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, February 23, 2010, 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, Kristie Dutton, Jessica Olson, Ed Petersen and Jeff Russell.
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ADOPTION OF AGENDA
President Petersen called for any revisions to the agenda. There were none. With that, Kristie Dutton moved to adopt the agenda. Jeff Russell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously, with no abstentions.
| | ADOPTION OF AGENDA
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Kristie Dutton moved to adopt the minutes of the special meeting of February 9, 2010. Jeff Russell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously, with no abstentions.
Kristie Dutton moved to adopt the minutes of the regular meeting of February 9, 2010. Jeff Russell seconded the motion. Jessica Olson noted an error on the last page of the minutes regarding the executive session—it should reflect that she was absent from the executive session. The minutes will be corrected and submitted for Board approval at the next regular Board meeting.
| | APPROVAL OF MINUTES
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CONSENT AGENDA
Kristie Dutton moved to approve the following Consent Agenda items; Jeff Russell seconded the motion.
a. Personnel Report
b. Voucher Lists
c. Proposed Revised Policy 1712—Conflicts of Interest
d. Proposed Revised Policy 7000—Financial Management
e. Proposed Tuition Increase for All-Day Kindergarten
Board member Olson asked that Item 3b—Voucher Lists, be removed from the Consent Agenda and placed in the Action Items section as Item 8b. President Petersen called for a vote on the Consent Agenda, absent Item 3b. There was one yes vote, two no votes, and one abstention. The motion failed.
| | CONSENT AGENDA
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Superintendent Cohn suggested that President Petersen entertain a motion to divide the Consent Agenda and move each item individually to the Action Items section.
Board member Russell moved to reconsider (that is, to re-vote) the Consent Agenda. Carol Andrews seconded. President Petersen called for a motion to disapprove the previous Consent Agenda. There were three yes votes and one no vote, with no abstentions, which, said Dr. Cohn, put the Consent Agenda again before the Board for approval, as amended, as a Consent Agenda containing Items 3a, 3c, 3d, and 3e.
Board member Olson made a point of order, saying that Board policy states that if a Board member removes something from the Consent Agenda, it goes down into the regular items of business—that is not appealable.
Board member Dutton moved to restart the motions because of losing track.
Dr. Cohn suggested that President Petersen ask for consideration of the Consent Agenda anew and determine whether someone wants to remove something from it.
President Petersen offered the Consent Agenda for new action and requested whether there was a motion to approve; he further stated that if someone asks to remove something from the Consent Agenda, then that item would be removed to the Action Items section. Carol Andrews moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Kristie Dutton seconded the motion. Jessica Olson asked that Item 3b—Voucher Lists, be pulled from the Consent Agenda and moved to Action Item 8b. President Petersen called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as amended, absent Item 3b—Voucher Lists. Jessica Olson moved to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. There was no second and the motion died for lack of a second.
President Petersen said all items on the Consent Agenda would be moved item-by-item to Action Item 8 as new Items 8c, 8d, 8e, and 8f.
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CONSENT AGENDA
(cont’d.)
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RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
None.
| | RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
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PUBLIC COMMENT
Following a review of the public comment guidelines, President Petersen called on the two individuals who requested to make public comment:
1) Debi Bloomquist—Longtime Eastmont resident—She is concerned about the money being spent on the through road at Jefferson Elementary School and wonders about its purpose. There is no requirement for a through road. Not having a through road is a crime deterrent. What is the Board’s plan for that property?
2) Erling Hessla—Former longtime Eastmont resident—Distributed a document he authored in 1977 concerning the Jefferson Elementary School property (E:120/10). He reflected on having lived in Eastmont and noted that people have always been active in the area. He asked that the open space be preserved.
President Petersen thanked the speakers and said replies would be forthcoming.
| | PUBLIC COMMENT
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SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
Superintendent Cohn called on Debbie McCollum, teacher at Evergreen Middle School, who introduced two students, Mr. Angel Ceja and Ms. Crea Lacey, who were among a large group that took part in visits to Lake Washington Technical College and the University of Washington. Angel and Crea reported on their experiences, including the extent of the programs available as well the impressive buildings and their architecture. Debbie talked about the experience and how special it is for the students to see what it is like at a college campus. The trips were made possible by four different grant sources; seven buses and over 400 students attended. Board member Dutton thanked Debbie and the students on behalf of the Everett Public Schools Foundation—these young people are leaders. Dr. Cohn also thanked principal Joyce Stewart and Debbie McCollum for their work. To the students, he said, you are symbols of success.
| | SUPT’S COMMENTS
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Next, Dr. Cohn extended congratulations to Chief Academic Officer Terry Edwards, Cascade High School principal Cathy Woods and Director of District Improvement and On-Time Graduation Joanne Fabian for their contributions to the excellent interview that appeared in today’s Herald concerning the District’s graduation rate and on-time graduation.
Executive Director for Finance and Operations Jeff Moore talked about the Senate and House budgets that were released today. The Senate budget, as compared to the Governor’s budget, is very similar in terms of funding, perhaps worse. The House budget is more favorable in a number of areas including class size support. The Senate budget slightly increased the K-3 ratio (which they consider basic ed) from 49 per to 49.5 per, wheras the House slightly lowered the K-4 ratio, the difference being that the House budget nearly provides all of the K-4 ratio which is beneficial to the District. The Senate budget provides slightly less funding for classified staff and neither of them provide increases or even the existence of I-728 funding, which was expected. Both budgets provide all-day kindergarten highly capable and both address LEA in restoring it in some way. The House budget includes the additional four percent at this time, but has some caveats that if it goes away we will still get the restoration under the coalition bill, while the Senate budget does not address the additional four percent. On the levy side of the equation, the difficult part of the Senate budget is that the per pupil inflator is decreased by one percent which is about a $1.8 million revenue impact while the House budget remains at four percent and fully provides for us to collect at our authority. A conference budget that is right in the middle is better than where we are today, so let’s
cheer on the House budget more than the Senate budget. More information will be forthcoming.
Dr. Cohn reported that he met with members of the ARC of Snohomish County special education group and he will have a follow-up meeting this week.
Over the Presidents’ Day weekend, Dr. Cohn and his wife traveled to Yakima to watch the Cascade High School Vivace choir perform. More recently, Dr. Cohn and his wife were joined by his father to watch the Jackson High School jazz band perform at Dimitrious’ Jazz Alley in Seattle.
Dr. Cohn distributed the most recent version of the Reports to the Board (E:121/10). He noted that the March 9 Board meeting will include a report on the fiscal outlook and a closed session concerning collective bargaining. The March 16 budget carousel has been moved to March 30 to allow time to process the three community events. It will be held at 4:30 p.m. in the Board Room. The March 23 Board meeting will include the three-year technology plan which is due at OSPI on April 5.
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SUPT’S COMMENTS
(cont’d.)
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ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
Information was presented about the role of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in the District’s Strategic Plan, CTE program and course offerings, and future program changes (E:122/10). Via a PowerPoint presentation, Director of CTE Carl Fender provided a review of CTE program offerings and enrollment on an annual basis.
He discussed a graduate follow-up study for 2005-2007, future employment data, employment breakdown, and the employment outlook. He reviewed the areas of continuing education and technical training, what “college” means in today’s society, CTE and challenging options, and extending CTE activities outside the regular classroom. Next he introduced Kartique and Kaley who talked about their experiences. Kartique is from Jackson High School and has decided to study computer engineering. Kaley is from Cascade High School and described her experiences in DECA. She intends to have a double major in international business and international politics with a minor Japanese.
Terry Edwards said these students are the “ends” to the “means.”
Board member Olson asked about the level of math necessary for CTE classes, to which Carl replied algebra 2. Kaley said it would depend upon the class. Board member Russell complimented the students as capable, articulate young people. When he asked how CTE has helped, Kaley said it was the determining factor for her career decision. Kartique said it taught him how to integrate what he is learning now into his future plans.
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CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION
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Administrative staff provided an update about the District’s communications systems (E:123/10). Director of Communications Mary Waggoner distributed and reviewed a revised PowerPoint presentation. Using the topic of the H1N1 situation as an example, she mapped out the “means to the end.” At the conclusion of her presentation, Board member Dutton commented that there are so many more opportunities to communicate with our publics now than when she joined the Board. Board member Olson asked the amount of the budget of the Communications Department, to which Mary said she did not know off the top of her head. President Petersen said the Board chooses to allocate resources for the program because we know that we need to communicate with staff, students and parents and our community and this translates into safety outcomes, efficiencies, a welcoming environment and an informed team and community that leads to effectiveness. The outcomes are that we have a community that understands what we are doing, why, and feels like a part of it. It is organized, accountable and generating movement in the direction of high achievement for all students. He is impressed with all the tools available. The technology is terrific. This was a good presentation.
| | COMMUNICA-TIONS SYSTEMS UPDATE
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The attached proposed revised Policy 1450—Minutes, was provided for first reading for the Board of Directors, with adoption to be recommended at a future Board meeting (E:124/10). The proposed revision pertains to retaining audiotapes of Board meetings. Advice from the Office of State Archives indicates that audiotapes of Board meetings should be retained for six years, or one year if transcribed, regardless of the existence of approved official minutes of the meeting. Dr. Cohn said that legal counsel has further advised being more clear in the first sentence of the first paragraph by deleting the words “record the” and replace them with the word “keep,” so that the sentence says, “The secretary of the Board or designee shall keep minutes of all Board meetings.”
Board member Olson asked whether the wording allows for the practice that the audio- recording of the subsequent meetings will no longer be done? Dr. Cohn said the practice does not specify whether the Board makes tape recordings of its meetings. The recordings of meetings are not required by statute, but making them engenders a requirement for retention. So, said Ms. Olson, under this policy the District could discontinue its practice of doing audio-recordings? Dr. Cohn said the policy does not address whether we do or don’t do recording, he does not believe. Board member Olson asked whether there are plans to discontinue the audio-recording of Board meetings? Dr. Cohn said he has no plans to stop.
President Petersen clarified past practice and re-stated the proposed revision to the policy. Board member Olson said it is her understanding that the minutes have never been transcribed in the District, to which Dr. Cohn said in the history of a 115-year-old district it would be hard for him to know. He has no experience with any school boards making verbatim transcriptions of their minutes. The training he has received and what he is accustomed to giving is about recording the actions of the board and the essence of the transaction of the items of business.
President Petersen asked whether the District has the capacity to put the audio-recordings on the website, to which Dr. Cohn said yes, we can take analog recordings and put them in another format and place them on the website. There were no concerns expressed by the Board members.
Board member Andrews asked whether there is a way to record the number of hits on the website, to which Dr. Cohn said he would have to check.
| | PROPOSED REVISED POLICY 1450—MINUTES (first reading)
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The Administration recommended the Board of Directors approve the request to the City of Everett to remove the Sequoia High School and Norton Avenue playfield properties from the proposed Norton/Grand Historic Overlay Zone expansion (E:125/10). The City of Everett is proposing to modify their zoning code by expanding the Norton/Grand Historic Overlay Zone in the vicinity of Sequoia High School. This proposal, if approved, would impose new regulatory requirements for all new construction and modifications to existing buildings in the expansion area, including the District’s Sequoia High School and Norton Avenue playfield properties, and approximately 23 existing homes in the adjacent neighborhood. Executive Director of Facilities and Operations Mike Gunn reviewed the request and said there is a hearing tonight in front of the Historical Commission on this subject that begins at 6:30 p.m. Primarily the intent of the overlay zone is to preserve and enhance the historic residential character of the neighborhood. The expansion is targeted primarily at residential neighborhoods and it is not clear how this proposal would affect the District’s properties in terms of its current use and how it would apply to the use of schools or athletic fields. We have no records to indicate that residential structures have ever been located on either of these two properties. Mike also referred to last fall’s meetings with the community during which the District told the community we would not proceed with a proposed change to the zoning code or comprehensive plan without first talking with the City about the future use and disposition of the property, so we are reluctant to support a proposal that would propose a change without following through on what we told the community.
Board member Russell asked whether there are any other District properties in the historic overlay, to which Mike said Doyle Park and perhaps Everett High School.
Board member Olson said it seems we would not want to put up structures that do not conform to the historical nature of the neighborhood. She asked whether there are more legal documents that go along with this description, to which Mike said yes. Ms. Olson said she spoke to Jan Mesten at the City who said that if the District decided to put up another structure that it would just have to comport with the historical nature of the neighborhood. Mike agreed with the assessment. However, it is unclear how the Historical Commission would view a proposal by the District to expand a building in a zone that is not a residential type; thus, until we get clarity, it would be our position to remove the District properties from the City’s request. Dr. Cohn said the District is not petitioning; rather, the administration is asking whether the Board wants the administration to enter testimony in this proceeding where someone else is taking the initiative. We would ask to not be included in order to preserve your ability and your future boards’ ability to manage its property and to not incur additional costs for what you might want to do or potentially lower the value of the property, or if we do nothing, it goes forward without our comment and that potential outcome occurs without our having entered into the discussion. Board member Olson asked whether there is something in the building code that exempts or does not mention schools and the District is concerned that something arbitrary will be imposed, to which Mike said all structures must adhere to the code.
Board member Dutton said we need to have on the record that we need clarity, so it would be her position to ask to be removed from consideration at this time. President Petersen asked when this will be settled, to which Mike said it may be two or three months. President Petersen said the goodwill of the neighborhood is a big factor, as is the property value of these properties and the impact of having resources to invest in kids, but seeking to exclude an historic building (SHS) of ours makes him nervous about the statement being made. The field could be excluded (Norton Avenue). He would be against the recommendation. Board member Olson said this request is rushed and she would be against it. Board members Andrews and Dutton are in favor of asking to be excluded from the proposed expansion area. Board member Russell would need to know more about the implications.
No motion was put forth. Discussion was concluded.
| | PROPOSED EXPANSION OF NORTON/GRAND HISTORIC OVERLAY ZONE
PROPOSED EXPANSION OF NORTON/GRAND HISTORIC OVERLAY ZONE
(cont’d.)
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ACTION ITEMS
The Administration recommended the Board of Directors adopt Resolution 983: James Monroe Elementary School New Construction in Lieu of Modernization of a Portion of View Ridge Elementary School (Res. 15/10). To be eligible for state match funding for 10,124 square feet of space that will no longer be utilized for instructional purposes at View Ridge Elementary School after the school’s modernization, and to be able to fund new instructional space at James Monroe Elementary School that would otherwise be ineligible for state match funding, the Washington Administrative Code (WAC 392-347-042) requires that the existing facility or space being replaced will not be used for instructional purposes after the new construction is completed. It also requires that the facility or space being replaced will be ineligible for any future financial assistance. Facilities and Planning Director Hal Beumel talked about the project.
Board member Olson said it was difficult to read the attached map because it was so small. She requested a larger map and perhaps a walk-through of the facility. She referenced a hydro-therapy pool that is no longer in use and an O/T room that is no longer in use. It seems sad to demolish these and not have them anymore because they will not be there when the school is re-built. Board member Dutton noted that Board members were present when the Board reviewed the design specifications for View Ridge and Monroe. She commended Hal and Mike for the astounding job the Facilities and Operations Department does of saving money and ensuring that we get every single state match dollar possible. Hal said the function of the facility will improve. Executive Director of Human Resources and former Executive Director for Area Two Lynn Evans commented about the inability at Monroe Elementary to place special education students with intense needs. Board member Dutton added that the philosophy is not to have students travel so far from their home school. Dr. Cohn said this step puts in place the capacity for the District to receive almost $1,000,000 in state match that is important to our commitment to the taxpayers and stewardship and getting as much state funds for the projects as possible.
Kristie Dutton moved to adopt the aforementioned Resolution 983. Carol Andrews seconded the motion and the motion carried with one no vote and no abstentions.
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RESOLUTION 983: JAMES MONROE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEW CONSTRUCTION IN LIEU OF MODERNIZATION OF A PORTION OF VIEW RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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The administration recommended adoption of the attached voucher list (E:126/10). Kristie Dutton moved to approve the aforementioned voucher list. Jeff Russell seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously, with no abstentions.
Board member Olson moved to have an itemization of what the items listed on the Voucher Lists were spent on and what department or individual needed the repayment. It is helpful to know how the money is being spent. Jeff Russell seconded the motion. Board member Dutton said this decision needs to be made by the Board in a more thoughtful way. Board member Russell said he wished to table this motion for more discussion. Board member Olson asked that a discussion take place by the next regular Board meeting, and Board member Dutton recommended the discussion occur by the end of the current fiscal year. Board member Russell moved to table the original motion and bring it back to the Board within the next three months (April 20). Jessica Olson seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously, with no abstentions.
Board member Olson moved to have an itemization of legal fees placed in the Board’s Friday packet. She wants to see the legal fees of the attorneys. President Petersen called for a motion to see the detail of legal fees. There was no second and the motion died for lack of a second.
Board member Dutton moved to have a conversation at another time, but she wants to get the people paid.
Board member Olson moved to have an itemization of the voucher lists placed on the District web site so the public can view it. Board member Russell seconded the aforementioned motion. Board member Dutton moved to table the subject to the April 20 Board meeting. Board member Russell seconded the motion and it passed unanimously, with no abstentions.
| | VOUCHERS
VOUCHERS
(cont’d.)
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Jeff Russell moved for approval of the Personnel Report (E:127/10). Kristie Dutton seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously, with no abstentions.
| | PERSONNEL REPORT
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Jeff Russell moved for approval of the proposed revised Policy 1712—Conflicts of Interest (E:128/10). Kristie Dutton seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously, with no abstentions.
| | PROPOSED REVISED POLICY 1712—CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
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Jeff Russell moved for approval of the proposed revised Policy 7000—Financial Management (E:129/10). Kristie Dutton seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously, with no abstentions.
| | PROPOSED REVISED POLICY 7000—FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
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Jeff Russell moved for approval of the proposed tuition increase for all-day kindergarten (E:130/10). Kristie Dutton seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously, with no abstentions.
| | PROPOSED TUITION INCREASE FOR ALL-DAY KINDERGARTEN
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BOARD COMMENTS
Board member Dutton said she is the PTSA liaison for the Board. There is a lot of good work coming from the PTAs. She commented about the Founders’ Day event. She then invited the Board to the Downtown Everett Rotary on March 23 to hear President Petersen talk about his trip to Ethiopia that was sponsored by the Rotary. Meet at the Center at 11:30 a.m. Board member Dutton suggested having a practice of doing thank you notes to those who do good deeds. For example, she wants to send notes to Carol Whitehead, Roy Yates, Karen Madsen and Sue Cooper for their work in helping bring up the graduation rates.
Board member Olson referred to information she received from the District administration concerning truancy filings in the District and the money the District spends on it. Perhaps, she said, she does not understand the data provided, so she would appreciate further clarification. Board member Dutton and President Petersen concurred that this subject deserves further research. Dr. Cohn said the results of additional research will be included in a future Friday Report.
President Petersen said in his new role as Board president, Board member Dutton has been very helpful. He has also had discussions with Dr. Cohn about providing structured time for Board members to meet with Dr. Cohn to help build communication, get questions answered, and orient Board members to upcoming issues. Mr. Petersen suggested standardizing the agenda review meetings with the president and vice president sitting in on those and then setting up on a rotating basis two additional meetings per month for the other Board members to meet with Dr. Cohn two at a time. Mr. Petersen and Ms. Dutton both commented that when they have served as vice president and had to step in and shepherd the meeting without having been at agenda review, it has been awkward.
Board member Olson said she is unclear about the process for getting something on the agenda. Board member Dutton talked about the process of agenda review. She noted that when the Board holds it Board retreat in August (or thereabouts), the list of Reports to the Board is developed and those items then appear on future Board agendas. President Petersen said any Board member can approach the president at any time to include an item on a Board agenda. Agenda items align with the priorities work plan that has been set by the Board.
Board members Russell and Andrews said this plan is okay with them. Ms. Andrews said it offers more opportunities for communication with the superintendent.
| | BOARD
COMMENTS
BOARD
COMMENTS
(cont’d.)
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WORK/STUDY SESSION
None.
| | WORK/STUDY SESSION
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EXECUTIVE/CLOSED SESSION
None.
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With no further discussion President Petersen adjourned the regular meeting at 7:50 pm.
_____________________________ ________________________________
Gary Cohn, Secretary Ed Petersen, President
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