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, March 13, 2007, 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, Ed Petersen and Roy Yates. Absent: Sue Cooper.
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| ADOPTION OF AGENDA
President Madsen called for any recommended changes to the agenda. Superintendent Whitehead indicated that there would be a revised Personnel Report. With that, Roy Yates moved for adoption of the revised agenda. Kristie Dutton seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | ADOPTION OF AGENDA | |
| APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ed Petersen moved for approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of February 27, 2007 and of the special meeting of March 5, 2007. Roy Yates seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
| SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
Dr. Whitehead read from a proclamation from Governor Gregoire announcing that March 12-16, 2007, is Classified School Employee Week in the state of Washington (E:106/07). Indeed, the classified employees in Everett Public Schools contribute in innumerable ways to the work of helping educate the children of this district. Dr. Whitehead read from a note from a group of District paraprofessionals who recently had the opportunity to attend some training that will help them work with teachers to work with students to read better. They said, “The training is a phenomenal opportunity for us to support the principles of reading instruction. Thank you for providing training for paraeducators of Everett School District. We all appreciate being a professional part of the classroom team ensuring that students learn to high standards.” Next, Dr. Whitehead read a proclamation from the Governor announcing March 19-25 as School Retirees Appreciation Week (attached). A group from the Jackson High School band recently had the opportunity to perform with the Everett Symphony. Dr. Whitehead read from among some thank you notes from students expressing their appreciation for the opportunity to perform with the symphony. Saturday, March 10, was a teacher makeup day. The high school staff participated in directed activities while the middle and elementary schools worked in their buildings. As a result of the added makeup day from the March 1 snowstorm, the last day of school will now be Monday, June 25. Dr. Whitehead reminded the Board that they approved this day (at their January 23 Board meeting) at the same time that they approved the other makeup days. WASL testing has begun. Preparations have been taking place for quite some time in terms of distribution of booklets and staff training. The testing will be occurring for a while. Regarding the special education lawsuit against the state, the judge has made his decision. He ruled that the “cap” on special education is unconstitutional. About half of the school districts in the state had more special education students than the cap qualified them for, so these districts will benefit financially from the judge’s decision. The judge rejected the state’s claim that districts over-qualify students for special education. Indeed, qualifying additional students does not generate more revenue, as was alleged by the state, because districts supplement special education from their levy dollars. As a direct result of the lawsuit, the state has changed the funding formula in two or three ways. Everett received more money as a result of those changes, but is far from getting the $2 million by which it must supplement special education. Thirdly, the judge made the decision not to rule specifically whether basic education and special education are funded correctly. It is a matter, he said, to be left to the legislature. | SUPT’S COMMENTS
SUPT’S COMMENTS (cont’d.) | |
| PUBLIC COMMENT
President Madsen reported that one public comment card had been submitted. She outlined the guidelines for public comment and then called on: Morgan Davis—Snohomish—regarding the naming of elementary school #17. He commended Director of Communications Mary Waggoner for issuing the press release that appeared in the Mill Creek Enterprise. It is an example of the open process that has been followed. Had he not seen the article, Mr. Davis would not have known of the proposed names for the school. He questioned use of the name “Thomas Creek” since this tributary is solely within the boundaries of the Snohomish School District. Mr. Davis’ grandfather is Thomas A. Davis, who homesteaded in the area known as elementary #17 in 1855 and was the first homesteader. Mr. Thomas came along some years later. Mr. Davis shared copies of topographical maps (E:107/07). Most of the homesteaders in the area were Civil War veterans and pioneers, so Mr. Davis recommended naming the new school “Pioneer Elementary” in honor of these early settlers. In his opinion, the other three names are also acceptable, but if the Board wishes to choose Thomas Creek as the name, Mr. Davis asked that they delay until discussions can be held with historian Larry O’Donnell who researched the names. | PUBLIC COMMENT
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| RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
Director of Communications Mary Waggoner introduced Executive Director for Area Two Lynn Evans who spoke about retiree Greg Gelderman. Greg has been in education for 30 years and has reached a point where he wants to pursue other educational interests that will give him the opportunity to assist a broader range of people in focusing on instruction. She talked about Greg’s history that began as a teacher in Seabeck and Silverdale Elementary Schools and eventually brought him to his current position of principal of Heatherwood Middle School. She spoke of his energy and enthusiasm, his depth of understanding and his wisdom. Greg’s passion for learning and education is contagious. He serves as a superb role model who always asks good questions and gets to the heart of the matter. He is focused on student learning, on what leads to learning and supports learning. He ensures that the emotional climate for his school is appropriate for his students. | RECOGNITION OF RETIREES | |
| Greg commented briefly, thanking the District for the opportunities he has had in Everett, and introducing his wife Bev. President Madsen expressed the Board’s appreciation for Greg’s work and presented him with a memento crystal apple.
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| ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
The Administration presented an update about its work in curriculum alignment and implementation. Associate Superintendent for Instruction Karst Brandsma introduced the presentation. Executive Director for Curriculum Alignment and Implementation Terry Edwards shared copies of a PowerPoint presentation for the evening’s discussion (E:108/07). He talked about developing a curriculum plan which is systematic along with ongoing curriculum renewal for science, mathematics, social studies, health & fitness, elementary and secondary reading and writing, and CTE. He discussed literacy goals for next year. | PRESENTATION—CURRICULUM, ALIGNMENT &
IMPLEMENTATION
UPDATE
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| Board member Petersen asked about professional development needs in the area of mathematics. Terry replied that at the elementary level, teachers must teach a deeper understanding of math, so they need to understand the content knowledge. The District’s adopted instructional materials are used to help them think about the materials like a student. Providing resources to provide time for professional development will be very helpful. Professional development is offered in many ways such as workshops. On the other hand, math coaches may be provided to work in small groups. Such a format has worked well in literacy. At the secondary level, the focus is on the use of instructional materials and math strategies to be followed up with things like grading. The District will be the site this summer for a grading conference.
Board member Yates asked whether higher education institutions are doing a better job of getting students ready to teach, to which Terry replied that the schools are producing teachers, but not a lot of them. The District is also finding that there are candidates who have come to teaching as a second career. President Madsen asked where the arts fit in to tonight’s presentation. Terry said there was an arts adoption when he began with the District a few years ago and that adoption continues to be supported. Other areas were not included tonight because of time constraints. | ||
| The Administration presented information about recruitment programs and efforts.
Executive Director of Human Resources Molly Ringo presented and said there is a great deal of coordination between what happens in the area of curriculum alignment and implementation and what Human Resources needs to be doing to support the process. She shared copies of two recruiting documents that are being used during this year’s recruiting efforts (E:109/07). She talked about avenues of recruitment and steps to keep employees (retention). She showed comparisons of data during 2004, 2005 and 2006 in the areas of new hires and new hires by ethnicity. She discussed a survey of certificated hiring data that included questions about the factors influencing the decision to work for the District, job satisfaction and the job search process. She displayed a grid showing certificated staff experience by level. In 2007, the factors impacting recruitment and hiring include the Governor’s 2007 budget proposal; demographic data; enrollment trends; graduation requirements; resignations, retirements and retention; candidate supply; and candidate quality. Molly showed the schedule of recruiting trips for the season, both in-state and out-of-state. Upcoming initiatives include further developing recruiting relationships with out-of-state universities. In closing, Molly gave a demonstration of WinOcular, which is a computerized application process that gives staff the ability to screen applications out of the office and outside of working hours. Board member Petersen sought clarification about the demographic data. | PRESENTATION—RECRUITMENT
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| Financial reports as of January 31, 2007 were provided for the Board of Directors’ review (E:110/07). 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 District’s projected fund balance is relatively unchanged. | FINANCIAL REPORT
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| ACTION ITEMS
Roy Yates moved for approval of the revised Consent Agenda. Kristie Dutton seconded the motion. 1) Personnel Report (revised) (E:111/07); 2) Voucher Lists (E:112/07); 3) Change Order No. 2: Everett Memorial Stadium Baseball Field Drainage Improvements (E:113/07); 4) Authorization to Call for Bids: Hawthorne Elem. School Seismic Upgrades (E:114/07); 5) Final Acceptance of Eisenhower Middle School Modernization & Addition (E:115/07); and 6) Approval of Superintendent’s Contract (E:116/07). The motion carried unanimously. |
CONSENT AGENDA | |
| The Administration recommended that the Board of Directors adopt the middle school boundary adjustments as presented to the Board on February 13, 2007. It was at that time that the Superintendent recommended adjustments to the attendance boundaries of the District’s five middle schools, to be implemented with the commencement of the 2008-2009 school year. The boundary adjustments are projected to affect 882 students in the 2011-2012 school year. A special Board meeting was held on March 5, 2007 for the purpose of hearing public comments regarding the proposed boundary adjustments.
Dr. Whitehead reviewed the background of the boundary process that led to tonight’s recommendation. She distributed a packet containing a map of the proposed boundary adjustments, a chart of projected middle school capacities and enrollments for 2011, and a breakdown of the number of students that will be moved with this boundary adjustment (E:117/07). Director of Facilities and Planning Mike Gunn reviewed the boundary adjustment recommendations. Dr. Whitehead discussed the modifications (as outlined at the February 13, 2007 Board meeting) to the variance process that will be available to those students who are affected by this boundary change: For students who will be in the 6th or 7th grades beginning with the next school year, they could move to their new middle school on a priority variance (which is available only during the 2007-2008 school year). For students who will be in the 8th grade during the time this change is implemented and want to stay in their current school for their final year in middle school, they could have a priority variance for the 2008-2009 school year only. Students must meet all other variance requirements, including space availability. A postcard to this effect will be in the mail by Friday, March 16, and a ConnectED message will be made Sunday evening, March 18. Board member Petersen sought clarification about enrollments at Eisenhower and Gateway Middle School. Executive Director for Area Two Lynn Evans said there is currently capacity at Eisenhower. In fact, the remodel at Eisenhower can handle larger capacities. However, it is anticipated that the Eisenhower neighborhood will “age out”; that is, the children in the neighborhood will grow up and move on, but their parents will remain. Once those children leave, it takes quite a while for a resurgence of youth in a neighborhood. One area where new growth is expected is in the Jefferson Elementary School area, but that level of growth does not come close to comparing with what is happening in the far southeast portion of the District. Dr. Whitehead noted that the District is looking for property in the south end (probably the extreme southeast portion) of the District for an elementary and a middle school site. Mike spoke more about the variance process that will be available. Board member Petersen asked about the splitting of Penny Creek students between middle schools. Dr. Whitehead said the reason for the boundary adjustment is to set Gateway Middle School under capacity in anticipation of the growth in the south end. It is known that approximately 400 additional middle school students will be attending District schools, but it is not known how quickly those students will show up. The number shown for Gateway is at the low end. Mike said many variables impact the projections such as interest rates and the economy. Therefore, District projections are on the conservative side. There is a lot of undeveloped land in the Gateway Middle School service area, but it is tied up and is going through the permitting process. In terms of alignment of the middle schools to the high schools or the middle schools to the elementary schools, District staff could not say from an instructional standpoint which was the most important to consider. Therefore, it was up to the committee to consider the information on an individual area basis, weigh the variables, talk to the community, hold a public input meeting and then make their decision which was submitted to the superintendent, who accepted it and presented it to the Board. A great deal of thought went into reviewing all issues. Dr. Whitehead added that the traffic patterns are critical in the decision making process. Costs rise dramatically when students must be bussed. For example, the Boeing/ Eastmont interchange is a challenge and impacts the Eisenhower numbers to some degree. However, there could be an influx in the south end prior to the time that another middle school could be built in the south end and then the Administration may need to come to the Board with a recommendation to move student traffic across that interchange to attend middle school. That has been done before when the traffic was not as severe as it is today. It is currently done with the high school students. President Madsen said she has always appreciated having her children on her side of the freeway (Eastmont) because she felt certain if there were a major earthquake, she could not get to them and they could not get to her. The freeway is a huge physical barrier. Board member Petersen said he is impressed with the process used to arrive at this recommendation. It was well thought out and it is important to trust the process. He noted that only four citizens spoke with the Board during the March 5 public hearing which is an indicator that this was a good process. Board member Yates concurred with Mr. Petersen. With no further comments, Roy Yates moved to adopt the middle school boundary adjustments as presented to the Board on February 13, 2007. Ed Petersen seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | PROPOSED MIDDLE SCHOOL BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENTS
PROPOSED MIDDLE SCHOOL BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENTS (cont’d.) | |
| At the Board meeting held on February 27, 2007, the Board was provided a report on the naming process for elementary school #17. The result was that four names were brought to the Board for its consideration: Forest View Elementary, Pine View Elementary, Polaris Elementary and Thomas Creek Elementary (E:118/07). At tonight’s meeting, the Board was asked to put forth its nomination for naming of elementary school #17. Dr. Whitehead reviewed the process that was followed in arriving at the four names that were recommended. Since the February 27 Board meeting, written information has been received from Mr. Morgan Davis who also provided verbal input tonight (see Public Comment section). Mr. Davis submitted additional input tonight in the form of topographical maps which the Board reviewed.
In response to a question from President Madsen, elementary school #17 principal Brenda Fuglevand said the first three names on the list (Forest View, Pine View and Polaris) were equally represented on the committee. Thomas Creek was the fourth. Nevertheless, the committee supports all four names. She acknowledged that Polaris would involve more advertising and education, but that is not an issue. Board member Yates said it is important to respect the work of the committee. Forest View resonates with him because it is reflective of the area. Board member Dutton said she recently viewed the area, talked to her family and discussed the names with some friends and acquaintances. Forest View and Polaris were of most interest to her, but Forest View seems to be the best and reflects the surrounding environment. Board member Petersen said he likes the idea that Polaris is “different and difficult,” just as education presents challenges. It is about getting one’s bearings and figuring out where one is in the world. The other names are more passive and do not excite the educational conversations. His preference is to name the school Polaris. President Madsen said Thomas Creek is an easy name to set aside. Her initial favorite was Polaris. However, she struggles with the fact that the WASL expectations for elementary students do not include much about astronomy. Although she was torn between Forest View and Polaris, she leans toward Forest View and will vote as such. Although she was absent tonight, President Madsen said Board member Cooper had expressed her preference for Forest View and Thomas Creek. With that, Roy Yates moved to give the new elementary school #17 the name of Forest View Elementary School. Kristie Dutton seconded the motion and the motion passed with Ed Petersen voting against. Therefore, elementary school #17 will now be known as Forest View Elementary School. To Mr. Davis, President Madsen encouraged him to consider the fact that children study streams and watersheds; thus, the name Forest View is appropriate. President Madsen commended the committee for doing a superb job. | PROPOSED NAMING OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL #17
PROPOSED NAMING OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL #17 (cont’d.) | |
| BOARD COMMENTS
President Madsen complimented the Board for their work at the special Board meeting on March 5. Although she was unable to be in attendance, she listened to the tapes of the meeting and it was obvious her colleagues did a very nice job. | BOARD COMMENTS
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| President Madsen adjourned the regular meeting at 7:20 p.m.
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| ____________________________ ________________________________
Carol Whitehead, Secretary Karen Madsen, President |