EVERETT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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, December 14, 2004, beginning at 4:30 p.m., in the Board Room of the Educational Service Center, 4730 Colby Avenue, Everett, Washington. Those in attendance were Sue Cooper, Kristie Dutton, Karen Madsen, Paul Roberts and Roy Yates. |
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ADOPTION OF AGENDA President Dutton called for any recommended changes to the agenda. Superintendent Carol Whitehead noted that the Board would be presented with a revised personnel report. With that, Karen Madsen 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 Roy Yates moved for approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of November 23, 2004. Paul Roberts seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
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ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD Everett Public Schools Policy 1120—Organization of the Board, states, in part, that at the first regular meeting in December, the Board shall elect a president and vice-president to serve one-year terms. In even-numbered years, a legislative representative shall be elected who shall serve a two-year term. Said elections took place as follows: |
ELECTION OF OFFICERS | |
| Paul Roberts nominated Roy Yates to the office of president. Karen Madsen seconded the motion. By roll call vote, the election of Roy Yates to the office of president was approved unanimously. Ms. Dutton passed the gavel to Mr. Yates and Mr. Yates assumed leadership of the meeting. Next, Sue Cooper nominated Paul Roberts to the office of vice-president. Karen Madsen seconded the nomination. Mr. Roberts respectfully declined the nomination. The Board accepted Mr. Roberts’ declination and the motion was withdrawn. Then, Sue Cooper nominated Kristie Dutton to the office of vice-president. Karen Madsen seconded the nomination. By roll call vote, the election of Kristie Dutton to the office of vice-president was approved unanimously. Finally, Karen Madsen nominated Paul Roberts to the position of legislative representative. Kristie Dutton seconded the motion. By roll call vote, the election of Paul Roberts to the position of legislative representative carried unanimously. | ||
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SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS Dr. Whitehead announced that this year’s OSPI conference will be held in Seattle on January 18 through 20. She requested that Board members indicate whether they will be attending.
Dr. Whitehead reported that two students from Jackson High School have been inducted into the spring 2004 National Honor Roll, which recognizes high achieving high school and middle school students. They are junior Leesa Johnasen and senior Lauren Trettevik. Leesa and Lauren are now eligible for scholarships and awards. | SUPT’S COMMENTS | |
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Six-year-old Alora Koch, a student in Everett Public Schools, was recently
honored as a Youth Good Samaritan Hero at the Red Cross Heroes Breakfast. When
her mother experienced a life-threatening asthma attack, Alora dialed 911 and
reported her mother’s condition to the operator. When asked how she knew
what to do, Alora said she learned how to dial 911 at school. In this season of giving, Everett Public Schools’ students collected approximately 64,000 pounds of food as well as socks, toiletries and other items. District employees contributed almost $97,000 to United Way this year, representing a four percent increase from last year. The Everett Public Schools Foundation helps coordinate the District’s United Way campaign and is to be commended for their efforts.
Dr. Whitehead noted that Cedarwood Elementary School recently became a weather station for KOMO-TV.
At the last Board meeting, the Board was presented a report about the work of the District’s on-time graduation task force, including recommendations. Since then, a steering committee, made up of the four high school principals, Karst Brandsma, Terry Edwards and Ken Toyn, was formed to begin implementing those recommendations. In addition, soon after the winter break, meetings will be scheduled at the high schools to discuss the process for implementing the recommendations. The goal is to ensure that all staff clearly understand the expected direction and to hear from staff what is needed in order for them to be successful in these efforts.
The annual state-of-the-school reviews will be held in January and February.
State auditors are in the District for their annual review. Their focus this year will be on online and alternative learning, administrative contracts and special education, among other things.
Today, Dr. Whitehead was in Olympia attending a meeting of the Washington State Learning First Alliance. Composed of educational organizations from all over the state as well as the Partnership for Learning and Learning First, the day’s agenda included hearing the individual groups’ legislative agendas. Copies will be included in the Board’s Friday packet.
Dr. Whitehead called on Steve Stearns, Director of Instructional Support and Student Services, to provide an update on the District’s newly-reorganized campus safety program, implemented in September, which involved a move to using fewer School Resource Officers (SRO) in favor of employing Campus Security Officers (CSO). The shift was made to save money and provide security opportunities at more District schools. The new model is working very well and includes a total of six SROs at each of the three comprehensive high schools as well as North, Evergreen and Eisenhower Middle Schools. CSOs, who are employees of the District, are in place at six District schools—the four high schools as well as Gateway and Heatherwood Middle School. The CSOs are issued District uniforms, they work flexible hours and their services are used in different ways at various campuses, including providing security at dances, athletic events and during emergencies. The relationship with the police departments is excellent and very cooperative. CSOs and SROs meet monthly to exchange ideas and provide feedback. Karst noted that Steve helps arrange classes for the CSOs, some of which are offered by the Risk Management Pool and others by local law enforcement.
In closing, Dr. Whitehead noted that tonight is the last regularly-scheduled Board meeting for 2004. She thanked the Board for spending another year providing quality leadership. She is looking forward to 2005.
Before moving to the next section of the Board meeting, Board member Madsen sought permission to present a special gift. Although it went to one person, she said, it represents kudos to all staff. With that, she presented Dr. Whitehead with a “rhinestone-studded” tiara.
In reference to the spirit of giving previously mentioned by Dr. Whitehead, President Yates reported that at today’s downtown Everett Rotary Club meeting, the Student of the Month honorees talked about their schools’ food drives and the importance of the community who contribute so generously to the success of these efforts. |
SUPT’S COMMENTS (cont’d.)
SUPT’S COMMENTS (cont’d.)
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PUBLIC COMMENT None.
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES Director of Communications Gay Campbell reported that one retiree was present tonight. She is Terry Day, of Cascade High School. With 28.6 years in the District, Terry has worked at the middle school level as well as at Cascade and Jackson High Schools. Cascade High School principal Jim Dean commented that Terry has been an outstanding part of their school community. With her as department head, the school has seen increased participation in foreign languages. Terry said her work has been challenging and interesting. She will miss it, but is looking forward to spending more time with her husband and her father, both of whom were in attendance tonight. On behalf of his colleagues, President Yates congratulated Terry and presented her with a memento crystal apple. |
PUBLIC COMMENT
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
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ITEMS FOR INFORMATION The attached proposed revised Policy 6151—Site-Based Decision Making, was presented to the Board for first reading, with approval to be requested at a future Board meeting (E:59/05). The policy title and definition is being revised to “Participatory Decision Making,” and to reflect that, when appropriate, the perspective of those impacted by a decision will be sought and considered. Gay Campbell commented briefly. |
PROPOSED REV. POLICY 6151—SITE-BASED DECISION MAKING (revising policy title and definition)—1st reading | |
| Associate Superintendent for Finance and Operations Jeff Riddle introduced John Elliott, President and CEO of Durham School Services, who provides transportation services for the District. Mr. Elliott updated the Board on the activities of the Durham School Services organization. With him were Chuck Moore, Regional Vice President, and Brian Higgenbotham, Everett manager for Durham. Also in attendance was Terrie DeBolt, Supervisor of Transportation for Everett Public Schools. Mr. Elliott reported that Durham is the student services part of National Express Corporation, which is owned by National Express Group of the United Kingdom. Durham provides transportation services to 250 school districts. They have 99 customer service centers (CSC) like Everett’s and they operate 8,700 buses. They have 11,000 employees in seven regions in the United States. Durham has been with Everett Public Schools since 1981 and is in the third year of a five-year contract. Among the many positive aspects of the Everett system is that it received a grant to retrofit their bus exhaust systems which resulted in an award from the Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, drivers donate in excess of $4,600 to Operation School Bell, and they frequently volunteer to transport students to various venues. Drivers receive many hours of training, including first aid and CPR. In fact, a bus driver recently saved a student rider from choking. With safety being the highest priority, the Everett CSC went 177 days without an accident, a remarkable accomplishment for a CSC the size of Everett. Brian Higgenbotham recently received a Golden Merit Award, is an ASE master school bus technician and chairs a national standards committee on alternative fuels. In 2002, Everett was recognized as one of the top fleets by School Bus Magazine . Durham has completed a strategic planning process and has as its vision to provide community-based solutions. They are honored to be a part of Everett Public Schools. President Yates said he appreciates the 24-year partnership the District has had with Durham. He takes pride in seeing the buses out in the community. | UPDATE—DURHAM SCHOOL SERVICES | |
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The Administration presented information to the Board of Directors regarding
planning for a future elementary school in the southeast portion of the
District. Tonight’s presentation included an update on the process the
District will use to prepare for eventual construction of a new elementary
school. Construction of a new elementary school in this area is necessary to
accommodate students generated from new housing projects along 35th
Avenue Southeast and the Bothell-Everett Highway. Using a PowerPoint
presentation, Director of Facilities and Planning Mike Gunn showed projected
elementary school enrollments through the fall of 2009 (E:60/05). It is
anticipated that by 2009, Cedarwood will be over capacity by 282; Penny Creek
by 81; Silver Lake by 71; and Woodside by 98. Mill Creek is projected to
decrease its enrollment by 80, and Silver Firs would have 32 fewer students.
Therefore, the southend elementary school enrollment is expected to show a net
increase of 420 students by 2009.
Options for providing space for this increased enrollment include building a
new elementary school, constructing additions to existing schools, installing
portables, and/or re-working the attendance area boundaries. When asked
whether the District has enough existing space to handle projected growth in
the south end, Mike said yes, but it would involve a significant shift of
students. Because enrollment is dynamic, boundary changes would need to be
frequent in order to be a viable option. The intersection of the Boeing
freeway and I-5 creates a transportation barrier, as does the Eastmont area
where the terrain is too steep to build beyond existing bluffs. Without
boundary changes, 23 portables would be needed to house the anticipated growth
in enrollment which means an increase of 14 portables. In so doing, services
(cafeterias, libraries, offices) at the schools with portables would be
stressed. In terms of additions, three six-classroom additions would be needed
to house 420 students, probably at Cedarwood, Mill Creek and Silver Firs.
In conclusion, a new elementary school, with a 530-student capacity, is the recommended alternative even though it is the more expensive of the solutions, with an approximate $15 million cost to build. The Administration’s proposal is to locate the school on the District-owned property adjacent to Gateway Middle Schools. The District would use the same building plan (with updates) as was used for Penny Creek, Cedarwood, Mill Creek and Silver Firs Elementary Schools. The District would seek to connect 156th Street Southeast to the site. Although it is not mandatory to obtain this link, it is a very important piece of the plan and it is possible a new elementary school would not be permitted without the connection. The District proposal is to proceed now with architect selection, design and permitting, and include construction funding in a 2006 capital bond proposal. It is important to do as much planning as possible prior to the bond issue.
Architect fees would be approximately $200,000. If the voters deny the bond, the drawings could be used for future projects. Jeff Riddle commented that this would not be the first time the District has done this level of architectural planning prior to a bond issue. A full-fledged EIS (environmental impact study) will not be necessary, perhaps only a modified one. A SEPA review process was completed when Gateway Middle School was built. |
PRESENTATION—PLANNING FOR FUTURE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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The Administration provided an update on the District’s grants and
categorical programs. Executive Director for Curriculum Alignment and
Implementation Terry Edwards opened the presentation by saying that the
District has received over 30 different grants—worth over $10,200,000 in
supplemental dollars—for the 2004-2005 school year (E:61/05). These
grants come primarily in the form of: federal education grants, state
education grants, other state organizations and private sources. Grant dollars
received are used to provide a variety of supplemental services—they fund
positions and provide resources beyond monies available from the state and
local levies. The amount the District receives in grant dollars is comparable
with other districts our size. Many grants have a requirement of matching
dollars such as with the Drug Omnibus grant, and is one of the points evaluated
when the District is deciding whether to apply for a particular grant.
Dr. Whitehead noted that Everett receives other dollars that can be called grants, such as when Boeing prints District calendars.
The Board thanked Terry and Director of Categorical Programs Sue Dedrick for their work in compiling and presenting tonight’s report. |
UPDATE—GRANTS & CATEGORICAL PROGRAMS
UPDATE—GRANTS & CATEGORICAL PROGRAMS (cont’d.) | |
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ACTION ITEMS Paul Roberts moved for approval of the revised Consent Agenda and Sue Cooper seconded the motion. |
CONSENT AGENDA | |
The motion carried unanimously. |
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The Administration recommended the Board of Directors authorize the
Superintendent, or
or her designee, to enter into an agreement to participate in the Northwest ESD
189 Water Testing Cooperative (E:67/05). ESD 189 has agreed to coordinate and operate the cooperative. The purpose is to provide water testing by a Department of Ecology (DOE) accredited laboratory for member districts. The agreement is for one year beginning July 1, 2004, and ending on June 30, 2005, at a cost of $9,000 (1,000 samples @ $9 each). Jeff Riddle said the District regularly tests its water, but participation in the co-op will decrease District costs. He further noted that the District’s testing standard is higher than the national standard. With no further discussion, Kristie Dutton moved to authorize participation in the aforementioned water testing cooperative. Paul Roberts seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | 2004-05 CO-OP AGREEMENT BETWEEN EVT. S.D. & NW ESD 189 TO PARTICIPATE IN A WATER TESTING CO-OP | |
| The Administration recommended the Board of Directors approve the attached revisions to the Everett School District Capital Facilities Plan for 2004-2009 (E:68/05). This action includes approval of revisions to pages 6-3 and 6-9 of the plan. Board approval is necessary in order to comply with Snohomish County Ordinance 04-118 and to allow the District to remain eligible to collect school impact fees from developers of new housing projects in unincorporated portions of Snohomish County. Previously, the Board adopted Resolution 799—Everett School District Capital Facilities Plan 2004-2009, on September 14, 2004. Mike Gunn commented briefly, saying the revised plan is required to be approved by the Board in order to continue to collect impact fees past January 1. With no further discussion, Paul Roberts moved for approval of the aforementioned revisions to the Everett School District Capital Facilities Plan for 2004-2009. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. |
APPROVAL OF REVISIONS TO EVERETT S.D. CAPITAL FACILITIES PLAN FOR 2004-2009
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BOARD COMMENTS Board member Cooper reported that she had the opportunity to visit Cascade High School during that school’s holiday food drive. It is an amazing process that has grown significantly over the years. It is a wonderful community service where a great deal of learning takes place.
Board member Madsen reported that she and Board members Yates and Cooper recently conducted a Board site visit to the Denney Youth Center. It was very interesting and it was clear the staff are thinking strategically about how best to support the students during the time they are at Denney. President Yates commented that it is sobering to seeing young people in that kind of environment, but the work being done educationally is very positive.
President Yates reported that a recent presentation to the downtown Rotary Club dealt with the guardian ad litem program. The presenter talked about the underfunding of this program and the difficulties of educating the population, many of whom come from dysfunctional environments. The program is always seeking volunteers.
Board member Roberts reported that legislative attempts made this year to fund early childhood education did not survive the budget process, but the positive side is that at least consideration was given to the issue.
Board member Madsen reported that she has recently had two opportunities to serve on the District’s Disciplinary Appeals Council. She commended it as an effective way to deal with student appeals of short-term suspensions.
In closing, President Yates thanked everyone for their efforts during the year. He wished all a happy holiday season and encouraged rest, relaxation and spending time with families.
President Yates called for a brief recess (rest break) at 6:20 p.m. President Yates re-convened the regular meeting at 6:25 p.m. |
BOARD COMMENTS
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BOARD ACTION AND/OR BOARD DISCUSSION The Board discussed its self-evaluation. | BOARD SELF-EVALUATION | |
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President Yates recessed the regular meeting into executive session at 7:10
p.m. for discussion of property acquisition. It was announced this portion of
the executive session would be of approximately 45 minutes’ duration.
At 7:55 p.m., President Yates moved to the second portion of the executive session for a discussion with attorney Dick Prentke of Perkins Coie regarding a legal issue. It was announced this portion of the executive session would be of 20 minutes’ duration.
President Yates re-convened the regular meeting at 8:15 p.m. and adjourned immediately. |
EXECUTIVE SESSION
—Property Acquisition
EXECUTIVE SESSION —Legal | |
___________________________ ________________________________
Carol Whitehead, Secretary
Roy Yates, President |