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, October 9, 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 and Ed Petersen. Absent: Roy Yates.
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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, Sue Cooper moved for adoption of the revised agenda. Ed Petersen 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 September 25, 2007. Kristie Dutton seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
| SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
Dr. Whitehead welcomed Dr. Jerry Jenkins, Superintendent of Northwest ESD 189, who introduced Cindy McIntyre, from Everett High School, as the regional Teacher of the Year. Cindy joins eight other teachers from across the state that will now compete for the honor of Washington’s Teacher of the Year and then perhaps the National Teacher of the Year. Dr. Jenkins read from the letter of support from Cindy’s principal, Catherine Matthews, who wrote about the “magic” that Cindy brings to her inquiry-based science classes. Colleague Nancy Flowers wrote of Cindy’s investment of long hours and expertise into her work. One of Cindy’s students wrote of her strong support and encouragement of her students to pursue higher education even when the possibility seems financially unattainable. Cindy said this has been a special year and this award means a lot to her. She appreciates the support of the community, colleagues, students and parents. Their backing makes it possible to effectively do her work. She also appreciates the assistance of the Northwest ESD. Cynthia then introduced her husband, Casey, who has been very supportive and helpful in her work as a teacher. | SUPT’S COMMENTS
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| Dr. Whitehead then called on Beth Shipe who is a teacher at Evergreen Middle School and president of the Everett Reading Council of WORD. Beth announced that Evergreen’s principal, Dr. Joyce Stewart, has been named the 2007 WORD Outstanding Administrator. She read the letter she wrote nominating Dr. Stewart for this honor (E:29/08). Joyce thanked WORD, Dr. Whitehead, the Board, students, staff and parents who have helped make her a better educator.
Director of Facilities and Planning Mike Gunn shared an update about the recent improvements to the Everett Civic Auditorium. They include new carpet, seats, drapes, sound, lights, paint and outdoor handrails. The facility has a whole new look on the inside. Executive Director of Curriculum Alignment and Implementation Terry Edwards reminded the Board of the upcoming What About Tomorrow? College and Career Fair. In addition to partnering with the Workforce Development Council of Snohomish County, the District has joined forces with Edmonds, Arlington, Mukilteo and Lake Stevens School Districts to increase the size of this year’s fair. Approximately 135 exhibitors and 3,000 students are expected to participate. The event will once again be held in the Everett Events Center, but has been moved to the main arena floor to provide more space. All of the District’s high schools and some of the middle schools are participating. Snohomish County is donating free parking for the 90 volunteers. Radio station KRKO is providing donations for advertising. Junior Achievement is donating planning guides and t-shirts for the volunteers. CitiBank is offering a $500 scholarship to one student who is in attendance and prepares a reflective essay describing what they have learned at the fair and the next steps in their career. Becky Ballbach and Carl Fender have been heavily involved in every facet of planning for the fair. Next, Terry talked about high school graduation requirements. He distributed a PowerPoint presentation (attached) and outlined the courses and credits required for the classes of 2001-2012. In addition to a diploma, beginning with the Class of 2008, students must also attain a Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA) or Certificate of Individual Achievement (CIA) (for special education students). Dr. Whitehead said a meeting with the community and State Board of Education will take place on November 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Longfellow Annex. The purpose of the meeting is to gather input from the community regarding the revised definition of the purpose of the diploma and the revised requirements to graduate. She invited the school Board and encouraged them to identify others who may wish to attend. The District is once again co-sponsoring the Students of Color Career Conference. It will be held on Friday, January 18, 2008, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Everett Community College. Dr. Whitehead displayed the flyer for the event. Next, Dr. Whitehead talked about the annual Technology Exhibition that will take place at Cascade High School on February 5, 2008, which showcases students across the District at the K-12 level. In closing, Dr. Whitehead said a public meeting was held regarding the locating of the new University of Washington (UW north). The four possible sites are in Snohomish County: two in Everett, one in Arlington and one in unincorporated Lake Stevens. Dr. Whitehead offered comments at the meeting, talked about information in the graduate follow-up study and gave a description of the students who will populate the UW north campus. A decision about the site of the UW north will be made public in early November. The school will open next fall. The UW north campus will offer a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) program. |
SUPT’S COMMENTS (cont’d.) | |
| PUBLIC COMMENT
None. | PUBLIC COMMENT | |
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
None. | RECOGNITION OF RETIREES | |
| ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
The Administration provided a math instruction update. Director of Curriculum & Instruction Mary Ann Stine distributed a copy of her PowerPoint presentation for the evening (E:30/08). She talked about the challenges to putting in place an aligned, articulated and coordinated mathematics system in Everett Public Schools. She described the characteristics of today’s student vs. those in the 19th century. She outlined the goals of the District’s mathematics program and talked about the initial mathematics adoption in 2002. She discussed course offerings and showed examples of math problems. Mary Ann then talked about professional development, website features and student achievement at the 4th, 7th and 10th grades. She closed by discussing next steps in the program, future considerations, additional support that has been supplied and current challenges in Everett Public Schools. | REPORT—
MATH INSTRUCTION UPDATE | |
| ACTION ITEMS
Sue Cooper moved for approval of the revised Consent Agenda. Kristie Dutton seconded the motion. |
CONSENT AGENDA | |
| 1) Personnel Report (revised) (E:31/08);
2) Voucher Lists (E:32/08); 3) Revision to 2007-2008 Professional & Technical Salary Schedule (E:33/08); 4) Approval of Mitigation Agreement Between Everett School District and Greenfield Park LLC (SEPA #06-037) (E:34/08); and 5) Contract Between Everett School District & Lakewood School District for the 2007- 2008 OSPI Drug Omnibus Grant for Drug & Alcohol Interventionist Services (E:35/08). The motion carried unanimously. |
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| The Administration recommended the Board of Directors approve an increase of $134,000 to the pupil transportation contract. On June 6, 2006, the Board approved a new five-year contract with Durham School Services to provide pupil transportation. During the 2006-2007 school year, Durham experienced significant difficulties in attracting and retaining drivers. Surrounding districts faced similar challenges given the overall economy in Snohomish County. In order to rectify this situation, Durham granted a pay increase to its drivers. Article 20 of the approved contract provides that the parties may renegotiate an adjustment to the contract price in order to, among other things, recognize increases in labor costs. Durham has requested an increase of $134,000 for the 2007-2008 school year. This request has been evaluated by District staff which concluded the request is fair and reasonable. Staff further concluded it is in the best interests of the District that Durham increases its wage rate in order to attract and retain the number of qualified drivers needed to adequately meet the District’s pupil transportation service needs. Associate Superintendent of Finance and Operations Bob Collard commented briefly. Dr. Whitehead noted that a neighboring school district has been unable to run some of its routes because they do not have enough drivers.
With no further discussion, Kristie Dutton moved to approve the aforementioned increase in the pupil transportation contract. Ed Petersen seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | INCREASE TO PUPIL TRANSPORTATION CONTRACT | |
| BOARD COMMENTS
Board member Petersen said he had a good visit to Hawthorne Elementary School, the Science Center and Everett Public Schools Foundation (EPSF), both of which are housed at Hawthorne. It was very useful in terms of helping him build a broader perspective. President Madsen participated in the tour. In addition to leading the tour of the EPSF, Board member Dutton (who is also the executive director of the EPSF) accompanied Ms. Madsen and Mr. Petersen on the remainder of the visit. Board member Cooper reminded her colleagues of the Dine out for Kids event that is happening on October 16. Participating restaurants donate a portion of their proceeds from that day’s revenues to support the Everett Public Schools Foundation in their mission to strengthen academic achievement in District schools. Dr. Whitehead noted that absentee ballots will be mailed shortly and will show the issue of the simple majority which is a subject that will impact all school districts across the state. | BOARD
COMMENTS | |
| With no further comments, President Madsen adjourned the regular meeting at 6 p.m.
_________________________ __________________________________________ Carol Whitehead, Secretary Karen Madsen, President |