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, November 4, 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, Kristie Dutton, Karen Madsen and Ed Petersen. Absent: Sue Cooper.
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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. With that, Kristie Dutton moved for adoption of the revised agenda. Ed Petersen seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
| | ADOPTION OF AGENDA
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ed Petersen moved for adoption of the minutes of the regular meeting of October 21, 2008. Kristie Dutton seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Ed Petersen moved for adoption of the minutes of the special meetings held on October 22 (7 p.m.), October 27 (4 p.m. & 7 p.m.), and October 28 (7:30 a.m., 4 p.m., & 7 p.m.). Carol Andrews seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
| | APPROVAL OF MINUTES
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SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
Mr. Brandsma noted that national elections are happening today. Reminders were issued at the schools for citizens to get out and vote.
Deputy Superintendent Matt McCauley reported that the District recently received an Academic Improvement Award from OSPI in recognition of outstanding, continuous improvement in student achievement on the 2006-2007 WASL in 7th grade reading, writing and math and in 4th grade math (E:44/09). Similar awards have been received for 2003-2004, 2004-2005, and 2005-2006.
| | SUPT’S COMMENTS
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On October 30, the Everett Symphony and the District partnered to provide a concert at the Civic Auditorium for the District’s 4th and 5th graders. Allison Larsen, the District’s Humanities Curriculum Specialist, helped organize the District’s participation for the 3,000 students, parents and chaperones to watch the performance of the symphony and some Everett High School students. The students were bused to the auditorium in two groups. Myrna Overstreet, president of the symphony, was on hand to comment at tonight’s meeting. The event was made possible by a grant from the Greater Everett Community Foundation. A wonderful time was had by all. The students exhibited a high-energy level, but were quiet when the lights went down. Many thanks go to the teachers who talked to the students about how to comport themselves during a concert. She also commended Allison Larsen as well as Everett High School instructor Gary Evans, Everett High School principal Catherine Matthews and her staff, and the District’s transportation department. Mr. McCauley noted that Allison was responsible for the movement of the students in and out of the auditorium and it was amazing to see 1,500 youngsters exiting one side of the building while 1,500 were entering from another side. She did a superb job. Lastly, Ms. Overstreet distributed a letter of thanks from the Symphony (attached).
Peter Carfagna Sr., and sons Mark and Peter Carfagna Jr., attended tonight’s Board meeting. Pete Jr. said he married recently and he and his wife have decided to settle back in Ohio where their families reside. The group purchasing the team, 7th Inning Stretch LLC, is the right ownership and a good fit for the team. Owner Pat Fillippone said his organization’s relationship with the community is important and they want to continue the growth of the team by bringing some new ideas while being a visible, productive part of the community. Also present tonight were executive vice president Tom Backemeyer and general manager Brian Sloan. Lastly, League president Bob Richmond was on hand as a show of support for the sale.
Mr. Brandsma called on Purchasing Supervisor Jennifer Farmer who reported that the recently-instituted one percent clause in the District’s interlocal agreements, regarding copier purchases by other districts, is coming to fruition. The clause provides that for every copier the Witt Company sells to other school districts by way of piggybacking on our interlocal agreement, the District will receive a one percent rebate on the total sale. The first rebate check since the program was implemented in July 2008 was received and it amounted to over $6,900, with approximately $3,000 in additional services also provided. It is possible that other Districts may find this contract of interest and so there may be additional rebates in the future.
November 10-14 is National School Psychologists Awareness Week. School psychologists are the unsung heroes and heroines of the school system. They often meet with school principals and team leaders in times of crisis, when students are either having great difficulty maneuvering through the system, or having problems because they are not being challenged. They provide assessments and observational information that is necessary to make educational decisions for student learning. They are often the first person to have the difficult discussion with family members about a student's diagnosed disabilities. Their work frequently goes unnoticed, but it would be very noticeable if they were not present. One of the District’s talented psychologists, Jacquie Jensen, is this year’s recipient of the Louisa Thompson award, which is the highest professional honor given to a school psychologist, for dedication to the profession and association far above and beyond what is expected. Executive Director for Special Services Kris McDowell called on Ginger Alonzo, the Lead for the School Psychologist Team, who introduced Jacquie, Susan Smoots, Marilyn Krause and Sandy Miles.
Mr. Brandsma called on Forest View principal Brenda Fuglevand who talked about the recent purchase and installation of playground equipment for the school. Forest View PTA president Michelle Nims displayed drawings of the equipment.
Lastly, Molly Ringo, who is the Executive Director for Area Two schools and a trustee and secretary for the Employee Benefit Trust, talked about employee wellness and open enrollment choices. She shared a PowerPoint presentation (attached). Molly talked about the formation of the Trust in 1985, its purpose and duties, and its composition. She discussed national health care spending, lifestyle practices and wellness. She described the benefits open enrollment, changes for 2009, sample comparisons of plans, employee assistance, and flexible spending accounts.
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SUPT’S COMMENTS
(cont’d.)
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PUBLIC COMMENT
After providing the guidelines for public comment, President Madsen called on the only person who had submitted a Public Comment card:
1) Shannon Kilbourne—parent—concerned about the Durham bus service being provided for her child. She disagrees with the new drop-off point for her child and feels the driver is harassing her child, including “writing him up” (E:45/09). In Ms. Kilbourne’s opinion, the driver should not be allowed to drive. President Madsen asked Mr. Brandsma to review the situation, respond to Ms. Kilbourne and inform the Board of the outcome.
| | PUBLIC COMMENT
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RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
None.
| | RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
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ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
The Administration presented an update on the status of the progress of the Everett High School Little Theater modernization project (E:46/09). Director of Facilities and Planning Mike Gunn talked about the history of the facility. The District acquired it in 1967. Seismic upgrades would have been so extensive that it made more sense to do a demolition of the inside of the building and a full modernization. Current budget along with in-hand State match money will be used to do the modernization; additional state match funds will also be received as a result of the full modernization. The exterior is being refurbished and will look much like it currently does, while the interior is being torn apart. A wheelchair ramp will be installed into the basement. There will be four classrooms as opposed to the existing two classrooms. Seating capacity will remain at about 150.
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UPDATE—EHS LITTLE THEATER MODERNIZATION PROJECT
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ACTION ITEMS
Kristie Dutton moved for approval of the revised Consent Agenda. Ed Petersen seconded the motion.
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CONSENT AGENDA
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1) Personnel Report (revised) (E:47/09);
2) Voucher Lists (E:48/09);
3) High School Resource Officer Agreement Between Everett School District and the City of Mill Creek for the Period 7/1/08 - 7/30/13 (E:49/09); and
4) Authorization to Contract with Little Red Schoolhouse, Inc., for Early Childhood Intervention Services (E:50/09).
The motion carried unanimously.
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The Hawthorne Ambassadors group recommended that the Board of Directors name the Hawthorne Elementary School Library the Shirley Walthall Library. Mrs. Walthall is a former principal of Hawthorne Elementary, a long-time Everett Public Schools teacher and a prominent community member. Previously, representatives from the Hawthorne Ambassadors appeared before the Board and presented their recommendation. The Hawthorne Ambassadors are a group of former teachers, principals and graduates of Hawthorne Elementary School who have joined together to form an active organization dedicated to supporting the work of the Hawthorne staff in helping each student succeed. They are dedicated to honoring the work of those who contributed to Hawthorne’s culture and accomplishments in the past. Tonight’s recommendation was made in accordance with Policy 9250 concerning naming of facilities (E:51/09).
Executive Director for Area One schools Jim McNally talked about the Hawthorne naming and said that Shirley Walthall’s presence in the District has been immeasurable. He introduced Shirley’s brother Ernie Thomas, her husband Benny Walthall and one of the members of the Hawthorne Ambassadors Ann Spence. Board member Petersen said he has participated with the Hawthorne Ambassadors on these discussions. In 1965, Shirley was the first black teacher in the District. She taught for 22 years at Hawthorne and was its principal for nine years. She also worked for seven years in the Human Resources department and taught at Lowell Elementary. She is much loved, offered great leadership, embraced the people in the Hawthorne community, presented a welcoming environment and has made a long-term continuing contribution to the success of Everett Public Schools. Shirley’s husband, Benny, spoke briefly.
With no further discussion, Ed Petersen moved to name the Hawthorne Elementary School Library the Shirley Walthall Library. The Board mutually seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
| | NAMING OF HAWTHORNE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIBRARY
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The Administration recommended the Board of Directors approve a monetary gift from Forest View Elementary School PTA to Forest View Elementary School in the amount of $17,884.02 to assist with Phase Two of the Forest View Elementary climbing structure (E:52/09).
Molly Ringo commented, saying that the Phase I donation for the equipment was approved by the Board of Directors at its June 10, 2008 Board meeting. Tonight’s donation represents Phase II. The school will also receive $24,100 from a Snohomish County YARD (Youth Amenities Recreation Development) grant to assist with the purchase of this equipment.
With no further discussion, Kristie Dutton moved to approve the aforementioned monetary gift from Forest View Elementary School PTA to Forest View Elementary School in the amount of $17,884.02 to assist with Phase Two of the Forest View Elementary climbing structure. Karen Madsen seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
| | MONETARY GIFT FROM FOREST VIEW E.S. PTA TO FOREST VIEW E.S. FOR $17,884.02 TO ASSIST WITH PHASE 2 OF THE FOREST VIEW E.S. CLIMBING STRUCTURE
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The Administration recommended the Board of Directors adopt Resolution 929 establishing an intergovernmental purchasing cooperative with Lead Public Agencies via U.S. Communities, thus allowing the Everett School District to procure goods and services utilizing the competitive bid process conducted by the lead agency in compliance with regulatory requirements (Res.11/09). The agreement is generic in nature to facilitate all opportunities for cooperative purchasing, but is requested specifically to utilize the U.S. Communities agreement for playground equipment in support of the Youth Amenities Recreation Development grant at Forest View Elementary. U.S. Communities is a non-profit entity that coordinates bidding activities on a national level. These activities are organized through an advisory board comprised of schools, cities and counties across the country. Jennifer Farmer spoke about the resolution.
With no further discussion, Kristie Dutton moved to adopt the aforementioned Resolution 929 establishing an intergovernmental purchasing cooperative with Lead Public Agencies via U.S. Communities. Ed Petersen seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
| | RES. 929: INTER-GOVERNMENTAL CO-OP PURCHASING AGREEMENT TO ESTABLISH INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT W/LEAD PUBLIC AGENCIES VIA U.S. COMMUNITIES
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The Administration recommended the Board of Directors approve the attached Youth Amenities Recreation Development (YARD) grant agreement and authorize Interim Superintendent Karst Brandsma to execute the agreement (E:53/09). The Forest View Elementary PTA applied for and received a YARD grant from Snohomish County for the purpose of completing the playground at Forest View Elementary School. The attached agreement specifies the terms and conditions of the grant agreement and the disbursement of funds. The Forest View PTA has fundraised for the balance of this project and donated the funds to the District to purchase the playground. The District expects to reach the maximum match of funds required to be fully reimbursed under this grant. Jennifer Farmer discussed. She said this and the previous item are related to the Forest View grant for playground equipment.
With no further discussion, Ed Petersen moved to approve the aforementioned Youth Amenities Recreation Development (YARD) grant agreement and authorize Interim Superintendent Karst Brandsma to execute the agreement. Carol Andrews seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
| | APPROVAL OF YOUTH AMENITIES RECREATION DEVELOPMENT (YARD) GRANT INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT
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BOARD COMMENTS
President Madsen said the Board members have been holding a number of community, staff and parent input meetings gathering information about the attributes of the new superintendent. It has been a delight. The Board has heard many compliments about the work of the District and ideas for improvement.
President Madsen said the Board and Central Administration Facility (CAF) project team had an enjoyable and informative tour of facilities in Seattle and Edmonds to examine architectural features for possible consideration when planning and constructing a new central administration facility.
President Madsen reported that she and Superintendent Brandsma attended the Northwest ESD 189 Leadership Luncheon at the Swinomish Community Center in La Conner. This meeting was developed by ESD 189 at the request of the Anacortes School District to bring together area legislators, school board representatives and superintendents to discuss the current K-12 educational issues.
Board member Petersen said the two superintendent search meetings that were sponsored by the PTA Council and Refugee & Immigration Services Northwest are indicative of the importance of partnerships in the District. These meetings were well attended and offered valuable information for the Board.
Board member Dutton said tonight’s meeting had a theme of partnerships on many levels. Along those lines, the Everett Public Schools Foundation, of which Ms. Dutton is the Executive Director, has received 92 classroom grant applications, and the Foundation is excited to provide that level of partnership and support back into the District.
With no further comments, President Madsen called for a five-minute rest break at 5:50 p.m.
| | BOARD
COMMENTS
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BOARD ACTION AND/OR BOARD DISCUSSION
President Madsen re-convened the regular meeting at 5:55 p.m. and moved immediately into the study session to discuss the superintendent search process. She indicated that the input opportunities will shut down on Friday, November 17. Approximately 15 e-mails and two voice mails have been received. The survey respondents totaled 584 and there are many, many narrative comments. She will send one survey question to each Board member (via Kathy in the superintendent’s office) to collate and categorize responses and return to Kathy for distribution to the Board. By Friday, November 7, Kathy will send the Board drafts of notes from the special Board meetings held on October 29, 30, and November 4.
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STUDY SESSION—SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH PROCESS
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A special Board meeting will be held on November 12 to finalize the list of desired attributes of the new superintendent of Everett Public Schools, discuss the superintendent search process and review legal requirements about that process. Legal counsel will be on hand via speakerphone during the meeting. The meeting will be held in open session. After the attributes are finalized and prioritized, a screening tool will be developed, followed by work on the application.
President Madsen gave each Board member the assignment of ten states in which to locate organizations with which to advertise (E:54/09). The goal is to advertise in November with a closing date in January.
Bo Tunestam, who is with the Snohomish County Human Services Department and treasurer for the Communities of Color Coalition (CCC), said he is concerned about the community being aware of timelines for the process since the District is withdrawing its ad in The Herald showing regular Board meeting agendas. In response to his questions about keeping the community informed and whether there is a written process that has been made available to the community, President Madsen outlined the press release that was issued and its timing. She also referenced information available on the District website. The Board does not envision further community input because they have done a broad solicitation. Further press releases are forthcoming. A list of candidates will not be shared in order to help ensure (but not guarantee) anonymity.
Dawnelle Thompson, representing the Everett Association of Paraeducators, thanked the Board for the hard work they are placing on this process.
Board member Petersen said it is unfortunate that the CCC and NAACP have not attended any of the information-gathering sessions. The Board is open to all input, but the deadline for submission is November 7. Bo said he will ensure that these groups are aware of the timeline for input. President Madsen noted that Bill Reed submitted a list of questions, to which answers were provided.
At 6:20 p.m., President Madsen re-convened the regular meeting and adjourned immediately.
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STUDY SESSION—SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH PROCESS
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_______________________________ ________________________________
Karst Brandsma, Secretary Karen Madsen, President
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