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, September 23, 2003, 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, Paul
Roberts and Roy Yates. Absent: Karen Madsen. In the absence of President
Madsen, Vice President Dutton conducted the meeting. |
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ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Vice President Dutton called for any recommended changes to the agenda.
Superintendent Whitehead reported that the Board would be presented with a
revised Personnel Report. With no further changes, Sue Cooper moved for
adoption of the revised agenda. Roy Yates seconded the motion and the motion
carried unanimously. | ADOPTION OF AGENDA | |
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Roy Yates moved for approval of the minutes of the special meeting of September
5, 2003, and the regular meeting of September 9, 2003. Paul Roberts seconded
the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
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SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
Superintendent Whitehead referred to a recent news article identifying Andrew
Carson, of Everett High School, as a National Merit Finalist. She then
reminded the Board that current WASL scores were provided to the Board in a
recent Friday Packet. At an upcoming Board meeting, staff will share a
presentation about all District assessments, including the WASL. It is
interesting to note that with the adoption last year of the new math program,
it was anticipated that there might be a decrease in scores during the
transitioning. That did not occur. In fact, there was a slight to large
increase. | SUPT’S COMMENTS | |
Dr. Whitehead invited Director of Facilities and Planning Mike Gunn to clarify
the District’s plans for parking at Everett High School. A recent article
in The Herald
focused on the parking at that school. Mike provided a handout showing a
photographic overview of the area (E:09/04). He described a proposed ordinance
by the City of Everett that would provide additional parking zones around EHS
between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. and would require possessing permits to park. The
permits would be valid for one year. If students park in a business zone, but
have a permit for the school zones, they would be subject to higher fines. The
City’s solution is an interim measure until the District is able to
provide more parking at EHS. From the 2002 bond, said Mike, the District will
provide some additional parking capacity, which will enhance the situation, but
will not solve it. The ordinance would further authorize school staff to
develop a plan for permitting, fees and enforcement by the city police. The
School Resource Officer would monitor parking for the first couple of hours in
the morning. The parking modifications would provide approximately 114
additional stalls, bringing the total to 278, which is less than half of those
available at Cascade High School (663) and at Jackson
High School (624). The ideal number of spaces for Everett High School would
be approximately 600.
Dr. Whitehead asked Director of Categorical Programs/Basic Skills Kathleen
Gutierrez to report on the English Language Learner population. Kathleen said
this population has increased significantly this year. She shared a handout
(attached) showing the total population as 1,178, which is an increase of 289
from last year. The population is determined by administering a required oral
test. Another test is used to determine when the students are ready to exit.
Kathleen also noted that there are 29 languages spoken throughout the District.
Discussion followed about the concentration of populations and ways to help
them learn English and acclimate themselves to the culture.
Executive Director of Human Resources Molly Ringo reported on movement of staff
in response to enrollment. Some schools came in exactly on the projected
enrollment, even at the grade levels. Thus, only minimal reassignments of
staff have been necessary, with five teachers being moved. Some kindergarten
positions were added in response to the growth at the kindergarten level, and
partial FTEs were assigned to positions at Gateway Middle School and at the
high school level. The high schools will be implementing revised schedules
tomorrow. |
SUPT’S COMMENTS (cont’d.) | |
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There was no public comment.
| PUBLIC COMMENT | |
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
Director of Communications Gay Campbell announced that Margie Melland, of
Woodside Elementary School, is among tonight’s retirees. However, she was
unable to attend tonight’s meeting, but sent her appreciation to the
Board and Administration for their support.
Sally Lancaster, administrator for the Homeschool Alternative Center,
introduced Joan Lyderson, who is retiring with 29 years in education. Sally
described Joan as a professional, upbeat person who has dedicated her life to
institutional learning, and being a voice for those who had no voice. Her
efforts are commendable.
Executive Director for Special Services Sue Dedrick also commented. She
referred to Joan as a “bright spot” in Special Services. She is a
person with a can-do attitude who dealt with huge challenges, implemented
important programs and worked well with other parts of the community. As a
result, students have been enriched.
Joan said she appreciates the many opportunities she has had. She has learned
a great deal and has had a wonderful time doing it. Her retirement plans are
to travel and see family and friends.
Vice President Dutton thanked Joan for her good work and the positive impact
she has had on children. She presented Joan with a memento crystal apple.
| RECOGNITION OF RETIREES | |
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
The Administration presented an update on recent summer projects regarding
facilities and technology. Director of Facilities and Planning Mike Gunn
shared a PowerPoint presentation outlining the numerous projects conducted this
summer. He emphasized that the photographs do not do the projects justice and
he encouraged actual visits to the sites. He credited many individuals with
helping complete the projects. For example, the amount of furniture and
equipment that needed to be moved was phenomenal but, thanks to the efforts of
the Maintenance staff, the tasks were accomplished in good order.
Mike went on to describe flooring replacements at six schools (Monroe, Silver
Lake, View Ridge, Garfield, Whittier and the Commercial Building at Everett
High School) and lighting upgrades at five schools (Monroe, Silver Lake, View
Ridge, Garfield and Whittier). The scope of the work at each site varied, and
included locating and removing asbestos flooring. The total cost of this
summer’s projects were approximately $7.4 million, not including work done
by the Information Systems and Maintenance departments. He showed
before-and-after pictures of the projects. Among the improvements were to add
school logo floormats at the schools. Mike thanked his assistant, Nancy Bell,
for her work in preparing his PowerPoint presentations. She also helped
prepare the graphics for the floormats by transferring the school logo to a
computerized version which could then be used to create the floormats. She
also helped the schools ensure that accurate colors were chosen.
Mike worked closely with Gary Jefferis, Director of Maintenance, to decide
which sites needed upgrades. The upgrades helped save the District
approximately $35,000 per year in energy costs as well as generating some
rebates from PUD. Mike described the replacement of old inefficient
incandescent and fluorescent lighting fixtures with energy efficient
fluorescent lighting fixtures and/or lamps.
Over $3 million was spent at North Middle School to replace the HVAC systems,
install a new roof, and erect a mechanical “penthouse” on the roof to
enhance access to the systems. The penthouse also allows for the separation
of “supply air” and “exhaust air” to the system. The
electric heating system was converted to gas. Exterior painting was done and a
new asphalt surface was laid in the courtyard.
Jefferson Elementary School’s roof was replaced and a more defined front
entrance was created. Woodside Elementary School received a new roof and the
HVAC system was replaced. The electric heating system was converted to gas and
a masonry enclosure was built for the chiller used for the air conditioning
system.
In addition to the incredible amount of work that was accomplished this summer,
16 portables were also moved; that alone involved a tremendous amount of work.
At Silver Lake Elementary School, the old church building was demolished in
preparation for a parking lot expansion project next spring.
Mike showed projects in progress: Jackson High School classroom addition;
Everett High School Lincoln Field; and softball fields at Jackson and Cascade
High Schools, including construction of restroom/concession/storage facilities.
In response to a question about whether the project contracting figures are
within budget, Mike said yes, that bidding results are generally lower than
anticipated. Change order percentages vary, but are not unusual. Although
there are some project challenges, the District is working through these
challenges.
Jeff Riddle provided a summary of technology work to date. He cited four major
accomplishments: 1) the District infrastructure for the network was upgraded;
2) a new telephone system was installed; 3) new computers were installed at
the school sites; and 4) teachers were trained in the use and operation of the
new systems. Regarding the telephones, over 2,000 new units were installed
plus switches at each of 27 sites. An enhanced 911 system is in place.
Principals and several administrators also have an alert on their computers
that a 911 call has been placed and from where. Over 2,800 desktop computers
were installed with a new operating system and new productivity software. A
computer lab is in place at every school. A cadre of 40 teachers were trained
following the “train the trainer” model.
Mike’s department did an amazing job of completing these projects. Add to
that the fact that computers and telephones were being installed in every
building, the network was being upgraded in every building, and Maintenance was
doing its normal summer maintenance and cleanup. In addition, there were a
number of sites where instructional programs were taking place during the
summer. The coordination and teamwork among the three departments and the
principals was remarkable. A lot of good work was done by a lot of terrific
people.
Board member Cooper said this is truly amazing work. She complimented and
congratulated all involved. Her Board colleagues echoed her comments. Board
member Roberts added that communicating to the public about these projects
would be important. There are good stories to be told along the lines of “
;promises made, promises kept.” |
PRESENTATION—SUMMER PROJECTS UPDATE (FACILITIES & TECHNOLOGY)
PRESENTATION—SUMMER PROJECTS UPDATE (FACILITIES & TECHNOLOGY) (cont’d.)
PRESENTATION—SUMMER PROJECTS UPDATE (FACILITIES & TECHNOLOGY) (cont’d.) | |
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ACTION ITEMS
Roy Yates moved for approval of the following Consent Agenda items. Sue Cooper
seconded the motion.
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CONSENT AGENDA | |
BOARD COMMENTS
Board member Roberts reported that he and President Madsen attended the WSSDA
Legislative Assembly. He shared a copy of the list of legislative priorities
(E:14/04). Among them were school funding, finance, budget issues and K-12
funding study. OSPI Superintendent Terry Bergeson asked that the K-12 funding
study be made a high priority. A lot of good work was done in anticipation of
the 2004 legislative session.
Board member Roberts noted that he is a representative for District 2 of the
Federal Resource Network (FRN), which will hold its annual meeting next
February in Washington, D.C. He requested that his Board colleagues authorize
him to attend the meeting. Last year’s state delegation had a hand in
successes with changes to IDEA reauthorization and special ed reauthorization.
The upcoming priority will be to attain a better approach to administration of
the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). The Board applauded Mr. Roberts’
work and encouraged him to attend the FRN conference in February.
Board member Yates asked whether the District will be represented at an
upcoming forum on October 23 called, “We Value Kids.” He also asked
whether representatives will be attending a workshop on standards presented by
state and local PTA leaders on October 21. Dr. Whitehead reported that there
will be representation at the PTA event. Although she is unavailable for the
October 23 event, she will determine whether others are able to attend. She
also noted that the Board is welcome to attend either or both events. In
addition, she said, there is an upcoming event where Bob Drewel will be “
roasted.” She will clarify whether it is the October 23 forum and ensure
that the Board receives correct information.
With no further comments, Vice President Dutton adjourned the regular meeting
at 5:45 p.m. |
BOARD COMMENTS
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_________________________ ________________________________
Carol Whitehead, Secretary Kristie Dutton, Vice President
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