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, April 12, 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, Paul Roberts and Roy Yates. |
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ADOPTION OF AGENDA President Yates called for any recommended changes to the agenda. There were none. With that, Karen Madsen moved for adoption of the agenda. Paul Roberts seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | ADOPTION OF AGENDA | |
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES Sue Cooper moved for approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of March 22, 2005. Kristie Dutton seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
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SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS Superintendent Carol Whitehead called on Area Two Executive Director Lynn Evans to introduce Joyce Brossoit, who is being recommended to the Board as the new assistant principal at Eisenhower Middle School. Currently, Joyce works in the Lacey School District. Joyce said she is excited to join the Everett School District. She then introduced her husband Nick (who is also the superintendent of Edmonds School District), son Kyle, daughter Alyssa and Alyssa’s boyfriend Jimmy. President Yates welcomed Joyce and said the Board is excited about progress in Everett’s middle schools. |
SUPT’S COMMENTS | |
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Next, Dr. Whitehead shared copies of an article authored by Secretary of
Education Spellings regarding the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law (E:135/05).
In it, Secretary Spellings outlined the possibility of some leeway for the
states who are doing a good job regarding NCLB. There remain, however, some
non-negotiables, including annual testing of students, reporting results by
subgroups, and hiring highly qualified teachers. Secretary Spellings’
approach includes four key principles: raising overall achievement and closing
the achievement gap, making the school system accountable and including all
students, ensuring information is available and parents have options, and
improving teacher quality. States showing results will be eligible for new
tools to help get students to standard. Washington State has been making
significant progress, but it is unclear whether the state will fall under the
new guideline. Nevertheless, it is encouraging that the impacts of the
regulations may be being heard.
Dr. Whitehead reported that a review of the number of students enrolled to take advanced placements tests last year was 204. The number enrolled for this year has grown to 393.
Recently, Dr. Whitehead joined superintendents from Issaquah (Janet Barry), Northshore (Karen Forys) and Lake Washington (Don Saul) in Olympia to meet with members of the Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Education Committee. The discussion dealt with the state budget and special education funding. In particular, the senators were encouraged to allow more federal special education funding to “flow through” directly to the school districts instead of being captured at, and distributed from, the state level. She said that school districts do not receive special education funding for special education enrollment in excess of 13 percent. For some districts, that is a significant impact. Dr. Whitehead sent letters to 13 school districts whose special education enrollment is in excess of 13 percent (attached). She encouraged them to contact Senator Mark Doumit, Vice Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, who has indicated that he is interested in improving the funding situation for districts with special education enrollment over the 13 percent cap.
The WASL (Washington Assessment of Student Learning) testing period is at hand and Everett School District is making preparations including sending a letter to all students encouraging them to be well rested. Unfortunately, the statewide earthquake drill has been scheduled during the WASL testing period. Everett is opting not to participate on the designated day, but will conduct a drill during a time outside the WASL testing period. A similar scheduling conflict happened last year as well. SPI Superintendent Terry Bergeson attempted to have the drill moved to another date (because the WASL testing period is the same for all school districts in the state), but she was unsuccessful.
Dr. Whitehead reported that she recently sent a letter to all staff summarizing this year’s accomplishments so far (attached).
In closing, Dr. Whitehead listed a number of honors, achievements and other good news in Everett Public Schools: ~ Everett High School students Clarissa Fidler and Peter Lee have been named Washington State Scholars. This scholarship award recognizes the academic achievement, leadership ability and community service of three high school seniors from each legislative district in the state. ~ Cascade High School senior Emma Breysse and H.M. Jackson High School seniors Bridget Hannifin and Robert Manhas are finalists for the National Merit Scholarship. This is the final stage before National Merit Scholars are selected. ~ Sequoia High School has had six students complete coursework for graduation this year. ~ The H.M. Jackson High School Technology Student Association (TSA) placed 15 times at the state competition. Eight students will travel to Chicago for the national competition this summer. ~ The Cascade High School band received the following awards at the music festival in Orlando, Florida, held during Everett’s Spring break: ^ In the 4A category: 1st place in - Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band and Color Guard. ^ In the "All" category: 1st place for the Marching Band. ^ Three students won individual recognitions: Rebecca Rice, Andrea Woods and Rachel Rice. Rachel also won a special recognition that included a $1,000 award. |
SUPT’S COMMENTS (cont’d.) | |
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Everett High School teacher Ray Kent and Cascade High School teacher Melissa
Webster were recognized as 2004 Claus Nobel Educators of Distinction by the
National Society of High School Scholars for encouraging young people and
helping them achieve their goals. The National Society of High School Scholars
recognizes academic excellence and encourages members to apply their unique
talents, vision and potential for the betterment of themselves and the world.
~ Tomorrow, teachers and administrators from the United Kingdom (UK) will visit Garfield Elementary School to see how staff members have implemented the Committee for Children's curriculum, Second Step, which is a violence prevention curriculum. The educators from the UK are interested in following Garfield's process for implementing this model. |
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PUBLIC COMMENT None. | PUBLIC COMMENT | |
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RECOGNITION OF RETIREES Director of Communications Gay Campbell introduced retiree Margie Tish of Hawthorne Elementary School. Colleagues David Davis and Gloria Stablein commented. David said he has known Margie for many years. He spoke of her involvement in her students’ learning, her commitment to being a lifelong learner, and always working to improve instruction and be a better teacher. Gloria said she began working with Margie 17 years ago. She possesses an incredible talent as a teacher and is very committed and multi-talented. Her flexibility and perseverance are amazing. She is compassionate about her students and believes strongly that they can learn. She will be missed. Margie spoke briefly and said she attended Everett schools and has long been a believer of the good work that is done here. She has enjoyed her work, and is looking forward to retirement. She introduced her boyfriend Clint Siders, and colleagues Ouida Lindseth, Ann Lagerquist and Becky Hassler along with Becky’s son Brian. On behalf of the Board of Directors, President Yates congratulated Margie and presented her with a crystal memento apple. He said it is gratifying to hear about the commitment and contributions of staff such as Margie. | RECOGNITION OF RETIREES | |
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ITEMS FOR INFORMATION The Administration presented information concerning the District’s career guidance and counseling plan. Executive Director of Curriculum Alignment and Implementation Terry Edwards introduced Becky Ballbach, Counselor Support Curriculum Specialist, who shared a PowerPoint presentation on tonight’s subject (E:136/05). Tonight’s presentation, she said, describes a new direction for the District’s career guidance and counseling program. Becky shared a history of the District counselors’ work, the changing role of school counselors, ways in which school counselors are personalizing education, and how school counselors are aligning their work with academic achievement. She provided a definition of “guidance” and talked about the goal of guidance and counseling. She described the ASCA (American School Counselor Association) model of counseling which has four parts: foundation, delivery system, management system and accountability. Next, Becky talked about the District’s Instructional Management System (IMS) and showed an unofficial transcript produced by that system. The IMS, as well as the Transitions program, which helps create connections between middle school, high school and beyond, are important tools for school counselors. A planning guide for transitioning from fifth grade to middle school is also being prepared. Counselors are closely involved in the on-time graduation project and counseling has been included in school improvement plans. A more concerted effort is being made to reach out to parents to give them the skills they need to help their student succeed. Becky discussed interventions for failing students and shared graphs showing intervention results. She concluded the presentation by talking about emerging work and involvement at the state level.
Board member Madsen said she appreciates hearing that evidence is gathered about strategies that work and those that do not. In response to a question from President Yates about whether universities are keeping pace with developing the skills new counselors need to possess, Becky said yes. In fact, counselors continue to be trained for the roles they once filled, but they are also now part of a team, not solo practitioners. This is an exciting time to be in the field of school counseling. When asked whether there are any distinct differences between the high school and middle school counselor, Becky replied that the roles are slightly different because the needs are slightly different.
Karst Brandsma complimented Becky for her good work in the guidance counseling program. Dr. Whitehead commented that the goal of the program is to have coordinated, articulated and aligned counseling services. The connections being made across the District are very exciting. |
PRESENTATION—CAREER GUIDANCE & COUNSELING PLAN | |
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The attached proposed new Policy 3245— Students—Technology
(regarding use of technology in educating students)
and proposed New Policy 5225—Human Resources—Technology
(regarding use of technology in day-to-day operations)
were provided to the Board for first reading, with approval to be requested at
a future Board meeting (E:137/05).
Gay Campbell reported that, following a review of existing policy relating to technology, it was determined that two separate policies needed to be developed, one regarding the use of technology in educating students and another regarding using technology in day-to-day operations. The result was the creation of Policies 3245 and 5225. |
PROPOSED NEW POLICY 3245—STUDENTS—TECHNOLOGY
(re use of technology in educating students)—
1st reading; PROPOSED NEW POLICY 5225—HUMAN RESOURCES—TECHNOLOGY (re use of technology in day-to-day operations)— 1st reading | |
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ACTION ITEMS Paul Roberts moved for approval of the Consent Agenda and Kristie Dutton seconded the motion. |
CONSENT AGENDA | |
The motion carried unanimously. |
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The Administration recommended the Board of Directors adopt Resolution 828
awarding the bid for the Emerson Elementary School modernization to Allied
Construction Associates, Inc., for $4,954,000, including the base bid and
Alternate No. 1 (Res. 21/05). On March 29, 2005, five bids were received
for the project, with base bids ranging from $4,940,000 to $5,750,000. A
summary of the bids and a letter from Botesch, Nash & Hall Architects
recommending award of the bid are attached. This project is funded by the 2002
bond issue. On February 8, 2005, the Board of Directors authorized a call for
bids with an estimated construction cost of $4,870,000. Director of
Construction Hal Beumel commented briefly.
With no further discussion, Karen Madsen moved to adopt the aforementioned Resolution 828 regarding the bid award for the Emerson Elementary School modernization. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | RESOLUTION 828: BID AWARD FOR EMERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MODERNIZATION | |
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The Administration recommended adoption of Resolution 830 to provide monetary
support
to the ASBs (Associated Student Body) funds to support the initial
implementation of the new nutrition policy (Res. 22/05). The middle and high
schools are experiencing a loss of ASB revenue, previously generated through
the sale of carbonated beverages, as a result of the initial implementation of
this new policy. Director of Finance Jeff Moore reviewed the process for
deciding to move the funds and the amount to be moved. Each school has
experienced approximately the same percentage of loss. He remarked that
dialogues have been ongoing with the ASB treasurers and the schools and he has
personally visited one of the sites as they move through the ASB budgeting
process.
Dr. Whitehead said that, with the implementation of the new policy, it was acknowledged that the schools would experience some losses, which is why the General Fund will be making up the schools’ losses at 100 percent this year and at 50 percent next year. She emphasized that implementation of the new nutritional standards is an important change over a period of time for the health of our students.
President Yates commented that during last year’s ASB presentations, the students were clear about their concerns. Tonight’s action will send a positive message to the students. Board member Roberts referenced the number of articles that have appeared about the importance of making dietary changes.
With no further discussion, Paul Roberts moved for adoption of the aforementioned Resolution 830 regarding an operating funds transfer from the General Fund to the Associated Student Body Fund. Kristie Dutton seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. |
RES. 830: OPERATING FUNDS TRANSFER; GENERAL FUND TO ASB FUND
RES. 830: OPERATING FUNDS TRANSFER; GENERAL FUND TO ASB FUND (cont’d.) | |
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The Administration recommended that the Board of Directors approve the attached
school meal price increase for 2005-2006 (E:143/05). Preliminary budget
planning indicates that lunch prices need to increase for the 2005-2006 school
year to allow the Food and Nutrition department to continue operating without
District subsidy. The cost for breakfast and lunch prices would increase by
$.25 per meal for students and adults. Meal prices have not increased since
December, 1999.
Supervisor of Food Services Debbie Webber said the increase would take effect starting in the fall of 2005. Currently, Everett charges the least compared to other Snohomish County school districts.
With no further discussion, Paul Roberts moved to approve the aforementioned school meal price increase for 2005-2006. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | 2005-2006 SCHOOL MEAL PRICE INCREASE | |
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The Administration recommended the Board of Directors approve the attached
contract agreement with the U.S. General Services Administration Office of
Budget, the Washington State Department of Transportation and Everett School
District (E:144/05). Director of Categorical Programs Sue Dedrick said the
contract represents a grant for $100,900 to create a model for innovative
transportation for homeless school children and youth. District staff from the
Transportation Department and Categorical Programs collaborated to write the
grant. The funds are provided by the U.S. General Services Administration and
administered by the Washington State Department of Transportation. Sue stated
that the McKinney-Vento Act, which is largely unfunded, assures access for
education for children regardless of where they live or if they are homeless.
The Everett School District has 347 students who have self-identified as
homeless; 221 of them wanted to attend their school of origin; and the District
transports an average of 204 students each day, both within and outside the
District.
The goals of a one-year pilot program last year were to reduce time in-transit for students; provide more timely services for students (regarding before- and after-school activities); ensure confidentiality for students who live in motels, cars or shelters; provide flexibility in delivering service; and reduce costs by using smaller vehicles, para-transit, providing transit tickets, taxi, reimbursing parents, and having school employees drive the vans. This grant is an opportunity to expand on the pilot program, including purchasing three additional vans and providing more flexibility such as increasing access to community services such as Operation School Bell, transporting parents of these students to school conferences, and allowing students the ability to participate in more before- and after- school activities
With no further discussion, Sue Cooper moved to approve the aforementioned contract agreement. Paul Roberts seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. |
HOMELESS STUDENT TRANSPORTA-TION AGREEMENT
HOMELESS STUDENT TRANSPORTA-TION AGREEMENT (cont’d.) | |
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BOARD COMMENTS Board member Dutton thanked everyone who will be supporting the WASL during the upcoming testing period.
Board member Roberts said he was contacted by Senator Berkey’s office asking for his thoughts about the bill dealing with teaching Native American history. His comments were that this is an unfunded mandate and the District does not have enough time to teach the programs it is required to teach. He said it would not matter the nature of the program; as long as no funding is associated with meeting a new requirement, on that basis alone, it would not be something he would support. He stressed to the caller that these were his comments alone, not those of the Board.
Board member Cooper reported that she and Board member Dutton and Dr. Whitehead attended the View Ridge Elementary School 50-year celebration. Local historian Larry O’Donnell presented an historical summary of the school. Local artist Bernie Webber painted a mural of the school and community. Ms. Cooper said she was humbled that her likeness appears in the mural. Board member Dutton said it was an enjoyable evening and the mural had a lovely depiction of Ms. Cooper. |
BOARD COMMENTS
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The Administration recommended the Board of Directors adopt Resolution 829:
Request to State Board of Education for Waiver of Three Days in Each of the
Next Three School Years—2005-2006, 2006-2007, and 2007-2008 (Res. 23/05).
The Everett School District is seeking a waiver of three student days in each
of the next three (3) school years. The three days each year will be used to
provide staff in-service. Prior to action on the resolution, a public hearing
was convened to gather public input.
President Yates recessed the regular meeting at 8:10 p.m. and convened a public hearing as described above.
Terry Edwards talked about the report of progress for the period 2002-2003 through 2004-2005, during which the State Board of Education granted three waiver days in each of the three years. In general, test scores are going up. More students are moving out of Level 1, the lowest level, which is very encouraging. Teachers are instructing using a more focused aligned curriculum. Resource room numbers dropped from 1,023 in 2002-2003 to 960 in 2004-2005. Fewer children are “curriculum casualties”—they are getting the help they need. The number of new referrals to special education is dropping.
In terms of math achievement at the fourth grade, there has been an eight percent drop in the number of students functioning at the lowest level. At seventh grade, the number of students who are functioning below standard has been halved. These accomplishments are the direct result of curriculum alignment and professional development; a great deal of the professional development is a result of the time available via the previous waiver. The scores show that it is well worth giving up three days of instructional time.
Increases have also been recorded in students functioning well above standard. An increased number of challenging offerings have been provided. Enrollment in these classes grew from 2,099 in 2001 to 3,671 in 2004. More students are engaged in rigorous coursework and student achievement has increased. Terry reiterated that direct value has come as a result of the focused professional development for staff. Dr. Whitehead echoed Terry’s comments.
Terry went on to say that the District is now applying for three days for each of the next three years. It was noted that it would be necessary to negotiate with the union for the days in 2006-2007 and 2007-2008.
President Yates called for any public comment. None was offered. With that, Paul Roberts moved to close the public hearing at 6:35 p.m. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
President Yates re-convened the regular meeting at 6:35 p.m.
Kristie Dutton moved to adopt Resolution 829: Request to State Board of Education for Waiver of Three Days in Each of the Next Three School Years— 2005-2006, 2006-2007, and 2007-2008. Karen Madsen seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
In closing, Superintendent Whitehead noted that during this year’s state-of-the-school reviews, teachers talked about the value of the professional development time. It works well from their point of view and from the point of view of the data. Board member Madsen said it is easy to know and see that the time is well spent. Board member Cooper said it is efficient time and that is important. |
PUBLIC HEARING—REGARDING PROPOSED ADOPTION OF RES. 829:REQUEST TO STATE
BD. OF EDUCATION FOR WAIVER OF 3 DAYS IN EACH OF THE NEXT 3 SCHOOL YEARS—
2005-06, 2006-07, & 2007-08
PUBLIC HEARING—REGARDING PROPOSED ADOPTION OF RES. 829:REQUEST TO STATE BD. OF EDUCATION FOR WAIVER OF 3 DAYS IN EACH OF THE NEXT 3 SCHOOL YEARS— 2005-06, 2006-07, & 2007-08 (cont’d.) | |
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With no further comments, President Yates adjourned the regular meeting at 6:40
p.m.
___________________________ ________________________________
Carol Whitehead, Secretary
Roy Yates, President |