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 24, 2003, 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, Paul Roberts and Roy
Yates. Absent: Kristie Dutton and Karen Madsen. In the absence of President
Madsen and Vice President Dutton, Sue Cooper led the meeting.
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ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Acting President Cooper called for any recommended changes to the agenda.
Superintendent Whitehead announced that the Board would be presented with a
revised Personnel Report. With no further changes, Paul Roberts moved to adopt
the Board’s agenda, as revised, and Roy Yates seconded the motion. The
motion carried unanimously. | ADOPTION OF AGENDA | |
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Roy Yates moved for approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of June 10,
2003, and the special meeting of June 17, 2003. Paul Roberts seconded the
motion and the motion carried unanimously. |
APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
Superintendent Whitehead opened her comments by reporting that, among the
personnel being recommended to the Board on tonight’s Personnel Report are
four new administrators. They are: Elizabeth Nunes, Assistant Principal for
Garfield Elementary School; Joanne Buiteweg, Curriculum Assessment Specialist;
John Flaherty, Assistant Principal for Jackson High School; and Janice Truant,
Assistant Principal/Athletic Director for Jackson High School. Each individual
commented briefly. The Board welcomed them and wished them well. Dr.
Whitehead reported that almost all administrative vacancies have been filled.
Dr. Whitehead announced that the District is once again hosting the East-West
football game. Everett Rotary was pleased to welcome the players at today’
;s Rotary meeting.
This year’s spring graduation ceremonies saw 912 seniors from District
high schools receive diplomas. A summer graduation ceremony will take place on
August 12. In addition, Dr. Whitehead participated in a celebration at
Evergreen Middle School for Principal Joyce Stewart in honor of her receiving
her doctorate.
In closing, Dr. Whitehead said she will be out of town during the July Board
meeting, but Associate Superintendent for Finance and Operations Jeff Riddle
will fill in for her. It will be at this meeting that the District’s
preliminary budget for 2003-2004 will be presented to the Board of Directors.
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SUPT’S COMMENTS | |
Acting President Cooper reported that three Public Comment cards were
submitted:1)
Tim Austin—Questioned why there exists a policy of exclusion rather than
inclusion when it comes to allowing students to participate in commencement
exercises? At a number of educational institutions, he said, students are
allowed to “walk” even though they have not quite completed their
credits. He asked when the District’s exclusionary policy was developed,
who developed it, what is the justification for the policy, who is negatively
impacted and who benefits?
2)
Steven Ney—represents AP/IB Boosters—and comes to the Board tonight
as a very concerned parent and citizen. Jackson High School has made great
strides in adopting an AP curriculum. However, four barriers exist: 1) the
4x4 schedule; 2) planning of the schedule around the needs of band; 3)
scheduling most AP classes around 4th
period; and 4) having a block program that combines English and History into
one course. Mr. Ney urged Jackson High School to follow the examples of the
best high schools in the state. He recommended adopting a modified block AP
schedule. Secondly, he recommended that JHS disconnect the history and English
conjoined block courses. Following these recommendations would provide more
flexibility and choices for students. He requested a meeting with the
superintendent, Karst Brandsma, Lynn Evans and Fred Dahlem no later than
mid-July to discuss these issues. He handed out information concerning block
scheduling (E:159/03).
3)
Jeff Heckathorn—said his topic was already addressed by Messrs. Ney and
Austin. He added that it was sad that not all students were able to graduate.
He also said it was unfortunate that the 4x4 block schedule was developed with
the thought of being “all things for all kids.”
Acting President Cooper thanked the speakers for sharing their thoughts.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS
PUBLIC COMMENTS (cont’d.) | |
Director of Communications Gay Campbell announced that one retiree was in
attendance tonight. 1)
Annelle Martin—has 30 years in education, most recently at Cascade High
School. CHS Principal Jim Dean described Annelle as an energetic, outstanding
educator, a leader and a quiet force. Annelle spoke briefly, noting that
teaching is what she always wanted to do, and she is thankful for having had
the opportunity to pursue that goal. She introduced her son and daughter, and
her husband John who is a recent retiree from Everett Public Schools. Acting
President Cooper thanked and congratulated Annelle and presented her with a
memento crystal apple. | RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
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ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
The Washington State Auditor’s Audit Reports for the period September 1,
2001, through August 31, 2002, were provided for the Board of Directors’
review (E:160/03). Associate Superintendent for Finance and Operations Jeff
Riddle introduced Gina Zeutenhorst, Accounting Manager, and the person
responsible for organizing the audit. Gina reported that there were two
separate audit reports this year. On the Accountability Audit Report
, regarding legal compliance and internal control issues, the District was
found to have complied with state laws and regulations and with its own
policies and procedures. No audit findings were made. On the
Report on Financial Statements and Federal Single Audit
, one finding was identified. It related to “time and effort”
records of the Safe and Drug Free Schools federal program, a $143,000 grant
program. This was one of several programs the auditors reviewed. There were
approximately $10,000 worth of salaries charged to the program for which the
auditors indicated appropriate certifications were not on file even though
extensive documentation was in place. Although the employees mobilized and
provided acceptable documentation, it was still necessary for the auditors to
issue the finding. Overall, it was a good, clean collaborative audit.
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WA STATE AUDITOR’S AUDIT RPTS—09/01/01-8/31/02 | |
The Administration provided a progress report on the District’s Equity
& Diversity Plan. Executive Director for Human Resources Molly Ringo
provided an overview of the program (E:161/03). She described the District
Steering Committee and its Advisory Committee, which included student
representatives among its members. The four major goal areas of the program
are: 1) recruitment/staffing, 2) professional development; 3) curriculum; and
4) student engagement.
Director of Employment Steve Katz shared details of the recruitment and
staffing efforts which, among other things, have involved administrators and
teachers of color. The District has realized a gain of 6.3 percent, or 68
candidates of color, for certificated positions. District recruiters have
attended 14 college campuses and three career fairs as well as a variety of
conferences and conventions. In the area of classified candidates of color,
there has been an increase of 30 percent, or 130 candidates. There has been a
250 percent gain in the number of administrative candidates of color, with 35
minority candidates applying for administrative positions.
Director of Professional Development Jan Johnson reported that this has been a
research and groundwork year. The goal is to provide training to all members
of the organization, with that training filtering to the students. Efforts
have been made to develop a culture of respect. In addition, the District is
developing trainers of trainers. Equity and diversity training has been
provided to certificated staff as well as classified staff in the food
services, custodial and coaching areas.
Executive Director of Curriculum Alignment and Implementation Terry Edwards
reported that District librarians have reviewed their collection of library
books to determine whether adequate and up-to-date numbers of multicultural
materials are part of the collections. They concluded that the collections
were spotty and of dubious age. A Title V grant for $16,000 was awarded to
begin funding an annual purchase of multicultural materials at the schools. In
an effort to promote parent involvement, texts have been purchased in home
languages so that children can read at home in English while their parents
follow along in their home language. So far, a total of $40,000 has been spent
in District libraries this year regarding multicultural issues. Next year,
long-range action plans will be established for libraries and will include
assessing how curriculum adoptions will be interfaced with library collections.
In terms of counseling services, Terry reported that it has focused on
respect, anti-bullying and inclusion of all children in the school. This work
will help address elementary and middle school counseling needs in terms of
multicultural issues.
Molly reported that the student engagement goal included the formation of
middle school and high school groups at each school. They conducted
multicultural activities and celebrations. Director of Student Services Larry
Galli introduced Mai Pham and Diem Tran, who are student members at the high
school level. Diem and Mai reported that this year, their group discussed
diversity and equity issues, sex, religion and economic goals. Each learned a
lot about themselves and others, including the diversity of their classmates
and the importance of treating them equally. As a project this year, their
group developed a skit about stereotyping and presented it to 8th
graders. It was well received and the students had relevant questions and
comments.
Acting President Cooper thanked the presenters and committee members and said
it is gratifying that the Equity and Diversity Plan permeates the work of the
District. |
PROGRESS REPORT—EQUITY & DIVERSITY PLAN
PROGRESS REPORT—EQUITY & DIVERSITY PLAN (cont’d.) | |
The Administration provided a report on the District’s School Resource
Officer (SRO) Program. Associate Superintendent for Instruction Karst Brandsma
talked about the District’s SRO program. He provided a handout
describing the history and background of the program (E:162/03). Designed to
build relationships between students and law enforcement, the program evolved
to include the role of resolving disputes, managing duties previously assigned
to the patrol division, and for consultation purposes. They serve as a law
enforcement officer/teacher/counselor. In the past, the District has partnered
with the Cities of Everett and Mill Creek to provide seven SROs at the
secondary level and three at the elementary level. In the 2003-2004 school
year, the number of SRO officers will drop from ten to six. Even with six
officers, Everett probably exceeds the number of officers in surrounding school
districts. The four officers being lost were funded from the general fund
budget and those dollars are being put back into the budget to help meet the
$2.5 million budget reduction. Next year, three SROs will be funded by the
District—one at EHS, one at CHS (staffed by the City of Everett Police
Department) and one at JHS via the City of Mill Creek. Gateway Middle School
is the only secondary school outside of a city jurisdiction. Snohomish County
Sheriff’s Department is the agency that would cover that jurisdiction, but
the cost of an SRO is price prohibitive. Three officers, funded by the
Everett Police Department, will be moved to the middle schools (Eisenhower,
Evergreen and North). The officers will be available to the elementary schools
on an as-needed basis, but service will be limited. Six campus safety
officers (CSO), which is an increase of three from last year, will be trained
via an accredited police department traini
ng program. The District will provide District uniforms that will look more
official than what is used now. Their duties include lunchroom supervision,
general supervision, assembly supervision, graduations, parking detail,
restroom searches, and some quasi-research/discipline
interactions/interventions. Three of the CSOs will be assigned to the high
schools, and three will be assigned to Gateway and Heatherwood Middle Schools
and to Sequoia High School.
When asked whether the CSOs are full-time positions, Karst said yes, but some
flexibility in scheduling is maintained in the event there is a need for their
presence at a late-night event such as a dance or an athletic activity. They
will probably not work past 180 days. Postings are being prepared for three of
the CSOs. The District will hire and fund the positions, but their training
will be provided by the police department. Regarding the SROs, the District
only pays for the portion of their time it uses. The rest of the time they
will be employed by the city doing other duties.
The Board thanked Karst for his comprehensive report. |
REPORT—SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER PROGRAM
REPORT—SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER PROGRAM (cont’d.) | |
ACTION ITEMS
Roy Yates moved for adoption of the following Consent Agenda items and Paul
Roberts seconded the motion:
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CONSENT AGENDA | |
The Administration recommended the Board of Directors adopt the attached
2003-2004 Associated Student Body budgets (E:172/03). These budgets are
developed by students and their advisors. Proposed budgets were presented to
the Board at the May 27, 2003, Board meeting. Director of Finance Jeff Moore
reported that budget-building activities this year have given students a
better idea of the “big picture” and their role in it. Lines of
communication have been opened, groundwork has been laid and positive steps
taken, thus creating a good environment for working together. All student
bodies have approved their ASB budgets.
With no further discussion, Roy Yates moved to adopt the aforementioned ASB
budgets. Paul Roberts seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Acting President Cooper thanked Jeff Moore, the ASB representatives and their
advisors for the work they have done to build this year’s budgets. Board
members Yates and Roberts echoed Ms. Cooper’s comments.
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2003-2004 ASSOCIATED STUDENT BODY (ASB) BUDGETS ADOPTION
2003-2004 ASSOCIATED STUDENT BODY (ASB) BUDGETS ADOPTION (cont’d.) |
The Administration recommended the Board of Directors approve transporting
certain students to and from school using District-owned passenger cars in
place of school buses. The benefit of using District-owned passenger cars in
lieu of school buses for certain students is an economic advantage to the
District and does not sacrifice student safety. This practice is allowed by
RCW 28A.160.180. Associate Superintendent of Finance and Operations Jeff
Riddle commented, noting that the District is exploring the possibility of
using paraeducators to serve as drivers. In lieu of the District providing the
transportation, the District can provide mileage to parents who do the
driving, a practice that is already in place.
With no further discussion, Paul Roberts moved to approve the transporting of
certain students to and from school using District-owned passenger cars in
place of school buses. Roy Yates seconded the motion and the motion carried
unanimously. | AUTHORIZATION TO USE DISTRICT-OWNED PASSENGER CARS TO TRANSPORT CERTAIN STUDENTS TO AND FROM SCHOOL IN LIEU OF SCHOOL BUSES |
The attached proposed revised Policy 3309—Definitions (further defining
exceptional misconduct) was provided for first reading at the June 10, 2003,
Board meeting. At the request of the Board, wording in the revised policy was
changed and is reflected in the new attachment (E:173/03). At tonight’s
meeting, the Administration recommended adoption of the revised Policy 3309,
including the Board’s recommended changes in wording. Director of
Communications Gay Campbell indicated the words “assault,” “
battery,” and “fighting” were separated.
With no further discussion, Paul Roberts moved to adopt the aforementioned
revised Policy 3309. Roy Yates seconded the motion and the motion carried
unanimously. | PROPOSED REV. POL. 3309—DEFI-NITIONS (further defining exceptional misconduct) | |
BOARD COMMENTS
Board member Cooper reported that she attended some of the high school
graduations. Each was a wonderful celebration of student accomplishments and
she enjoyed the speeches and performances.
With no further comments, Acting President Cooper adjourned the regular meeting
at 6 p.m. |
BOARD COMMENTS
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Carol Whitehead, Secretary Sue Cooper, Acting President
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