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, June 22, 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. Superintendent Cohn reported that there would be a revised Personnel Report and a correction to Item 6a—Policy 8100—Transportation. With that, Kristie Dutton moved to adopt the revised agenda. Jeff Russell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | ADOPTION OF AGENDA
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| CONSENT AGENDA
Kristie Dutton moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Jeff Russell seconded the motion. Board member Olson requested that Item 2a—Approval of Minutes, be pulled from the Consent Agenda for discussion. Therefore, Consent Item 2a became Action Item 7b—Approval of Minutes. b. Personnel Report (E:231/10); c. Voucher Lists (E:232/10); d. Resolution 999: Boundary Line Adjustment and Quit Claim Deed with Everett Community College (Res. 31/10); e. Resolution 1001: View Ridge Elementary School New Construction in Lieu of Modernization (Res. 32/10); f. Resolution 1002: James Monroe Elementary School Replacement – Intent to Construct (Res. 33/10); g. Bid Award: Monroe Elementary School Replacement (E:233/10); h. Declaration of Surplus Property (E:234/10); i. Highly Capable Students Program Annual G (E:235/10). The Consent Agenda, absent Item 2a, was approved unanimously. | CONSENT AGENDA | |
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
Three retirees were welcomed: Bill Moore from Jackson High School; Phyllis Busch from View Ridge Elementary; and Sandy Slaker from Mill Creek Elementary. | RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
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| PUBLIC COMMENT
President Petersen called on the two individuals who asked to make public comment. Audience Comments Regarding Items Not on the Agenda: None. Audience Comments Regarding Items on the Agenda: 1) Tara Nigh—Jackson Elementary School parent—expressed concern about the proposed changes to Policy 8100. Transportation hazards are not well defined. The safety of the youngsters is paramount. 2) Ron Zente—Jackson Elementary School parent—expressed concern about the proposed changes to Policy 8100. He wondered whether the Board has considered the safety implications of this change. The negative impact of this change on working parents is also a consideration. | PUBLIC COMMENT
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| SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
Dr. Cohn thanked all, including the Board, for the work they did to prepare for and participate in this year’s commencements. In particular, congratulations should go to the high school principals, their staffs and to organizer Robert Polk. Next, Mike Gunn gave an update on transportation reductions. He reviewed the process for determining the reductions and said seven routes and 18 runs are being eliminated. More crossing guards will be hired. A VersaTrans routing program will be implemented & an amendment in our contract with Durham School Services will be negotiated. Jeff Moore spoke about the recent issuance of updated assessed valuations. There has been an approximate 9.75 percent drop in assessments. He shared an e-mail from Jack Eaton of D.A. Davidson & Co., a press release from the Snohomish County Assessor’s Office about assessed valuations & our press release about our supplemental levy (E:236/10). | SUPT’S COMMENTS
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| ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
The attached proposed revised Policy 8100—Transportation, regarding walking distance and clarifying the definition of hazardous walking conditions, was provided for first reading with second reading and adoption to be recommended at a future Board meeting (E:237/10). The superintendent’s cabinet has reviewed this proposed revised policy and recommends the Board of Directors approve the policy as submitted. Changes to Policy 8100 are necessary to implement the Reduced Educational Program approved by the Board on April 20, 2010 in Resolution 989. These changes include revising the distance a student must walk to school before being eligible for district-provided transportation (1 mile radius distance) and clarifying the criteria used for determining hazardous walking conditions. This will bring the district’s transportation policy in line with the state funding formula. Executive Director of Facilities and Operations Mike Gunn commented. Discussion followed. |
PROPOSED REVISED POLICY 8100—TRANSPORTATION (regarding walking distance and clarifying definition of hazardous walking conditions) (1streading) | |
| Director of Athletics Robert Polk presented information about District athletic programs, informing the Board of Directors about successes of athletic programs within the District (E:238/10). Data regarding participation, academic awards and team successes was shared via a PowerPoint presentation.
| DISTRICT ATHLETIC PROGRAM
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| The 2010-2011 Strategic Plan was presented to the Board for first reading with adoption to be recommended at a future Board meeting (E:239/10). Draft copies of the 2010-2011 Strategic Plan were presented to the Board at the March 23, 2010 work study session and during the June 8 school Board meeting. Tonight’s draft represents a pared-down version from earlier drafts. Associate Superintendent Matt McCauley commented and called for thoughts or insights from the Board. Discussion followed.
| 2010-2011 STRATEGIC PLAN (1st reading)
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| Jeff Moore, Executive Director of Finance & Operations, presented the 2010-2011 budget for all funds for first reading, with formal adoption to be recommended at the July 6, 2010 Board meeting (E:240/10). RCW 28A.505.050 requires adoption of the 2010-2011 budgets for the General, Transportation Vehicle, Capital Projects, Debt Services and Associated Student Body funds by August 31, 2010. Presentation
and adoption of Resolution 989—2010-2011 Reduced Educational Program, occurred at the April 20, 2010 Board meeting. High school Associated Student Body fund budgets were presented by students at the May 11, 2010 Board meeting. Jeff Moore commended the work of Karen Buchmann, Shirley Rochon and Gina Zeutenhorst. He reported that the F-195 state budget document was delayed by the state; therefore, he reviewed a PowerPoint presentation which covered the Reduced Educational Program (REP), the 2010-2011 General Fund budget as well as the budgets for the other funds, and the fiscal outlook for the 2011-2013 state biennium. Discussion followed. | FISCAL YEAR 2010-2011 BUDGET PRESENTATION | |
| ACTION ITEMS
The attached proposed revised Policy 1450—Minutes, regarding “no” votes and abstentions, was provided to the Board of Directors for second reading and adoption (E:241/10). At the May 25, 2010 Board meeting, discussion took place about possible revisions to Policy 1440—Meeting Conduct & Order of Business, and/or Policy 1450—Minutes, regarding the addition of language about “no” votes and abstentions. Feedback from the Board indicated that the language is more appropriately placed in Policy 1450. Thus, the attached proposed Revised Policy 1450 was presented to the Board for first reading at the June 8 Board meeting and is provided at this time for second reading and adoption. Dr. Cohn reviewed the steps that have been taken to get to this point. Jeff Russell moved to adopt the attached revised Policy 1450—Minutes and Carol Andrews seconded the motion. Board member Olson said it would also be appropriate to include the reason why a Board member is not at a meeting, late to a meeting or leaves a meeting. Board member Dutton said she is satisfied with the revisions to the policy. The motion carried unanimously. |
PROPOSED REVISED POLICY 1450—MINUTES (regarding “no” votes & abstentions) (2nd reading & adoption) | |
| The recommendation was that the Board of Directors approve the May 20 and June 8, 2010 Board meeting minutes (E:242/10). Board member Olson said the asterisked paragraph at the end of the June 8 minutes did not actually occur. She stated that there was no discussion and that to insert this piece does not follow Robert’s Rules of Order. She further stated that the four percent figure she cited is not inaccurate. Second, Ms. Olson said she left the executive session because it was her belief that the Open Public Meetings Act was being violated. Board member Dutton said she is satisfied with the minutes as written. Dr. Cohn did make the statement as noted, at the conclusion of the meeting. Ms. Dutton moved the previous question. Board member Russell seconded the motion. Board member Olson raised a question of privilege, that the minutes should accurately reflect Robert’s Rules of Order, and attempted to offer a motion. President Petersen noted there was a privileged motion on the floor, precluding another motion, and restated the motion for the previous question. The motion passed, with four voting “yes,” and one “no,” that being Board member Olson. President Petersen then said the motion on the floor was to approve the minutes, Board members Dutton and Russell having moved and seconded, respectively. The motion passed, with four voting “yes,” and one “no,” that being Board member Olson.
| APPROVAL OF MINUTES
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| BOARD COMMENTS
Board member Dutton said Sequoia High School had a record number of graduates, with 64, up from just a few years ago when there were approximately ten graduates. It was heartwarming that the school has continued its original graduation structure to have each teacher say something about a couple of kids at a time. In addition, as in the past, the students presented carnations to their families, teachers and friends. Board member Russell echoed Ms. Dutton’s comments and said it was great to have staff introduce the students. The students said they would not have graduated were it not for a particular staff person. Board member Andrews said all of the graduations were unique with their own tempo and personality—they were wonderful occasions. Board member Olson said she thoroughly enjoyed the two graduations she attended—it was a privilege and a delight. The organizers are to be complimented. Board member Olson reiterated that the Board meeting audiotapes need to be put on the District website right away rather than waiting until the minutes of that meeting are approved. To not approve her motion about why she left the June 8 executive session was retaliatory and unfair. Although she will not be in attendance at the July 6 Board meeting, she would like to call in. President Petersen reminded his colleagues to submit their ideas for the August Board workshop. A special meeting will be held on July 7 to plan for that workshop. President Petersen cautioned his colleagues about sending serial e-mails. Send e-mail communications for your fellow Board members through Kathy in the superintendent’s office as a means of protecting Board members from OPMA violations. It is the Board’s practice. Board member Olson said a serial meeting occurred when the superintendent discussed administrative contracts individually with Board members. Board members responded that sharing information and answering board members' questions about professional negotiations does not alone result in a serial meeting. Board member Russell asked that the subject be changed to something that is good for student achievement. Board member Dutton concurred, but noted that the Board is not retaliatory against a specific Board member. Board members are struggling to make good on the promise to do what is best for kids and staff. She vowed to protect that premise and to protect the Board as well in a non-emotional manner, always doing what is best for students. President Petersen congratulated staff and the Board for the great coverage that we have had on our graduation rates. He is very proud. President Petersen called for a ten-minute recess and rest break at 7:10 p.m. to provide time to move to Conference Room C3 to conduct the study session, work session and executive session. | BOARD
COMMENTS BOARD COMMENTS (cont’d.) | |
| WORK/STUDY SESSION
President Petersen re-convened the regular meeting at 7:25 p.m. Each year, the Board of Directors adopts action items in the Strategic Plan to provide direction to the administration to assist in focusing their work for the upcoming school year. These Strategic Actions are summarized annually at the conclusion of each school year. The purpose of the Board study session was to review the End-of-Year Strategic Plan Report for the 2009-2010 school year (E:243/10). Matt McCauley reviewed a PowerPoint presentation. |
STUDY SESSION—STRATEGIC PLAN END-OF-YEAR REPORT | |
| The administration and consultants Pam Posey and Kenneth Jones presented information and perspectives gleaned from the second and third community engagement events on topics important for the District’s strategic planning renewal process (E:244/10). The second community engagement event focused on conversations about Community and Family Partnerships, and the third event was a Student Engagement Event focused on conversations around technology. The two remaining community engagement events, scheduled to occur during the next three months, will be focused on Equity & Access; and Work, Career and College Ready. Pam and Kenneth led the discussion.
President Petersen concluded the work session at 8:50 p.m. and moved immediately into executive session to review the performance of a public employee. Before going into executive session, it was announced the executive session would be of approximately 15 minutes’ duration. | WORK SESSION—DEBRIEF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT #2: PARTNERSHIPS
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| EXECUTIVE/CLOSED SESSION
An executive session was held at 8:50 p.m. to review the performance of a public employee. Before going into executive session, it was announced the executive session would be of approximately 15 minutes’ duration. At 9:05 p.m., the door was opened and it was announced the executive session would extend for an additional ten minutes. The executive session concluded at 9:15 p.m., the door was opened and President Petersen immediately returned the meeting to open session. | EXECUTIVE SESSION—REVIEW PERFORMANCE OF A PUBLIC EMPLOYEE
EXEC. SESSION—REVIEW PERFORMANCE OF A PUBLIC EMPLOYEE (cont’d.) | |
| Following a brief discussion, President Petersen adjourned the regular meeting at 9:20 p.m.
_____________________________ ________________________________ Gary Cohn, Secretary Ed Petersen, President |