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, October 6, 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: Sue Cooper, Kristie Dutton and Ed Petersen. Absent: Carol Andrews and Karen Madsen.
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| ADOPTION OF AGENDA
President Cooper called for any changes to the agenda. Superintendent Gary Cohn indicated that there would be a revised Personnel Report. With that, Ed Petersen moved for adoption of the revised agenda. Kristie Dutton seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | ADOPTION OF AGENDA | |
| APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Kristie Dutton moved to adopt the minutes of the regular meeting of September 22, 2009. Ed Petersen seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
| SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
Dr. Cohn reported that the District’s official October 1 enrollment was 111 students more than projected—elementary enrollment was over by 121; middle over by 9; and high school was under by 19. Thus, enrollment projections were very, very close to the actual numbers. He complimented all who work on enrollment projections—their efforts are incredible. Next, Dr. Cohn distributed a copy of some information from the OSPI website regarding national common core standards (E:31/10). It is a topic that will attract a great deal of attention. Dr. Cohn, Sally Lancaster, Matt McCauley and Greg Stair recently attended an equity institute sponsored by the Western Washington University College of Education. It was conducted by Gary Howard who is associated with the REACH program. Thirteen school districts were represented. Matt, Sally and Greg are co-members of the diversity task force from last year. It is Dr. Cohn’s plan to call together those folks with the REACH trainers in the District to debrief and look at what was learned. It is Dr. Cohn’s plan to bring to the Board within approximately 30 to 45 days a proposal for what will follow the Diversity Task Force and build on its recommendations. Community meetings have been held around that topic as well. | SUPT. COMMENTS | |
| Dr. Cohn asked the Board members to complete the WSSDA self-assessment pilot survey during tonight’s rest break. It will serve as a profile comparison to what the Board has done in the past and to what the Lighthouse work might look like.
An educational effectiveness survey will be done soon and will be used for comparative work as well as offering an expanded look at diversity. It will be implemented in lieu of the tool that has been used through the OSPI website. It is a more sophisticated tool with a much broader database that can be used for comparative work around our school improvement process. Dr. Cohn hopes that a great deal of parent and student input will be gathered in the process and compare it to districts and schools that are in similar circumstances. A District school improvement support team is being formed to assist those schools in particular that have moved into the federal Step improvement process. He has asked some people who have been engaged in school improvement facilitation throughout the state and have experienced some success in the process to assist the District. More information will be forthcoming. All involved are excited about the work. Dr. Cohn recently attended a wonderful ‘Young Americans’ concert at Jackson High School. Within the next few days, Cascade High School will hold a safe drivers assembly at which NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne will be the guest speaker. It will be sponsored by Allstate. Dr. Cohn asked the Board to mark their calendars for Everett High School’s 100-year celebration that will be January 30. Another very important date to hold is November 5 at 4:30 p.m. at Evergreen Middle School which is when retiring Board member Sue Cooper will be feted. North Middle School’s Cynthia Gaub has been named the WAEA 2009 Art Educator of the Year. Dr. Cohn called the Board’s attention to the District staff artwork that is on display in the Educational Service Center. He also offered possible dates for middle school and high school awards ceremonies for the late winter and spring. In closing, Dr. Cohn distributed information concerning I-1033 as well as sample resolutions for the Board’s consideration (attached). He said the Board may want to have a public hearing at the next Board meeting and adopt a resolution taking a position on I-1033. He asked Board members to contact him if they have a preference for the wording of the resolution. |
SUPT. COMMENTS (cont’d.) | |
| PUBLIC COMMENT
None. | PUBLIC COMMENT
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RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
None. | RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
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| ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
Gateway Middle School is among 104 schools in the state to receive the “Great Schools Award” as one of the highest improving Washington schools in reading and mathematics over the last five school years. Previously known as the "State Superintendent's Schools of Distinction-Learning Improvement Award," this honor is now known as the “Great Schools Award” and is sponsored through the Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE) and the Washington Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa International (PDK-WA). The same methodology used to determine the “Schools of Distinction” award in 2007 and 2008 is being used to determine the “Great Schools” award for 2009. Sue Mills, Executive Director of the Center for Educational Effectiveness, Inc., was present to acknowledge Gateway Middle School. Ms. Mills indicated that she was present tonight representing the Washington chapter of PDK-WA and the Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE). She introduced Gateway’s principal Peter Scott, assistant principal Elizabeth Nunes, teacher leader Stacy Dachenhausen and second grade teacher Barbara Tibbits. This is the second year in a row for Gateway to be honored. Ms. Mills presented the team with a certificate and a banner. She noted that this award is something that is achieved over time and is based on growth. Ms. Mills distributed a copy of the Washington State Kappan journal (E:32/10). Dr. Cohn noted that CEE works with schools and districts across the state at gathering data for the school improvement process. CEE has worked with 640 schools and 64,000 staff across the state. Following comments from Mr. Scott and Ms. Nunes, Superintendent Cohn congratulated the school. President Cooper extended congratulations from the Board and commended the good work that is going on. It is wonderful to have that validated by objective measurements. She thanked Ms. Mills for coming tonight to make this special presentation. |
CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS/GATEWAY MIDDLE SCHOOL PRESENTATION | |
| The District is field testing the implementation of the newly-adopted elementary reading program (E:33/10). The new program is being implemented at Garfield, Lowell and Forest View Elementary Schools. The Board adopted the Good Habits Great Readers program in the spring of 2009. Tonight’s presentation addressed the implementation process and professional development programs.
Chief Academic Officer Terry Edwards introduced Curriculum Specialist Loretta Comfort who said the field tests are conducted to learn how to implement the program in the most effective manner. Following a PowerPoint presentation, she described the difference between a field test and a pilot. She said the Good Habits Great Readers program is based on a balanced literacy model using modeled reading, shared reading, guided reading and independent reading and on the seven habits of good reading. A proactive approach, thorough planning and problem solving enhance the implementation process. Curriculum Specialist Christy Clausen continued the presentation, saying that professional development is key to any adoption. She reviewed the work that was done, speaking of the job-embedded coaching and launching pieces. Loretta talked about the evaluation piece which includes weekly meetings, classroom visits, feedback from teachers, evaluations of professional development and periodic surveys. The program will be rolled out next year with the 14 other schools. Loretta then called on representatives from the three pilot schools to provide brief assessments of the program. Forest View Elementary School principal Brenda Fuglevand said the program is easy to implement and purposeful. She shared a list of all the good things that are being said about the program. The DRA II is an incredible part of the program. Lowell Elementary School principal Colleen Welsh thanked the Board for adopting the program and said Lowell has an explosion of excitement about reading. The collaboration is amazing. Garfield Elementary School principal Shannon Arnim along with reading specialist/coach Holly Martinez talked about the positive impact on staff and students. This is an amazing opportunity and teachers are very excited about teaching students. Loretta closed by saying the team is fantastic. President Cooper asked whether the DRA II is part of the adoption, to which Loretta said yes. Christy said it is more detailed in how students are assessed. Teachers are getting more detailed information. Dr. Cohn thanked the group for their work and for tonight’s informative presentation. President Cooper also thanked Loretta, Christy and the team for field testing this work. Board member Petersen noted that allocation of resources is always a challenge and the important value of this curriculum and the collaboration that is engendered is great. | FIELD TEST
IMPLEMENTATION
OF ELEM. RDNG. PROGRAM: GOOD HABITS GREAT READERS
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| Resolution 967-Authorizing the Sale of Unlimited Tax General Obligation Bonds, Series 2009 and Delegation to the Superintendent for Bond Sale, was adopted at the August 25, 2009, Board meeting. The administration presented the outcome of the bond sale which occurred on September 24, 2009 (E:34/10). Director of Finance and Operations Jeff Moore introduced bond advisor Bob Yeastings, underwriters Chad Cowan and Jack Eaton of DA Davidson and bond counsel Stacy Krauchau-Lewis of K&L Gates. Everett was the first district in the state that issued BAB bonds and QSCB bonds. Taxpayers were saved approximately $15.3 million on a $48.9 million bond sale—this is a significant accomplishment. Jack Eaton said there had to be investor calls, so it was a different process; investors were looking for highly-rated bonds to invest in, and more than one buyer was found. Board member Dutton extended kudos to the District team and our partners in the community. President Cooper thanked everyone for their work and efforts.
| UPDATE—9/24/09 SALE OF UNLIMITED TAX GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS-SERIES 2009
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| ACTION ITEMS
Ed Petersen moved for approval of the revised consent agenda. Kristie Dutton seconded the motion. |
CONSENT AGENDA | |
| 1) Personnel Report (revised) (E:35/10);
2) Voucher Lists (E:36/10); 3) Resolution 970—Cancel Warrants Outstanding Dated Prior to 8-31-08 (Res. 01/10); 4) Change Order No. 1: Memorial Stadium Contaminated Soil Remediation (E:37/10); 5) Change Order No. 3: Everett High School Cafeteria & Commercial Building Seismic Upgrades (E:38/10). The motion carried unanimously. |
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| The Administration recommended the Board of Directors approve the attached request for the Cascade High School Marching Band to travel to Shanghai and Beijing, China (E:39/10). The CHS Marching Band has been nominated to serve as the American high school representative to participate in the annual Shanghai Spring International Music Festival, 2010 World Expo Performance and Beijing National Theatre in Shanghai and Beijing, China. Dates for the trip are April 26, 2010 through May 5, 2010. Approximately 120 students and 30 adult supervisors would participate in this field trip. Executive Director for Area Two Molly Ringo commented. She said CHS is the sole American high school invited to participate. The invitation came from the University of Washington. Travel expenses will be paid by the Chinese government and airfare will be covered by the band. Mark Staley is the CHS band director. President Cooper said this is an exciting opportunity. With no further comments, Kristie Dutton moved to approve the aforementioned request for the Cascade High School Marching Band to travel to Shanghai and Beijing, China. Ed Petersen seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
| INTERNATIONAL FIELD TRIP—CASCADE HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND TO SHANGHAI & BEIJING, CHINA
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| The Administration recommended the Board of Directors adopt Resolution 969 which amends certain administrative matters within Resolution 967, adopted August 25, 2009, which authorized the sale of unlimited tax general obligation bonds (Res. 02/10). The State’s fiscal agent determined that it would not act as fiscal agent with respect to the district’s qualified school construction bonds. Accordingly, this amendment requests that the County Treasurer appoint The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as the paying agent for the qualified school construction bonds and authorizes an agreement with the bank. This amendment also adds a notice provision to the buyer of the qualified school construction bonds when all the proceeds have been spent (added at the request of the buyer). Jeff Moore commented that the resolution is a ‘housekeeping’ resolution to facilitate a relationship with the New York Mellon Trust Company. With no further comments, Ed Petersen moved to adopt the aforementioned Resolution 969 which amends certain administrative matters within Resolution 967, adopted August 25, 2009, which authorized the sale of unlimited tax general obligation bonds. Kristie Dutton seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
| RES. 969—AMENDING RES. 967 AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF UNLIMITED TAX GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2009, & DELE-GATING AUTHORITY TO SUPT. FOR BOND SALE
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| The Administration recommended the Board of Directors approve the renewal of the licensing agreement between the Everett School District and 7th Inning Stretch, L.L.C., for use of baseball facilities at Everett Memorial Stadium (E:40/10). The license agreement extends the existing agreement allowing the Everett AquaSox baseball team to use Everett Memorial Stadium for 38 minor league baseball games, post-season playoff games and ten practices from June through September each year from 2011 to 2017. This agreement is based on the terms and conditions of the existing agreement with minor changes as negotiated between the parties, including provisions related to the new video board, the District’s right to change the use of certain portions of the site and an annual meeting to discuss scheduling and other issues.
Executive Director for Facilities and Operations Mike Gunn introduced Tom Backemeyer, who is the Executive Vice President of the team. Mike reviewed the terms of the agreement, including the video board and the District’s right to change certain portions of the facility. President Cooper said she likes the idea of flexibility. Board member Petersen said this is a win-win situation. Board member Dutton congratulated Tom and the team for putting a great product on the field. The video scoreboard is a special addition. With no further comments, Ed Petersen moved to approve the aforementioned renewal of the licensing agreement between the Everett School District and 7th Inning Stretch, L.L.C., for use of baseball facilities at Everett Memorial Stadium. Kristie Dutton seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | RENEWAL OF LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN EVT. S.D. & 7TH INNING STRETCH, L.L.C., FOR USE OF BASEBALL FACILITIES AT EVT. MEMORIAL STADIUM
RENEWAL OF LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN EVT. S.D. & 7TH INNING STRETCH, L.L.C., FOR USE OF BASEBALL FACILITIES AT EVT. MEMORIAL STADIUM (cont’d.) | |
| BOARD COMMENTS
Board member Petersen congratulated Dr. Cohn and Mike Gunn for their recent work relative to land use planning. They listened to feedback, responded and handled the situation in a way that pleased the voting public. President Cooper echoed Mr. Petersen’s comments and said she, too, believes that they were heard. Board member Dutton said the annual United Way presentations kicked off publicly at the recent Superintendent’s Leadership Team meeting. She thanked Dr. Cohn for devoting so much of that agenda to this subject. With no further comments, President Cooper called for a 20-minute rest break and recess at 6 p.m. At this time, the group moved to conference room C3 which is down the hall from the Board Room. | BOARD
COMMENTS | |
| BOARD ACTION AND/OR BOARD DISCUSSION
President Cooper re-convened the regular meeting at 6:25 p.m. in conference room C3 and then immediately opened the study session concerning strategic plan process options. Dr. Pam Posey led the discussion (E:41/10). She talked about the concepts and processes of strategic planning and the need to use community engagement. Resource allocation is a major part of strategic planning. Strategic planning is an ongoing process. An organization’s vision statement comes out of strategic planning. Strategic refreshment must engage the community. Dr. Cohn said a team needs to be formed to guide the work. President Cooper said there is a need to find out how the world and the community have changed. Board member Dutton cautioned that not everyone will know the language of strategic planning. Board member Petersen said framing the strategic questions will be key. Dr. Posey said it will be important to define the boundaries of input of the community engagement process. A steering team needs to be established. At some point, a large community engagement activity needs to take place. Board member Petersen said he would like to hear from the experts on some of the strategic plan topics. |
STUDY SESSION—STRATEGIC PLAN PROCESS OPTIONS | |
| With no further discussion, President Cooper adjourned the regular meeting at 7:55 p.m.
_____________________________ ________________________________ Gary Cohn, Secretary Sue Cooper, President |