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, June 9, 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, Sue Cooper, Karen Madsen & Ed Petersen. Absent: Kristie Dutton.
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ADOPTION OF AGENDA
President Cooper 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. Ed Petersen seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
| | ADOPTION OF AGENDA
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ed Petersen moved to adopt the minutes of the regular meeting of May 26, 2009. Carol Andrews seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Carol Andrews moved to adopt the minutes of the special meeting of June 1, 2009. Karen Madsen seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously
| | APPROVAL OF MINUTES
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SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
Karst Brandsma called on Executive Director for Area One Jim McNally who talked about Everett High School’s Future Problem Solvers Program. EHS members were recently among 64 championship teams. They chose as their topic the response to a water-borne global pandemic. The EHS team, who happen to all be juniors, won second place. Jim went on to say that an EHS student, Jordan Steves, recently won $5,000 in an Imagine Tomorrow (sponsored by Washington State University) competition by inventing a cycle water bottle.
Next, Mr. Brandsma called on Director of Information Systems and Technology Ken Toyn who reported that OSPI recently announced recipients for Teacher Learning Grants for the 21st Century and four District staff were among the 200 winners: Cedar Wood (Hilary Felix), Lowell (Amy Seiber), Mill Creek (Deborah Frickey) and View Ridge (Brenda Kelly). This is a new grant funded federally through Title II, each worth $11,100 over a two-year period. The grants offer a professional development course designed to merge effective instructional and assessment techniques with real-world technologies.
In closing, Mr. Brandsma said that the Walsh-Platt awards ceremony was recently held and, as always, it was a superb evening. He also noted that the District high school graduations are right around the corner: Sequoia’s is on June 11, and the CHS, EHS & JHS graduations are on June 13.
| | SUPT’S COMMENTS
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PUBLIC COMMENT
After she provided an outline of the Public Comment guidelines, President Cooper recognized Jenny Steele and Deborah Wade representing the middle school counselors. Reading from a script, a copy of which she gave to Mr. Brandsma, Jenny described the role of the Career Resource Assistants (CRA) and said these positions have been eliminated from all middle schools for 2009-2010 (E:220/09). She asked the Board to re-consider and posed five questions:
1. On 4-28, a summary of the possible reduction to educational programs was released
to employees. What category do the CRAs fall into?
2. What is the total number of FTE of staff reduction that has been made/announced so far in the same category that CRAs fit (paraeducators or classified staff)?
3. What is the dollar amount and percentage of the CTE budget (or whichever budget they are paid from) that is dedicated to the CRA positions?
4. If EPS receives a Federal or state stimulus grant, will any of that funding be used to reinstate the CRA positions?
5. The reduction of educational program indicated that the items listed were not in any order of priority—has the Board since established an order of priority for reinstating teachers, classified staff, programs, administrators, etc., as the financial picture of the District begins to improve?
Mr. Brandsma will provide responses to the above questions.
| | PUBLIC COMMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT
(cont’d.)
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RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
None.
| | RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
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ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
Everett Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year for 2009-2010 has been selected by a committee comprised of two students, a parent, a teacher and two administrators (E:221/09). The committee selected Beverly Robertson, an English teacher at Jackson High School. Jim McNally said this year’s nominees are extremely qualified. He then introduced JHS principal Terry Cheshire who recounted some of the many accomplishments and attributes of this year’s winner, Beverly Robertson. He then introduced Beverly, who expressed her appreciation and said this award represents a team effort bringing together amazing students and staff. She introduced her husband, Gordon Robertson, who is also a strong supporter. The Executive Director for Area Two Molly Ringo introduced the five finalists: Debra Strong (Forest View), Shelley Logan (Evergreen), Kristen Judd (Penny Creek), Justin Tonnes-Priddy (Gateway), and Deborah Payne (Everett High School).
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2009-2010 TEACHER OF THE YEAR SELECTION
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The attached proposed revised Policy 4333—Non-School Use of Buildings, Grounds & Equipment, was provided for first reading, with approval to be requested at a future Board meeting (E:222/09). The revision has been incorporated to clarify and abide by law that facility users may not discriminate against any persons. Associate Superintendent for Finance & Operations Bob Collard commented briefly and noted that school districts are not obligated to take enforcement action that all other public entities are required to do. Legal counsel has been consulted. Board member Madsen thanked staff for working on making this change.
| | PROPOSED REVISED POLICY 4333—NON-SCHOOL USE OF BUILDINGS, GROUNDS & EQUIPMENT—(re non-discrimination)—1st reading
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The attached proposed adoption for Title I Elementary—Good Habits, Great Readers by Celebration Press/Pearson Education for Grades K-5, was provided for first reading, with approval to be requested at a future Board meeting (E:223/09). Tonight’s presentation described the process undertaken for the review of curriculum materials for the K-5 reading adoption recommendation. Chief Academic Officer Terry Edwards commented, followed by Curriculum Specialist Christy Clausen who reviewed the process and the recommendation. She said part of the process involved open houses to which there was a positive response. The materials are very user-friendly and solid in best practices research. They are integrated with the District Reading Assessment (DRA). Terry said the materials will be field tested with a full implementation at three sites next year. He noted that literacy is the biggest initiative by the District and is very expensive. The costs are being split between Title I and the curricular funds that have been allocated in the capital budgets. It is probable that the Administration will return to the Board within the next three years to provide an update on the process. Board member Petersen congratulated the group on doing a fine job. Board member Andrews complimented Christy for explaining the process so well. Director of Categorical Programs Sue Dedrick was on hand to answer questions.
| | PROPOSED ADOPTION FOR TITLE I ELEMENTARY—GOOD HABITS, GREAT READERS BY CELEBRATION PRESS/PEARSON EDUCATION FOR GRADES K-5—
1st reading
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The attached proposed adoption for High School Novel for English Grades 9-12 was provided for first reading, with approval to be requested at a future Board meeting (E:224/09). The High School Literacy team has worked over the last year to review and recommend a collection of novels that will be used to augment English classes in grades 9-12. The novels will be adopted as a set and then purchased over several years as funds become available. Terry Edwards spoke briefly and was followed by Curriculum Specialist Loretta Comfort who introduced two Literacy Facilitators, Monte Scholz and Tessa O’Connor. She then reviewed the process for the adoption.
| | PROPOSED ADOPTION FOR HIGH SCHOOL NOVEL FOR ENGLISH GRADES 9-12—
1st Reading
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The attached proposed adoption for High School Mathematics Text was provided for first reading, with approval to be requested at a future Board meeting (E:225/09). The text will be used in a new course, Bridge to Advanced Algebra. Terry Edwards commented briefly.
| | PROPOSED ADOPTION OF HIGH SCHOOL MATH TEXT—MODELING W/MATH BY W.H. FREEMAN, 2006—1st reading
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The attached audit reports were provided for the Board of Directors’ information (E:226/09). Accounting Manager Gina Zeutenhorst said this is the sixth year in a row that the District has had a clean audit. District staff members do a good job of actively defending and explaining the District’s practices to the auditors. Everett’s audit is among the best and it is because of the cooperative work of all functions. President Cooper agreed that it is systems and individuals that make success possible. She thanked everyone for doing a great job. Board member Madsen said it is nice to know that staff members are on top of things. Board member Petersen said it was good to be present to hear the positive exit report.
| | WASH. STATE AUDITOR’S AUDIT REPORTS—9/1/07 THROUGH 8/31/ 08
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Financial reports as of April 30, 2009 were provided for the Board of Directors’ review (E:227/09). 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 noted that the State audit team was new and Gina and Jennifer (Farmer) did a great job of training them. He then said that there is little change in the financial report from last month.
| | FINANCIAL REPORTS AS OF APRIL 30, 2009
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ACTION ITEMS
Karen Madsen 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:228/09);
2) Voucher Lists (E:229/09);
3) Proposed School Board Meetings Schedule for 2009-2010 (E:230/09);
4) Proposed Athletic Fees (E:231/09);
5) 2009-2010 School Meal Price Increase (E:232/09);
6) Resolution 944—Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement for the Purpose of Establishing an Interlocal Agreement with Camas S.D. 117 (Res.33/09.);
7) Res. 945—Re-Employment of Non-Supervisory Certificated Employees
(Res.34/09);
8) Classified Non-Represented Non-Exempt Salary Schedule for 2009-10 (E:233/09);
9) Event Support Personnel Salary Schedule for 2009-2010 (E:234/09);
10) Everett Association of Educational Office Personnel (EAEOP) Salary Schedule for 2009-2010 (E:235/09);
11) Everett Association of Paraeducators (EAP) Salary Schedule for 2009-10
(E:236/09);
12) Everett Coaches/Extracurricular Association Salary Schedule for 2009-10
(E:237/09);
13) Everett Licensed Nurses Assn. (ELNA) Salary Schedule for 2009-10
(E:238/09);
14) Professional & Technical Salary Schedule for 2009-2010 (E:239/09);
15) Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 925, Salary Schedule for 2009-2010 (E:240/09);
16) Resolution 954—Authorization to Issue Contracts to Administrative Supervisory Staff (Res.35/09);
17) Administrative 2009-2010 Salary Schedule 1, Administrative 2009-2010 Salary Schedule 2, School Administrative 2009-2010 Salary Schedule (E:241/09);
18) Resolution 946-Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) District Enrollment Form for Middle Level & Senior High Schools (Res.36/09);
19) Final Acceptance: Silver Lake Elementary School Modernization (E:242/09);
20) Monetary Gift from Jackson High School Band Boosters to Jackson High School ASB Fund in the Amount of $6,366 for the Purpose of Purchasing Band Supplies & Equipment (E:243/09).
The motion carried unanimously.
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CONSENT AGENDA (cont’d.)
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The Administration recommended the Board of Directors approve the signing of the Letter of Agreement Between Everett School District and the Everett Association of Paraeducators; and Section 7.8 of the agreement (effective 9/1/09) (E:244/09).
Mr. Brandsma said the letter relates to bumping rights and medical benefits and will be effective September 1, 2009. Karen Madsen moved to adopt the aforementioned Letter of Agreement. Carol Andrews seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
| | REVISION TO EAP CBA FOR 2009-2011
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BOARD COMMENTS
Board member Petersen said he attended Hawthorne Elementary’s first annual ‘Hawk Hustle’ fundraiser to promote health. It offered a 5K and a one-mile walk/run. The youngsters did the one-miler in the playground. It was a fun event. Board member Madsen complimented staff on the smoothness of the Board’s public hearing on Monday concerning the budget. It was unfortunate that more people did not take advantage of it. She also attended North Middle School’s celebration of students who are changing levels. President Cooper said the Walsh-Platt event was very nice. It was good to hear the finalists talk about themselves in person. Each candidate did an amazing job. They spoke with poise and expertise and organized their thoughts.
| | BOARD
COMMENTS
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At 6:05 p.m., President Cooper called for a five-minute rest break.
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At 6:10 p.m., President Cooper re-convened the regular meeting and moved immediately into executive session to consider the selection of a site or acquisition of real estate by lease or purchase and to review the performance of an employee; specifically, to conduct the Superintendent’s end-of-year evaluation. Before going into the executive sessions, it was estimated the two topics would be of approximately 90 minutes’ total duration.
| | EXEC. SESSIONS—CONSIDER SELECTION OF A SITE OR ACQUISITION OF REAL ESTATE BY LEASE OR PURCHASE; & REVIEW PERFORMANCE OF AN EMPLOYEE—SUPT’S EOY EVALUATION
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President Cooper re-convened the regular meeting at 7:40 p.m. and adjourned immediately.
_____________________________ ________________________________
Karst Brandsma, Secretary Sue Cooper, President
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