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, January 13, 2009, 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. In the absence of President Cooper, Vice President Petersen led the meeting.
| ||
| ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Vice President Petersen called for any changes to the agenda. Interim Superintendent Karst Brandsma reported that there would be a revised Personnel Report. With that, Karen Madsen moved for adoption of the revised agenda. Kristie Dutton seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | ADOPTION OF AGENDA | |
| APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Kristie Dutton moved for adoption of the minutes of the regular meeting of December 9, 2008. Karen Madsen seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
| SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
Mr. Brandsma reported that the most recent edition of WSSDA’s newsletter contained a photograph of Karen Madsen being sworn in as president-elect of that organization (E:90/09). He congratulated Ms. Madsen upon her election. Next, Mr. Brandsma reported that he, his wife and their youngest daughter will be among those attending the upcoming presidential inauguration in Washington, DC. They will be staying with their son, who is stationed at the Pentagon and is an intern with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. During their stay, they will join two Cascade High School social studies teachers, Melissa Webster and Mike Wilson, along with 20 CHS students, at some of the inaugural activities. Mr. Brandsma called on Molly Ringo, the Executive Director for Area Two, who talked about the circumstances surrounding this year’s Cascade High School food drive. This year’s “shopping day” turned out to be a snow day during which there was no school. Nevertheless, organizing and delivery of the 70,000 food items and toys was accomplished despite the weather. Indeed, this student-led 47-year institution was bigger than ever! As described by CHS principal Cathy Woods, District staff, former staff, students, alumni, parents and community members mobilized to ensure the items were boxed and delivered to the numerous families in the community. Student organizers were Rachel Martin, Alexa Stavang and Jacob Sell, each of whom did a marvelous job. Instructor and student leader Roberta Hasstedt spoke briefly. | SUPT’S COMMENTS
| |
| In the continuing spirit of giving, Executive Director for Area One Jim McNally spoke about North Middle School students who organized that school’s annual stuffed animal and warm clothing drive to benefit the Everett Christmas House. Over 500 items were collected and some children even gave their gently-used stuffed animals because they knew the need was so great. Clearly, this was an effort in which youngsters and families went the extra mile.
Jim then introduced Hawthorne Elementary School principal Sara Hahn who summarized the recent celebration at Hawthorne during which the school library was named after former principal and teacher Shirley Walthall. Approximately 150 attended. Secondly, Sara talked about the school’s participation in the Lego Robotics competition. District staff members Phil Biggs, Sarah Hirst and Janet Loesche had key roles in the project and were present tonight. They spoke briefly and presented each Board member with a t-shirt and DVD highlighting the experience. Several student members of the teams attended tonight’s meeting and were introduced. They, in turn, introduced their parents. Vice President Petersen thanked them for coming to tonight’s meeting and commended them for their extraordinary work. Mr. Brandsma talked about several upcoming events. The Students of Color Career Conference will take place on January 16 at Everett Community College. A reception for District employees who have received National Board Certificates will be held on January 23. The YMCA Minority Achievers Program gala and fundraiser will take place on Saturday, January 24. The District’s annual Technology Fair will be held on January 28 at Cascade High School. Next, Mr. Brandsma distributed the latest edition of Everett News (attached). Mr. Brandsma called on Associate Superintendent for Finance & Operations Bob Collard who distributed a list of “Common Sense Ideas to Reduce Expenditures in the District” (attached). Regarding the snowstorms before and during Winter Break, District maintenance staff and the Information Technology department were among the many who went above-and-beyond to ensure that parking lots and walkways were safe, and that telephones and computer equipment were operable. He commended the teamwork among the departments and the schools. Thirdly, Bob reported that the District recently received a check for over $2 million in State matching funds for the modification project at Silver Lake Elementary and $2.7 million for the Garfield Elementary modification project. Mr. Brandsma noted that January is School Board Recognition Month. There are 1,477 school board members in Washington State’s 295 school districts. The districts they lead serve more than 1,000,000 students, have combined annual budgets of $6 billion, and employ nearly 100,000 people. Tonight’s recognition coincided with a nationwide effort to honor and underscore the important role of elected school board members in public education and student achievement. Karst distributed certificates of appreciation to each Board member (sample attached). Vice President Petersen said it takes a team to be successful in education these days and this Board appreciates the Everett team. |
SUPT’S COMMENTS (cont’d.) | |
| PUBLIC COMMENT
None. | PUBLIC COMMENT
| |
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
None. | RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
| |
| ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
The attached proposed revised Policy 3610—Child Custody, was submitted to the Board of Directors for first reading, with adoption to be recommended at a future Board meeting (E:91/09). The proposed changes were recommended in light of a recent court decision which states that in the absence of a court order, the student will be released to either custodial or noncustodial parent. Director of Communications Mary Waggoner commented that the ruling works in favor of school districts. Following adoption, the information will be distributed to school secretaries immediately and incorporated into the Student Responsibilities and Rights Handbook. |
PROPOSED REVISED POLICY 3610—CHILD CUSTODY (regarding the absence of a court order)—first reading | |
| The Administration provided a report on the Community Services Department and its role in coordinating the use of District facilities and fields for after-school and community activities (E:92/09). Bob Collard opened the presentation by commending Ysella Perez, Community Services Supervisor, for her exemplary work in taking on this role. Bob and Ysella talked about the mission of the department, its responsibilities and goals, coordination with other departments, priorities, primary uses/users of facilities and fields, and financial information. Bob said he is confident the department will break even this year. In response to a question about the fee structure, Bob said it is adjusted according to the Consumer Price Index, but every effort is made to keep the schedule reasonable.
| REPORT—COMMUNITY SERVICES
REPORT—COMMUNITY SERVICES (cont’d.) | |
| ACTION ITEMS
Kristie Dutton moved for approval of the revised Consent Agenda. Karen Madsen seconded the motion. |
CONSENT AGENDA | |
| 1) Personnel Report (revised) (E:93/09);
2) Voucher Lists (E:94/09); 3) Adoption of New Math Textbook for College Algebra Review: Algebra 2 Pearson/ Prentice Hall Copyright 2009 (E:95/09); 4) Proposed Revised Policy 3250—Release of Student Directory Information (clarifying the definition, removing date of birth & including grade level) (E:96/09); 5) Washington State Certification/Out-of-Endorsement Requirements (E:97/09); 6) Declaration of Surplus Property (E:98/09); 7) Approval of Mitigation Agreement Between Everett School District & OMH Transfer Agent, LLC (SEPA EIS #06-002, Everett Riverfront Redevelopment—Mill Site Project) (E:99/09); 8) Approval of Mitigation Agreement Between Everett School District & OMH Transfer Agent, LLC (SEPA EIS #06-002, Everett Riverfront Redevelopment—Landfill Pad Project) (E:100/09); 9) Approval of Mitigation Agreement Between Everett School District & OMH Transfer Agent, LLC (SEPA EIS #06-002, Everett Riverfront Redevelopment—Simpson Site Project) (E:101/09); 10) Change Order No. 11—North Middle School Auxiliary Gym Addition (E:102/09); 11) Final Acceptance—Lively Environmental Center Upgrades (E:103/09); 12) Final Acceptance: Building Network Infrastructure Modernization Data—Package I (Everett High School, Hawthorne Elem. School, Jackson Elem. School) (E:104/09); 13) Final Acceptance: Building Network Infrastructure Modernization Data-Package II (Cascade High School, Evergreen Middle School) (E:105/09); 14) Award of Bid—Everett Memorial Stadium Renovation of Restroom & Concession Buildings (E:106/09). The motion carried unanimously. |
| |
| The Administration recommended the Board of Directors approve the Value Engineering Study for the Whittier Elementary School Modernization Project (E:107/09). Construction Director Hal Beumel reviewed the evening’s PowerPoint presentation. Where most value engineering studies cause the cost of a project to decrease, the study for Whittier actually caused the cost to go up. It is hoped to take project to bid in March or sooner. When asked how much in State match dollars are possible, Hal said between $9 million and $10 million may be available for both projects (Whittier and Jefferson) combined. With no further discussion, Kristie Dutton moved to approve the aforementioned value engineering study for the Whittier Elementary School Modernization Project. Carol Andrews seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
| APPROVAL OF VALUE ENGINEERING STUDY FOR WHITTIER ELEM. SCHOOL MODERNIZATION PROJECT
| |
| The Administration recommended that the Board of Directors approve the Value Engineering Study for the Jefferson Elementary School Modernization Project (E:108/09). Hal Beumel reviewed the evening’s PowerPoint presentation. Following a clarification of the meaning of alternate bid items, Hal said it is hoped to take the project to bid in July, August or sooner.
With no further discussion, Kristie Dutton moved to approve the aforementioned value engineering study for the Jefferson Elementary School Modernization Project. Carol Andrews seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | APPROVE VALUE ENGINEERING STUDY FOR JEFFERSON E.S. MODERNIZATION PROJECT
APPROVE VALUE ENGINEERING STUDY FOR JEFFERSON E.S. MODERNIZATION PROJECT (cont’d.) | |
| BOARD COMMENTS
Board member Dutton noted that two young ladies were honored as Students of the Month at today’s Rotary meeting. She was impressed that they emphasized the importance of community service. Board member Madsen said she and Board member Cooper have been working on the superintendent selection process. Six packets have been sent to interested parties and three more are ready to go. The application schedule was modified because WASA did not post the position during the Winter Break. The application deadline is now February 5. Vice President Petersen reported that he attended a meeting of the Interact Club (a Youth club related to Rotary) at Everett High School today. They had an interesting conversation. Vice President Petersen called for a five-minute rest break at 6:10 p.m. Vice President Petersen re-convened the regular meeting at 6:15 p.m. |
BOARD COMMENTS | |
| BOARD ACTION AND/OR BOARD DISCUSSION
At 6:15 p.m., Vice President Petersen opened the study session concerning the Strategic Plan for 2009-2010. Deputy Superintendent Matt McCauley distributed a copy of the 2008-2009 Strategic Plan as well as a process timeline for working on the 2009-2010 Strategic Plan (E:109/09). He pointed out that the timeline has been modified to involve the Board at an earlier point in the process. Board member Madsen said she appreciates receiving this schedule and considers the input windows a wonderful opportunity. Board member Dutton echoed Ms. Madsen’s thoughts. Karst said staffs want to continue with the coordination, articulation and alignment pieces and said the community must continue to hear what we do for children. Vice President Petersen said this is a good document, but he looks forward to the next opportunity to talk to the community about the Strategic Plan. Karst said the input from the District’s Diversity Task Force will be important to incorporate into the Strategic Plan. In response to a request from Ms. Madsen, Karst said he will bring some initial thoughts about the Strategic Plan to the Board at the last Board meeting in February. Vice President Petersen concluded the study session at 6:45 p.m. and moved immediately to the following action item. |
STUDY SESSION—STRATEGIC PLAN 2009-2010 | |
| The Administration requested authorization for the Interim Superintendent to enter into an agreement between Everett School District and the Everett Education Association (EEA) (E:110/09). The EEA will withdraw its unfair labor practice complaint against the District. Except pursuant to a court order, the District will not allow the installation of a video camera in a classroom or an Association-represented employee’s assigned workspace without prior written approval of the Association president. The agreement will become part of the collective bargaining agreement immediately and remain in force unless mutually agreed upon by the District and the Association.
Karen Madsen moved to authorize the Interim Superintendent to enter into the aforementioned agreement between the District and the EEA. Kristie Dutton seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | AGREEMENT—UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE COMPLAINT
| |
| Vice President Petersen opened the study session at 7 p.m. The Administration provided a budget update. Karst Brandsma provided a PowerPoint presentation which he is sharing at each of the schools (E:111/09). He reviewed the District’s 15 cost-savings measures that are for immediate implementation for the remainder of the 2008-2009 school year and said the central office is being asked to find ways to save $1 million this year. He recommended that the Board continue to travel—it is mission-critical. In addition, restrictions do not apply to travel that is already approved. He said he is considering establishing a superintendent’s community advisory group to talk about prioritizing. Board member Madsen said it is a good idea that can help build understanding. Board member Dutton concurred, but said the group would need to be clear about their goal. In response to a question from Ms. Dutton about all-day kindergarten, Karst said the plan is to keep it. Vice President Petersen said a lot of good work has been done between the last budget presentation and tonight’s meeting.
| STUDY SESSION—BUDGET UPDATE
| |
| Vice President Petersen concluded the study session at 7:50 p.m. and immediately adjourned the regular meeting.
_______________________________ ________________________________ Karst Brandsma, Secretary Ed Petersen, Vice President |