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 24, 2004, beginning at 4 p.m., with an executive session concerning legal issues, in the Board Room of the Educational Service Center, 4730 Colby Avenue, Everett, Washington. Those in attendance were Sue Cooper, Kristie Dutton, Karen Madsen and Roy Yates. Paul Roberts arrived at 4:30 p.m.

     

    At 4 p.m., President Dutton called the regular meeting to order and immediately recessed into executive session for discussion of legal issues. Present were attorneys Mike Patterson and Patricia Buchanan. It was estimated the executive session would be of 30 minutes’ duration.

     

    At 5 p.m., it was announced the executive session would extend for approximately ten minutes.

     

    At 5:05 p.m., President Dutton re-convened the regular meeting.

    		   

     

     

     

      

    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. With that, Karen Madsen moved for adoption of the revised agenda. Sue Cooper 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 February 10, 2004. Paul Roberts seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

    		  APPROVAL OF MINUTES
    SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS

    Superintendent Carol Whitehead noted that, following tonight’s regular Board meeting, a reception and awards ceremony will be held for the middle school students whose art is displayed in the foyer and hallway of the Educational Service Center. This is a special time to recognize these talented young people.

     

    Dr. Whitehead reported that she and Board members Cooper and Dutton were among those attending the recent senior citizens dinner sponsored by the Everett High School leadership class. Approximately 450 attended and the EHS jazz band provided entertainment.

    		  SUPT’S COMMENTS
    Dr. Whitehead called on Everett Public Schools Foundation (EPSF) Executive Director Susan Auchterlonie who announced that Everett Public Schools received the Best of Industry award for its United Way campaign. In addition to this honor, the District received the President’s Award signifying that EPS had the best United Way campaign in the county. She displayed both awards and thanked the Board for their support. Dr. Whitehead commented that Susan is to be commended for her work in coordinating the campaign and presenting the District the opportunity to give back to the community. On behalf of the Board, President Dutton thanked Susan and EPSF for her efforts.

    Susan noted that approximately 20 percent of the Foundation’s budget comes from United Way contributors designating EPSF as the recipient of their donations.

     

    		  
    Next, Executive Director for Area Two Lynn Evans provided a timeline for hiring the new Jackson High School principal. It appears there is a strong pool of candidates. Before winter break, the Administration met with staff to gather information about their vision of a new principal. After winter break, the Administration met with JHS parents for the same reason. An interview team of nine staff and three parents will conduct first-level interviews on March 1. The interviews will take place at Heatherwood Middle School. Part of the process will include taking candidates on a guided tour of JHS to give them a “feel” for the school. Feedback from the guides will be collected at the end of the day and included with the interview data. Dr. Whitehead said it is exciting to have such a large group of applicants for a high school position.   SUPT’S COMMENTS (cont’d.)
    Associate Superintendent for Instruction Karst Brandsma provided a timeline for the Strategic Plan update and planning for next year. Cabinet is in the process of preparing written updates which will be forwarded to Karst’s office by March 8 for finalizing and dissemination by March 18. On May 6, a Leadership Team meeting will be held at 4 p.m. in the Longfellow annex, during which the components of next year’s Strategic Plan will be discussed. The Board is invited to attend. This session will replace the usual update to the Board that takes place during a Board meeting. Next, Cabinet will finalize the plan and it will be presented to the Board at its July 6 meeting. A Board study session concerning last year’s plan will occur on June 8.  
    PUBLIC COMMENT

    None.

    		  PUBLIC COMMENT
    RECOGNITION OF RETIREES

    Director of Communications Gay Campbell reported that one retiree, Fay Moheb, was present. Fay has worked in the District for 19 years. Sue Myers, of the Early Childhood Program, commented that it has been a pleasure working with Fay. Her multicultural background helps in working with a diverse population. She has a generosity of spirit, a good work ethic and obvious compassion. Fay said it is has been an honor working for the District. She has learned a lot and enjoyed the wonderful staff. She noted that her sister, Farishte Risvani, came from Anacortes to attend tonight’s meeting. President Dutton thanked Fay for her devotion to children and for her many years with the District. She then presented her with a memento crystal apple.

    		   RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
    ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

    The attached proposed revised Policy 3205—Students (relating to harassment issues) was presented to the Board of Directors for first reading with approval to be requested at a future Board meeting (E:97/04). Gay Campbell reported that the proposed revised policy is broader than it was originally.

    		   

    PROPOSED REVISED POLICY 3205—STUDENTS (relating to harassment issues) 

    Financial Reports were provided for the Board of Directors’ review (E:98/04). The reports include year-to-date information on revenues and expenditures, General

    Fund projections, a cash report and an investment summary. Associate Superintendent of Finance and Operations Jeff Riddle reported that revenues and expenditures will be within a deficit of approximately $600,000 by the end of the year. It was anticipated that the fund balance would be less at this point in the year, so it appears last year’s cuts have taken hold.

    		  FINANCIAL REPORTS
    ACTION ITEMS

    Sue Cooper moved for approval of the revised Consent Agenda and Karen Madsen seconded the motion.

    1. Personnel Report (REVISED) (E:99/04);
    2. Voucher Lists (E:100/04);
    3. Award of Bid for the Gateway Middle School Eight Classroom Addition (E:101/04);
    4. Resolution 794: Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement Between  Everett School District and Darrington School District (for copiers, duplicators  and related services) (Res. 17/04);
    5. Letter of Understanding Between Everett School District and the City of Everett  Concerning Teen Court (E:102/04);
    6. Agreement Between Everett School District and Snohomish School District for   Interdistrict Cooperative Educational Services for Handicapped Children (E:103/04);
    7. Agreement Between Everett School District and ESD 189 for Educational   Programs for Court Adjudicated Students at Northwest Regional Learning Center  (E:104/04).

    The motion carried unanimously.

    		  

    CONSENT AGENDA

    The Administration recommended the Board of Directors authorize a call for bids for View Ridge Elementary School mechanical system upgrades. The project includes replacing the existing hydronic radiant heat with gas-fired furnaces. This project will increase system reliability and provide improved ventilation. Construction will begin in June, 2004, with substantial completion anticipated by September, 2004. The estimated construction cost is $1,020,000. Director of Construction Hal Beumel provided more details about the project and commented that the new energy management system will result in significant energy savings.

     

    With no further discussion, Paul Roberts moved to authorize the aforementioned call for bids. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

    		  AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS: View Ridge Elementary School Mechanical System Upgrades
    The Administration recommended the Board of Directors approve Resolution 795 which authorizes the sale, issuance and delivery of $18,365,000 of the District’s unlimited tax general obligation refunding bonds, 2004. The purpose of this request is to provide money for the purpose of providing the funds necessary to refund certain of the outstanding unlimited tax general obligation bonds of the District; providing unlimited tax general obligation bonds of the District; providing and authorizing the purchase of certain obligations with the proceeds of the sale of such refunding bonds and for the use and application of the monies to be derived from such investments; providing the redemption of the outstanding bonds to be refunded; providing the date, form, terms and maturities of said refunding bonds and for unlimited tax levies to pay the principal thereof and interest thereon; and approving the sale of such bond.

     

    Jeff Riddle said the bond sale went well, resulting in a net savings of over five percent and approximately $1.2 million. He then introduced Jerry Goebel, of City Group; Alyssa Lang, graduate of Cascade High School and a new analyst with City Group; and Jack Eaton, of Banc of America Securities Group. Mr. Eaton shared a handout concerning the bond sale, noting that the ratings were maintained (Res. 18/04). The documents have been reviewed by legal counsel and district staff.

     

    Following a brief discussion, Roy Yates moved to adopt Resolution 795, as described above. Paul Roberts seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

    		  RESOLUTION 795: Authorizing Sale of Unlimited Tax General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2004

     

    BOARD COMMENTS

    Board member Cooper announced that the Everett Public Schools Foundation annual fundraiser will take place on Wednesday, March 17, at 7:30 a.m., at Cascade High School. This is an important event and critical to carrying on the work of the Foundation which supports Everett Public Schools. The keynote speaker will be Senator Patty Murray. Board member Madsen will serve as the emcee. Ms. Cooper encouraged her Board colleagues and audience participants to attend.

     

    Board member Madsen said she was pleased to represent the Board at the recent AASA conference in San Francisco where Superintendent Whitehead received official designation as Washington’s Superintendent of the Year. Ms. Madsen circulated a copy of the conference newsletter. In addition to the superintendent’s recognition, the convention speakers and workshops were excellent.

     

    On behalf of his family, Board member Yates expressed his heartfelt thanks to the District and community for their support in the loss of his infant granddaughter, Charlotte Norris. This sad time was made less difficult by the kindnesses of so many.

    		  BOARD COMMENTS
    President Dutton adjourned the regular meeting at 5:40 p.m.  
      _______________________ ________________________________ Carol Whitehead, Secretary Kristie Dutton, President
    		    

     

     

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