5-8-01 Board Meeting

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, December 9, 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, Karen Madsen, Paul Roberts and Roy Yates.


ADOPTION OF AGENDA
President Madsen called for any recommended changes to the agenda. Superintendent Carol Whitehead reported that the Board will be presented with a revised Personnel Report. With no further changes, Roy Yates moved for adoption of the revised agenda. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Kristie Dutton moved for approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of November 18, 2003. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD
In accordance with Board Policy 1114—Oath of Office, each new member shall take an oath to support the constitutions of the United States and the State of Washington and to promote the interests of education and to faithfully discharge the duties of his/her office to the best of his/her ability. Secretary to the Board Carol Whitehead administered oaths of office to newly re-elected Board members Sue Cooper & Karen Madsen (E:51/04).

OATHS OF OFFICE

Everett Public Schools Policy 1120—Organization of the Board, states, in part, that at the first regular meeting in December, the Board shall elect a president and vice-president to serve one-year terms. Kristie Dutton nominated Paul Roberts for the position of vice-president. Roy Yates seconded the nomination. By roll call vote, the election of Paul Roberts to the position of vice-president was approved unanimously. Next, Sue Cooper nominated Kristie Dutton for the position of president. Roy Yates seconded the nomination. By roll call vote, the election of Kristie Dutton to the position of president was approved unanimously. Outgoing president Madsen passed the gavel to incoming president Dutton. President Dutton thanked her Board colleagues for their support and said she has learned very much since being elected to the Board and looks forward to new experiences. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
Superintendent Whitehead invited Associate Superintendent for Instruction Karst Brandsma to introduce a visitor to tonight’s meeting. He is Karst Brandsma, Jr., currently stationed in Iraq as the adjutant for his battalion (personnel director). Mr. Brandsma, Jr., identified education as one of the noblest professions. He went on to say that tonight’s oaths of office remind him of the oaths young people take when entering the military. He is proud to be in service to the military and to America’s citizens. At the conclusion of his comments, the Board and audience gave him a standing ovation.

Dr. Whitehead noted that at a recent Red Cross Real Heroes breakfast, Jackson High School student Kevin Iverson received an award for saving a drowning man last summer. Even though he is a hero, Kevin is very self-effacing and said he only did what was needed under the circumstances.
SUPT’S COMMENTS

Dr. Whitehead announced that the District has received a Science Flight to the Future grant award from The Boeing Company in the amount of $25,000 (E:52/04). A second grant application is in process for additional dollars from Boeing.

This past week, the Everett Public Schools Foundation sponsored a reception for District retirees. Board members Dutton, Cooper and Madsen were among those who attended.

Dr. Whitehead reported that, following a presentation to bond raters in New York City, the District’s bond rating was upgraded to AA-, which is a significant accomplishment. The raters, she said, were impressed with the work Everett is doing. A total of $74 million in bonds will have been sold by next week.

Executive Director for Human Resources Molly Ringo shared current demographic data concerning the District. It showed socioeconomic changes such as increases in the number of students signing up for free and reduced lunches. High school numbers have also increased, but are not as high as their feeder pattern schools. This information will be included in the Board’s Friday packet.

SUPT’S COMMENTS (cont’d.)
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
The Board welcomed retiree Shirley Ferguson, who is leaving Everett Public Schools after 16 years. She worked at Evergreen Middle School and Everett High School. EHS principal Pat Sullivan spoke about Shirley’s deep and abiding love for classical writing. As freshman advisor for the school’s student newspaper, Kodak, since 1989, Shirley has been an advocate for students’ freedom of speech. Pat closed by saying EHS is a wonderful place due to educators like Shirley Ferguson. Shirley commented that she has thoroughly enjoyed her work as a teacher. She thanked the Board and administration for their support. Her plans for the future include learning to ride a horse and taking piano lessons. In closing, she introduced her husband Michael and daughter Mary. President Dutton congratulated Shirley on a wonderful career and her success at touching many lives. She then presented Shirley with a memento crystal apple.
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
The attached proposed new policy 5155 regarding Infectious Diseases was presented for first reading with approval to be requested at a future Board meeting (E:53/04). Director of Communications Gay Campbell indicated that the contents of this proposed policy comply with State Board of Health rules for safeguarding students and employees. An accompanying procedure has also been developed.

PROPOSED NEW POLICY 5155—INFECTIOUS DISEASES (re safe-guarding students & employees from the spread of certain infectious diseases)
The Administration presented information regarding the District’s highly capable and challenging options. Executive Director of Curriculum Alignment and Implementation Terry Edwards credited Director of Professional Development Jan Johnson and Director of Instructional Support Steve Stearns with gathering information for tonight’s report, prepared in the form of a PowerPoint presentation (E:54/04). During the course of the evening’s discussion, Mr. Edwards outlined the blend of services composing the challenging options program; the process for identifying children for the elementary level highly capable program; the design and delivery of services; the increase in K-5 student enrollment between 2000 and 2003; and the percent of fourth graders attaining mastery on the WASL. At the middle school level, he also described the process for challenge program identification; the design and delivery process; WASL statistics; and increases in enrollment in the program. In terms of the high school challenging options opportunities, Mr. Edwards listed seven possibilities: Honors, advanced classes, advanced placement, College in the High School, Tech Prep, industry certifications and Running Start. As with elementary and middle school, he also outlined the process for identification. He discussed the increased academic rigor, the growing number of course offerings and the increasing number of students enrolled in challenging options courses during the past three school years.

In summary, Mr. Edwards described trends at each level. He also listed next steps: continue to increase student participation, including students from diverse populations; align and coordinate curriculum; increase articulation; provide professional development; and improve transitions and student placement.

Discussion ensued about funding for highly capable; student scores on the WASL; and re-evaluation of students.
PRESENTATION: HIGHLY CAPABLE & CHALLENGING OPTIONS

PRESENTATION: HIGHLY CAPABLE & CHALLENGING OPTIONS (cont’d.)

Financial Reports were provided for the Board of Directors’ review (E:55/04). The reports include year-to-date information on revenues and expenditures, General Fund projections, a cash report and an investment summary.

Director of Finance Jeff Moore said the numbers are within an expected range typical for this time of year. There are no unexpected expenditures or windfall of revenues.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
ACTION ITEMS
Sue Cooper moved for approval of the revised Consent Agenda and Karen Madsen seconded the motion.
Personnel Report—REVISED (E:56/04);
Voucher Lists (E:57/04);
Proposed New Policy 6310—Internships (relating to Board support for

professional internships)(E:58/04);
4) Authorization to Call for Bids—Athletic Uniforms & Equipment (E:59/04) ;
5) Approval of Grant Between Everett School District No. 2 & View Ridge Elementary School PTA for $5000 for Purchase of School Reader Board Sign (E:60/04);
   CONSENT AGENDA
6) Interagency Agreement Between Everett School District No. 2 and Northwest School for Hearing Impaired Children to Provide Special Education and Related Services to Eligible District Students Ages 3 to 21 (E:61/04);
7) Non-Public Agency Agreement Between Everett School District No. 2 and Dartmoor School for the 2003-2004 School Year (E:62/04); and
8) Interlocal Agreement Between Everett School District No. 2 and the State of
Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) for Medicaid
Administrative Match Program (E:63/04). The motion carried unanimously.

The Administration recommended the Board of Directors adopt the attached accountability goals for Everett Public Schools (E:64/04). Associate Superintendent for Instruction Karst Brandsma outlined the goals as being around math and reading improvement, high school graduation rates and attendance rates. During the course of the discussion, Board member Madsen said she is concerned that the District not lose focus on those students who are not “on time” as defined by the ESEA.
Board member Roberts complimented and thanked the superintendent and District on their efforts, but said he is dismayed at the way the ESEA is being handled. When asked about recent statistics in The Seattle Times concerning graduation rates, Terry Edwards replied that calculating the graduation rate is very challenging. Previously, Everett’s efforts have been to focus on dropout rates as requested by the state, so it is difficult to change the data stream to focus on graduation rates, also in response to the state. Regarding the article, Terry said, if the numbers are correct, it is unacceptable that only one of every two students in the state is graduating. He cautioned that verification needs to be obtained as to whether this is a data problem, but he also acknowledged that at issue is how to engage students and keep them engaged. Interventions need to occur sooner to get students out of a failing trajectory.

With no further discussion, Karen Madsen moved to adopt the Everett Public Schools Accountability Goals. Roy Yates seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
EPS ACCOUNTA-BILITY GOALS

EPS ACCOUNTA-BILITY GOALS (cont’d.)
BOARD ACTION AND/OR BOARD DISCUSSION
Over the past few months, the Board has solicited feedback from staff and the community via questionnaires. In addition, Board members completed two different questionnaires. Tally sheets were prepared and the Board held a work session to discuss feedback and results. The outcome has been the development of the attached Board work plan (E:65/04). Roy Yates moved for adoption of the work plan. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
BOARD WORK PLAN
BOARD COMMENTS
Board member Roberts reported that a group from WSSDA met recently with Senator Murray’s staff to encourage a more aggressive approach with the Department of Education and the administration of No Child Left Behind and to take some of the recommendations made by OSPI to the Department of Education.

Board member Madsen commented that the Board enjoyed its recent site visit to Eisenhower Middle School.

Board member Yates said he had the opportunity to talk with Kevin Iverson, the young man from JHS honored for saving the life of a drowning man. He is an ideal example of a common person doing uncommon things.

BOARD COMMENTS

BOARD ACTION AND/OR BOARD DISCUSSION
An executive session was held at 6 p.m. immediately following the regular meeting, for discussion of personnel. It was announced that the executive session would be of approximately 30 minutes’ duration.
EXECUTIVE SESSION--PERSONNEL
At 6:30 p.m., President Dutton re-convened the regular meeting and adjourned immediately.

_______________________ ________________________________ Carol Whitehead, Secretary Kristie Dutton, President

The Board of Directors of Everett Public Schools, Snohomish County, Washington, held a regular Board meeting on Tuesday, December 9, 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, Karen Madsen, Paul Roberts and Roy Yates.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA President Madsen called for any recommended changes to the agenda. Superintendent Carol Whitehead reported that the Board will be presented with a revised Personnel Report. With no further changes, Roy Yates moved for adoption of the revised agenda. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.		ADOPTION OF AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Kristie Dutton moved for approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of November 18, 2003. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.		APPROVAL OF MINUTES
ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD In accordance with Board Policy 1114—Oath of Office, each new member shall take an oath to support the constitutions of the United States and the State of Washington and to promote the interests of education and to faithfully discharge the duties of his/her office to the best of his/her ability. Secretary to the Board Carol Whitehead administered oaths of office to newly re-elected Board members Sue Cooper & Karen Madsen (E:51/04).		OATHS OF OFFICE
Everett Public Schools Policy 1120—Organization of the Board, states, in part, that at the first regular meeting in December, the Board shall elect a president and vice-president to serve one-year terms. Kristie Dutton nominated Paul Roberts for the position of vice-president. Roy Yates seconded the nomination. By roll call vote, the election of Paul Roberts to the position of vice-president was approved unanimously. Next, Sue Cooper nominated Kristie Dutton for the position of president. Roy Yates seconded the nomination. By roll call vote, the election of Kristie Dutton to the position of president was approved unanimously. Outgoing president Madsen passed the gavel to incoming president Dutton. President Dutton thanked her Board colleagues for their support and said she has learned very much since being elected to the Board and looks forward to new experiences.		ELECTION OF OFFICERS
SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS Superintendent Whitehead invited Associate Superintendent for Instruction Karst Brandsma to introduce a visitor to tonight’s meeting. He is Karst Brandsma, Jr., currently stationed in Iraq as the adjutant for his battalion (personnel director). Mr. Brandsma, Jr., identified education as one of the noblest professions. He went on to say that tonight’s oaths of office remind him of the oaths young people take when entering the military. He is proud to be in service to the military and to America’s citizens. At the conclusion of his comments, the Board and audience gave him a standing ovation. Dr. Whitehead noted that at a recent Red Cross Real Heroes breakfast, Jackson High School student Kevin Iverson received an award for saving a drowning man last summer. Even though he is a hero, Kevin is very self-effacing and said he only did what was needed under the circumstances.		SUPT’S COMMENTS
Dr. Whitehead announced that the District has received a Science Flight to the Future grant award from The Boeing Company in the amount of $25,000 (E:52/04). A second grant application is in process for additional dollars from Boeing. This past week, the Everett Public Schools Foundation sponsored a reception for District retirees. Board members Dutton, Cooper and Madsen were among those who attended. Dr. Whitehead reported that, following a presentation to bond raters in New York City, the District’s bond rating was upgraded to AA-, which is a significant accomplishment. The raters, she said, were impressed with the work Everett is doing. A total of $74 million in bonds will have been sold by next week. Executive Director for Human Resources Molly Ringo shared current demographic data concerning the District. It showed socioeconomic changes such as increases in the number of students signing up for free and reduced lunches. High school numbers have also increased, but are not as high as their feeder pattern schools. This information will be included in the Board’s Friday packet.		SUPT’S COMMENTS (cont’d.)
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES The Board welcomed retiree Shirley Ferguson, who is leaving Everett Public Schools after 16 years. She worked at Evergreen Middle School and Everett High School. EHS principal Pat Sullivan spoke about Shirley’s deep and abiding love for classical writing. As freshman advisor for the school’s student newspaper, Kodak, since 1989, Shirley has been an advocate for students’ freedom of speech. Pat closed by saying EHS is a wonderful place due to educators like Shirley Ferguson. Shirley commented that she has thoroughly enjoyed her work as a teacher. She thanked the Board and administration for their support. Her plans for the future include learning to ride a horse and taking piano lessons. In closing, she introduced her husband Michael and daughter Mary. President Dutton congratulated Shirley on a wonderful career and her success at touching many lives. She then presented Shirley with a memento crystal apple.		RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION The attached proposed new policy 5155 regarding Infectious Diseases was presented for first reading with approval to be requested at a future Board meeting (E:53/04). Director of Communications Gay Campbell indicated that the contents of this proposed policy comply with State Board of Health rules for safeguarding students and employees. An accompanying procedure has also been developed.		PROPOSED NEW POLICY 5155—INFECTIOUS DISEASES *(re safe-guarding students & employees from the spread of certain infectious diseases)*
The Administration presented information regarding the District’s highly capable and challenging options. Executive Director of Curriculum Alignment and Implementation Terry Edwards credited Director of Professional Development Jan Johnson and Director of Instructional Support Steve Stearns with gathering information for tonight’s report, prepared in the form of a PowerPoint presentation (E:54/04). During the course of the evening’s discussion, Mr. Edwards outlined the blend of services composing the challenging options program; the process for identifying children for the elementary level highly capable program; the design and delivery of services; the increase in K-5 student enrollment between 2000 and 2003; and the percent of fourth graders attaining mastery on the WASL. At the middle school level, he also described the process for challenge program identification; the design and delivery process; WASL statistics; and increases in enrollment in the program. In terms of the high school challenging options opportunities, Mr. Edwards listed seven possibilities: Honors, advanced classes, advanced placement, College in the High School, Tech Prep, industry certifications and Running Start. As with elementary and middle school, he also outlined the process for identification. He discussed the increased academic rigor, the growing number of course offerings and the increasing number of students enrolled in challenging options courses during the past three school years. In summary, Mr. Edwards described trends at each level. He also listed next steps: continue to increase student participation, including students from diverse populations; align and coordinate curriculum; increase articulation; provide professional development; and improve transitions and student placement. Discussion ensued about funding for highly capable; student scores on the WASL; and re-evaluation of students.		PRESENTATION: HIGHLY CAPABLE & CHALLENGING OPTIONS PRESENTATION: HIGHLY CAPABLE & CHALLENGING OPTIONS (cont’d.)
Financial Reports were provided for the Board of Directors’ review (E:55/04). The reports include year-to-date information on revenues and expenditures, General Fund projections, a cash report and an investment summary. Director of Finance Jeff Moore said the numbers are within an expected range typical for this time of year. There are no unexpected expenditures or windfall of revenues.		FINANCIAL REPORTS
ACTION ITEMS Sue Cooper moved for approval of the revised Consent Agenda and Karen Madsen seconded the motion. Personnel Report—REVISED (E:56/04); Voucher Lists (E:57/04); Proposed New Policy 6310—Internships (relating to Board support for professional internships)(E:58/04); 4) Authorization to Call for Bids—Athletic Uniforms & Equipment (E:59/04) ; 5) Approval of Grant Between Everett School District No. 2 & View Ridge Elementary School PTA for $5000 for Purchase of School Reader Board Sign (E:60/04);		CONSENT AGENDA
6) Interagency Agreement Between Everett School District No. 2 and Northwest School for Hearing Impaired Children to Provide Special Education and Related Services to Eligible District Students Ages 3 to 21 (E:61/04); 7) Non-Public Agency Agreement Between Everett School District No. 2 and Dartmoor School for the 2003-2004 School Year (E:62/04); and 8) Interlocal Agreement Between Everett School District No. 2 and the State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) for Medicaid Administrative Match Program (E:63/04). The motion carried unanimously.
The Administration recommended the Board of Directors adopt the attached accountability goals for Everett Public Schools (E:64/04). Associate Superintendent for Instruction Karst Brandsma outlined the goals as being around math and reading improvement, high school graduation rates and attendance rates. During the course of the discussion, Board member Madsen said she is concerned that the District not lose focus on those students who are not “on time” as defined by the ESEA. Board member Roberts complimented and thanked the superintendent and District on their efforts, but said he is dismayed at the way the ESEA is being handled. When asked about recent statistics in The Seattle Times concerning graduation rates, Terry Edwards replied that calculating the graduation rate is very challenging. Previously, Everett’s efforts have been to focus on dropout rates as requested by the state, so it is difficult to change the data stream to focus on graduation rates, also in response to the state. Regarding the article, Terry said, if the numbers are correct, it is unacceptable that only one of every two students in the state is graduating. He cautioned that verification needs to be obtained as to whether this is a data problem, but he also acknowledged that at issue is how to engage students and keep them engaged. Interventions need to occur sooner to get students out of a failing trajectory. With no further discussion, Karen Madsen moved to adopt the Everett Public Schools Accountability Goals. Roy Yates seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.		EPS ACCOUNTA-BILITY GOALS EPS ACCOUNTA-BILITY GOALS (cont’d.)
BOARD ACTION AND/OR BOARD DISCUSSION Over the past few months, the Board has solicited feedback from staff and the community via questionnaires. In addition, Board members completed two different questionnaires. Tally sheets were prepared and the Board held a work session to discuss feedback and results. The outcome has been the development of the attached Board work plan (E:65/04). Roy Yates moved for adoption of the work plan. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.		BOARD WORK PLAN
BOARD COMMENTS Board member Roberts reported that a group from WSSDA met recently with Senator Murray’s staff to encourage a more aggressive approach with the Department of Education and the administration of No Child Left Behind and to take some of the recommendations made by OSPI to the Department of Education. Board member Madsen commented that the Board enjoyed its recent site visit to Eisenhower Middle School. Board member Yates said he had the opportunity to talk with Kevin Iverson, the young man from JHS honored for saving the life of a drowning man. He is an ideal example of a common person doing uncommon things.		BOARD COMMENTS
BOARD ACTION AND/OR BOARD DISCUSSION An executive session was held at 6 p.m. immediately following the regular meeting, for discussion of personnel. It was announced that the executive session would be of approximately 30 minutes’ duration.		EXECUTIVE SESSION--PERSONNEL
At 6:30 p.m., President Dutton re-convened the regular meeting and adjourned immediately. _______________________ ________________________________ Carol Whitehead, Secretary Kristie Dutton, President