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, September 20, 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 Kristie Dutton, Karen Madsen, Sue Cooper, Paul Roberts and Roy Yates |
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ADOPTION OF AGENDA President Yates called for any recommended changes to the agenda. Superintendent Carol Whitehead reported that there would be a revised personnel report. 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 Kristie Dutton moved for approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of September 6, 2005, and the special meeting of September 19, 2005. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS Superintendent Whitehead opened her comments by calling on Lynn Evans, Executive Director for Area 2, who introduced Eldon Allen, interim principal at Woodside Elementary School. Eldon began his teaching career in Bellevue, then served as the elementary and then the middle school principal at Stanwood School District, followed by Associate Superintendent for Stanwood schools. He is a recent retiree from Stanwood. Eldon commented that he is excited to have the opportunity to be an elementary principal again. Staff members, both at the school and in the district office, have been very welcoming.
Dr. Whitehead said the Administration has been continuing to balance classrooms during the first few weeks of school. Superintendent’s Cabinet, as a team, reviews each situation on a case-by-case basis. In general, only a few adjustments (and less than last year) have been needed.
Associate Superintendent for Finance and Operations Bob Collard reported that the assessed value of property in the District is increasing significantly. Thus, tax rates will go down, perhaps to less than what taxpayers have been paying. It is anticipated the actual assessed valuation figures will be available within the next three weeks. Dr. Whitehead said the possibility of being able to keep the tax rate at the same level as it has been for the last three bond measures would be very good news. | SUPT’S COMMENTS | |
PUBLIC COMMENT President Yates called on the following individual who had submitted a Public Comment card: 1) Arne Roe —parent of student at Everett High School—Speaking from a prepared text, Mr. Roe discussed his son’s placement at Everett High School vs. Dartmoor School (E:17/06).
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES Director of Partnerships Lauren Hadley reported that no retirees were present. |
PUBLIC COMMENT
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES | |
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION Terry Edwards, Executive Director for Curriculum Alignment and Implementation, presented information about the District’s summer school program. Using a PowerPoint presentation, he provided general information about the high school summer school program offerings (E:18/06). The dates of this year’s summer school were June 27 – August 5. Two formats were offered: face-to-face (on-site) classes were available at Cascade High School; and students could take online classes. Pricing changed this year and an early registration discount was added. Tutorial classes (argumentative paper and senior seminar) were offered, although not for credit. Out-of-district students could enroll in District summer school but at a higher cost. There were nine graduates. For-credit on-site course offerings included English, mathematics, science, social studies and senior seminar. Online for-credit course offerings were English, mathematics, science, social studies and physical education. | SUMMER SCHOOL/ SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAMS | |
In terms of enrollment, 229 students took 323 courses (@ .5 credit each) and earned a total of 145.5 credits. Online, 292 students took 311 courses (@ .5 credit each) and earned a total of 120 credits. Next, Terry talked about staffing for the on-site and online courses, followed by a tally of scholarship support from the Everett Public Schools Foundation (EPSF). The Foundation provided $24,033 in scholarships to 128 students, ranging from $50 to $450. The English Language Learner (ELL) program enrolled 36 students who took 46 classes. Eight of the ELL students took online classes. The STAR (Supporting Teens at Risk) program, which operates through the Workforce Development Council, enrolled 24 students who took 35 classes. Seven of the 24 took online classes. Altogether, they took a total of 35 classes (@ .5 credit each) and earned a total of 13 credits.
The budget for this year’s summer school program was $75,517; scholarships totaled $24,033; and grant funds were $16,400. Total funds available were $112,950 and total expenditures (to date) are $101,987.
Terry then discussed elementary and middle school programs offered during the summer.
Plans for next year’s summer school will be to continue focusing on credit recovery while adding reading and math skill development; WASL remediation for re-testing; middle school restructure; and expanding the summer bridge program to include middle school transition from 5th to 6th grade.
Lynn Evans presented information about the District’s summer bridge programs, the purpose of which is to help 8th graders transition to 9th grade. She used a PowerPoint presentation (attached). Dates of this year’s inaugural program were August 15 -25. Locations were Cascade, Everett and Jackson High Schools. The enrollment fee was $10 and students could earn .25 credit upon completion of the program. In addition, 40 hours of follow-up will be provided throughout the year.
The goals of the program are to increase 9th grade students’ success in their first year of high school; build relationships among students and staff; acquaint and connect students to the variety of activities on campus; support students in setting achievable goals and developing internal motivation; and institutionalizing a summer strategy for decreasing dropouts between 8th and 9th grades and in 9th grade. Next, Lynn discussed the target population for summer bridge, avenues of recruitment and enrollment information. In total, 203 students, or 14 percent of incoming 9th graders, enrolled in the program. She discussed budget, staffing, curriculum and follow-up activities for the students.
Lynn shared a news article from the August 22 edition of The Herald about the summer bridge program. In addition, she provided feedback from students and staff about the program. Planning for 2006/2007 includes increasing enrollment (especially of “at risk” students); increasing capacity; using older students as mentors; and providing more opportunities to become familiar with the school campus. In addition, plans include closer coordination with the Special Services department, including incorporating information from student IEPs; and improving the registration process.
Karst Brandsma commended Lynn for spearheading the summer bridge program. She was assisted by JoAnne Fabian who, on July 1, assumed the position of Director of Instructional Support/Student Success and On-Time Graduation Services, and will be taking responsibility for administering the program next year.
The Board thanked the Administration for their work on both programs. At the Board’s request, a letter will be sent to the Everett Public Schools Foundation thanking them for providing summer school scholarships. In addition, Board member Cooper will provide verbal thanks at the upcoming EPSF board meeting. |
SUMMER SCHOOL/ SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAMS (cont’d.) | |
ACTION ITEMS Karen Madsen moved for approval of the revised Consent Agenda items. Paul Roberts seconded the motion. 1) Personnel Report (revised) (E:19/06); 2) Voucher Lists (E:20/06); 3) Declaration of Surplus Property (E:21/06); 4) Resolution 838: Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement for the Purpose of Establishing an Interlocal Agreement with Renton School District #403 (Res. 01/06); and 5) Agreement Between Everett School District and Lakewood School District for 2005-2006 OSPI Drug Omnibus Grant (E:22/06).
The motion carried unanimously. | CONSENT AGENDA | |
BOARD COMMENTS Board member Roberts thanked the Administration for preparing letters to legislators on behalf of the Board concerning re-financing of debt. He reported that, over the weekend, he attended the WSSDA Legislative Conference along with Bob Collard and Karen Madsen. Among the priorities set by WSSDA were interventions for struggling students; special education funding; development/administration of the WASL and the alternative that goes with the WASL; all-day kindergarten; school construction state match; state funding for teacher professional development; discretionary funds to districts; compensation increases; transportation funding; and school safety funding. |
BOARD COMMENTS | |
With no further comments, President Yates adjourned the regular meeting at 5:15
p.m.
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Carol Whitehead, Secretary Roy Yates, President
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