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, April 24, 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 Sue Cooper, Kristie Dutton, Karen Madsen, Ed Petersen and Roy Yates.

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 March 27, 2007. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Roy Yates moved for approval of the minutes of the special meeting of April 9, 2007. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
Dr. Whitehead called on Executive Director for Area Two Lynn Evans who introduced Linda Stekete; she comes from the Franklin-Pierce School District. She will be assigned as assistant principal to one of the high schools. Currently, she serves as a curriculum specialist. She was an English teacher for ten years and, prior to that, a middle school teacher. Linda said it is a pleasure to meet the Board and she is proud to be named an assistant principal for Everett Public Schools. On behalf of the Board, President Madsen welcomed Linda to the District.

Dr. Whitehead announced that Cathy Woods has been named principal of Cascade High School, and Janet Gillingham is moving to Heatherwood Middle School as its principal.

Next, Dr. Whitehead announced that the District received an award from the Risk Management Pool for achieving a perfect score on the 2006 Human Resources Risk Assessment Survey. This score resulted in a 3.0 percent reduction in the District’s 2007 policy premium. The District also received from OSPI an academic achievement award for 2005-2006 for reducing by 10 percent the number of students who missed meeting the reading, mathematics or writing goals from one school year to the next. Everett Public Schools was recognized in 10^th grade reading and writing.

Dr. Whitehead referred to a recent story in The Herald about Everett High School student Phillip Bui who has been awarded a Gates Millennium Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship will pay for Phillip’ ;s education at the college or university of his choice, from undergraduate through an advanced degree. He has been accepted to the University of Washington NASA program, Amherst and Swarthmore, and he anticipates hearing from Dartmouth, Stanford and Rice. Phillip’s is truly an American dream-come-true story. He immigrated to the United States with his family. They have endured many struggles, but have persevered. Clearly, Phillip’s success demonstrates the good work the District does with students.

Cascade High School Athletic Director Doug Kloke was recently awarded the Athletic Directors’ Service Award by the Washington Secondary Schools Athletic

Administrators Association. This award honors athletic directors who have made a significant contribution at the school, league, regional or state level.

Dr. Whitehead said that safety is a primary goal every day in Everett Public Schools. Extensive measures are in place but, in light of the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech, a letter was sent by each District principal reminding parents of these safety precautions (E:136/07). Dr. Whitehead reviewed the letter which contains a list of safety and communication measures that are in place. Also contained in the letter are reminders to families about safety measures they can take. The letter is being translated into six languages.

The state auditors recently held their audit exit meeting with District administrators. President Madsen and Board member Cooper represented the Board at this meeting. The auditors were very complimentary of the work and the staff of the District, who they cited as being extremely helpful. However, the District has received a management letter regarding the bell schedule at the high schools. It is an issue that has arisen all around the state. The state auditors who issued the management letter indicated they were directed to audit in this way based on an interpretation of the WAC by OSPI. Dr. Whitehead described the situation, saying that most high schools have shortened their passing time and collectively put that time into an instructional block during the day. Some use the time for sustained silent reading (SSR), counseling or advisory, most of which are activities that have been recommended by OSPI as programs to have in place. However, the state auditors issuing the management letter have determined this use of passing time is not appropriate. If this interpretation holds, the amount of apportionment Everett (and other school districts) receives for each of its instructional blocks would be reduced. Therefore, two representatives from Northshore School District accompanied Dr. Whitehead, Executive Director for Curriculum Alignment and Implementation Terry Edwards and Director of Finance Jeff Moore to Olympia to meet with Dr. Bergeson and appeal the audit interpretation. It is felt the OSPI auditors have misinterpreted the WAC. Dr. Bergeson was receptive to the points that were made and a response from her is anticipated. If the interpretation stands, the change in the bell schedule would take place next school year, not this year. The final audit report is forthcoming and copies will be distributed to the Board.

Dr. Whitehead said it appears the District will receive additional dollars from the Legislature for upgrades to the Everett Memorial Stadium baseball field. It will be in excess of $400,000, but will have a longer timeline attached to it than happened with the $750,000 that was allocated last year.

Upgrades at the Civic Auditorium in the form of improved lighting, sound and seating will happen this summer and early fall. However, this work will necessitate shutting down of the auditorium during July, August and part of September. Closure for this period will be a significant impact to Everett High School and the community and, to a lesser degree, to the other schools. Users have been notified.

The Legislature has returned home and school districts are waiting for the Governor to sign off on bills. Answers to questions from the media will not be available until everything is signed and interpretations are made. It is known, however, that the “simple majority” issue will go to the voters—just for levies, not bonds.
SUPT’S COMMENTS

SUPT’S COMMENTS
(cont’d.)
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
None.
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
Financial reports as of March 31, 2007 were provided for the Board of Directors’ review (E:137/07). The reports included year-to-date information on revenues and expenditures, General Fund projections, a cash report and an investment summary.
Jeff Moore reported that the District financial picture reflects minimal change from last month—it is looking good for the year and staff will continue to track it closely.
FINANCIAL REPORT
ACTION ITEMS
Kristie Dutton moved for approval of the revised Consent Agenda. Sue Cooper seconded the motion.
1) Personnel Report (revised) (E:138 /07);
2) Voucher Lists (E:139/07);
3) Proposed Policy 3144—Release of Information Concerning Sexual & Kidnapping Offenders (regarding dissemination of information about registered student sex or kidnapping offenders) (E:140/07);
4) Authorization to Call for Bids: Fiber Building Entrance Pathways (E:141/07);
5) Authorization to Call for Bids: Silver Lake Elementary Modernization (E:142/07);
6) Authorization to Call for Bids: EHS Civic Auditorium Upgrades (E:143/07);
7) Approval of Mitigation Agreement Between Everett School District and Three Stooges, LLC (SEPA #07-012) (E:144/07);
8) Approval of the Constructability Review for Silver Lake Elementary School Modernization Project (E:145/07);
9) Monetary Gift from Fred Meyer Stores “Support Our Schools” Campaign in the Amount of $7,728 (E:146/07);
10) Monetary Gift from Boeing Employees’ Credit Union to View Ridge Elementary School in the Amount of $6,231 for the Purchase of Reading and Languages Arts Program (E:147/07);
11) Agreement Between Everett School District and Northwest Educational Service District 189 for Educational Programs for Court-Adjudicated Students at Northwest Regional Learning Center (NWRLC) (E:148/07);
12) Agreement Between Everett School District and Northwest Educational Service District 189 (Snohomish Discovery Cooperative) for the Continuation of Services for Special Education Students with Severe Behavior Disorders (E:149/07);

The motion carried unanimously.

CONSENT AGENDA
BOARD COMMENTS
Board member Dutton noted that the young man from Everett High School (Phillip Bui) is the youngest of three brothers and the only one to be able to go to college

Board member Petersen reported that this year’s NSBA Conference was very good. Among the speakers was F.W. deKlerck—he was very interesting; Bill Clinton focused on health and childhood obesity; author Erin Gruelle was accompanied by one of her students who was mentioned in her book; the music produced by the students was amazing; and the workshops were great. Mr. Petersen attended some sessions about early childhood education. He appreciated the opportunity to attend this conference.

President Madsen said she enjoys attending the community lunches and breakfasts ; Dr. Whitehead’s presentations are superb. She thanked those who do the arranging. When asked whether these events are well attended, Dr. Whitehead said yes, there are about 15 of the events that are completely full with about 20-25 attendees per event.
BOARD COMMENTS
BOARD ACTION AND/OR BOARD DISCUSSION
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. President Madsen convened the public hearing at 5:05 p.m.

Jeff Moore began the presentation and was followed by Terry Edwards. A PowerPoint for the evening’s presentation was provided (E:150/07). Jeff talked about allowable uses for I-728 monies: class size reduction, professional development, extended learning, early assistance and building improvements that directly support the reduced class size. For the 2007-2008 school year, the District will receive $8,388,914, which includes the allocation and carryover, minus indirect costs. When the student achievement fund was created in 2000, the per-student allocation was $180 per student; in the 2007-2008 school year, it will be $450 per student, an increase of $75 per student from 2006-2007.

Dr. Whitehead noted that when the fund was established, numerous public meetings and staff meetings were held. Class size reduction was the #1 priority, followed by professional development.

Using the PowerPoint presentation, Terry Edwards talked about how the money is spent. This plan will be incorporated into the 2007-2008 budget which will be submitted to the Board for adoption in August.

When Board member Dutton asked about the duration of I-728, Terry replied that it has no sunset clause. It will continue until the Legislature or an initiative changes it. It has gone on for six years and is in the law. Losing it would be a major blow for Everett and for all school districts in the state. Bob said this would be a hard matter for the Legislature to take on. Dr. Whitehead said the money from I-728 and Title II essentially “ carries” our professional development efforts.

Dr. Whitehead noted that at the conclusion of the state-of the-school reviews each year, the commonalities are analyzed. This year’s definitive message was that math support is needed; being able to provide that support is exciting.

Regarding class size reduction, Board member Cooper asked how space is handled. Terry said there is enough capacity to add more classrooms. Perhaps the greater challenge is finding secondary math teachers to hire. Board member Petersen asked how many new positions are embedded in this budget from the prior year. Terry said there are approximately 12 to 15 additional positions.

With the completion of the presentation, President Madsen opened the meeting for public comment. There was none. With that, President Madsen closed the public hearing at 5:40 p.m., re-convened the regular meeting and adjourned immediately at 5:40 p.m.

PUBLIC HEARING—USE OF STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT FUNDS

___________________________ ________________________________
Carol Whitehead, Secretary Karen Madsen, President

EVERETT, WASHINGTON Regular Meeting
The Board of Directors of Everett Public Schools, Snohomish County, Washington, held a regular Board meeting on Tuesday, April 24, 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 Sue Cooper, Kristie Dutton, Karen Madsen, Ed Petersen and Roy Yates.
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 March 27, 2007. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Roy Yates moved for approval of the minutes of the special meeting of April 9, 2007. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.		APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS Dr. Whitehead called on Executive Director for Area Two Lynn Evans who introduced Linda Stekete; she comes from the Franklin-Pierce School District. She will be assigned as assistant principal to one of the high schools. Currently, she serves as a curriculum specialist. She was an English teacher for ten years and, prior to that, a middle school teacher. Linda said it is a pleasure to meet the Board and she is proud to be named an assistant principal for Everett Public Schools. On behalf of the Board, President Madsen welcomed Linda to the District. Dr. Whitehead announced that Cathy Woods has been named principal of Cascade High School, and Janet Gillingham is moving to Heatherwood Middle School as its principal. Next, Dr. Whitehead announced that the District received an award from the Risk Management Pool for achieving a perfect score on the 2006 Human Resources Risk Assessment Survey. This score resulted in a 3.0 percent reduction in the District’s 2007 policy premium. The District also received from OSPI an academic achievement award for 2005-2006 for reducing by 10 percent the number of students who missed meeting the reading, mathematics or writing goals from one school year to the next. Everett Public Schools was recognized in 10^th grade reading and writing. Dr. Whitehead referred to a recent story in The Herald about Everett High School student Phillip Bui who has been awarded a Gates Millennium Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship will pay for Phillip’ ;s education at the college or university of his choice, from undergraduate through an advanced degree. He has been accepted to the University of Washington NASA program, Amherst and Swarthmore, and he anticipates hearing from Dartmouth, Stanford and Rice. Phillip’s is truly an American dream-come-true story. He immigrated to the United States with his family. They have endured many struggles, but have persevered. Clearly, Phillip’s success demonstrates the good work the District does with students. Cascade High School Athletic Director Doug Kloke was recently awarded the Athletic Directors’ Service Award by the Washington Secondary Schools Athletic Administrators Association. This award honors athletic directors who have made a significant contribution at the school, league, regional or state level. Dr. Whitehead said that safety is a primary goal every day in Everett Public Schools. Extensive measures are in place but, in light of the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech, a letter was sent by each District principal reminding parents of these safety precautions (E:136/07). Dr. Whitehead reviewed the letter which contains a list of safety and communication measures that are in place. Also contained in the letter are reminders to families about safety measures they can take. The letter is being translated into six languages. The state auditors recently held their audit exit meeting with District administrators. President Madsen and Board member Cooper represented the Board at this meeting. The auditors were very complimentary of the work and the staff of the District, who they cited as being extremely helpful. However, the District has received a management letter regarding the bell schedule at the high schools. It is an issue that has arisen all around the state. The state auditors who issued the management letter indicated they were directed to audit in this way based on an interpretation of the WAC by OSPI. Dr. Whitehead described the situation, saying that most high schools have shortened their passing time and collectively put that time into an instructional block during the day. Some use the time for sustained silent reading (SSR), counseling or advisory, most of which are activities that have been recommended by OSPI as programs to have in place. However, the state auditors issuing the management letter have determined this use of passing time is not appropriate. If this interpretation holds, the amount of apportionment Everett (and other school districts) receives for each of its instructional blocks would be reduced. Therefore, two representatives from Northshore School District accompanied Dr. Whitehead, Executive Director for Curriculum Alignment and Implementation Terry Edwards and Director of Finance Jeff Moore to Olympia to meet with Dr. Bergeson and appeal the audit interpretation. It is felt the OSPI auditors have misinterpreted the WAC. Dr. Bergeson was receptive to the points that were made and a response from her is anticipated. If the interpretation stands, the change in the bell schedule would take place next school year, not this year. The final audit report is forthcoming and copies will be distributed to the Board. Dr. Whitehead said it appears the District will receive additional dollars from the Legislature for upgrades to the Everett Memorial Stadium baseball field. It will be in excess of $400,000, but will have a longer timeline attached to it than happened with the $750,000 that was allocated last year. Upgrades at the Civic Auditorium in the form of improved lighting, sound and seating will happen this summer and early fall. However, this work will necessitate shutting down of the auditorium during July, August and part of September. Closure for this period will be a significant impact to Everett High School and the community and, to a lesser degree, to the other schools. Users have been notified. The Legislature has returned home and school districts are waiting for the Governor to sign off on bills. Answers to questions from the media will not be available until everything is signed and interpretations are made. It is known, however, that the “simple majority” issue will go to the voters—just for levies, not bonds.		SUPT’S COMMENTS SUPT’S COMMENTS (cont’d.)
PUBLIC COMMENT None.		PUBLIC COMMENT
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES None.		RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION Financial reports as of March 31, 2007 were provided for the Board of Directors’ review (E:137/07). The reports included year-to-date information on revenues and expenditures, General Fund projections, a cash report and an investment summary. Jeff Moore reported that the District financial picture reflects minimal change from last month—it is looking good for the year and staff will continue to track it closely.		FINANCIAL REPORT
ACTION ITEMS Kristie Dutton moved for approval of the revised Consent Agenda. Sue Cooper seconded the motion. 1) Personnel Report (revised) (E:138 /07); 2) Voucher Lists (E:139/07); 3) Proposed Policy 3144—Release of Information Concerning Sexual & Kidnapping Offenders (regarding dissemination of information about registered student sex or kidnapping offenders) (E:140/07); 4) Authorization to Call for Bids: Fiber Building Entrance Pathways (E:141/07); 5) Authorization to Call for Bids: Silver Lake Elementary Modernization (E:142/07); 6) Authorization to Call for Bids: EHS Civic Auditorium Upgrades (E:143/07); 7) Approval of Mitigation Agreement Between Everett School District and Three Stooges, LLC (SEPA #07-012) (E:144/07); 8) Approval of the Constructability Review for Silver Lake Elementary School Modernization Project (E:145/07); 9) Monetary Gift from Fred Meyer Stores “Support Our Schools” Campaign in the Amount of $7,728 (E:146/07); 10) Monetary Gift from Boeing Employees’ Credit Union to View Ridge Elementary School in the Amount of $6,231 for the Purchase of Reading and Languages Arts Program (E:147/07); 11) Agreement Between Everett School District and Northwest Educational Service District 189 for Educational Programs for Court-Adjudicated Students at Northwest Regional Learning Center (NWRLC) (E:148/07); 12) Agreement Between Everett School District and Northwest Educational Service District 189 (Snohomish Discovery Cooperative) for the Continuation of Services for Special Education Students with Severe Behavior Disorders (E:149/07); The motion carried unanimously.		CONSENT AGENDA
BOARD COMMENTS Board member Dutton noted that the young man from Everett High School (Phillip Bui) is the youngest of three brothers and the only one to be able to go to college Board member Petersen reported that this year’s NSBA Conference was very good. Among the speakers was F.W. deKlerck—he was very interesting; Bill Clinton focused on health and childhood obesity; author Erin Gruelle was accompanied by one of her students who was mentioned in her book; the music produced by the students was amazing; and the workshops were great. Mr. Petersen attended some sessions about early childhood education. He appreciated the opportunity to attend this conference. President Madsen said she enjoys attending the community lunches and breakfasts ; Dr. Whitehead’s presentations are superb. She thanked those who do the arranging. When asked whether these events are well attended, Dr. Whitehead said yes, there are about 15 of the events that are completely full with about 20-25 attendees per event.		BOARD COMMENTS
BOARD ACTION AND/OR BOARD DISCUSSION 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. President Madsen convened the public hearing at 5:05 p.m. Jeff Moore began the presentation and was followed by Terry Edwards. A PowerPoint for the evening’s presentation was provided (E:150/07). Jeff talked about allowable uses for I-728 monies: class size reduction, professional development, extended learning, early assistance and building improvements that directly support the reduced class size. For the 2007-2008 school year, the District will receive $8,388,914, which includes the allocation and carryover, minus indirect costs. When the student achievement fund was created in 2000, the per-student allocation was $180 per student; in the 2007-2008 school year, it will be $450 per student, an increase of $75 per student from 2006-2007. Dr. Whitehead noted that when the fund was established, numerous public meetings and staff meetings were held. Class size reduction was the #1 priority, followed by professional development. Using the PowerPoint presentation, Terry Edwards talked about how the money is spent. This plan will be incorporated into the 2007-2008 budget which will be submitted to the Board for adoption in August. When Board member Dutton asked about the duration of I-728, Terry replied that it has no sunset clause. It will continue until the Legislature or an initiative changes it. It has gone on for six years and is in the law. Losing it would be a major blow for Everett and for all school districts in the state. Bob said this would be a hard matter for the Legislature to take on. Dr. Whitehead said the money from I-728 and Title II essentially “ carries” our professional development efforts. Dr. Whitehead noted that at the conclusion of the state-of the-school reviews each year, the commonalities are analyzed. This year’s definitive message was that math support is needed; being able to provide that support is exciting. Regarding class size reduction, Board member Cooper asked how space is handled. Terry said there is enough capacity to add more classrooms. Perhaps the greater challenge is finding secondary math teachers to hire. Board member Petersen asked how many new positions are embedded in this budget from the prior year. Terry said there are approximately 12 to 15 additional positions. With the completion of the presentation, President Madsen opened the meeting for public comment. There was none. With that, President Madsen closed the public hearing at 5:40 p.m., re-convened the regular meeting and adjourned immediately at 5:40 p.m.		PUBLIC HEARING—USE OF STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT FUNDS

___________________________ ________________________________ Carol Whitehead, Secretary Karen Madsen, President