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, May 24, 2005, beginning at 4:30 p.m., in Conference Rooms C1 & C2 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.   

     

     

      

    ADOPTION OF AGENDA

    President Yates called for any recommended changes to the agenda. Superintendent Carol Whitehead reported that the Board would be presented with a revised Personnel Report which needed to include a written notation that Andrew Frost is being hired as an Assistant Principal rather than Principal. In addition, on the Consent Agenda—Item 7a(8), page 3, 5d, line 2—a typographical error needed to be changed to “fifty.” Thirdly, Superintendent Whitehead requested the addition of an executive session regarding personnel to the end of the agenda. It was estimated the executive session would be of 20 minutes’ duration. With that, Sue Cooper moved for adoption of the revised agenda. Paul Roberts seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

    		  ADOPTION OF AGENDA
    APPROVAL OF MINUTES

    Paul Roberts moved for approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of May 10, 2005. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

    		  APPROVAL OF MINUTES
    SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS

    Superintendent Whitehead called on Executive Director for Area 2 Lynn Evans who introduced Shelley Shanks Petillo as the new principal for Penny Creek Elementary School. Shelley comes from the Lakewood School District and has also worked in the Lake Stevens School District. Shelley commented that she is delighted to join Everett Public Schools. She appreciates the warmth and community spirit in Everett. Dr. Whitehead indicated that almost all of the District’s administrative vacancies have been filled to date.

     

    Dr. Whitehead noted that the District is increasing its communication processes. She called on Associate Superintendent for Instruction Karst Brandsma who spoke about ways information is being shared with parents (E:170/05). He referenced a letter to parents that includes student progress data. Karst also shared information about 3ESHB (Senate House Bill) 2195 outlining requirements relative to the Certificate of Academic Achievement and Assessments.

    		   

    SUPT’S COMMENTS

    Dr. Whitehead then referred to a recent news article about the transfer of the Cascade High School band director. She outlined ways in which students and parents have been kept informed about this action:

    --Karst met with the Cascade High School Band and Color Guard Booster Board;

    --Cascade High School principal Jim Dean met with the band students last week; and

    --band parents have been invited to a meeting tomorrow night.

    The District is not at liberty to discuss personnel questions related to this issue. Certain restrictions are in place. In addition, it is important to honor the rights of the individual employee. She referred to a letter of May 18, 2005, sent by the CHS Band and Color Guard Booster Board to parents.

     

    Dr. Whitehead reminded the Board of an investigation being conducted at Everett High School due to a complaint of alleged discriminatory practices at that school. Immediately upon being notified of the complaint, the District hired an outside person to investigate. The investigation will soon be completed, at which time the investigator will deliver her report to the Superintendent. Based upon the report’s findings, the District will develop a plan. If remedies are needed, corrections will be made. The Board will be kept informed. Dr. Whitehead emphasized that it is the District’s expectation that all staff and students will respect others, will be treated with respect and that all procedures will be equally enforced.

     

    Dr. Whitehead announced several celebrations. To name a few:

    --The Everett Public Schools Foundation (EPSF) 20th birthday celebration is on June 6 at 7 p.m. at Jackson High School. It is open to the public.

    --The Everett Rotary Club recently awarded $197,000 to students at seven high schools in the area, four of them Everett’s. This amount is well above that distributed last year.

    --On June 9, an EHS student will be honored at the United Way Spirit of Snohomish County awards ceremony. One award for the entire county will go to a District student.

    --The Everett High School student newspaper, The Kodak , received third place in the regional “Excellence in Journalism Competition of Professional Journalists.”

    --Eisenhower Middle School science teacher, Brian Day, has received the “ Making a World of Difference” science teaching award. He is among 20 middle school science teachers nationwide to be honored. He will be flown to Tampa, Florida, for five days (all expenses paid) next November to receive the award.

    --Boeing Company representative Joyce Walters has informed the District that The Boeing Company will once again fund the District’s student calendar. This is a significant gift, representing over $26,000 in value.

    --Dr. Whitehead reminded the Board of upcoming commencement ceremonies on June 18 at the Everett Events Center. At noon, Cascade High School’s graduation ceremonies will take place, followed at 4 p.m. by Jackson High School. At 8 p.m., Everett High School students will graduate.

    		   

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    SUPT’S COMMENTS

    (cont’d.)

    PUBLIC COMMENT

    President Yates reminded the audience of the guidelines for Public Comments. He then called on the following individuals who had submitted Public Comment cards:

    1)   Carol Breysse —parent representative of the band boosters—spoke in support of Cascade High School band director Jim Johnson. She cited Mr. Johnson’s accomplishments over the years.

    2)  Emma Breysse —senior at Cascade High School and member of the CHS marching and concert bands—said the marching and concert band students are unhappy with the transfer of Jim Johnson. She listed his skills.

    3)  Ann Morgan —Everett Public Schools teacher and band parent—spoke in support of Jim Johnson. She said the decision to transfer Mr. Johnson is having a negative impact on students and staff. In her view, any error Mr. Johnson made is not egregious enough to warrant transfer. She spoke to the emotional cost to the District’s students and staff of losing Mr. Johnson, who is a 35-year teaching veteran being “forced out” two years prior to his retirement. He has brought statewide, national and international recognition to the District.

    		  PUBLIC

    COMMENT

    4)  Ed Glazer —spoke as a resident of Everett—expressed his concern about discrimination and racism at Everett High School. His two sons graduated from EHS and, while there, were treated differently, both academically and socially, by students and staff. In his opinion, the District is losing students as a result of discrimination and racism. He said it is students’ perceptions that they are being discriminated against and these perceptions are not being addressed. He cited the case of an Iraqi student who is thinking of dropping out of school because of how she is being treated at Everett High School.

    5)  JJ Frank —spoke as a volunteer in Everett Public Schools and said he was not at the podium as a representative of the YMCA (his employer)—he offered his services as a resource to involve the community when the investigator’s report is received. In his view, the community must be present when the District’s plan of action is implemented. He cited the case of an EHS student who says students and staff are discriminating against her. She wants to quit school based upon the treatment she has received. He urged the Board to address the students’ perceptions. As for himself, he is trying to be a voice and an advocate for students.

    6)  Winnie Corral —did not identify her role—she spoke about difficulties children are having. She said students’ perceptions are the truth and she is horrified that staff and administrators are being discriminatory. In her opinion, getting a report will not be the answer; rather, going into the community will be of more assistance.

    7)  Teena Ellison —did not identify her role—asked how Everett High School plans to address issues around race, ethnicity and culture. Community members have offered supportive partnerships and solutions with minimal response.

     

    President Yates thanked the speakers for taking the time to bring these serious issues forward. Although school will be out of session on June 21, school business continues throughout the year and these issues will be among those in the forefront.

    		   

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    PUBLIC COMMENT

    (cont’d.)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    RECOGNITION OF RETIREES

    Director of Communications Gay Campbell reported that two retirees were present tonight:

    1)   Susan Meyers —has been in education for 26 years and in Everett for 22 years. She is a psychologist. Executive Director of Special Services Kris McDowell spoke about Susan’s career. She has been a marvelous member of the District’s team. Sue thanked Kris for the kind words and thoughts. She also thanked the District for the opportunity to work with some of the youngest and most vulnerable children. She acknowledged her colleagues in attendance at tonight’s meeting as well as staff from the Little Red Schoolhouse and Providence Children’s Center.

    		 RECOGNITION OF RETIREES
    2)  Anne Shabel —has 25 years in education, 16 of them in Everett. View Ridge Elementary School principal Karen Koester spoke about Anne’s work as a math teacher and then as a librarian. She approaches her work with enthusiasm and animation. She is committed to ensuring children read—she holds book talks, book reviews and accelerated reader tests. She is a team player, a valued member of the staff and a trusted friend with an infectious laugh. Anne thanked the District for providing a wonderful place like View Ridge where there are supportive parents, great staff and a budget with which to purchase books. Anne’s plans include traveling.   
    ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

    Director of Finance Jeff Moore said Associated Student Body (ASB) Fund budgets are developed by students and their advisors for preliminary review by the Board of Directors (E:171/05). Student representatives from each high school were in attendance to present their budgets. Formal ASB budget adoption will occur when final District budgets for all funds are submitted for Board action in July or August. Jeff reported that he has observed the schools as they follow the budgeting process and complimented those involved for their hard work.

    		   

    PRELIMINARY 2005-2006 ASSOCIATED STUDENT BODY (ASB) FUND BUDGETS

    Jeff introduced Sequoia High School advisor Amy Montanye who turned the program over to current ASB president Crystal Koch and next year’s ASB president Josh Wiens. Using a PowerPoint presentation, Crystal and Josh reviewed the summary of accounts, revenues and expenditures, challenges and solutions.

     

    Next, Everett High School advisor Bruce Overstreet introduced the current ASB treasurer Jeremy Wallace and next year’s treasurer Heather Holmes. Using a PowerPoint presentation, they did a budget comparison of expenditures for 2003-2004, 2004-2005 and projected expenditures for 2005-2006. They talked about the program’s major fundraisers, community projects, student events, upcoming club trips and the ASB’s challenges. Jeremy and Heather said the students understand the nutritional rationale for removing carbonated beverages from the vending machines, but they do not want to accept it. Discussion followed about ideas the students are pursuing for making up the loss of revenue from the removal of carbonated beverages. Heather said perhaps a poll could be conducted among the students to determine their preferences and then fill the machines with those choices. Board member Cooper said it is helpful to give students choices. President Yates suggested involving DECA students to address the issue. Mr. Overstreet said the transition funds, authorized by Board adoption of Resolution 830, have been very helpful.

     

    Cascade High School advisor Roberta Hasstedt introduced current treasurer and next year’s president Joe Dang and Amanda Francke, next year’s treasurer. Using a PowerPoint presentation, they reviewed the ASB’s sources of revenue, differences in their budget, fundraisers, community service projects, and clubs’ and athletic teams’ planned trips. When asked why no band trips are indicated, principal Jim Dean said no trip is scheduled this year. They listed newly established clubs as well as inactive clubs. Discussion followed about ideas the students are pursuing for making up the loss of revenue from the removal of carbonated beverages. Amanda said some vending machines that meet standards were installed. Roberta elaborated, saying the machines are offered through Summit (Stony Field), but the availability of the machines across the nation would dictate whether other schools could get the machines.

     

    Jackson High School advisor Judy Montgomery introduced current ASB president Joseph Jun, current treasurer Toni-Eco-Wilbur, next year’s president Katie Sieck and next year’s treasurer Teresa Totoricaguena. Following a PowerPoint presentation, they discussed major fundraisers and events, and provided specifics about ASB cards and parking permits, camps and conferences, assemblies and general information. They outlined major changes in the budget and posed questions from the JHS ASB to the Board. Discussion followed about ideas the students are pursuing for making up the loss of revenue from the removal of carbonated beverages.

    President Yates thanked each school for their excellent presentations and commended them for their hard work. He acknowledged that a common theme among the ASBs is the loss of the vending machine revenues and said the Board has attempted to mitigate those losses via Resolution 830, which moves monies from the General Fund to support the initial implementation of the new nutrition policy at a rate of 100 percent of the ASBs’ losses this year and 50 percent of their losses next year. Implementation of the new nutritional standards is an important change over a period of time for the health of students. He is confident that the many intelligent and talented students in the schools can work among themselves to find ways to regain lost revenues.

    		   

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    PRELIMINARY 2005-2006 ASSOCIATED STUDENT BODY (ASB) FUND BUDGETS

    (cont’d.)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The Administration presented an end-of-the-year athletic review. Karst Brandsma introduced the District’s Executive Director for Athletics Robert Polk who provided an update on the athletics program, including Spring successes, academic awards and WIAA amendments (E:172/05). Robert then provided a summary of the athletic review which addressed topics that included a review of the athletic code, a program evaluation and development of organizational guidelines for school support organizations. Specifically, tonight’s presentation addressed recommendations 8, 9 and 11 of the athletic review. Robert outlined the process for reviewing the athletic code; changes to the code; in-season grade checks; grade standards for athletes; prohibition against, and corrective actions for, the use of “legend” drugs/steroids/alcohol; and prohibition against, and corrective actions for, the use of tobacco. He shared a draft Athletics Code of Conduct. Robert then reviewed the process for program evaluation, areas of evaluation, and parent/athlete feedback. Next, Jeff Moore described the process used to develop the guidelines for school support organizations and shared a draft of the guidelines. He said that revisions to Policy/Procedure 4210/4210P— School Support Organizations, will incorporate the information contained in the guidelines.

     

    Board member Cooper asked whether there is a plan to ensure grade checks are being conducted. Robert said yes, the Athletic Coordinator will take responsibility for that task. In fact, said Karst, each school has been a running grade check program, but in varying ways. The new process will standardize their work.

     

    President Yates asked about the due process system for handling violations. Robert said the person will have the opportunity to appeal to the building, then to Robert, then to the Disciplinary Appeals Council.

     

    Robert said the timeframe for moving this process forward is next fall. Dr. Whitehead said first reading of the revised Board policies will be at the next Board meeting, so it was suggested the Board provide input before that. Everything needs to be finalized by July for inclusion in sports packets to the coaches in August. When asked whether these changes come as any surprise to the coaches, Robert said no, the coaches are excited and looking forward to it. As for the students, the standardized District policy may take some getting used to.

     

    At President Yates’ request, Robert will provide a list of those who served on the athletic code committee. He complimented Robert and said it appears these efforts address the concerns of the Board.

    		  END-OF-THE-YEAR ATHLETIC REVIEW

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    END-OF-THE-YEAR ATHLETIC REVIEW

    (cont’d.)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The Administration presented an update on the District’s nutritional standards. Following a PowerPoint presentation, Supervisor of Food and Nutrition Services Debbie Webber discussed the alarming nationwide increase in obesity (E:173/05). She described the process Everett Public Schools has taken in addressing this concern. The high schools have taken steps to help with menu development, food label assistance and product evaluation. A student nutrition forum was held and school newsletter articles have been written about nutrition. She described the presence of improved lunch menus and work done to minimize the use of food as a reward. Increased emphasis on eating fresh fruits and vegetables is evidenced by increased expenditures at the schools to purchase these items. Milk expenditures are up as well. Debbie gave examples of approved snacks and talked about work that remains to be done in improving nutritional offerings in the schools.

     

    President Yates thanked Debbie for “leading the charge” in this area.

    		  UPDATE—NUTRITIONAL STANDARDS
    The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation includes requirements regarding teacher certification. Tonight’s presentation reviewed the requirements and the impact on Everett Public Schools. Following a PowerPoint presentation, Executive Director of Human Resources Molly Ringo described the path to being designated as a “highly qualified” teacher (E:174/05). She listed the core subjects associated with attaining the “highly qualified” designation and noted that Washington State has had strong standards for a number of years. Plans of assistance will be developed for those teachers who are not “highly qualified.” She commended Supervisor of Certification Nancy Bushaw for performing the extensive manual research and computer comparisons of the number of teachers who meet core requirements, the number of core classes in the District, the number of teachers not “highly qualified,” and the number of classes taught by teachers who are not “highly qualified” (see attached chart). The District has been meticulous in its documentation efforts. However, the consequences of not having “highly qualified” teachers teaching in their subject area have not yet been defined. Dr. Ringo next discussed paraeducator requirements and the District’s efforts at implementation.   HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS & PARA-PROFESSIONALS

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The attached Proposed School Board Meetings Schedule for 2005-2006 was provided for first reading with approval to be requested at a future Board meeting (E:175/05).  PROPOSED SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS SCHEDULE FOR 2005-2006— 1st Reading
    ACTION ITEMS

    Paul Roberts moved for approval of the revised Consent Agenda items. Sue Cooper seconded the motion.

    		   

    CONSENT AGENDA

    1. Personnel Report (revised) (E:176/05);
    2. Voucher Lists (E:177/05);

    3)   Proposed Revised Policy 2410—High School Graduation Requirements (E:178/05);

    4)   Approval of Everett School District Participation in Inquiry-Based Science    Leadership Grant with The Boeing Company (E:179/05);

    5)   Final Acceptance: View Ridge Elem. School Mechanical Systems Upgrade (E:180/05);

    6)   Award of Bid—Everett High School Parking Lot Expansion (E:181/05);

    7)   Res. 832: Re-Employment of Non-Supervisory Certificated Employees (Res. 25/05);

    8)   Resolution 833: Authorization to Issue Contracts to Administrative Supervisory  Staff (revised) (Res. 26/05);

    9)   2005-2006 Professional and Technical Employees Salary Schedule (E:182/05);

    10)   Resolution 834: Sick Leave Conversion for VEBA III (Res. 27/05);

    11)   Grant Agreement Between Everett School District and Woodside Elementary   School PTA In the Amount of $5,000 for the Purchase of Playground Equipment  (E:183/05); &

    12) Certification and No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Teaching Assignment   Requirements (E:184/05).

    The motion carried unanimously.

    		  
    BOARD COMMENTS

    President Yates echoed Dr. Whitehead’s earlier statement about today’ s Rotary scholarship presentations. Board member Cooper commented that this year’s Superintendent’s Scholar event was also excellent and has improved with each passing year.

    		 BOARD COMMENTS
    BOARD ACTION AND/OR BOARD DISCUSSION

    With no further comments, President Yates recessed the regular meeting into executive session at 7:25 p.m. for discussion of personnel. It was estimated the executive session would be of 20 minutes’ duration.

     

    At 7:45 p.m., it was announced the executive session would continue for another 15 minutes.

     

    At 8 p.m., President Yates re-convened the regular meeting and adjourned immediately.

    		   

    EXECUTIVE SESSION— PERSONNEL

      ___________________________ ________________________________ Carol Whitehead, Secretary   Roy Yates, President
    		    

     

     

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