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, February 10, 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 Sue Cooper, Kristie Dutton, Paul Roberts and Roy Yates. Board member Madsen was absent, but called in at 5:10 p.m. to participate in the remainder the meeting.

President Dutton welcomed a group of approximately ten students from the University of Washington, Bothell campus, teaching program who were in attendance as part of a class project.

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 personnel. With that, Sue Cooper 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 27, 2004. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
Superintendent Carol Whitehead reported that Cascade High School horticulture students and FFA members had two displays at the recent Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle. One of the displays was awarded a second place.

Dr. Whitehead called on Associate Superintendent for Instruction Karst Brandsma to report on student athletes who have signed letters of intent. They are:
Girls’ fastpitch softball —from Jackson High School—Meaghan Craig to Central Washington University; from Everett High School, Victoria Courey to the University of Washington; from Everett High School, Alyshia Smith to the University of Kansas in Kansas City, Missouri; and from Everett High School, Amy Hudson to Central Michigan University.
Football —from Jackson High School, Scott Allanson to Western Washington University ; from Jackson High School, Johnnie Kirton to the University of Washington; and from Cascade High School, Joe Penell to Western Washington University.
Golf —from Cascade High School, Renee Skidmore to University of Idaho at Moscow.
Girls’ soccer —Jennifer Shropshire to Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida.
SUPT’S COMMENTS
Next, Dr. Whitehead shared a handout showing current ELL (English Language Learners) numbers for the District (E:89/04). In total, 1239 students who speak 21 different languages are being served. Schools such as Emerson, Hawthorne and Everett High School are among those with the highest number of ELL students (between 100 and 200). This year, there has been an influx of students who do not speak English as their primary language but, thanks to the work of good instructors, they are succeeding. In fact, it has been found that when students who originally came to the District as ELL present their culminating exhibitions, they do very well.

In closing, Dr. Whitehead reported that she and Board members Cooper, Dutton and Roberts attended the recent WASA/WSSDA legislative conference in Olympia. Mr. Roberts said that legislators with whom they met were supportive of the WASA/ WSSDA legislative agenda, which includes:
conducting a financial study to examine how education in this state is funded–it has not been studied for over 30 years;
making changes to education reform that will allow for administering the WASL with some flexibility;
school construction; and
the simple majority bill.

Mr. Roberts also reported that he recently attended the Federal Relations Network conference in Washington, D.C. He distributed a document outlining federal priorities for NSBA (attached). Issues for focus were:
IDEA reauthorization;
the NCLB Act and school districts’ commitment to the principles of the act, but districts’ serious disagreement with how the act is being administered by the Federal government; and
reauthorization of the school lunch program.

SUPT’S COMMENTS (cont’d.)
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
None.
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
Karst Brandsma opened the presentation concerning the Jackson High School program review. He said a final report will be available in one to three weeks, but the administration provided a summary that included leading and trailing indicators from the consultant’s work. Incorporated in the research design is input from the students as well as concerns raised about challenging options, the culminating exhibition project and the school’s 4x4 block schedule. In terms of background information, Karst indicated that the District operates under a continuous improvement model. Program reviews are not uncommon and have been conducted in other areas, including human resources, special ed and athletics.

PRESENTATION—JHS REVIEW
Some of the areas that make Jackson High School unique have come under scrutiny. In particular, parents are concerned that students are not being offered higher level courses. They are not performing at levels that are WASL-consistent with schools of similar socioeconomic status and are constantly lower than schools with similar and other indicators.

Karst provided background information concerning the BERC group, which conducted the JHS program review. They are a very credible group and bring a wealth of knowledge to the process. Dr. Duane Baker, a longtime educator, heads up the BERC group, composed of a team of experts. Over 300 program evaluations have been conducted by this group at school sites, both nationally and locally. In fact, the Gates Foundation has a history of contracting with the BERC group to determine whether recipients of Gates grants are achieving their stated goals.

Area 2 Executive Director Lynn Evans said the BERC group used a thorough research design and helped the District develop tools for the review, including interviewing and holding focus groups of staff, students and parents as well as central office administrators. In all, they spoke with 173 people involved with the school. They performed a Teacher Perspectives Questionnaire (TPQ), to which 82 percent of the staff responded. They administered the College Awareness Survey, to which 433 students responded. They collected data from SAT scores, Advanced Placement (AP) results and grade reports from the University of Washington. They also gathered artifacts from the school such as minutes of committee meetings. They identified groups of like schools in order to compare outcomes. They reviewed Jackson High School’s School Improvement Plan and compared it with others in the state. Lastly, they conducted classroom observations—they were in 67 classrooms over a two-day period. Six observers saw the classrooms. In every tenth classroom, two observers witnessed the same classroom and compared their results. Each of the aforementioned activities helped form a picture of the current status of the school.

The report’s focus is in the areas of leading indicators, which are predictors of the direction the BERC group thinks the school might take in the future. One of the tools used by the BERC group was the survey around the nine characteristics of high performing schools. It reveals strong areas at JHS as well as areas of need. JHS’s strengths include that the staff identifies theirs as a supportive learning environment as well as one where staff shows positive caring for the students. They also have a strong interest in, and they work on, curriculum and instruction and aligning it to standards. Areas of need include the need for a clear agreement on a central purpose/direction and a shared vision; leadership, both staff and administrative; setting consistent and high standards and expectations for all students; development of teamwork and collegial planning around instruction; and how to involve parents and community in the work of the school.

Another leading indicator came from teacher surveys. From the TPQ, the BERC group identified that staff members have a strong belief in active inquiry and in-depth learning—they are very interested in constructivist instruction. The school needs work, however, in the areas of receiving teacher input, personalizing learning for their students, developing staff leadership, and aligning instruction and how they teach with their belief in active and in-depth learning.

In terms of trailing indicators, which are the educational results and the outcomes of JHS’s performance over the past few years, one important piece is the WASL results. Lynn showed a graph representing the average percent passing composite scores for reading, writing and math for various high school groups in the state including JHS. Other data considered was JHS’s graduation rate; the percentage of students in the graduating class taking the SAT tests and their math and verbal scores; the percentage of students entering two- and four-year colleges; the GPA at the University of Washington for freshmen; and the number of AP tests and the scores. In comparison to the top 15 schools, JHS’s performance was generally in the lower range.

Terry Edwards discussed the student survey to assess college awareness and attitudes. Survey high points included that teachers, parents and students responded that college will be an important part of students’ post-high school experience. Eighty-one percent of students surveyed said a college degree would be important for them to obtain a successful job; and 78 percent reported that college would be essential to their career plans. Atypically, a greater percentage of 11^th grade students than 12^th graders felt that high school prepared them for college. Students were also asked how they spent their out-of-school time. Seventy-one percent of JHS students reported that they spent more than five hours per week watching TV as opposed to only 37 percent of other students reporting spending more than five hours per week on homework.

Three areas of focus for the BERC group study were the culminating exhibition (CE), 4x4 block schedule and challenging course options. Of these three categories, CE showed the greatest range of views among teachers, parents and students. Teachers thought the CE was good, but parents felt it had major flaws in terms of inconsistencies (requirements were not clearly communicated, student progress was not properly monitored and requirements between teachers’ grading varied). Students’ views fell between parents and teachers.

The 4x4 block was also an area eliciting controversy. Generally, students and teachers liked the relaxed nature of the block schedule. Parents from all representative groups did not favor the 4x4 schedule—it limited instructional time; it decreased opportunities to take sequential classes; and it limited the number of elective opportunities. Observers reported that the extra time afforded by the 4x4 schedule was not used efficiently or effectively—it was not used for in-depth learning and mastery; rather, it was often used for homework completion or activities not requiring students to stretch their thinking.

Regarding challenging options, teachers, parents and students for the most part believed that JHS provides adequate opportunities for students to take challenging coursework. However, the AP/IB booster group continues to advocate for the full adoption of the entire AP program. According to the survey, students felt that AP was meeting the needs of interested students and none of the 433 student respondents were interested in taking more AP classes. Aside from the AP/IB boosters, teachers, parents and students reported that they were satisfied with the current mix of challenging course options. A minority of parents reported that JHS was focusing too much attention on upper-end classes and challenging options, and students in the middle needed more attention.

In summary, Karst reminded the group that the final report is yet to come. Nevertheless, it is clear that staff members are committed to the students at JHS although the original focus of the school has dissipated somewhat. The lack of focus, along with increased criticism, has resulted in a lack of relational trust. There are definite areas of strength, but there are also areas needing a more focused approach. Rather than using the report as a wrecking ball, it was Karst’s recommendation to use it as a building block. Three points need to be made: the District is excited but anxiously awaiting the report and it will be shared with the Board, staff and community as soon as it is available; JHS and District staff will be committed to improving classroom instruction at JHS and will need to work effectively with parents, students and all parties to move forward; and the administration will continue to keep the Board informed as the process unfolds.

When asked about follow-up meetings with the JHS community, Karst said tonight’s information will be shared later this evening with a group of parent leaders and support organizations at JHS. In addition, Dr. Whitehead is preparing a written notification which will include the date of an upcoming parent meeting (February 25 at 7 p.m. at the JHS commons).

President Dutton thanked the staff for their report.

PRESENTATION—JHS REVIEW
(cont’d.)

PRESENTATION—JHS REVIEW
(cont’d.)
ACTION ITEMS
Roy Yates moved for approval of the revised Consent Agenda and Sue Cooper seconded the motion.
Personnel Report (REVISED) (E:90/04);
Voucher Lists (E:91/04);

3) Final Acceptance: Lighting System Upgrades to Garfield, James Monroe, Silver Lake and View Ridge Elementary Schools (Bid 01:02/03);
4) Agreement Between Everett School District No. 2 and Assistance League of Everett for Participation in the ALE Graduation Award Program (E:92/04);
5) Agreement Between Everett School District No. 2 and Assistance League of Everett for Participation in Operation School Bell (E:93/04);
6) Agreement Between Everett School District No. 2 and Assistance League of Everett for Participation in Operation Dent-Alert (E:94/04);
7) Monetary Gift in the Amount of $34,400.99 From James Monroe Elementary School PTA to James Monroe Elem. School for Playground Equipment (E:95/04);
8) Monetary Gift in the Amount of $8,500 From Woodside Elementary School PTA to Woodside Elem. School for Updating of Playground Equipment (E:96/04).
The motion carried unanimously.

CONSENT AGENDA
The Administration recommended the Board of Directors adopt Resolution 792: Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement Between Everett School District and Steilacoom Historical School District No. 1 (for copiers, duplicators and related services) (Res.15/04). This resolution is requested specifically for the use of the
Board-awarded contract for “copiers, duplicators and related services.” However, this
resolution will establish general authority for cooperative purchasing on other projects, as needed. Associate Superintendent for Finance and Operations Jeff Riddle complimented Procurement Supervisor Jennifer Farmer for her good work. With no further discussion, Roy Yates moved for adoption of the aforementioned Resolution 792. Paul Roberts seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

RES. 792: INTERGOVERN-MENTAL CO-OP PURCHASING AGREEMENT BETWEEN EVT. S.D. & ; STEILA-COOM S.D. (for copiers, duplicators & related services)
The Administration recommended the Board of Directors authorize a call for bids for the Silver Lake Elementary School parking lot expansion. The estimated construction cost is $1,270,000, plus Washington State sales tax. This project includes an expansion of the parking facilities at Silver Lake Elementary School and relocation of two access driveways from SR 527 (Bothell-Everett Highway) to 129^th Street S.E. and 127^th Street S.E. This work is in response to increased traffic congestion in the area and an upcoming project by the WSDOT to construct improvements to SR 527. The construction is anticipated to begin in Spring, 2004, and be completed by Fall, 2004, but is contingent upon Conditional Use Permit approvals by Snohomish County. Director of Facilities and Planning Mike Gunn said this project has been in the works for approximately seven years. Work on the school’s parking lot will happen this summer, while the state will be doing their construction at about the same time as the area in front of the school. Completion of this project will provide new driveways, more parking, separate bus loading areas from main parking, and better pedestrian access.

{Karen Madsen called in at 5:10 p.m.}

Mike noted that there will be a period of time during which it will be necessary for those attempting to access Silver Lake Elementary School to navigate the highway construction zone. When asked whether the District will have the opportunity to get a better purchase price for certain construction services and/or supplies because of the highway widening work, Mike said it is the District’s plan to pursue that avenue.

With no further discussion, Paul Roberts moved to authorize a call for bids for the Silver Lake Elementary School parking lot expansion. Roy Yates seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS: SILVER LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARKING LOT EXPANSION

AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS: Silver Lake Elementary School Parking Lot Expansion (cont’d.)
The Administration recommended the Board of Directors adopt Resolution 793:
Authorizing the Superintendent and/or Associate Superintendent of Finance and
Operations to submit a request for eligibility for the state credit enhancement program
(Res. 16/04). If eligible, the District can potentially realize substantial savings by
using the state’s credit rating when selling general obligation bonds. Jeff Riddle reported that the District anticipates re-funding its 1997 bonds and, therefore, may realize approximately $1,000,000 for the taxpayers.

With no further discussion, Sue Cooper moved for adoption of the aforementioned Resolution 793. Paul Roberts seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION 793: Authorizing the Supt and/or Associate Supt of Finance & Operations to Submit a Request for Eligibility for the WA State School Dist. Credit Enhancement Program
BOARD COMMENTS
Board member Roberts thanked District staff who helped arrange his attendance at the FRN conference and for help in setting meetings with legislators in Olympia.

President Dutton noted the community partnership items on tonight’s Consent Agenda—she expressed the Board’s appreciation for the positive connections with the PTA and the Assistance League.

Board member Madsen reported that she has been helping work on the science WASL this week and noted that there are a number of District “shining stars” involved in this work.
BOARD COMMENTS
BOARD ACTION AND/OR BOARD DISCUSSION
With no further comments, President Dutton recessed the regular meeting into executive session at 5:30 p.m. for discussion of personnel. It was estimated the executive session would be of ten minutes’ duration.

At 5:40 p.m., it was announced the executive session would extend for five minutes.

At 5:45 p.m., President Dutton re-convened the regular meeting and adjourned immediately.
ADDENDUM --EXECUTIVE SESSION PERSONNEL
_______________________ ________________________________ Carol Whitehead, Secretary Kristie Dutton, President

The Board of Directors of Everett Public Schools, Snohomish County, Washington, held a regular Board meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 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 Sue Cooper, Kristie Dutton, Paul Roberts and Roy Yates. Board member Madsen was absent, but called in at 5:10 p.m. to participate in the remainder the meeting. President Dutton welcomed a group of approximately ten students from the University of Washington, Bothell campus, teaching program who were in attendance as part of a class project.
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 personnel. With that, Sue Cooper 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 27, 2004. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.		APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS Superintendent Carol Whitehead reported that Cascade High School horticulture students and FFA members had two displays at the recent Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle. One of the displays was awarded a second place. Dr. Whitehead called on Associate Superintendent for Instruction Karst Brandsma to report on student athletes who have signed letters of intent. They are: Girls’ fastpitch softball —from Jackson High School—Meaghan Craig to Central Washington University; from Everett High School, Victoria Courey to the University of Washington; from Everett High School, Alyshia Smith to the University of Kansas in Kansas City, Missouri; and from Everett High School, Amy Hudson to Central Michigan University. Football —from Jackson High School, Scott Allanson to Western Washington University ; from Jackson High School, Johnnie Kirton to the University of Washington; and from Cascade High School, Joe Penell to Western Washington University. Golf —from Cascade High School, Renee Skidmore to University of Idaho at Moscow. Girls’ soccer —Jennifer Shropshire to Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida.		SUPT’S COMMENTS
Next, Dr. Whitehead shared a handout showing current ELL (English Language Learners) numbers for the District (E:89/04). In total, 1239 students who speak 21 different languages are being served. Schools such as Emerson, Hawthorne and Everett High School are among those with the highest number of ELL students (between 100 and 200). This year, there has been an influx of students who do not speak English as their primary language but, thanks to the work of good instructors, they are succeeding. In fact, it has been found that when students who originally came to the District as ELL present their culminating exhibitions, they do very well. In closing, Dr. Whitehead reported that she and Board members Cooper, Dutton and Roberts attended the recent WASA/WSSDA legislative conference in Olympia. Mr. Roberts said that legislators with whom they met were supportive of the WASA/ WSSDA legislative agenda, which includes: conducting a financial study to examine how education in this state is funded–it has not been studied for over 30 years; making changes to education reform that will allow for administering the WASL with some flexibility; school construction; and the simple majority bill. Mr. Roberts also reported that he recently attended the Federal Relations Network conference in Washington, D.C. He distributed a document outlining federal priorities for NSBA (attached). Issues for focus were: IDEA reauthorization; the NCLB Act and school districts’ commitment to the principles of the act, but districts’ serious disagreement with how the act is being administered by the Federal government; and reauthorization of the school lunch program.		SUPT’S COMMENTS (cont’d.)
PUBLIC COMMENT None.		PUBLIC COMMENT
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES None.		RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION Karst Brandsma opened the presentation concerning the Jackson High School program review. He said a final report will be available in one to three weeks, but the administration provided a summary that included leading and trailing indicators from the consultant’s work. Incorporated in the research design is input from the students as well as concerns raised about challenging options, the culminating exhibition project and the school’s 4x4 block schedule. In terms of background information, Karst indicated that the District operates under a continuous improvement model. Program reviews are not uncommon and have been conducted in other areas, including human resources, special ed and athletics.		PRESENTATION—JHS REVIEW
Some of the areas that make Jackson High School unique have come under scrutiny. In particular, parents are concerned that students are not being offered higher level courses. They are not performing at levels that are WASL-consistent with schools of similar socioeconomic status and are constantly lower than schools with similar and other indicators. Karst provided background information concerning the BERC group, which conducted the JHS program review. They are a very credible group and bring a wealth of knowledge to the process. Dr. Duane Baker, a longtime educator, heads up the BERC group, composed of a team of experts. Over 300 program evaluations have been conducted by this group at school sites, both nationally and locally. In fact, the Gates Foundation has a history of contracting with the BERC group to determine whether recipients of Gates grants are achieving their stated goals.
Area 2 Executive Director Lynn Evans said the BERC group used a thorough research design and helped the District develop tools for the review, including interviewing and holding focus groups of staff, students and parents as well as central office administrators. In all, they spoke with 173 people involved with the school. They performed a Teacher Perspectives Questionnaire (TPQ), to which 82 percent of the staff responded. They administered the College Awareness Survey, to which 433 students responded. They collected data from SAT scores, Advanced Placement (AP) results and grade reports from the University of Washington. They also gathered artifacts from the school such as minutes of committee meetings. They identified groups of like schools in order to compare outcomes. They reviewed Jackson High School’s School Improvement Plan and compared it with others in the state. Lastly, they conducted classroom observations—they were in 67 classrooms over a two-day period. Six observers saw the classrooms. In every tenth classroom, two observers witnessed the same classroom and compared their results. Each of the aforementioned activities helped form a picture of the current status of the school. The report’s focus is in the areas of leading indicators, which are predictors of the direction the BERC group thinks the school might take in the future. One of the tools used by the BERC group was the survey around the nine characteristics of high performing schools. It reveals strong areas at JHS as well as areas of need. JHS’s strengths include that the staff identifies theirs as a supportive learning environment as well as one where staff shows positive caring for the students. They also have a strong interest in, and they work on, curriculum and instruction and aligning it to standards. Areas of need include the need for a clear agreement on a central purpose/direction and a shared vision; leadership, both staff and administrative; setting consistent and high standards and expectations for all students; development of teamwork and collegial planning around instruction; and how to involve parents and community in the work of the school. Another leading indicator came from teacher surveys. From the TPQ, the BERC group identified that staff members have a strong belief in active inquiry and in-depth learning—they are very interested in constructivist instruction. The school needs work, however, in the areas of receiving teacher input, personalizing learning for their students, developing staff leadership, and aligning instruction and how they teach with their belief in active and in-depth learning. In terms of trailing indicators, which are the educational results and the outcomes of JHS’s performance over the past few years, one important piece is the WASL results. Lynn showed a graph representing the average percent passing composite scores for reading, writing and math for various high school groups in the state including JHS. Other data considered was JHS’s graduation rate; the percentage of students in the graduating class taking the SAT tests and their math and verbal scores; the percentage of students entering two- and four-year colleges; the GPA at the University of Washington for freshmen; and the number of AP tests and the scores. In comparison to the top 15 schools, JHS’s performance was generally in the lower range. Terry Edwards discussed the student survey to assess college awareness and attitudes. Survey high points included that teachers, parents and students responded that college will be an important part of students’ post-high school experience. Eighty-one percent of students surveyed said a college degree would be important for them to obtain a successful job; and 78 percent reported that college would be essential to their career plans. Atypically, a greater percentage of 11^th grade students than 12^th graders felt that high school prepared them for college. Students were also asked how they spent their out-of-school time. Seventy-one percent of JHS students reported that they spent more than five hours per week watching TV as opposed to only 37 percent of other students reporting spending more than five hours per week on homework. Three areas of focus for the BERC group study were the culminating exhibition (CE), 4x4 block schedule and challenging course options. Of these three categories, CE showed the greatest range of views among teachers, parents and students. Teachers thought the CE was good, but parents felt it had major flaws in terms of inconsistencies (requirements were not clearly communicated, student progress was not properly monitored and requirements between teachers’ grading varied). Students’ views fell between parents and teachers. The 4x4 block was also an area eliciting controversy. Generally, students and teachers liked the relaxed nature of the block schedule. Parents from all representative groups did not favor the 4x4 schedule—it limited instructional time; it decreased opportunities to take sequential classes; and it limited the number of elective opportunities. Observers reported that the extra time afforded by the 4x4 schedule was not used efficiently or effectively—it was not used for in-depth learning and mastery; rather, it was often used for homework completion or activities not requiring students to stretch their thinking. Regarding challenging options, teachers, parents and students for the most part believed that JHS provides adequate opportunities for students to take challenging coursework. However, the AP/IB booster group continues to advocate for the full adoption of the entire AP program. According to the survey, students felt that AP was meeting the needs of interested students and none of the 433 student respondents were interested in taking more AP classes. Aside from the AP/IB boosters, teachers, parents and students reported that they were satisfied with the current mix of challenging course options. A minority of parents reported that JHS was focusing too much attention on upper-end classes and challenging options, and students in the middle needed more attention. In summary, Karst reminded the group that the final report is yet to come. Nevertheless, it is clear that staff members are committed to the students at JHS although the original focus of the school has dissipated somewhat. The lack of focus, along with increased criticism, has resulted in a lack of relational trust. There are definite areas of strength, but there are also areas needing a more focused approach. Rather than using the report as a wrecking ball, it was Karst’s recommendation to use it as a building block. Three points need to be made: the District is excited but anxiously awaiting the report and it will be shared with the Board, staff and community as soon as it is available; JHS and District staff will be committed to improving classroom instruction at JHS and will need to work effectively with parents, students and all parties to move forward; and the administration will continue to keep the Board informed as the process unfolds. When asked about follow-up meetings with the JHS community, Karst said tonight’s information will be shared later this evening with a group of parent leaders and support organizations at JHS. In addition, Dr. Whitehead is preparing a written notification which will include the date of an upcoming parent meeting (February 25 at 7 p.m. at the JHS commons). President Dutton thanked the staff for their report.		PRESENTATION—JHS REVIEW (cont’d.) PRESENTATION—JHS REVIEW (cont’d.)
ACTION ITEMS Roy Yates moved for approval of the revised Consent Agenda and Sue Cooper seconded the motion. Personnel Report (REVISED) (E:90/04); Voucher Lists (E:91/04); 3) Final Acceptance: Lighting System Upgrades to Garfield, James Monroe, Silver Lake and View Ridge Elementary Schools (Bid 01:02/03); 4) Agreement Between Everett School District No. 2 and Assistance League of Everett for Participation in the ALE Graduation Award Program (E:92/04); 5) Agreement Between Everett School District No. 2 and Assistance League of Everett for Participation in Operation School Bell (E:93/04); 6) Agreement Between Everett School District No. 2 and Assistance League of Everett for Participation in Operation Dent-Alert (E:94/04); 7) Monetary Gift in the Amount of $34,400.99 From James Monroe Elementary School PTA to James Monroe Elem. School for Playground Equipment (E:95/04); 8) Monetary Gift in the Amount of $8,500 From Woodside Elementary School PTA to Woodside Elem. School for Updating of Playground Equipment (E:96/04). The motion carried unanimously.		CONSENT AGENDA
The Administration recommended the Board of Directors adopt Resolution 792: Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement Between Everett School District and Steilacoom Historical School District No. 1 (for copiers, duplicators and related services) (Res.15/04). This resolution is requested specifically for the use of the Board-awarded contract for “copiers, duplicators and related services.” However, this resolution will establish general authority for cooperative purchasing on other projects, as needed. Associate Superintendent for Finance and Operations Jeff Riddle complimented Procurement Supervisor Jennifer Farmer for her good work. With no further discussion, Roy Yates moved for adoption of the aforementioned Resolution 792. Paul Roberts seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.		RES. 792: INTERGOVERN-MENTAL CO-OP PURCHASING AGREEMENT BETWEEN EVT. S.D. & ; STEILA-COOM S.D. (for copiers, duplicators & related services)
The Administration recommended the Board of Directors authorize a call for bids for the Silver Lake Elementary School parking lot expansion. The estimated construction cost is $1,270,000, plus Washington State sales tax. This project includes an expansion of the parking facilities at Silver Lake Elementary School and relocation of two access driveways from SR 527 (Bothell-Everett Highway) to 129^th Street S.E. and 127^th Street S.E. This work is in response to increased traffic congestion in the area and an upcoming project by the WSDOT to construct improvements to SR 527. The construction is anticipated to begin in Spring, 2004, and be completed by Fall, 2004, but is contingent upon Conditional Use Permit approvals by Snohomish County. Director of Facilities and Planning Mike Gunn said this project has been in the works for approximately seven years. Work on the school’s parking lot will happen this summer, while the state will be doing their construction at about the same time as the area in front of the school. Completion of this project will provide new driveways, more parking, separate bus loading areas from main parking, and better pedestrian access. {Karen Madsen called in at 5:10 p.m.} Mike noted that there will be a period of time during which it will be necessary for those attempting to access Silver Lake Elementary School to navigate the highway construction zone. When asked whether the District will have the opportunity to get a better purchase price for certain construction services and/or supplies because of the highway widening work, Mike said it is the District’s plan to pursue that avenue. With no further discussion, Paul Roberts moved to authorize a call for bids for the Silver Lake Elementary School parking lot expansion. Roy Yates seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.		AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS: SILVER LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARKING LOT EXPANSION AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS: Silver Lake Elementary School Parking Lot Expansion (cont’d.)
The Administration recommended the Board of Directors adopt Resolution 793: Authorizing the Superintendent and/or Associate Superintendent of Finance and Operations to submit a request for eligibility for the state credit enhancement program (Res. 16/04). If eligible, the District can potentially realize substantial savings by using the state’s credit rating when selling general obligation bonds. Jeff Riddle reported that the District anticipates re-funding its 1997 bonds and, therefore, may realize approximately $1,000,000 for the taxpayers. With no further discussion, Sue Cooper moved for adoption of the aforementioned Resolution 793. Paul Roberts seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.		RESOLUTION 793: Authorizing the Supt and/or Associate Supt of Finance & Operations to Submit a Request for Eligibility for the WA State School Dist. Credit Enhancement Program
BOARD COMMENTS Board member Roberts thanked District staff who helped arrange his attendance at the FRN conference and for help in setting meetings with legislators in Olympia. President Dutton noted the community partnership items on tonight’s Consent Agenda—she expressed the Board’s appreciation for the positive connections with the PTA and the Assistance League. Board member Madsen reported that she has been helping work on the science WASL this week and noted that there are a number of District “shining stars” involved in this work.		BOARD COMMENTS
BOARD ACTION AND/OR BOARD DISCUSSION With no further comments, President Dutton recessed the regular meeting into executive session at 5:30 p.m. for discussion of personnel. It was estimated the executive session would be of ten minutes’ duration. At 5:40 p.m., it was announced the executive session would extend for five minutes. At 5:45 p.m., President Dutton re-convened the regular meeting and adjourned immediately.		ADDENDUM --EXECUTIVE SESSION PERSONNEL
_______________________ ________________________________ Carol Whitehead, Secretary Kristie Dutton, President