommended changes to the agenda. There were none. With that, Karen Madsen moved for adoption of the agenda. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Sue Cooper moved for approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of June 21, 2005. Paul Roberts seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
President Yates indicated that Superintendent Whitehead was absent from tonight’s meeting so that she could attend a couple of conferences and take some vacation days. In Dr. Whitehead’s absence, Karst Brandsma provided comments. He opened by referring to the District’s summer lunch program which was highlighted in a recent article in The Herald (E:206/05). Food & Nutrition Supervisor Debbie Webber said the District, which was one of the first in the area to sponsor such a program, is in its 15 ^th year of offering lunches in the summer. Approximately 500 students are served at 12 sites throughout the county, from Lynnwood northward to Marysville. The District works in cooperation with the Everett Boys and Girls Club, the Everett and Snohomish County Housing Authorities, a south-end apartment complex and a couple of elementary schools. The summer lunch program differs from the regular school year program in that it is site qualified. As in the past, cold-bag lunches are offered, but salads and “wrap” sandwiches have been added. Karst complimented Debbie and her staff for coordinating this very successful program.
SUPT’S COMMENTS

Next, Karst welcomed Bob Collard, who is the new Associate Superintendent for Finance and Operations. Bob said he appreciates the warm welcome he has received. He has experienced a great deal of forthrightness among the staff and he looks forward to getting to know everyone better.

Karst reported that Dr. Whitehead was installed as this year’s president of WASA (Washington Association of School Administrators) at the recent WASA summer conference. An inaugural reception will be held for her on August 16. He went on to say that Dr. Whitehead also received an Award of Merit from WASA. It is given regionally “in recognition of effective leadership in public education and for significant contributions to educational administration.” Although it is rare that a superintendent receives this award, this is actually the second time Dr. Whitehead has been so honored (the first time was during her tenure as superintendent in Bremerton).

Mr. Brandsma then called on Terry Edwards, Executive Director of Curriculum Alignment and Implementation, to report on summer professional development activities as well as summer school for students. Terry began by saying this year a more aggressive summer school recruitment program was launched, including lowering the cost of summer school for students as well as offering early registration discounts. These efforts helped generate increased enrollment which will probably be the largest high school summer school program ever in Everett Public Schools. Two-hundred-twenty-eight students (earning 166.5 credits) signed up for face-to-face classes, which is 75 more students than last year. Regarding online summer school (offered through the online high school), 301 students enrolled, earning 158.5 credits. A total of 529 students engaged in summer school activities, working to earn an average of .6 credits. The Everett Public Schools Foundation sponsored scholarships for summer school in excess of $21,000. Additional funding was obtained from ELL grants and a Snohomish Workforce Development grant.

Staff professional development activities have included guided reading workshops (primary K-3 and intermediate 4-5) with over 60 participants in each session over several days. Some of the activities may be repeated in August. The District supported high school and middle school literacy staff in the adoption that will be implemented in the fall, and included refining curriculum maps and developing lessons around new materials. In August, math, science, literacy and world language workshops will be held. Twenty-five teachers (from all District high schools and several middle schools) attended a week-long Bellevue advanced placement (AP) institute this summer.

When asked whether students can enroll in regular as well as online summer school classes, Terry said yes. When asked whether the AP institute is course-specific, Terry replied that there is an overall presentation, and then teachers choose course-specific work. When asked whether any new AP classes are being offered by virtue of teachers going to the institute, Terry said AP Spanish will be a new offering. He noted that the institute is also helpful to those who are new to AP. Sometimes staff members attend more than once and gather additional information.

Karst reported that he received a message from President Garcia, of Henry Cogswell College, who indicated that Everett Community College, Henry Cogswell College, Verizon, Boeing and a number of other community members have partnered to create a program for 8^th graders going to 9^th grade, and for existing 9^th graders, to participate in a program called, “Minorities in Math and Science.” The District will work with these partners to find ways to support them in their efforts.

In closing, Karst indicated that Shelby Sutton has retired from the ESD 189 Board, on which he represented Everett for six years. Retired Everett School District administrator and Everett resident Kathleen Gutierrez has replaced him. Congratulations go out to both Shelby and Kathleen.

SUPT’S COMMENTS (cont’d.)

PUBLIC COMMENT
President Yates outlined the rules for Public Comment and then called on the following individuals who had submitted cards:
1) Kinuko Noborikawa —representing the Human Rights Coalition for Snohomish County—read from a prepared statement (E:207/05)—spoke about the investigation at Everett High School and the concerns of the coalition about the validity of the conclusion reached by the consultant that there was no overt racism. Among her recommendations are that one or two students, with full voting rights, be added to the school Board.
2) Faye Dunlap —representing the Communities of Color Coalition (C3)—read from a prepared text (attached)—spoke about the investigation at Everett High School and the concerns of C3 about the validity of the conclusion reached by the consultant that there was no overt racism. She offered C3’s assistance in planning and facilitating the community forums to be held by the District.
3) Christina Castorena —Associate Dean for Diversity at Everett Community College—read from a prepared text (attached)—spoke about the investigation at Everett High School. She said a more complex assessment is in order and offered examples of additional activities to pursue to create a comprehensive final report. She offered the Diversity and Equity Center at Everett Community College as a resource. She discussed the Mt. Vernon school board’s creation of a 25-member diversity taskforce and provided a copy of an article from The Skagit Valley Herald.
4) Maria Garcia —mother of child at EHS—spoke from a prepared text (attached) and through an interpreter. She spoke about the investigation at Everett High School, disagreed with the findings of the report and provided her reasoning. She stressed the importance of making changes at the school and indicated that it feels like she is being shunted aside. To Ms. Garcia’s comments, President Yates said she is not being ignored. The consultant’s report is only one piece of information and Ms. Garcia’s feedback will be considered during the decisionmaking process. The Board and the administration take this situation very seriously as it relates to all students who feel they have been discriminated against.

President Yates thanked the individuals for their comments.
PUBLIC COMMENT

PUBLIC COMMENT
(cont’d.)
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
Director of Communications Gay Campbell reported that no retirees were present.

RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
The attached proposed draft of the Strategic Plan for the 2005-2006 school year was presented to the Board for information (E:208/05). The Administration will seek formal approval of the plan at the August 23, 2005 Board meeting.

Karst Brandsma called on Terry Edwards who described the extensive process for development of this year’s Strategic Plan, and began with completion of the Strategic Plan report for 2004-2005. Input was gathered from department heads and the Leadership Team, both of whom identified the targets for incorporation for the 2005-2006 school year. The information was used to draft strategic objectives and strategic actions. Further review and prioritization took place and has been shared with the Board on previous occasions. This year’s plan resembles that of previous years, but a number of items have been acted upon and have become operational. Others items have also been added to this year’s plan. Overall, the 2005-2006 Strategic Plan is a do-able set of work items for the District.

Board member Dutton asked whether there were significant changes to the draft plan from when she and President Yates attended the recent Leadership Team meeting; Terry said slight wordsmithing has occurred. Board member Roberts commented that he appreciates the efforts of those involved in this work. President Yates referenced Strategy 2.1, Foster an environment that respects diversity, equity, civility and physical and emotional safety . He noted that the District’s commitment to diversity is not a new concept and has been a basic strategy for a long time. (Of those who had made Public Comments tonight, Ms. Noborikawa was the only one who remained. She requested and received a copy of the draft Strategic Plan.)

PRESENTATION-- 2005-2006 Strategic Plan

The Administration presented an overview of the preliminary 2005-2006 General Fund Budget. Formal adoption of budgets for all funds will be recommended at the August 23, 2005 Board meeting. Bob Collard introduced Director of Finance Jeff Moore who, using a PowerPoint presentation, described budget allocations to the General Fund (E:209/05). He said this year’s budget distribution is similar to last year and, as always, continues to use the Strategic Plan to help guide allocations. Revenues have increased by $6.3 million while expenditures are up by $5.3 million. Minor adjustments to the budget may occur before it is recommended for adoption at the August 23, 2005 Board meeting.
Board member Madsen asked a question regarding receipt of State match funds for capital projects. Director of Facilities and Planning Mike Gunn responded that the District had initially thought it would receive between $3 million and $4 million in State match for the Emerson and Eisenhower projects. Instead, due to some modifications in calculations and efforts by the Legislature to make it easier for districts to access dollars, it is anticipated that over $11 million in State match funds will be coming to Everett in approximately 1 ½ years. Bob said it has been a five- or six-year process of convincing the Legislature what it really costs to build a school. At Karst’s request, Jeff explained the meaning of reserved vs. unreserved fund balances. Although the District’s fund balance is projected to decline, it is important to note that it will not fall to a level below which we do not feel “safe.” This is prudent budgeting.
PRESENTATION—Preliminary General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2005-2006

PRESENTATION—Preliminary General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2005-2006 (cont’d.)

Financial Reports were provided for the Board of Directors’ review (E:210/05). The reports include year-to-date information on revenues and expenditures, General Fund projections, a cash report and an investment summary. Bob Collard reported that the District’s finances present a healthy picture and are progressing in a logical manner. FINANCIAL REPORTS AS OF MAY 31, 2005
ACTION ITEMS
Kristie Dutton moved for approval of the revised Consent Agenda items. Sue Cooper seconded the motion.
1) Personnel Report (E:211/05);
2) Voucher Lists (E:212/05);
3) Proposed Revised Policy 2151—Interscholastic Athletics/Activities-
adds language regarding academics & conduct of interscholastic activities programs (E:213/05);
4) State Transitional Bilingual Grant 2005-2006 (E:214/05);
5) Interagency Agreement Between Everett School District and Snohomish County
Juvenile Court (E:215/05);
6) Highly Capable Program Grant (E:216/05);
7) Interlocal Agreement Between Everett School District and Lake Washington
Technical College for Cooperative Educational Services for Vocational-Technical and Basic Education (E:217/05);
8) Tech Prep Agreement for Business Technology (Education) Addenda (BT162 and
BT140) Between Everett School District (Cascade, Everett, Henry M. Jackson and
Sequoia High Schools) and Everett Community College (E:218/05);
9) Gift of Playground Equipment to Whittier Elementary School from Whittier
Elementary PTA (E:219/05);
10) Approval of Mitigation Agreement Between Everett School District and The
McNaughton Group, LLC (E:220/05);
11) Final Acceptance: James Monroe Elementary School Mechanical Systems
Upgrades (E:221/05);
12) Declaration of Surplus Property (E:222/05);
13) Award of Contract: Yearbooks (E:223/05);
14) Resolution 836: Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement Between Everett School District and Monroe School District No. 103 (Res.28/05); &
15) Classified Non-Represented Non-Exempt Salary Schedule for 2005-06 (E:224/05).
The motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA
BOARD COMMENTS
The Board congratulated staff on a terrific year and said they hoped everyone has a wonderful summer vacation. With no further comments, President Yates adjourned the regular meeting at 5:40 p.m.
BOARD COMMENTS
_____________________________ ________________________________ Karst Brandsma, Secretary ProTem Roy Yates, President

The Board of Directors of Everett Public Schools, Snohomish County, Washington, held a regular Board meeting on Tuesday, July 5, 2005, beginning at 4:30 p.m., in the Board Room of the Educational Service Center, 4730 Colby Avenue, Everett, Washington. Those in attendance were Kristie Dutton, Karen Madsen, Sue Cooper, Paul Roberts and Roy Yates. In the absence of Secretary to the Board Carol Whitehead, Associate Superintendent for Instruction Karst Brandsma served as Secretary ProTem.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA President Yates called for any recommended changes to the agenda. There were none. With that, Karen Madsen moved for adoption of the agenda. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.		ADOPTION OF AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Sue Cooper moved for approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of June 21, 2005. Paul Roberts seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.		APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS President Yates indicated that Superintendent Whitehead was absent from tonight’s meeting so that she could attend a couple of conferences and take some vacation days. In Dr. Whitehead’s absence, Karst Brandsma provided comments. He opened by referring to the District’s summer lunch program which was highlighted in a recent article in The Herald (E:206/05). Food & Nutrition Supervisor Debbie Webber said the District, which was one of the first in the area to sponsor such a program, is in its 15 ^th year of offering lunches in the summer. Approximately 500 students are served at 12 sites throughout the county, from Lynnwood northward to Marysville. The District works in cooperation with the Everett Boys and Girls Club, the Everett and Snohomish County Housing Authorities, a south-end apartment complex and a couple of elementary schools. The summer lunch program differs from the regular school year program in that it is site qualified. As in the past, cold-bag lunches are offered, but salads and “wrap” sandwiches have been added. Karst complimented Debbie and her staff for coordinating this very successful program.		SUPT’S COMMENTS
Next, Karst welcomed Bob Collard, who is the new Associate Superintendent for Finance and Operations. Bob said he appreciates the warm welcome he has received. He has experienced a great deal of forthrightness among the staff and he looks forward to getting to know everyone better. Karst reported that Dr. Whitehead was installed as this year’s president of WASA (Washington Association of School Administrators) at the recent WASA summer conference. An inaugural reception will be held for her on August 16. He went on to say that Dr. Whitehead also received an Award of Merit from WASA. It is given regionally “in recognition of effective leadership in public education and for significant contributions to educational administration.” Although it is rare that a superintendent receives this award, this is actually the second time Dr. Whitehead has been so honored (the first time was during her tenure as superintendent in Bremerton). Mr. Brandsma then called on Terry Edwards, Executive Director of Curriculum Alignment and Implementation, to report on summer professional development activities as well as summer school for students. Terry began by saying this year a more aggressive summer school recruitment program was launched, including lowering the cost of summer school for students as well as offering early registration discounts. These efforts helped generate increased enrollment which will probably be the largest high school summer school program ever in Everett Public Schools. Two-hundred-twenty-eight students (earning 166.5 credits) signed up for face-to-face classes, which is 75 more students than last year. Regarding online summer school (offered through the online high school), 301 students enrolled, earning 158.5 credits. A total of 529 students engaged in summer school activities, working to earn an average of .6 credits. The Everett Public Schools Foundation sponsored scholarships for summer school in excess of $21,000. Additional funding was obtained from ELL grants and a Snohomish Workforce Development grant. Staff professional development activities have included guided reading workshops (primary K-3 and intermediate 4-5) with over 60 participants in each session over several days. Some of the activities may be repeated in August. The District supported high school and middle school literacy staff in the adoption that will be implemented in the fall, and included refining curriculum maps and developing lessons around new materials. In August, math, science, literacy and world language workshops will be held. Twenty-five teachers (from all District high schools and several middle schools) attended a week-long Bellevue advanced placement (AP) institute this summer. When asked whether students can enroll in regular as well as online summer school classes, Terry said yes. When asked whether the AP institute is course-specific, Terry replied that there is an overall presentation, and then teachers choose course-specific work. When asked whether any new AP classes are being offered by virtue of teachers going to the institute, Terry said AP Spanish will be a new offering. He noted that the institute is also helpful to those who are new to AP. Sometimes staff members attend more than once and gather additional information. Karst reported that he received a message from President Garcia, of Henry Cogswell College, who indicated that Everett Community College, Henry Cogswell College, Verizon, Boeing and a number of other community members have partnered to create a program for 8^th graders going to 9^th grade, and for existing 9^th graders, to participate in a program called, “Minorities in Math and Science.” The District will work with these partners to find ways to support them in their efforts. In closing, Karst indicated that Shelby Sutton has retired from the ESD 189 Board, on which he represented Everett for six years. Retired Everett School District administrator and Everett resident Kathleen Gutierrez has replaced him. Congratulations go out to both Shelby and Kathleen.		SUPT’S COMMENTS (cont’d.)
PUBLIC COMMENT President Yates outlined the rules for Public Comment and then called on the following individuals who had submitted cards: 1) Kinuko Noborikawa —representing the Human Rights Coalition for Snohomish County—read from a prepared statement (E:207/05)—spoke about the investigation at Everett High School and the concerns of the coalition about the validity of the conclusion reached by the consultant that there was no overt racism. Among her recommendations are that one or two students, with full voting rights, be added to the school Board. 2) Faye Dunlap —representing the Communities of Color Coalition (C3)—read from a prepared text (attached)—spoke about the investigation at Everett High School and the concerns of C3 about the validity of the conclusion reached by the consultant that there was no overt racism. She offered C3’s assistance in planning and facilitating the community forums to be held by the District. 3) Christina Castorena —Associate Dean for Diversity at Everett Community College—read from a prepared text (attached)—spoke about the investigation at Everett High School. She said a more complex assessment is in order and offered examples of additional activities to pursue to create a comprehensive final report. She offered the Diversity and Equity Center at Everett Community College as a resource. She discussed the Mt. Vernon school board’s creation of a 25-member diversity taskforce and provided a copy of an article from The Skagit Valley Herald. 4) Maria Garcia —mother of child at EHS—spoke from a prepared text (attached) and through an interpreter. She spoke about the investigation at Everett High School, disagreed with the findings of the report and provided her reasoning. She stressed the importance of making changes at the school and indicated that it feels like she is being shunted aside. To Ms. Garcia’s comments, President Yates said she is not being ignored. The consultant’s report is only one piece of information and Ms. Garcia’s feedback will be considered during the decisionmaking process. The Board and the administration take this situation very seriously as it relates to all students who feel they have been discriminated against. President Yates thanked the individuals for their comments.		PUBLIC COMMENT PUBLIC COMMENT (cont’d.)
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES Director of Communications Gay Campbell reported that no retirees were present.		RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION The attached proposed draft of the Strategic Plan for the 2005-2006 school year was presented to the Board for information (E:208/05). The Administration will seek formal approval of the plan at the August 23, 2005 Board meeting. Karst Brandsma called on Terry Edwards who described the extensive process for development of this year’s Strategic Plan, and began with completion of the Strategic Plan report for 2004-2005. Input was gathered from department heads and the Leadership Team, both of whom identified the targets for incorporation for the 2005-2006 school year. The information was used to draft strategic objectives and strategic actions. Further review and prioritization took place and has been shared with the Board on previous occasions. This year’s plan resembles that of previous years, but a number of items have been acted upon and have become operational. Others items have also been added to this year’s plan. Overall, the 2005-2006 Strategic Plan is a do-able set of work items for the District. Board member Dutton asked whether there were significant changes to the draft plan from when she and President Yates attended the recent Leadership Team meeting; Terry said slight wordsmithing has occurred. Board member Roberts commented that he appreciates the efforts of those involved in this work. President Yates referenced Strategy 2.1, Foster an environment that respects diversity, equity, civility and physical and emotional safety . He noted that the District’s commitment to diversity is not a new concept and has been a basic strategy for a long time. (Of those who had made Public Comments tonight, Ms. Noborikawa was the only one who remained. She requested and received a copy of the draft Strategic Plan.)		PRESENTATION-- 2005-2006 Strategic Plan
The Administration presented an overview of the preliminary 2005-2006 General Fund Budget. Formal adoption of budgets for all funds will be recommended at the August 23, 2005 Board meeting. Bob Collard introduced Director of Finance Jeff Moore who, using a PowerPoint presentation, described budget allocations to the General Fund (E:209/05). He said this year’s budget distribution is similar to last year and, as always, continues to use the Strategic Plan to help guide allocations. Revenues have increased by $6.3 million while expenditures are up by $5.3 million. Minor adjustments to the budget may occur before it is recommended for adoption at the August 23, 2005 Board meeting. Board member Madsen asked a question regarding receipt of State match funds for capital projects. Director of Facilities and Planning Mike Gunn responded that the District had initially thought it would receive between $3 million and $4 million in State match for the Emerson and Eisenhower projects. Instead, due to some modifications in calculations and efforts by the Legislature to make it easier for districts to access dollars, it is anticipated that over $11 million in State match funds will be coming to Everett in approximately 1 ½ years. Bob said it has been a five- or six-year process of convincing the Legislature what it really costs to build a school. At Karst’s request, Jeff explained the meaning of reserved vs. unreserved fund balances. Although the District’s fund balance is projected to decline, it is important to note that it will not fall to a level below which we do not feel “safe.” This is prudent budgeting.		PRESENTATION—Preliminary General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2005-2006 PRESENTATION—Preliminary General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2005-2006 (cont’d.)
Financial Reports were provided for the Board of Directors’ review (E:210/05). The reports include year-to-date information on revenues and expenditures, General Fund projections, a cash report and an investment summary. Bob Collard reported that the District’s finances present a healthy picture and are progressing in a logical manner.		FINANCIAL REPORTS AS OF MAY 31, 2005
ACTION ITEMS Kristie Dutton moved for approval of the revised Consent Agenda items. Sue Cooper seconded the motion. 1) Personnel Report (E:211/05); 2) Voucher Lists (E:212/05); 3) Proposed Revised Policy 2151—Interscholastic Athletics/Activities- adds language regarding academics & conduct of interscholastic activities programs (E:213/05); 4) State Transitional Bilingual Grant 2005-2006 (E:214/05); 5) Interagency Agreement Between Everett School District and Snohomish County Juvenile Court (E:215/05); 6) Highly Capable Program Grant (E:216/05); 7) Interlocal Agreement Between Everett School District and Lake Washington Technical College for Cooperative Educational Services for Vocational-Technical and Basic Education (E:217/05); 8) Tech Prep Agreement for Business Technology (Education) Addenda (BT162 and BT140) Between Everett School District (Cascade, Everett, Henry M. Jackson and Sequoia High Schools) and Everett Community College (E:218/05); 9) Gift of Playground Equipment to Whittier Elementary School from Whittier Elementary PTA (E:219/05); 10) Approval of Mitigation Agreement Between Everett School District and The McNaughton Group, LLC (E:220/05); 11) Final Acceptance: James Monroe Elementary School Mechanical Systems Upgrades (E:221/05); 12) Declaration of Surplus Property (E:222/05); 13) Award of Contract: Yearbooks (E:223/05); 14) Resolution 836: Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement Between Everett School District and Monroe School District No. 103 (Res.28/05); & 15) Classified Non-Represented Non-Exempt Salary Schedule for 2005-06 (E:224/05). The motion carried unanimously.		CONSENT AGENDA
BOARD COMMENTS The Board congratulated staff on a terrific year and said they hoped everyone has a wonderful summer vacation. With no further comments, President Yates adjourned the regular meeting at 5:40 p.m.		BOARD COMMENTS
_____________________________ ________________________________ Karst Brandsma, Secretary ProTem Roy Yates, President