EVERETT, WASHINGTON
Regular Meeting | | |
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The Board of Directors of Everett Public Schools, Snohomish County, Washington,
held a regular Board meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, beginning at 4 p.m.,
in the Board Room of the Educational Service Center, 4730 Colby Avenue,
Everett, Washington. Those in attendance were: Carol Andrews*, Sue Cooper,
Kristie Dutton, Ed Petersen and Karen Madsen.
[*Note: Carol Andrews arrived at 5:30 p.m.] | | |
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BOARD ACTION AND/OR BOARD DISCUSSION
President Madsen called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. and immediately recessed
for an executive session to evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for
public employment. Before going into executive session, it was announced the
executive session would be of approximately 30 minutes’ duration.
At 4:30 p.m., President Madsen reconvened the regular meeting. | |
EXECUTIVE SESSION—Evaluate the Qualifications of an Applicant for Public
Employment |
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ADOPTION OF AGENDA
President Madsen called for any recommended changes to the agenda.
Superintendent Carol Whitehead reported that there would be a revised personnel
report. With that, Kristie Dutton moved for adoption of the revised agenda.
Ed Petersen seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
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ADOPTION OF AGENDA |
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Because a quorum of the Board who attended the March 25, 2008 Board meeting was
not present at this point in the agenda to act on the minutes from that
meeting, President Madsen called for a motion to delay adoption of the minutes
until Board member Andrews’ arrival. With that, Sue Cooper moved to delay
adoption of the March 25 Board meeting minutes. Kristie Dutton seconded the
motion and the motion carried unanimously. | | APPROVAL OF MINUTES
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SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
Superintendent Whitehead distributed copies of the postcard invitation that was
sent to parents and community members announcing the dedication of Forest View
Elementary on May 8 (E:161/08).
Dr. Whitehead called on Director of Facilities and Planning Mike Gunn to review
the way in which the District derived its numbers for student population
projections in relation to the District’s decision to purchase property in
the south end of the District. He reported that the District is in the
process of updating its capital facilities plan and these numbers are
incorporated into the plan. The first step in producing the plan is to receive
population forecasts (out into the year 2025) from the state’s Office of
Financial Management (OFM) for each county. Each county then breaks their
allotment down by school district and assigns the population growth rates to
each school district. The school district takes the 2025 forecast and derives
an enrollment projection for the long-term. Each district updates their
capital facilities plan every two years including a forecast of future
schools/facilities needed based on 2025 enrollment forecasts. For Everett, in
2007, OFM estimated Snohomish County’s population at 686,300. By the
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SUPT’S COMMENTS |
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year 2025, the County’s population will grow by approximately 34 percent.
Snohomish County calculated that the District had a population within its
boundaries of 124,000 and will grow by 22 percent. In the last seven years,
the District’s enrollment represented about 15 percent of its population.
When 15 percent is projected out through the year 2025 and compared to the
population at that time, the District would have an estimated enrollment of
22,798, which is just under 5,000 more than we have today. This equates to a
need for approximately three additional elementary schools, two-thirds of a
middle school and two-thirds of a high school. Because of a gradually
declining trend in the students-to-population ratio, we are reducing the
percent to 14 (as opposed to 15 percent) which means the District would have
approximately 3,400 more students in 2025. That equates to the equivalent of
two more elementary schools and one-half of a middle school and one-half of a
high school. This analysis is predicated on having student population numbers
equally spread throughout the District, which is not realistic. Thus, it is
likely that in the south end of the District, there will be a need for more
than the two additional elementary schools and one-half of a middle school and
one-half of a high school. | |
SUPT’S COMMENTS
(cont’d.) |
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The 2006 bond contained funding for acquisition of an elementary and a middle
school site. Regarding property acquisition, discussions continue with owners
of some of the 24 properties in which the District is interested.
Right-of-entry authorizations for ten of these properties have been received.
Mike noted that District staff members are aware that there are pipelines in
the vicinity of these properties.
Board member Petersen asked about the reference to ‘eminent domain’
contained in some correspondence. Mike said an early letter from the property
broker for the District used the phrase in terms of the District being
authorized to use the power of eminent domain. As such, we were offering each
of the owners up to $500 to help offset their expenses to evaluate our offers
or prepare an appraisal, all of which is according to law.
Dr. Whitehead asked Executive Director for Curriculum Alignment and
Implementation Terry Edwards to provide additional clarification about math
requirements. To graduate from high school, a student does not need to pass
the math WASL, but they need to continue taking math classes and take the math
WASL. Board member Dutton sought clarification about children meeting the WASL
through an alternative method and the impact on AYP.
Dr. Whitehead announced that Executive Director for Human Resources Molly Ringo
has been elected to serve a three-year term on the Executive Committee of AASA
beginning in July. Karst Brandsma then shared a recent video clip from KING-5
television concerning outstanding student athletes. He focused on a group
called the “A” Team Athletes
who excel both academically and athletically. Among them is a young man named
Matthew Wiens who is the son of Molly Ringo. He is a member of the Mercer
Island boys’ 3A swimming team who won the state championship and the
academic state title for the entire GPA of the team. Matthew has a 3.97 GPA.
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PUBLIC COMMENT
After President Madsen outlined the guidelines for public comment, she called
on the following individual who had submitted a Public Comment card:
Jessica Olson
—parent—Commented about the proposed central administration facility
project. She requested documentation on the appraisals for retrofitting and
upgrading District buildings, including reports and contracts. She also
commented on reports about the Kay Powers case. When Ms. Olson said she wanted
to complain about the superintendent and others, President Madsen said it was
not permissible according to the Board’s guidelines for public comment and
declared that Ms. Olson was out of order. The meeting stopped briefly until
Ms. Olson returned to her seat.
President Madsen welcomed Jackson High School student Trevor Hittle who is
doing a senior project that involves the school board and public relations.
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PUBLIC COMMENT |
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RECOGNITION OF RETIREES None.
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RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
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ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
The Administration presented for the Board’s information the history and
development of the Strategic Plan in Everett Public Schools (E:162/08). The
Strategic Plan was first formally adopted by the Board of Directors in January
1991. The plan was reviewed after ten years (Fall, 2001) and a new ten-year
plan was adopted by the Board of Directors in January 2002. The Strategic Plan
consists of three objectives. Each objective has several strategies and each
strategy has specific actions. These strategic actions are approved annually
by the Board and form the basis of the administrative work plan for the year.
The Strategic Plan for the 2007-2008 school year was adopted by the Board of
Directors on August 14, 2007.
[Board member Andrews arrived at this point in the meeting.]
Speakers included Dr. Whitehead, Deputy Superintendent for Instruction Karst
Brandsma, Executive Director for Area One Jim McNally, Executive Director for
Area Two Lynn Evans and Executive Director for Curriculum Alignment and
Implementation Terry Edwards. Following a report on the history and outcomes
of the District’s Strategic Plan, Terry reviewed trailing indicators of
student success. They are a direct result of coordination, articulation and
alignment in the Strategic Plan.
President Madsen invited comments from the Board.
Board member Cooper, who was on the Board when the District originated its
Strategic Plan
, said tonight’s has been a wonderful summary. The Strategic Plan began
as a theory consisting of a great idea that made sense. Next came the work of
making it real, getting the buy-in and getting it into the classroom. It is
gratifying to see how it has evolved over the years. The effort and
perseverance on the part of District staff members is commendable. The
Strategic Plan is truly in the classrooms. Each
student is being helped.
Jim McNally, who was also one of the original contributors to the District’
;s Strategic Plan, concurred that it was a large idea that made sense, but it
was a challenge to get it into the classroom. Now, it is the unifying vehicle
for learning. Patience, perseverance and strong leadership on the part of the
Board have contributed to the plan’s success.
Board member Dutton said she is pleased to be able to tell a parent that they
can get the same level of service and education for their child from one school
to the other, and that assurance has come with the success of the Strategic
Plan. It is an excellent testimony to the process and the strength of the
District schools.
Board member Petersen said tonight’s was a wonderful presentation. The
historical perspective is so important. He is accustomed to a different
Strategic Plan model, so it has been challenging to determine how best to
engage in meaningful discussion about where the District is going
strategically. He concurred that the Strategic Plan has served as a valuable
unifying principle for building the right infrastructure and facilitating the
pieces talking to each other. The coordination is clearly embedded in the
common language used in the articulation, alignment and coordination that is at
the core of all of the Strategic Plan. Mr. Petersen then said he continues to
feel the importance of acknowledging that today’s students live in a
changing world. He encouraged consideration of a broad reflective review of
the Strategic Plan, perhaps sooner than the planned review in 2011. Dr.
Whitehead said Board policy indicates there will be ten-year reviews, but it
could be done at a different time. Although getting out of the cohesiveness
and structure of the plan with new ideas is fine, but they need to be founded
and consistent and take the District to the desired outcomes. Some of the
Strategic Plan is set for the District by the state and federal governments
with NCLB. Changing demographics are factored in. We must always look at what
each student needs and respond to the changes in the student population.
Having a long-range plan is essential in order to have the kind of growth the
District has experienced.
President Madsen thanked all who contributed to the research and compilation of
tonight’s excellent presentation. |
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REPORT—HISTORY & DEVELOPMENT OF EVERETT PUBLIC SCHOOLS STRATEGIC PLAN
REPORT—HISTORY & DEVELOPMENT OF EVERETT PUBLIC SCHOOLS STRATEGIC PLAN
(cont’d.)
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The attached materials were provided to the Board of Directors for first
reading, with adoption to be recommended at a future Board meeting (E:163/08).
The Administration described the process undertaken for the review of
curriculum materials for K-2 phonics and spelling, grades 3-5 spelling and K-5
handwriting, and described the curriculum materials being recommended for
adoption. Presenters included Director of Categorical Programs Sue Dedrick,
Literacy Specialist Loretta Comfort and Instructional Facilitator Christy
Clausen.
President Madsen clarified the composition of the Instructional Materials
Committee. Board member Andrews asked about the frequency of instructional
materials reviews.
Board member Petersen complimented the group on an outstanding process. It is
thorough and aligns with WASL preparation and with the preparation of students
going through the system. When he asked about whether it is aligned with early
learning and school readiness even before kindergarten, Sue Dedrick said this
is one of the responsibilities of the District’s early childhood preschool
specialists. Terry said that when a curriculum adoption is considered, all
populations are considered. | |
K-5 LITERACY ADOPTION: PHONICS, SPELLING & HANDWRITING—first reading
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The attached proposed Policy 3409—Students with Diabetes, was provided to
the Board of Directors for first reading, with approval to be recommended at a
future Board meeting (E:164/08). The proposed policy defines the provisions
for Individual Health Care Plans for students. Director of Communications
Mary Waggoner commented briefly. | |
PROPOSED POLICY 3409—STUDENTS w/DIABETES—(
defining provisions for Individual Health Care Plans for students)—
first reading |
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Financial reports as of February 29, 2008 were provided for the Board of
Directors’ review (E:165/08). The reports include year-to-date
information on revenues and expenditures, General Fund projections, a cash
report and an investment summary. Director of Finance Jeff Moore said the
report is similar to last month’s. The current projected ending funding
balance of $11.1 million is dipping slightly, but we are on the right path for
finishing up the year. | |
FINANCIAL REPORT |
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ACTION ITEMS
Ed Petersen moved for approval of the revised Consent Agenda. Kristie Dutton
seconded the motion. | |
CONSENT AGENDA |
| 1)
Personnel Report (revised) (E:166/08);
2) Voucher Lists (E:167/08);
3)
Proposed Revised Policy Series 1000—Board of Directors (E:168/08);
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1000—Legal Status & Operation
(clarifying legal status & operation)
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1100—Organization
(adding language about the Strategic Plan)
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1111—District Election
(clarifying filing period & date of primary election)
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1250—Secretary to the Board
(adding language about written communications)
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1310—Adoption & Amendment of Policies
(deleting references to ‘bylaws’)
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1312—Administrative Procedures
(adding clarifying language for handling of procedures)
- 1410—
Executive or Closed Sessions
(adding language regarding national security)
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1420—Agenda
(clarifying Board member attendance at agenda review)
- 1711—Code of
Ethics
(adding language regarding ‘sexual orientation’)
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1731—Board Member Expenses
(updating language regarding expenses)
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Proposed Revised Policy 4215—Title I, Part A, Parental Involvement (
enhancing specificity of policy) (E:169/08);
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Award of Contract—Lively Environmental Center Modular Building (E:170/08);
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Award of Contract—Lively Environmental Center Upgrades (E:171/08);
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Award of Bid—Everett Memorial Stadium Synthetic Turf Replacement
(E:172/08);
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Resolution 898: Certification of Racial Balance for Everett High School Little
Theater Modernization (Res.08/08);
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Agreement Between Everett School District and EBS (Educational Based Services)
Healthcare for OT/PT & Speech Therapists on an As-Requested Basis
(E:173/08);
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Agreement Between Everett School District and Northwest ESD 189 for Educational
Programs for Court-Adjudicated Students at Northwest Regional Learning Center
(NWRLC) (E:174/08);
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Agreement Between Everett School District and Snohomish Discovery Cooperative
for Continuation of Services for Special Education Students with Severe
Behavior Disorders (E:175/08); and
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Washington State Certification/Endorsement & No Child Left Behind Teaching
Assignment Requirements (E:176/08).
The motion carried unanimously.
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CONSENT AGENDA
(cont’d.) |
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Sue Cooper moved for adoption of the minutes of the March 25, 2008 Board
meeting. Carol Andrews seconded the motion and the motion carried
unanimously. | |
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
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Because of the need for Board members to participate in the presentation of
awards for the District’s high school art show to be held at 6:30 p.m. in
Conference Rooms C1 & C2, down the hall, President Madsen recessed the
regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. and announced that the regular Board meeting would
resume in approximately 45 minutes. | | HIGH SCHOOL ART SHOW
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BOARD COMMENTS
President Madsen reconvened the regular Board meeting at 7:15 p.m. and said the
art show and awards ceremony, held down the hall, was excellent. The artist
who won this year’s Superintendent’s Award received it last year as
well. She also won the $1,000 scholarship this year. President Madsen
reported that she attended the reception for Terrie DeBolt, who was one of the
Washington State Classified Employees of the Year. Ms. DeBolt is Everett’
s Transportation Supervisor. The reception was held in the Senate Chambers in
Olympia and was fantastic. Terrie’s husband and three of their
granddaughters were there.
President Madsen talked about the earlier handling of Ms. Olson’s public
comments. Although her opening statements were admissible, at the point she
chose to complain about staff, she was out of order. Ms. Madsen asked her
colleagues for their recommendations for how the situation should have been
handled. Board member Cooper recommended recessing the meeting temporarily.
Dr. Whitehead concurred and indicated that the Board should leave the meeting.
President Madsen asked Dr. Whitehead to draft a letter that will come from
President Madsen and will address Ms. Olson’s behavior as well as some of
her incorrect assumptions and misperceptions.
Board member Petersen commented that the recent NSBA Conference was very
interesting. There were fascinating workshops about 21st
century skills and learning as well as global awareness as students move into
the future.
President Madsen said the National Council of the States has proposed accepting
military students and letting them operate by the rules of the district from
which they came in terms of athletic eligibility and graduation requirements.
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BOARD
COMMENTS
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BOARD ACTION AND/OR BOARD DISCUSSION
At 7:30 p.m., President Madsen recessed the regular meeting for a public
hearing.
As required by RCW 28A.505.210, the District must hold a public hearing
annually on or before May 1 concerning the proposed use of student achievement
funds for the upcoming school year (E:177/08).
Bob Collard introduced the topic. Jeff Moore presented a brief history of the
I-728 process and allocation. Terry Edwards outlined how the funds are used
within the four designated categories of class size reduction, early childhood,
professional development and extended learning opportunities.
President Madsen called for any public comment. There was none.
Board member Andrews asked for a definition of indirect costs. Board member
Petersen asked for more information about the Gear Up grant.
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PUBLIC HEARING—USE OF STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT FUNDS |
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President Madsen reconvened the regular meeting at 7:55 p.m. and adjourned
immediately.
__________________________ ____________________________________
Carol Whitehead, Secretary Karen Madsen, President | | |