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, June 22, 2004, 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, Karen Madsen, Paul Roberts and Roy Yates. |
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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. She also requested the addition of an executive session concerning negotiations. With that, Sue Cooper moved for adoption of the revised agenda. Paul Roberts seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | ADOPTION OF AGENDA | |
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES Karen Madsen moved for approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of June 8, 2004. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
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SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS Dr. Whitehead opened her comments by inviting Associate Superintendent for Instruction Karst Brandsma to introduce the new Director of Special Services, Amy McCue, who will be coming to Everett following seven years in Shoreline School District, where she is highly regarded. Her assignments have included working in the EBD program, serving as a summer school principal, and as a counselor. She recently completed her principal certification in the University of Washington’s Danforth program. Amy commented, thanking the District for inviting her to Everett and saying she is very excited to accept this position. | SUPT’S COMMENTS | |
| Dr. Whitehead called on Executive Director for Curriculum Alignment and Implementation Terry Edwards who announced the recent receipt of a grant from The Boeing Company for $43,000. The dollars represent continuation of a long-term partnership with Boeing, and will be used to focus on secondary mathematics. Previous grants have helped provide professional development in middle school mathematics and the transition from middle school into high school mathematics. The funds also allow the District to conduct extra pieces of training that add content knowledge and teaching strategies for staff. In particular, this year’s monies will help support high school teachers to further the training they receive this summer and cause it to be felt throughout the year by forming groups where the teachers can work together on planning and implementation strategies. | ||
| Terry then updated the Board regarding the District’s online high school offerings. The online high school program began two years ago. This year’ ;s first day of sign-ups for the summer school session shows 67 students enrolling for 85 classes. Fourteen of these students are from Jackson High School and they enrolled because they experienced scheduling difficulties resulting from the switch to the six-period day. Consequently, the District is providing their classes at no cost. Board members Madsen and Roberts reported that they have personally experienced online signups. | ||
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Next, Dr. Whitehead announced that, for the third consecutive year, Everett has
the honor of hosting the East/West all-star game at Everett Memorial Stadium.
Team members attended Everett Rotary today. In closing, Dr. Whitehead reported that Policy 3330, concerning the Disciplinary Appeal Council, calls for the superintendent to provide an annual update to the Board as well as recommending membership for the Council. Dr. Whitehead recommended that the Council membership remain the same: Karst Brandsma, Terry Edwards, Jim McNally/Lynn Evans, and a Board-member-at-large. Molly Ringo will serve as an alternate. The annual report of the numbers and types of appeals, which are low, will be provided to the Board in their Friday packet. |
SUPT’S COMMENTS (cont’d.) | |
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PUBLIC COMMENT After outlining the guidelines for public comment, President Dutton called on the only member of the audience who had submitted a Public Comment card: Tim Austin —spoke regarding graduation rates in the District. He urged the Board to establish ontime graduation targets, both long- and short-term, beginning with the 2004-2005 school year, and develop and implement action plans to achieve those targets. | PUBLIC COMMENT | |
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RECOGNITION OF RETIREES Director of Communications Gay Campbell reported that two retirees were in attendance: Mary Jane Galbraith —has over 17 years in education, 15 of them in Everett. Evergreen Middle School Principal Joyce Stewart spoke of Mary Jane’s great love for books and presented her with a favorite book called, Holes , which will be donated to Evergreen’s library in Mary Jane’s honor. Joyce continued by saying Mary Jane cares about her students, listens to them, establishes a rapport and treats them with respect. Mary Jane thanked everyone and introduced guests in attendance, including her husband John; and colleagues Patricia Burke, Robin Pettit, Patty Qualey and Donna Hause. |
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES | |
| Ethel Knight —ASB treasurer at EHS—has 36 years in education, all of them in Everett. Everett High School Principal Pat Sullivan commented. He spoke of Ethel’s attention to detail, her thoroughness and her willingness to assist in other areas such as serving as a chaperone to DECA events. Everett High School is fortunate to have had unblemished audits, thanks to Ethel’s expertise. On behalf of the staff and students of Everett High School, Pat thanked Ethel for her many years of hard work and dedication. Ethel commented, thanking the District for the opportunity to work in Everett. She said her future plans are to travel and spend time at her home in Arizona. Ethel then introduced her daughter, Tracy Dickinson, who is also a District employee. | ||
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ITEMS FOR INFORMATION A committee composed of District teachers, students, parents, administrative staff and representatives from the Snohomish Health District was formed to develop and recommend policy and procedure concerning nutrition standards that apply to all food and beverages sold to students in District schools and facilities, unless otherwise regulated by the USDA (E:192/04). The committee did their work between February and May, 2004. Associate Superintendent for Finance and Operations Jeff Riddle commended the committee for its excellent work. He introduced the District’s Manager of Food and Nutrition Services Debbie Webber, who was the committee chair. |
PRESENTATION – NUTRITION STANDARDS | |
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Debbie opened by saying that the nation is experiencing a health crisis and our
children’s health is at risk. Type II diabetes is common among children
and obesity is one of the major causes. Childhood obesity increases the
likelihood of adult obesity and the related risks of heart disease and cancer.
Debbie listed research resources used by the committee. Next, she reviewed the committee’s recommendations, first at the elementary level and then at the middle and high school levels. She discussed the implications of these changes at each level. At the elementary level, the changes are minimal, but perhaps one of the most important is to limit portion size. At the middle and high school levels, portion sizes are slightly larger than for the elementary level. Beverages will be limited. Recommended milk standards will include flavored milk. Possible substitute foods include breakfast bars and granola bars. Debbie noted that manufacturers are consistently developing new items, and students will continue to be able to bring their choice of foods from home.
In response to a question about why Everett chose to follow less stringent standards than California, Debbie said the committee felt it was necessary to consider less stringent standards in order to have an adequate selection of items from which to choose.
Woven throughout the committee’s work, said Debbie, was the need to include nutrition and physical education as a District priority. The standards will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Board member Cooper said children’s health is an important concern and she commended the committee for tackling this issue. Their work will result in better nutrition and healthier lives for students. She supports the need to continue to evaluate, review and monitor the food and nutrition standards.
Committee members commented: Pam Wessel-Estes —of the Snohomish County Health District. She is both a health educator and a parent. She reported that Dr. Ward Hinds, of the Snohomish County Health District, is very much in support of the standards. Karen Stolworthy —teacher at Eisenhower Middle School—said she was pleased to be a part of the committee and she encouraged the Board to adopt the standards. It is important to establish nutritional values. Elizabeth Copland —Jackson High School student—She thanked Debbie for her efforts to consider committee members’ ideas and compile them into a document. Elizabeth reported that she conducted a survey at her school and found that students worry about food and their health and will eat healthy if the food is there. The nutrition standards are important and represent a true demonstration of the committee’s ideas.
Faculty room vending machines will be inaccessible to students. Board member Yates commented that the presence in faculty rooms of vending machines offering foods not meeting the nutrition standards seems contradictory. Debbie stated that the committee’s assignment was to address nutrition standards for students, not staff, but it was important to the committee to acknowledge that adults are significant role models of healthy behavior for students and they lead by example. Board member Cooper said this is an issue that would seem to be a natural tie-in to nutrition standards for students and suggested that it be considered periodically.
Dr. Whitehead indicated that a proposed policy, specific to students, will soon be presented to the Board for first reading and will be designed around the committee’s recommendations. Staff review would be a different charge.
In response to a Board request, Dr. Whitehead said the Administration will provide the Board a report on what the District does now with nutrition in health classes vs. what is offered and required in physical education. A Board request was also made to hear more about the financial implications of the standards on the high schools.
The Board thanked and congratulated Debbie and the committee on their superb work.
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PRESENTATION – NUTRITION STANDARDS (cont’d.) | |
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The Administration presented information concerning the Middle School Competency Project (MSCP) and Culminating Exhibitions (E:193/04). Terry Edwards opened by noting that the MSCP has been in place for several years and implementation of standards is in the second year of a three-year phase-in process. Throughout, there have been many successes as well as some challenges. Joanne Buiteweg, Assessment Specialist, welcomed members of the MSCP team: Ric Williams, Kelly Shepherd (North), Cathy Woods (Gateway), Joyce Stewart (Evergreen), Nancy Canning (Gateway), Tara Quackenbush (Evergreen), Suzanne Cowper (Heatherwood), and Leann Geary (Eisenhower). The work of this group is significant and will shift an entire school.
Using a PowerPoint presentation, Joanne described the work of the MSCP. The vision for the MSCP is: In order to achieve meaningful and enduring learning, middle school students must direct their own learning; integrate and apply content knowledge; evaluate their performance; and establish future goals. Joanne then outlined the steps taken during the 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 school years as well as plans for the 2004-2005 school year. She shared results of surveys administered to parents, staff and students. Other topics addressed were: core competencies to becoming an effective learner; school improvement planning; the goal achievement cycle; publications for use in 2004-2005; and next steps for the MSCP.
President Dutton congratulated Joanne on the accomplishments of the MSCP, then asked whether it helps all students identify what they need to do, to which Joanne replied it clearly helps students grow and recognize. Cathy Woods, principal of Gateway Middle School, described two dissimilar students, both of whom are benefiting from the MSCP. One is a sixth grade highly capable student getting ready for conferences, while the other is an eighth grader who had a very spotty attendance record and qualified for special education but, when he heard the plan for high-school-and-beyond and learned of the existence of the Sno-Isle Skills Center, he became very motivated. He worked hard, turned in assignments and his attendance improved.
Board member Roberts said the MSCP has great merit and having the student use self-direction is good, but he expressed concern about the possibility of eliminating or diminishing the teacher’s role of providing direction because, in his opinion, the student does not always know where they are in the process or where they want to be. Secondly, the wording of the survey is such that one cannot help but conclude that the MSCP is a good thing; thus, it is not an objective survey instrument. However, he said, he did not want to recommend not using the survey data. Joanne replied that goal setting in the fall is a joint sharing process for the teacher and the student, and is designed to complement the spring student-led conferences that have been added. Joanne also noted that the survey instrument is being reviewed.
Next, Joanne provided an update concerning culminating exhibitions (CE). She outlined the Superintendent’s ten expectations for 2003-2004: common set of role expectations for CE teachers, coordinators and administrators; emphasis on instruction and interventions in CE philosophy; common instructional plan across schools; improved documentation of communication to students and parents ; improved documentation of student progress and interventions on each CE component; moving argumentative paper to junior year across all schools; establishing common feedback expectations for teachers when argumentative paper is submitted; establishing common expectations that students will receive instruction, opportunities to practice and feedback on the culminating presentation; a calibrated, certificated teacher will be present on every school’s culminating presentation panels; and all schools will provide the opportunity for students to make presentations in January and May. Joanne then shared a CE results matrix and talked about shifting the argumentative paper to the junior year. She also outlined CE summer school offerings; the activities of the CE coordinator during 2003-2004; and the CE work plan for 2004-2005. When asked for an assessment of the staff’s attitude toward the CE, Joanne said they have a high level of commitment and provide a great deal of feedback. Dr. Whitehead c oncurred and said the CE is becoming systemic. She commended staff for their diligent and excellent work, both in CE and the MSCP.
Board member Cooper said it is wonderful to see the consistency, uniform expectations and systematic evaluation and understanding that is taking place. When asked about the process for encouraging more rigorous projects for some students, Joanne replied that refinement of the standards and improved interfacing are contributing factors. In addition, coaching pieces are being developed to help teachers build strong project plans with their students. She noted that the actual topic of a student’s CE is never the issue; rather, it is the level of rigor with which they attack the topic.
President Dutton encouraged the Administration to be thoughtful in thanking the mentors who help with the CE process. She also suggested that students do CE projects that are philanthropy-based.
Board member Madsen asked whether a mechanism is in place for students who want to start their CE project earlier or perhaps in the summer. Joanne replied that the District’s priority has been to shift to a more successful number the population that must complete CE for graduation; however, as these numbers have risen, it has become increasingly possible to use resources to help those wanting to start their CE earlier. Coaching in the summer is challenging, but Joanne is hoping to work with the instructional facilitators in designing steps to make early starts more do-able.
When asked whether there is coordination between middle schools and high schools in terms of connecting skills the students bring from the MSCP into the high school, Joanne said work is being done to build core pieces, including use of the IMS (instructional management system).
The Board thanked the Administration for their excellent work. |
PRESENTATION – MSCP & CE
PRESENTATION – MSCP & CE (cont’d.) | |
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The Administration presented information concerning Vocational Education, which
is now known as Career and Technical Education (CTE). Karst Brandsma
introduced Carl Fender, who served as an administrative intern this year and
will serve part-time next year providing central level support as a CTE teacher
on special assignment. Carl followed a PowerPoint presentation and began by
outlining the purpose of CTE (E:194/04). He then listed the required
curriculum components; provided a “snapshot” of CTE education;
described program standards; and listed CTE courses. He then listed
CTE-approved industry certifications and program enhancements for 2004-2005.
Next, he displayed a grid showing CTE enrollment averages since 1997; listed
educational partners; and provided student highlights.
The Board thanked Carl for his informative presentation. | PRESENTATION – VOCATIONAL EDUCATION | |
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ACTION ITEMS Karen Madsen moved for approval of the revised Consent Agenda and Paul Roberts seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously. | CONSENT AGENDA | |
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BOARD COMMENTS Board members commented about the excellent graduation ceremonies recently held for each high school. The Everett Events Center proved to be a good venue. Graduation ceremonies for Everett, Cascade and Jackson High Schools will be held there again next year.
Board member Cooper said that the quality of the reports to the Board continues to improve. The Board appreciates the work that goes into each presentation. |
BOARD COMMENTS
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BOARD ACTION AND/OR BOARD DISCUSSION At 6:50 p.m., President Dutton recessed the regular meeting into executive session for discussion of negotiations. It was announced the session would be of approximately 10 minutes’ duration.
At 7 p.m., President Dutton re-convened the regular meeting and recessed immediately into executive session for discussion of personnel. It was announced the session would be of approximately 20 minutes’ duration.
President Dutton re-convened the regular meeting at 7:20 p.m. and adjourned immediately. |
EXECUTIVE SESSION – NEGOTIATIONS
EXECUTIVE SESSION—PERSONNEL | |
_______________________ ________________________________
Carol Whitehead, Secretary Kristie Dutton, President
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