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 27, 2004, beginning at 4:30 p.m., in the Board Room of the Educational Service Center, 4730 Colby Avenue, Everett, Washington. Those in attendance were Kristie Dutton, Karen Madsen, Paul Roberts and Roy Yates. Absent: Sue Cooper.   

     

     

     

      

    ADOPTION OF AGENDA

    President Dutton called for any recommended changes to the agenda. Superintendent Whitehead noted that the Board would be presented with a revised personnel report. In addition, Dr. Whitehead requested the addition of an executive session concerning legal and personnel. With that, Roy Yates moved for adoption of the revised agenda. Paul Roberts seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

      ADOPTION OF AGENDA
    APPROVAL OF MINUTES

    Roy Yates moved for approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of January 13, 2004. Karen Madsen seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

      APPROVAL OF MINUTES
    SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS

    Superintendent Carol Whitehead noted that Rich Parker, new board member at South Whidbey School District, was in attendance. Mr. Parker commented that his goal as a new board member is to visit other school board meetings and Everett’s is the first of such visits.

     

    Two students were in attendance at tonight’s meeting. They introduced themselves as Dennis Hage, from the Jackson High School Careers in Education class, and Liz Copeland, a senior at Jackson High School. The Board welcomed both students.

      SUPT’S COMMENTS
    Dr. Whitehead called on Director of Maintenance Gary Jefferis to provide an update on District conservation efforts. Gary noted that one year ago, he came to the Board requesting approval to develop an agreement with the PUD and share the cost of a Resource Manager—that person is Ray Burton and he works for the PUD, but has assisted Everett since November, 2002. A request to renew the resource agreement with the PUD appears on tonight’s Consent Agenda. Since 1999, the District has saved approximately $325,000 through conservation efforts. In the 2002-03 year alone, approximately $127,000 has been saved. Most of the savings were made via operational changes, thanks to the monitoring efforts of Mr. Burton. In return, the District paid the PUD $7,400. Also instrumental in instituting changes were the District’s HVAC crew consisting of Scott Sherwood, Doug Hallgren, Al Leder and Garth Wright. They worked long hours and spent much time educating staff and making adjustments to equipment. The industry standard for conservation is t o keep energy use at or below $1.00 per square foot. Everett is attempting to have all of its facilities below $.80 per square foot. Even with this good news, said Dr. Whitehead, energy rates continue to rise.

     

    Associate Superintendent for Instruction Karst Brandsma reported on this year’s OSPI Conference. Entitled “Breakthrough Performance,” the conference focused on the education reform movement. Everett sent a team of 11, including Board member Karen Madsen. The conference, held in Spokane, featured a number of job-alike strands such as ESEA updates, AYP calculations, special ed updates and mathematics literacy. In terms of sharing this information, Executive Director for Curriculum Alignment and Implementation Terry Edwards said a meeting with the instructional leadership team

    will take place on Thursday during which information gathered at the conference will be disseminated. Principals, in turn, will share the information with their teachers.

    Dr. Whitehead referenced a recent situation with the EHS Kodak newspaper, which included two articles in The Herald . Contrary to those articles, it was never the District’s intent to eliminate the Kodak or publish it entirely online. In fact, with the planned retirement of the Kodak advisor on January 19, District administrators were in the process of finding a replacement who is a staff member and possesses the appropriate background, coursework and endorsement. It is true that the school will be facing reduced staffing during second semester due to lower high school enrollment. However, the EHS principal was not planning to make reductions in that particular class. In fact, it has been determined that Kyle Peacock will teach the class for the remainder of the year. Regardless of whether Kyle continues in the position, the newspaper will remain. Concerning the prospect of putting the Kodak online, it is true that that option is being considered so that the paper would be accessible to a larger audience, including EHS alumni. However, using the online process, which may be viable by this fall, would not be designed to replace the paper version.

     

    Dr. Whitehead called on Jim McNally, Executive Director for Area I, who announced that Madison Elementary School has been named the Washington State Reading School of the Month for March for its work in honoring and addressing reading instruction. On March 18, Governor Locke and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson will visit Madison to bestow this special honor. The school Board is invited to attend. Dr. Whitehead said the District is very proud of this special recognition.

      

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    SUPT’S COMMENTS (cont’d.)

    PUBLIC COMMENT

    None.

      PUBLIC COMMENT
    RECOGNITION OF RETIREES

    None.

      RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
    ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

    Karst Brandsma called on Homeschool Alternative Center representatives Sally Lancaster and Kevin Corbett to report on the online high school program. Sally opened by saying this is the second year of this program. She provided a handout which she and Kevin used for their presentation (E:80/04). She reported that BYU is a popular online service provider, due in part to the low cost of classes, at $96 per seat. Other providers include Virtual Greenbush, Internet Academy, RedComet.org, WashingtonTeacher.net, CaliforniaTeacher.net, OregonTeacher.net, BestPracticeNetwork.com, NWOnline Learning Community and Class.com.

       

    PRESENTATION— ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL

    Using an example of Life Time Fitness (PE), Kevin outlined the possibilities for an online class in this subject matter. Although PE seems an unlikely subject to approach online, it actually works very well and addresses a number of areas such as social issues, health concerns, cultural/ethnic objections, suiting up vs. non-suiting, cardio-respiratory health, nutritional demands of physical activity, the components of fitness and lifetime fitness plans, and quality and safe fitness services and resources. Sally reviewed the cost vs. value of the online high school system. In terms of the future, she said it is hoped the program will be able to waive seat time, accept any students, consider middle school options, create hybrid courses, provide professional development opportunities, create a help desk and have online teachers at every site. In closing, Karst reported that Sally and Kevin work hard to have a high pass rate. Currently, it stands at 71 percent.

     

     

    In response to a question about how those who cannot afford the cost of the online high school are assisted, Sally said the Everett Public Schools Foundation has been very helpful. Consequently, no one has been turned away because they cannot afford it. President Dutton thanked Sally and Kevin for their comprehensive report.

       

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    PRESENTATION— ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL (cont’d.)

    Financial reports were provided for the Board of Directors’ review (E:81/04). The reports include year-to-date information on revenues and expenditures, General Fund projections, a cash report and an investment summary. Associate Superintendent for Finance and Operations Jeff Riddle reported that this information covers the first third of the fiscal year. Expenditures, as anticipated, will exceed revenues by approximately $1 million, but it is expected the District will end the year slightly better than anticipated, due in part to decisions that are having the desired effect. Enrollment came in as expected so we were able to staff conservatively and it shows up in the bottom line. Tough decisions are forthcoming, but being proactive will help in the long run. FINANCIAL REPORTS
    ACTION ITEMS

    Karen Madsen moved for approval of the revised Consent Agenda and Roy Yates seconded the motion.

    1. Personnel Report (REVISED) (E:82/04);
    2. Voucher Lists (E:83/04);
    3. Approval of College in the High School Agreement Between Everett School  District No. 2 and Everett Community College (E:84/04);
      CONSENT AGENDA
    1. Interagency Agreement for 2003-2004 Between Everett School District No. 2 and   Providence Children’s Center for Continued Services for the Birth – 2 Students  Within Everett Public Schools Boundaries (E:85/04);
    2. Resolution 788: Certification of Racial Balance for Emerson Elementary School  Modernization (Res. 11/04);
      
    1. Resolution 789: Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement Between   Everett School District No. 2 and Enumclaw School District No. 216 (for copiers,  duplicators and related services) (Res. 12/04); and
    2. Joint Agreement Between Everett School District No. 2 and Public Utility District   No. 1 of Snohomish County for Resource Conservation Program (E:86/04).

    The motion carried unanimously.

        
    The Administration recommended the Board of Directors award a contract for automated external defibrillators (AED) to Phillips Electronics North America Corporation (E:87/04). On January 12, 2004, three bids and one “no bid” response were received for AEDs and accessories. The bid submitted by Phillips Electronics North America Corporation is the lowest bid meeting specifications. The Administration will adjust quantities and select accessories as needed to meet the specific needs of various sites. It is estimated that the expenditure for this contract will be approximately $120,000. Procurement Supervisor Jennifer Farmer reviewed the list of bids received.  AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (AED)
    With no further discussion, Paul Roberts moved to award the aforementioned contract to Phillips Electronics North America Corporation. Karen Madsen seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Dr. Whitehead reminded the Board of the Everett Medic One Foundation fundraiser on Thursday, February 12.  
    The Administration recommended the Board of Directors authorize a call for bids for the Monroe Elementary School Mechanical System Upgrades project. The estimated construction cost is $715,000. This project includes replacement of the existing heating and ventilation units at Monroe Elementary which is intended to significantly reduce energy costs and increase system reliability. Aging hot water tanks in the gymnasium and cafeteria at Monroe Elementary School will also be replaced. Construction will begin in June with substantial completion anticipated by September 2004. This project is funded by the Capital Improvement Bond issue approved by voters in February 2002.   AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS: MONROE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MECHANICAL SYSTEM UPGRADES
    Construction Director Hal Buemel commented briefly. With no further discussion, Karen Madsen moved to authorize a call for bids for the Monroe Elementary School Mechanical System Upgrades project. Roy Yates seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.  
    The Administration recommended the Board of Directors authorize a call for bids for the Penny Creek Elementary School six classroom addition project. The estimated construction cost is $1,540,000. This project includes construction of seven new classrooms with associated restrooms and support spaces. One existing classroom will be eliminated in order to connect the new structure to the existing corridor system. The net addition to the school will be six classrooms. This addition will help the District meet anticipated enrollment increases in the Penny Creek Elementary School attendance area. The project is funded by the Capital Improvement Bond issue approved by voters in February 2002. Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2004 with substantial completion anticipated by August 2004.  AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS: PENNY CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SIX CLASSROOM ADDITION
    Hal Buemel commented, noting that the work will be done in a manner that will avoid impacts to the instructional program. Four of the classrooms will be available by this fall and the other two by October 1, 2004. With no further discussion, Roy Yates moved to authorize a call for bids for the Penny Creek Elementary School six classroom addition project. Paul Roberts seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.  
    The Administration recommended the Board of Directors approve Amendment No. 4 to the License Agreement between Everett School District No. 2 and the Everett AquaSox Baseball Club for use of the baseball facility at Memorial Stadium, and to cancel Amendment No. 3, regarding construction of a new picnic area (E:88/04). Mark Sperandio, owner of the Everett AquaSox Baseball Club, has requested that the AquaSox be allowed to make certain capital improvements worth $143,000 to the baseball facility at Memorial Stadium in return for a four-year extension of the license agreement. These improvements include replacing 950 stadium seats behind home plate, irrigation system improvements and replacing 10,000 square feet of damaged outfield grass. Additionally, the AquaSox have requested cancellation of Amendment No. 3 regarding construction of a new picnic area.  AMENDMENT #4 TO LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN EVT. S.D. & EVT. AQUASOX BASEBALL CLUB FOR USE OF BASEBALL FACILITY AT MEMORIAL STADIUM
    Director of Facilities and Planning Mike Gunn noted that there are two parts to the motion—approval of Amendment No. 4 and cancellation of Amendment No. 3. AquaSox owner Mark Sperandio commented briefly. Regarding the improvements to the irrigation system, Mike noted that the water pressure to the field has decreased over time. It is unclear why this has happened, but Gary Jefferis has determined there is not a leak on the District side of the meter. A District-approved vendor will be hired to do the irrigation work. The groundwork will not impede the high school athletic season; however, the process of replacing the seats will have some impact on the season although there will be plenty of seating available in other areas for spectators. When asked whether the water storage tank will be above-ground, Mr. Sperandio said that is yet to be determined, but the tank will be located in the area where equipment is stored.

     

    With no further discussion, Roy Yates moved to approve Amendment No. 4 to the License Agreement between Everett School District No. 2 and the Everett AquaSox Baseball Club for use of the baseball facility at Memorial Stadium, and to cancel Amendment No. 3, regarding construction of a new picnic area. Paul Roberts seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.  

       

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    AMEND. #4 TO LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN EVT. S.D. & EVT. AQUASOX BASEBALL CLUB FOR USE OF BASEBALL FACILITY AT MEMORIAL STADIUM (cont’d.)

    The Administration recommended the Board of Directors adopt Resolution 790: Position of Opposition to Charter Schools Legislation (Res. 13/04). Dr. Whitehead reported that the resolution has been developed at the request of the Board of Directors. Board member Roberts said this resolution is an important expression of the Board’s position regarding charter schools.

     

    Board member Madsen suggested that the body of the resolution contain wording that the resolution is from the Board of Directors rather than Everett School District. In addition, she recommended that the first sentence of the last paragraph say, “. . . the Board of Everett School District does not support charter school legislation being considered…”

     

    With no further discussion, Paul Roberts moved to adopt the aforementioned Resolution 790, as amended. Karen Madsen seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

      RESOLUTION 790: POSITION OF OPPOSITION TO CHARTER SCHOOLS LEGISLATION
    The Administration recommended the Board of Directors adopt Resolution 791: Position of Opposition to Use of the WASL as a Barrier to Graduation (Res. 14/04). Superintendent Whitehead reported that the resolution originated with the six school districts (Everett, Edmonds, Northshore, Shoreline, Snohomish and Mukilteo) who meet periodically to develop legislative priorities. Following a brief discussion, Paul Roberts moved to adopt the aforementioned Resolution 791. Roy Yates seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.  RESOLUTION 791: POSITION OF OPPOSITION TO USE OF THE WASL AS A BARRIER TO GRADUATION
    BOARD COMMENTS

    Board member Madsen reported that she was among those attending the recent OSPI conference. She felt it was a useful conference with much valuable information.

     

    Board member Roberts said he will be attending the Federal Relations Network Conference next week in Washington, D.C.

     BOARD COMMENTS
    BOARD ACTION AND/OR BOARD DISCUSSION

    At 5:55 p.m., President Dutton recessed the regular meeting into executive session for discussion of legal and personnel. It was announced that the executive session would be of approximately 45 minutes’ duration.

     

    At 6:40 p.m., President Dutton re-convened the regular meeting and called for a motion to authorize the superintendent to take any legal action necessary relative to a pending special education matter. Roy Yates moved to authorize as noted above. Karen Madsen seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

     

    With no further discussion, President Dutton adjourned the regular meeting at 6:45 p.m.

      ADDENDUM --EXECUTIVE SESSION—LEGAL & PERSONNEL
    _______________________ ________________________________ Carol Whitehead, Secretary Kristie Dutton, President
        

     

     

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