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, 2008, beginning at 4:30 p.m., in the Board Room of the Educational Service Center, 4730 Colby Avenue, Everett, Washington. Those in attendance were: Carol Andrews, Sue Cooper, Kristie Dutton, Karen Madsen and Ed Petersen.
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| ADOPTION OF AGENDA
President Madsen called for any changes to the agenda. Interim Superintendent Karst Brandsma reported that there would be a revised personnel report. In addition, he asked that a study session entitled Board Members Terms of Office be added to the end of the agenda (Item 9c). With that, Kristie Dutton moved for adoption of the revised agenda. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | ADOPTION OF AGENDA | |
| APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ed Petersen moved for adoption of the minutes of the regular meeting of September 9, 2008. Carol Andrews seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
| SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
Mr. Brandsma referred to an article from the September 2008 edition of Seattle Magazine in which Cascade High School’s marching band and its director, Mark Staley, are highlighted (E:10/09). Chief Academic Officer Terry Edwards talked about the upcoming What About Tomorrow? Career & College Fair to be held on October 8 at the Everett Events Center. There are 99 confirmed exhibitors and more coming in. He distributed copies of a flyer advertising the event (attached). Next, Terry talked about “super seniors.” They are those students who should have been part of the class 2008, but did not have enough credits to graduate. Last year, there were 183 students who did not meet the graduation requirements. Through the efforts of the success coordinators and school counselors, 133 of those students came back this fall. Work is being done to find ways to follow up with the remaining 53. | SUPT’S COMMENTS
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| Terry concluded his comments by talking about the PAS (Promoting Academic Success) program. Funds for this program first came to the District in the 2006-2007 school year to help students meet mastery on the WASL. The District was initially allocated $473,000, but there was the requirement for the District to document service to pass eligible students in order to claim the dollars. In the first year, the District was able to document 61 percent of the dollars, or $288,000, and had to give back $184,000. The high school principals and staff redoubled their efforts in the 2007-2008 school year and the District received 101.2 percent of the allocation of $486,000, or $492,000.
Associate Superintendent for Finance and Operations Bob Collard provided an enrollment update. It has been determined that the enrollment of 18,704 is 233 above projection for this school year. There were more students at all levels except the middle schools which were down by one. There were 122 kindergartners over projection. Executive Director for Human Resources Molly Ringo showed the latest District recruitment video as well as photographs of some of this year’s new-hires. The old video was six years old and needed updating. The new video is also available for viewing on the District webpage. PUBLIC COMMENT None. |
PUBLIC COMMENT | |
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
None. | RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
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| ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
Public and private agencies desiring to raise funds through the sale of bonds are evaluated by credit rating agencies to determine the relative investment risk the agency presents to potential purchasers of the bonds. The two primary rating agencies are Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s. Prior to any sale of bonds by the Everett School District, the district works with these agencies in order to present an overall evaluation of the district organization, the educational program, student success, financial operations, community support, and the overall local economy. Following this presentation, the rating agency evaluates the information and issues a credit rating which affects the interest rate the district will pay in the sale of bonds. The Everett School District has a record of very strong credit ratings which has resulted in low interest rates being paid on the bonds it has issued—payments which are provided by the taxpayer. The taxpayer also saves when the district is able to sell bonds in order to refund bonds that were previously sold at a higher interest rate. The Everett School District intends to sell bonds in order to refund bonds that were issued in 1998. Jack Eaton of D.A. Davidson serves as the underwriter and manager of the bond sale. In this capacity, he also coordinates Everett’s work with the rating agencies as described above. Mr. Eaton provided an overview of the process and the message conveyed to the rating agencies on September 11, 2008 (E:11/09). Bob Collard introduced Mr. Eaton. He also said that Director of Finance Jeff Moore and his staff have worked hard to gather and assemble the data. Mr. Eaton shared a handout outlining bond rating factors, the State Guarantee Program, the importance of fund balances, and Standard & Poor’s upgrading of the District’s rating to AA as well as the maintenance of the Moody’s rating at Aa3 (attached). |
REPORT—CREDIT RATING PROCESS FOR THE SALE OF BONDS | |
| The Administration provided an overview of summer 2008 projects and initiatives of the Information Systems and Technology Department (E:12/09). Ken Toyn, who oversees the department, reviewed the evening’s presentation. Work this summer included the computer re-imaging project, launching the construction of the fiber optic MAN, installing flat screens on 2,000 student computers at the elementary schools, installing fiber optics network equipment at all schools, and doing network wiring upgrades. Ken talked about multimedia teaching station deployment, mobile video recording kits, COWs (Computers on Wheels), the Technology Integration Institute as well as 24 additional technology workshops, and conversion to Integra Telecom Services. Next, he described core software upgrades and the new data validation solution (Certica). In closing, Ken spoke of the superb teamwork of the departments with Information Systems & Technology to accomplish these ambitious projects—in particular, Facilities & Planning, Maintenance, and Purchasing have had a key role. Karst complimented the superb work and high level of cooperation and integration among the departments. He went on to applaud Ken’s ability to de-mystify complex subjects, such as tonight’s, by providing clear, concise descriptions.
Board member Cooper said it is amazing to realize the District has come so far. She also complimented the splendid work of the departments. President Madsen added her deep appreciation. | INFO SYSTEMS & TECH. DEPT. SUMMER 2008 PROJECTS REPORT
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| The Administration provided a summary of the District’s efforts in providing intervention services during the summer of 2008 (E:13/09). A report on the progress made by students who attended summer school was also provided. Terry Edwards said over 700 students participated in this year’s summer school programs, which is an amazing figure. Tuition costs are supported not only by the students, but the Everett Public Schools Foundation also provides scholarships, awarding a total of $25,000 to 154 students this year. Karst said kudos go to Dr. Robert Sotak, Director of the District’s Science Resource Center, who coordinated this year’s summer school programs. Terry talked about the variety of summer programs, including those offered on-site and on-line, senior seminar, COE (collection of evidence) for ELL students, WASL retakes, elementary programs, GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), and AYD (Academic Youth Development). GEAR UP is a grant program designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Six-year grants are provided to states and partnerships to provide services at high-poverty middle and high schools. GEAR UP grantees serve an entire cohort of students beginning no later than the seventh grade and follow the cohort through high school. Funds are also available to provide college scholarships to low-income students. In Everett, 53 students are currently in the program. Next, Terry described the AYD summer program, whose goal is to improve student performance in high school mathematics. Eighty-five District students participated in this past summer’s program.
| PROGRESS TO GRADU-ATION: EVT. SUMMER SCHOOL 2008 PROGRESS REPORT
PROGRESS TO GRADUATION: EVT. SUMMER SCHOOL 2008 PROGRESS REPORT (cont’d.) | |
| ACTION ITEMS
Ed Petersen moved for approval of the revised Consent Agenda. Kristie Dutton seconded the motion. |
CONSENT AGENDA | |
| 1) Personnel Report (revised) (E:14/09);
2) Voucher Lists (E:15/09); 3) Approval of Five-Year Perkins Grant Application (E:16/09); 4) Approval of Minimum Basic Education Requirement Compliance Report (E:17/09); 5) 2008-2009 OSPI Drug Omnibus Grant (E:18/09); and 6) Donation of Exercise Equipment from 24-Hour Fitness to Evt. Public Schools (E:19/09). The motion carried unanimously. |
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| In accordance with Policy 3320—Disciplinary Appeal Council, each year the Administration recommends membership on the Council, whose role it is to hear and decide discipline and short-term suspension grievance appeals. The Administration recommended the membership to include the Deputy Superintendent, a K-12 Area Executive Director (depending upon the Area from which the appeal originates), and a Director from Human Resources. In addition, the alternate recommended for the Council is the Chief Academic Officer. The Council also includes a Board-member-at-large (E:20/09). Karst reported that the Disciplinary Appeal Council heard one appeal last year; it was an athletic appeal for which the DAC amended the decision.
Sue Cooper moved to approve the aforementioned membership, including an alternate, on the Disciplinary Appeal Council. Carol Andrews seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | DISCIPLINARY APPEAL COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR THE 2008-2009 SCHOOL YEAR
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| The Administration recommended the Board of Directors approve Resolution 923: Public Records Index Exemptions, to align with RCW 42.56.070(4), for the District to index certain public records and be exempt from indexing others which would materially and substantially detract from duties related to the District’s core educational mission (Res.04/09). Director of Communications Mary Waggoner said this is a housekeeping step relative to Procedure 4340P dealing with public records requests.
Board member Cooper asked whether this means there is a menu of what’s available, but if the document is not on that list, it will still be available, to which Karst said yes. With that, Ed Petersen moved to adopt the aforementioned Resolution 923. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | RESOLUTION 923: PUBLIC RECORDS INDEX EXEMPTIONS
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| The Administration recommended the Board of Directors adopt Resolution 922 providing for the issuance and sale of Unlimited Tax General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2008, in the aggregate principal amount of $9,535,000 (the approximate amount, with the actual amount to be determined at pricing on September 23, 2008) (Res.05/09). Bob Collard said the District and its underwriting agency have been watching the market and looking for opportunities to save the taxpayers funds. Tonight’s action will result in savings to the taxpayers of approximately $500,000. Cynthia Weed, representing K&L Gates, was present tonight and was responsible for preparing Resolution 922. Underwriter Jack Eaton (of D.A. Davidson) said all but approximately $1.8 million of the bonds were purchased. D.A. Davidson purchased the $1.8 million of bonds and they are hopeful that they will be able to sell the remainder tomorrow. He noted that this has been a skittish and tumultuous market.
Following discussion, Sue Cooper moved to adopt the aforementioned Resolution 922 authorizing the sale of unlimited tax general obligation refunding bonds, Series 2008. Kristie Dutton seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | RES. 922: AUTHORIZING SALE OF UNLIMITED TAX GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2008
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| BOARD COMMENTS
Board member Andrews reported that she recently attended her son’s curriculum night. The parent turnout was great and it was an inspiring evening. At 6:55 p.m., President Madsen recessed for a rest break. She estimated the rest break would conclude at 7:30 p.m. [Board member Dutton left at 7 p.m. to attend to a family matter, but her return was expected momentarily.] President Madsen re-convened the regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. and moved immediately into the study session about the new Central Administration Facility project. | BOARD
COMMENTS | |
| BOARD ACTION AND/OR BOARD DISCUSSION
A study session was held concerning the new Central Administration Facility project. Mike Gunn said a Central Administration Facility Task Force, composed of the project architects, two school Board members and District administrators, has been meeting regularly over the last two months. A feasibility study and a programming study were produced over the last 12 to 18 months. The funding component is in a concurrent time frame with the design, permitting and construction of the project. The work of the property management consultant will result in securing funding for about half of the $28 million project cost. Plans are for construction to begin next summer or fall, with a move-in date planned for the summer or fall of 2010. District staff members have been working with the architects for approximately 2 ½ months. Some programmatic issues need to be resolved, such as whether the building is to be one, two, or three stories; and the potential for other uses of this site in the future. Some soil contamination (diesel and gasoline) of the site has been found, so the District is working to determine a remediation plan. The City Council has not yet adopted the Broadway mixed use zoning for the whole Broadway corridor, so there is still time to ask for an exception to the planned zoning change. The State will be transferring ownership of the 41st Street connector road to the City, so that may make it possible for the District to have a driveway emptying onto 41st. | STUDY SESSION—NEW CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION FACILITY PROJECT
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| Architect Mark Spitzer said a one-story building on this site is not possible. The site calls for a long thin multi-story building. He talked about the building image and showed some schematics and photos of kinds of indoor arrangements, exterior finishes, entries, windows, etc. (E:21/09). The task force will discuss the District agenda for the future; consolidation of operations; public impression (well done, yet affordable building); whether it should serve as a “gateway” to Everett; have it be an example for the youngsters (a building for their future); community availability (accessibility and involvement); Stadium relationships (sporting events, parking); and future development (highest and best use).
Mark asked the Board for suggestions and/or questions. Statements were made about the building accommodating community use while securing the office space after hours. First, though, the building needs to be designed for staff duties. When asked about the noise factor, Mark said there will be more walls and less glass along Broadway. [Board member Dutton returned at this point in the meeting. It was 8:15.] Further discussion ensued. |
STUDY SESSION—NEW CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION FACILITY PROJECT (cont’d.) | |
| A study session was held concerning the superintendent search process.
A Board sub-committee, composed of President Madsen and Board member Cooper, was formed to do some preliminary groundwork on the superintendent search. They formed the attached draft recommendation, including a proposed timeline for conducting the search and draft characteristics and attributes of the new superintendent (E:22/09). Following discussion, the Board determined that it will conduct the search rather than using a search firm. They will use the assistance of consultants as needed. The Board also discussed a proposed timeline for the selection and determined that they hope to have a decision by March or April. President Madsen said the last superintendent search included an extensive mailing to the community, use of a dedicated e-mail and a telephone number from which only the Board collected the messages, and a series of community meetings from which staff transcribed the input. Karst said that, at the direction of President Madsen, he spoke with attorney Val Hughes who said that all application materials for the position are private, screening and ranking in order are private, and interviews are to be conducted in executive session. Actual motions and voting must be done in public. By September 29, Board members will review tonight’s draft and give feedback to Kathy, who will disseminate to Sue and Karen. Mary will research methods and timing of communications, consider surveys and create some early statement for Newslinks. | STUDY SESSION—SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH PROCESS
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| Mr. Brandsma said, during the course of recodifying the law, a part of an RCW was inadvertently eliminated, thus removing the provision allowing six-year terms for Board members. Although it was not the intent to remove this provision, it will, nevertheless, take legislative action to restore it. Mr. Brandsma will forward some information to the Board. The Board will give the issue further consideration.
| ADDENDUM—STUDY SESSION—BOARD MEMBERS TERMS OF OFFICE
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| With no further comments, President Madsen adjourned the regular meeting at 9:50 pm.
_____________________________ ________________________________ Karst Brandsma, Secretary Karen Madsen, President |