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 8, 2005, 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 and Roy Yates. Absent: Paul Roberts. |
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ADOPTION OF AGENDA President Yates called for any recommended changes to the agenda. Superintendent Carol Whitehead noted that the Board would be presented with a revised Personnel Report. In addition, she requested the addition of an executive session for personnel. With that, Sue Cooper moved for adoption of the revised agenda. Kristie Dutton seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | ADOPTION OF AGENDA | |
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Karen Madsen moved for approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of January 25, 2005. Kristie Dutton seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS Dr. Whitehead announced that Penny Creek Elementary School technology teacher Wanda Hill’s picture will appear on buses and billboards in the Seattle area via an ad sponsored by the WSECU (Washington State Employees Credit Union) (E:94/05). The caption will read, “One to one. That’s how I reach my students.” Dr. Whitehead said Ms. Hill is an outstanding teacher, long recognized for her skills in technology.
Dr. Whitehead shared copies of job postings for some administrative positions: Eisenhower Middle School Assistant Principal; a general call for high school assistant principals (one may be needed at Jackson High School in response to the new six-period model); and curriculum specialists for humanities and literacy (attached). | SUPT’S COMMENTS | |
Dr. Whitehead reminded the Board of tonight’s reception and awards
ceremony for the middle school artists. EPSF (Everett Public Schools
Foundation) assists the District by sponsoring the event which showcases
student work.
This is National School Counseling Week. Dr. Whitehead commended the talented and committed individuals who work as counselors in Everett Public Schools— ;they contribute to the academic, social and emotional growth of students while helping make our schools safe for students and staff.
Dr. Whitehead reminded the Board of a recent meeting of the six-district coalition (Edmonds, Everett, Mukilteo, Northshore, Shoreline and Snohomish). Held in Olympia, this meeting brought together superintendents, union leaders and school board representatives of each of the six districts to meet with Washington State legislators. Dr. Whitehead, Director of Communications Gay Campbell, Board member Karen Madsen and Everett Education Association president Kim Mead represented Everett. Approximately 20 to 25 legislators attended the meeting. One of the attendees, State Representative Brian Sullivan, sent Dr. Whitehead a complimentary note following the meeting (attached). Dr. Whitehead read it into the record, “Thank you for your continued leadership in the Everett School District. It was wonderful talking with you at the legislative breakfast. I enjoyed listening to your concerns about educational issues and appreciate your ideas for improving our schools. I value what you have to say and it is my sincere hope that you will continue to share your thoughts with me. Together we can make a difference!”
Next, Dr. Whitehead announced receipt of a letter from the Puget Sound Blood Center thanking Everett High School students for donating blood during a recent blood drive held at the school. One-hundred-twenty volunteer blood donors were registered, with 102 of them being first-time donors, representing a huge increase in participation in the blood program at Everett High School. It was noted that Everett High School has not had over 100 donors registered since the mid-1980s. Over 800 donors each day are needed to provide blood and blood components to patients in 14 counties of western Washington. High school blood drives contribute 16 percent of the center’s blood supply.
Dr. Whitehead made two announcements regarding the District’s athletic program. The Cascade High School girls bowling team won the state championship, defeating the second place team by 292 pins. Secondly, the District’s athletic director, Robert Polk, has passed his CAA (Certified Athletic Administrator) examination. Congratulations go out to him.
Dr. Whitehead reported that a number of MathCounts competitions were recently held. The Heatherwood Middle School team placed second overall out of the ten teams in the region and will advance to the state competition to be held at Gonzaga University. North Middle School placed 4th overall and Evergreen Middle School came in 8th . In the individual competitions, students from Heatherwood and North Middle Schools placed in the top ten and will also advance to the state competition.
Dr. Whitehead called on the Executive Director for Curriculum Alignment and Implementation Terry Edwards to provide a summary of last Friday’s online learning symposium. Terry shared a handout showing the symposium agenda, list of speakers and description of break-out sessions (attached). The symposium was sponsored by the District in partnership with the Blackboard Learning Company and was held as a means of increasing communication and cooperation among districts concerning online learning; defining a quality online learning program, including policies and procedures, content, effective instruction and learning; and sharing the good work currently being done. Fifty-three people, representing 18 school districts as well as Northwest ESD 189 and OSPI, attended. Several districts have indicated they want to visit Everett to observe online learning and perhaps purchase content, but the District is approaching all of this in a very measured way. Terry closed by saying that Sally Lancaster, administrator of the District’s online learning program, did an excellent job of coordinating the symposium. |
SUPT’S COMMENTS (cont’d.) | |
PUBLIC COMMENT None. | PUBLIC COMMENT | |
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES Director of Communications Gay Campbell announced that one retiree, Edna Burgen, was present. She has been at Whittier for almost 33 years, which represents her entire Everett Public Schools career. Whittier Elementary School principal Mark Toland introduced Edna, saying she is an icon at their school who has contributed so much. She has held many roles, mostly as a noon duty supervisor and as a paraeducator in the cafeteria and the print room. | RECOGNITION OF RETIREES | |
Edna commented that the students are her reward. She introduced her husband, Dave, and thanked her family for their support. She also thanked the seven principals with whom she has worked, saying it has been “a wonderful journey.” Among Edna’s plans for retirement include working in her rose garden and playing with her grandson. President Yates congratulated Edna and presented her with a memento crystal apple. |
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES (cont’d.) | |
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
None. | ||
ACTION ITEMS Kristie Dutton moved for approval of the revised Consent Agenda and Sue Cooper seconded the motion. |
CONSENT AGENDA | |
The motion carried unanimously. |
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The Administration recommended the Board of Directors authorize a call for bids
for the Emerson Elementary School modernization project. The Administration
presented an overview of the building and site designs for the project. The
work proposed will include the modernization of 46,950 square feet and the
construction of 2,702 square feet of additional building area. Bids should be
ready for consideration at the April 12, 2005, Board meeting and construction
is scheduled to begin in May 2005. Estimated construction cost is $4,870,000.
Director of Construction Hal Beumel opened the presentation, saying that a primary goal of the project was to provide a sense of entry to the school, improve the building image, centralize the library, enhance campus security and safety, and get all kindergarten and pre-school classes together. Also present tonight were | AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS : Emerson Elementary School Modernization | |
representatives of the architecture firm of Botesch, Nash and Hall: Andy Hall,
Derek Olson and Deric Von Schlieder. Andy shared a PowerPoint presentation
depicting the six phases of the year-long project (E:100/05). The exterior of
the project will include re-doing the parking lots and establishing new bus
drop-off and parent drop-off points. The building will sport a new brick
veneer, hardi-panel siding and new window additions. The additions will
include a main entry, a new library, a new administrative office and a covered
walkway between buildings. The use of portables will help enable the
continuation of school operations while the construction is ongoing. The
improved interiors of the school will have a reconfigured administration area;
kitchen and cafeteria; modernized classrooms; a centralized library; and
mechanical, electrical and data upgrades. Via the PowerPoint, Andy showed a
classroom animation that rotated 360 degrees around the room.
When asked whether there will be a storage area for the InFocus and data racks, such as what the Board saw at the Jackson High School project, Hal said there will be one for every two classrooms. An audiovisual system will also be installed.
The Board invited Emerson principal Cynthia Jones to comment. She said the teachers will be very excited about the classrooms and the additional storage space. She went on to say that student meals will be brought in while the cafeteria is out of commission.
With no further comment, Sue Cooper moved to authorize a call for bids for the Emerson Elementary School modernization project. Kristie Dutton seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
President Yates said this is an exciting project that has been a long time in coming. |
AUTHORIZATION TO CALL FOR BIDS : Emerson E.S. Modernization (cont’d.) | |
The Administration recommended the Board of Directors approve the Memorandum of Agreement for Cooperation for a Proposed North Everett Community Center (E:101/05). This agreement will allow the District to participate in a partnership of eight local governmental and community organizations (City of Everett, Everett Community College, Boys and Girls Club of Snohomish County, Everett Housing Authority, Snohomish County, Providence Medical Center, YMCA of Snohomish County, and the Everett School District) to produce a study exploring the feasibility of designing, constructing and operating a multi-use community center in north Everett. This facility would help provide facilities needed by the partners to enhance programs and services such as a wellness center, aquatics facility, senior facilities, health and fitness programs and youth activities. The District’s share of the expenses for this feasibility study, pursuant to this agreement, would be $1,378, or eleven (11) percent of the total cost. Director of Facilities and Plan ning Mike Gunn commented that the | MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT FOR COOPERATION FOR A PROPOSED NORTH EVERETT COMMUNITY CENTER | |
groups have been meeting since November, 2003. The District has tried to be
very clear that its involvement would be minor as a partner, with its primary
reason for participating to have a pool for the Everett High swim team.
When asked how the District’s portion of the community center could be financed, Mike said there has been a great deal of discussion on the topic. Initial construction costs would be more easily identifiable than the ongoing costs. A major question would be how the groups could bring their funds to the table in a joint venture, perhaps in the form of a public facilities district, and running an issue to the voters that would seek taxpayer support. The consultant is Ballard*King, out of Colorado, and they will explore these kinds of questions. The study will be complete by May, 2005. Mike stressed that participating in the study does not commit the District to continue with the venture.
With no further discussion, Karen Madsen moved to approve the aforementioned Memorandum of Agreement. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. |
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BOARD COMMENTS Board member Dutton said she has enjoyed attending the state-of-the-school reviews as well as the walk-through of the new addition at Jackson High School. At all times, she has been impressed by the can-do attitude of the staff and their determination to keep the focus of their efforts where they need to be. Board member Madsen added that she is mindful of the time it takes to arrange and conduct site visits and she greatly appreciates it. Board member Cooper reminded the group that the Everett Public Schools Foundation (EPSF) breakfast will be held on March 17 at the Everett Events Center. It is always a wonderful event that showcases the work of the EPSF and helps educate the community about the good work that is going on in the District. | BOARD COMMENTS | |
Superintendent Whitehead noted that the Medic One Foundation breakfast will be
held tomorrow morning. This foundation has helped the District get AEDs and
the money to provide training on an continual basis.
With no further comments, at 5:15 p.m. President Yates recessed the regular meeting into executive session for discussion of negotiations and personnel. |
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BOARD ACTION AND/OR BOARD DISCUSSION Executive sessions were held concerning negotiations and personnel. It was announced the executive sessions would be a total of approximately 30 minutes.
The executive session concerning personnel was held from 5:15 to 5:25 p.m.
The executive session concerning negotiations was held from 5:25 to 5:45 p.m. | EXECUTIVE SESSION—NEGOTIATIONS & PERSONNEL | |
President Yates re-convened the regular meeting at 5:45 p.m. and adjourned immediately. The middle school art awards ceremony and reception was held immediately following the regular meeting in the foyer of the Educational Service Center. | ||
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Carol Whitehead, Secretary
Roy Yates, President |