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, May 13, 2008, beginning at 4:30 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. |
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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, Ed Petersen moved for adoption of the revised agenda. Sue
Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | |
ADOPTION OF AGENDA |
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Kristie Dutton moved for adoption of the minutes from the April 15, 2008 Board
meeting. Carol Andrews seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Sue Cooper moved for adoption of the minutes of the special Board meeting of
April 29, 2008. Kristie Dutton seconded the motion and the motion carried
unanimously. | |
APPROVAL OF MINUTES |
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SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
Superintendent Whitehead introduced the District’s Director of Teacher
Assistance and Mentoring Betty Cobbs who is now Dr
. Cobbs, having just received her doctorate from the University of Washington.
The Board extended their congratulations to Betty.
Next, Dr. Whitehead introduced Jim Menzies
(PEMCO Life Insurance Company) and Bruce Engebretson (
School Employees Credit Union of Washington
). Jim announced that Terry Edwards, the District’s Executive Director
for Curriculum Implementation and Alignment, is one of three recipients of the
2008 Robert J. Handy award for the state’s
Most Effective Administrator
. This award was developed by WASA and PEMCO seven years ago to recognize
outstanding public school administrators in Washington State. With the award
comes $10,000 which is equally divided among the three winners and can be used
for personal or professional growth and/or to support and disseminate
information about a successful school or district program. Bruce commented
about Robert J. Handy, the award’s namesake, who founded the PEMCO Life
Insurance Company and the School Employees Credit Union of Washington. Mr.
Handy was a teacher in Seattle during the Great Depression. Honorees are
selected by superintendents and principals. Terry expressed his appreciation
and said this is not an individual award; rather, it is based on many people
working as a team. | |
SUPT’S COMMENTS |
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Executive Director for Area One Jim McNally and Evergreen Middle School
principal Joyce Stewart introduced Tony Wentworth as the new assistant
principal at that school. Most recently, Tony has been a guidance counselor at
Chinook Middle School in the Highline School District. He has served as the
AVID program coordinator, the WASL testing coordinator and has been actively
involved in fostering professional development for the staff, among them being
the Safe and Civil Schools Program, race relations, parent and community
involvement and student learning plans. He plays and coaches soccer and was
once an English teacher in Japan. Some of his work has involved a studio
residency regarding literacy and math instructional leadership. Tony expressed
his appreciation and said he is excited to begin his work at Everett School
District and Evergreen Middle School. The Board congratulated Tony and
welcomed him to the District.
Construction Director Hal Beumel reviewed the numerous summer construction
projects in the District for 2008 (E:178/08). Indeed, of the 26 schools in the
District, only four will be “construction-free” this summer. Among
the projects are data network upgrades, window repairs, HVAC upgrades,
painting, flooring replacements and grease trap upgrades, to name a few. Hal
then announced that Forest View Elementary School recently received a Merit
Award from the Washington Chapter of the Council of Educational Facility
Planners International (CEFPI). The honor was based on the design of the
school matching the needs of the educational program; innovative solutions;
environmentally sustainable design strategies; adaptability to changes in
educational delivery; positive aesthetics and materials used; and reinforcement
of the surrounding community. Of the 22 projects considered, Forest View was
among three to earn Merit Awards. Dr. Whitehead said the recent dedication
ceremony for Forest View Elementary School was superb.
The Jackson High School band will soon have the rare opportunity to perform in
Carnegie Hall in New York City. The band auditioned and was accepted last
spring. Deputy Superintendent Karst Brandsma shared a video clip from KING-TV
showing students practicing for their performance. The band’s director,
Lesley Moffat, will be joined by her daughter, who is a member of the band, and
Ms. Moffat’s father, a long-time local band leader, who will be a guest
conductor for one piece.
Executive Director for Human Resources Molly Ringo said the Everett School
Employee Benefit Trust is pleased to sponsor a new wellness program. In so
doing, the District will further its efforts to be more proactive rather than
reactive about wellness, thus helping to manage health care costs. A wellness
coordinator, Dr. Gail Buquicchio, has been hired. “Dr. B,” as she is
known, is a naturopathic physician, who will establish programs and workshops
for weight loss, lifestyle changes, improving nutrition, and stress management,
to name a few.
The District is proud to have three Washington State Scholars—two are from
Cascade High School and one is from Jackson High School. One was unable to
accept the scholarship, but the alternate is someone from Everett High School.
Letters are being sent to the parents of middle schoolers with a 2.8 GPA or
better and who qualify for free-and-reduced lunch, offering them the
opportunity to apply for the Washington State College-Bound Scholarship
Program.
At the recent Washington state PTA convention, Board President Karen Madsen was
honored with the 2008 Outstanding Service Award. No one can remember the
award ever going to someone who is not a state PTA board member, so the naming
of Ms. Madsen is unique. Ms. Madsen has served for 17 years with the Everett
Public Schools PTA and has been actively involved at the state level.
President Madsen said she was stunned to receive this tribute. “To be
recognized by people who do the same work I do and by those I respect so much
was profoundly humbling.” | |
SUPT’S COMMENTS
(cont’d.) |
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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:
1) Trevor Hittle—Student (Jackson High School)—Is doing his CE
project concerning activities of the Board. His research indicates that
Everett is the only district that holds its Board meetings at 4:30 p.m. He
recommended that the District change its practice to hold meetings at 6:30 p.m.
or later which, in his opinion, will help make it more likely that attendance
at Board meetings will increase. Trevor further recommended that the new
administration building have a multi-use room that can hold a larger audience
than the current Board Room (E179/08). | | PUBLIC COMMENT
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RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
Director of Communications Mary Waggoner announced that one retiree was on hand
to be recognized. Mary Ellen O’Donnell is a longtime kindergarten
teacher at View Ridge Elementary School. Her principal, Kert Lenseigne, spoke
about her 22-year tenure at View Ridge. Mary Ellen is an unforgettable
teacher, one who loves children unconditionally, an icon. She is the
quintessential kindergarten teacher who was recently recognized with the View
Ridge PTA’s first ever Lifetime Achievement Award. Mary Ellen said she
has loved being in Everett. She introduced her husband Jack, who was also a
teacher. She closed by commenting that kindergarten in Everett has been very
developmentally appropriate and she encouraged offering all-day kindergarten to
all youngsters in Everett. President Madsen thanked Mary Ellen for her years
of service and presented her with a crystal memento apple. | |
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES |
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ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
The Administration presented an update on the District’s implementation of
the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) highly qualified teacher and paraeducator
components (E:180/08). The presentation included information regarding the
District’s efforts to develop more “highly qualified”
applicants.
Executive Director of Human Resources Molly Ringo said the requirements of the
NCLB Act places a major emphasis on the importance of teacher and paraeducator
qualifications in improving student achievement. She talked about ways in
which teachers can meet the NCLB requirements; paraeducator requirements; the
2007-2008 implementation in terms of file reviews, plans of assistance and
reporting to the state; and plans for the future.
President Madsen sought clarification of the definition of a core subject area
for elementary, to which Molly replied that elementary K-8 certification covers
all core subjects which include reading, language arts, math, science, social
studies and PE.
When Board member Petersen asked about the definition of contracted staff,
Molly said it is certificated contracted staff. He asked about the
consequences of not meeting HQT requirements. Molly said in Title schools,
parents receive a letter, although the District emphasizes that we work hard to
have qualified teachers but maybe with a different criteria. Other
consequences have not been delineated by the Federal Government. | |
REPORT—NCLB & HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHER/PARA-EDUCATOR COMPONENTS
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The attached proposed policy 2410—High School Graduation Requirements, was
provided to the Board of Directors for first reading, with approval to be
recommended at a future Board meeting (E:181/08). The proposed revisions
incorporate the changes to the state graduation requirements. Terry Edwards
reviewed the changes in the state graduation requirements adopted by this
year’s legislature (attached). They take effect for this year’s
graduates. | |
PROPOSED REVISED POLICY 2410—HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS—
(incorporating changes to state graduation requirements)—first reading
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The attached proposed policy 4140—Distribution of Information, was
provided to the Board of Directors for first reading, with approval to be
recommended at a future Board meeting (E:182/08). The proposed revisions align
with the District’s change to post community e-fliers on the District web
site. Mary Waggoner commented briefly.
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PROPOSED REV. POLICY 4140—DISTRIBUTION OF INFORMATION
—(regarding posting community e-fliers on District web site)—
first reading |
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The attached proposed policy 5160—Sexual Harassment, was provided to the
Board of Directors for first reading, with approval to be recommended at a
future Board meeting (E:183/08). The proposed revisions clarify that there is
no longer a need to post policies and procedures at each site inasmuch as they
are on the District web site. Mary Waggoner commented briefly. | |
PROPOSED REV. POLICY 5160—SEXUAL HARASSMENT—
(regarding posting policies/procedures on District web site)—first reading
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Financial reports as of March 31, 2008 were provided for the Board of
Directors’ review (E:184/08). 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 relatively unchanged from prior months. The District is on the
right track for finishing up the year. | | FINANCIAL REPORT
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ACTION ITEMS
Ed Petersen moved for approval of the revised Consent Agenda. Sue Cooper
seconded the motion. | |
CONSENT AGENDA |
| 1)
Personnel Report (revised) (E:185/08);
2) Voucher Lists (E:186/08);
3)
Proposed Policy 3409—Students with Diabetes—
(defining provisions for Individual Health Care Plans for students)
(E:187/08); 4)
K-5 Literacy Adoption: Phonics, Spelling & Handwriting (E:188/08);
5)
Surplus Instructional and Library Materials (E:189/08);
6)
Resolution 899—VEBA Health Reimbursement Benefits Plan (Res.09/08);
7)
Tentative Agreement Between Everett School District and Everett Coaches/
Extracurricular Association (E:190/08);
8)
Award of Contracts—Athletic Apparel & Equipment (E:191/08);
9)
Rental Rates & Priority Schedules for District Facility Use, Including
Buildings, Athletic Fields, Civic Auditorium, Memorial Stadium and Lincoln
Field (E:192/08); 10)
Authorization to Call for Bids—Everett High School Little Theater
Modernization (E:193/08);
11)
Authorization to Call for Bids—Building Network Infrastructure (Data)
(E:194/08); 12)
Agreement Between Everett School District and Alliance Nursing for Continuation
of RN or LPN Nursing Services for Specific Special Education Students as
Requested during the Period 9-1-07 Through 6-1-08 (E:195/08);
13)
Monetary Gift from Allstate Insurance to the Jackson High School ASB in the
Amount of $6,000 (E:196/08);
14)
Monetary Gift from James Monroe Elem. School PTA to James Monroe Elem. School
in the Amount of $5,000 to Purchase Steel Drums for the School (E:197/08);
15)
Monetary Gift from Providence General Children’s Association to View Ridge
Elementary School in the Amount of $6,700 to Purchase Occupational Therapy/
Physical Therapy (OT/PT) Equipment to Assist Children (E:198/08);
16)
Monetary Gift from View Ridge Elementary School PTA to View Ridge
Elementary School in the Amount of $9,710 to Purchase Accelerated Reader
Materials and For Expenses Associated with Field Trips & Assemblies
(E:199/08).
The motion carried unanimously. | |
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BOARD COMMENTS
Board member Andrews said legislative proposals are due soon. It was agreed to
resubmit the issue submitted last year regarding salary equity. Consideration
will be given to recommending funding for all-day kindergarten and modifying
the method for doing pupil transportation counts.
President Madsen thanked her colleagues for supporting her attendance at the
recent PTA convention. | |
BOARD
COMMENTS
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President Madsen adjourned the regular meeting at 6:35 p.m.
__________________________ ____________________________________
Carol Whitehead, Secretary Karen Madsen, President | | |