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 16, 2006, 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 Ed Petersen. Absent: Roy Yates. In President Yates’ absence, Vice President Dutton led the meeting. |
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ADOPTION OF AGENDA Vice President Dutton called for any recommended changes to the agenda. Superintendent Carol Whitehead reported that there would be a revised personnel report. In addition, there is a typographical error on Item 7a(7) concerning re-employment of non-supervisory certificated employees. The resolution number should be identified as Resolution 850. With that, Ed Petersen moved to adopt the revised agenda. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | ADOPTION OF AGENDA | |
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Sue Cooper moved for approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of May 2, 2006. Karen Madsen seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS Dr. Whitehead opened her comments by calling on Area One Executive Director Jim McNally and North Middle School principal Kelly Shepherd who introduced Chris Jorgenson as the new assistant principal at that school. He comes to Everett from Maryland, but was once an assistant principal at Lake Stevens Middle School. Chris brings a wealth of experience in reading and writing, positive connections, and flextime for children. Chris said he enjoyed participating in the selection process and is excited about his new assignment and the Everett community in general.
Executive Director of Curriculum Alignment and Implementation Terry Edwards introduced Carl Fender as the new Director of Career and Technical Education, replacing Larry Galli, who is retiring. Carl has worked in the area of CTE for 22 years teaching marketing and technology. He completed a CTE internship in the District and is currently pursuing his principal credential. Carl is truly one who is committed to lifelong learning. Carl said he is excited to be selected for this position and looks forward to being part of the future of CTE. | SUPT’S COMMENTS | |
Dr. Whitehead announced that the Jackson High School boys baseball team is
undefeated and recently won the district title. They are ranked second in the
nation by a coaches’ association poll. They will play Lake Washington on
May 20 in the first round of state competition.
Today, Dr. Whitehead began a series of presentations to each District site regarding the District budget and will be recommending a $2.6 million reduction which comes as a result of the cost-of-living increase generated via I-732 for which the State only funds State employees. In addition, monies must be set aside for startup costs for the new elementary school (principal, custodian, school secretary, library books, etc.) because the bond only pays for the facility, furniture and some of the equipment. Between 1999 and today, the percent of revenue in the District’s total budget from the State has decreased by approximately four percent, or approximately $6.5 million, that has shifted from the state revenue to the local revenue. It is important to understand that the levy
only maintains programs at current levels. When costs rise and revenues remain consistent, reductions are necessary.
Dr. Whitehead called on Terry Edwards regarding the release of WASL test results. It is anticipated that the 10th grade scores of those students who took the test this spring will be returned to the District in early June as a hard copy individual student report and on an electronic file. June 8 has been targeted as the date the District will mail home the individual student reports. It is important to distribute the results as soon as possible so that students can take advantage of re-take opportunities. Registration for re-takes will be from June 9 to July 9 and re-testing will happen in August. Students will also have the opportunity to take summer school classes as well as WASL preparation classes. A communication plan is being developed beginning later in May followed by delivery of the student reports in early June and WASL registration and summer school registration. Ninth grade scores will not be available until August, so those students will not be eligible to re-test in August. |
SUPT’S COMMENTS (cont’d.) | |
PUBLIC COMMENT None.
| PUBLIC COMMENT | |
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES Director of Communications Gay Campbell introduced three retirees. 1) Mary Gibson —has worked in the District for 20 years—currently works at Mill Creek Elementary School teaching third grade. Her principal, Mary Ann Opperud, spoke of Mary’s positive attitude, supportive nature, creativity, artistic ability, outstanding instructional techniques, willingness to “go the extra mile,” and her commitment to all students being successful. Mary has had the opportunity to work with some difficult students over the years and she has made a dramatic difference for them and for all children with whom she has come in contact. She is a tremendous team member. Mary said it is difficult to retire, but she is ready for new challenges. She said her principals have been excellent and Everett has a great sense of community and caring. She has loved working in Everett and she will miss the children. In closing, she said it is important to look at students with a fresh eye and draw out the best in each of them. Vice President Dutton thanked Mary for her commitment to children and presented her with a crystal memento apple. | RECOGNITION OF RETIREES | |
2) Donna Lemke —has 21 years in education, 17 ½ of them in Everett—is a second grade teacher at Mill Creek Elementary School. Her principal, Mary Ann Opperud, described Donna as someone who has always seen the best in each of her students. She is a thoughtful, caring and nurturing teacher who is perceptive, a team player and someone who has high expectations. She has been instrumental in helping children. Donna thanked Jim McNally and Lynn Evans, among others, for their support. Vice President Dutton presented Donna with a crystal memento apple and thanked her for her many years of hard work and commitment to the students of Everett Public Schools. | ||
3) Allanah dePlace
—has been in Everett Public Schools over 20 years—currently works in
the special education reading room at Madison Elementary School. Her principal, Kert Lenseigne, provided quotes from some of Allanah’s students and said she will be greatly missed. In closing, he said, “We are better for having had you as a teacher, colleague and a friend.” Allanah commented that she has enjoyed her career and is looking forward to new opportunities. Vice President Dutton thanked Allanah for all she has given to students and presented her with a crystal memento apple. | ||
Before closing out this segment of the Board meeting, Vice President Dutton announced that tonight is Gay Campbell’s last Board meeting before her retirement date of May 31. When asked about her plans, Gay said she will finish out her year’s presidency of NSPRA (the National School Public Relations Association), cultivate her consulting business and spend time with her husband, who is also retired. Vice President Dutton said the Board greatly appreciates Gay’s many contributions to the District. Board member Cooper saluted Gay’s professionalism, her willingness to help and her expertise. Board member Madsen expressed her affection for Gay and said she has learned so much from her on so many levels. Gay will always be a treasure in Ms. Madsen’s life and she will miss her. |
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES (cont’d.) | |
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION ASB budgets are developed by students and their advisors for preliminary review by the Board of Directors (E:153/06). Student representatives from each high school attended the meeting 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. Director of Finance Jeff Moore distributed a list of tonight’s presenters (attached). Each group reviewed their budgets and included information about revenues and expenses. They identified their clubs, both active and inactive, and provided ideas for revenue-generating ventures such as jog-a-thons, carnivals, t-shirt sales, auctions/raffles, free throw contests, dances, talent shows and WASL breakfasts. ASB cards, vending machines and parking permits are also income-producers. Examples of their community service projects include food drives, senior citizens’ dinners and dances, Pennies for Patients, blood drives, the Lions Club eyeglass drive, and Forest Park and Howarth Park cleanups | PRELIMINARY 2006-2007 ASB FUND BUDGETS | |
Among the challenges for the ASB clubs is the rising cost of gasoline and other transportation costs. As a means of addressing shrinking revenues and rising costs, Jackson High School has adopted a “one-third policy” by which the ASB pays for one-third of expenses of teams/clubs who qualify for state and national competitions. The team/club raises one-third of the expenses from fundraising efforts and the remaining one-third is an out-of-pocket expenditure. Students from JHS posed three questions to the Board: 1) Why isn’t all applicable information given to the ASB before the budget deadline? 2) Should student funds be requested to supplement building budget inadequacies? 3) Will future budget cuts at the district level prompt administrators to request student money? Students addressed a question from the Board about the anticipated impact of increases in parking passes. In addition, more information was sought about the one-third policy described by the JHS students. In closing, Vice President congratulated all of the students and their advisors on their excellent presentations. She noted that the ASB budget process is important and involves a great deal of work. | ||
The Administration presented information about the District’s Career &
Technical Education Program (CTE) (E:154/06). CTE Director Larry Galli
described CTE, according to RCW 28C.04.100, as a planned program of courses and
learning experiences that begins with exploration of career options, supports
basic academic and life skills and enables achievement of high academic
standards, leadership, options for high skill-high wage employment preparation
and advanced and continuing education. Approximately 4,500 students per day
attend one or more of the 74 individual CTE courses offered in the District.
Staff consists of more than 60 certificated and classified employees. Larry
went on to say that CTE instructional programs are guided by standards,
frameworks and assessments. In closing, Larry outlined next steps for the
program which include continuing to align, articulate and coordinate all CTE
courses; cross credit with basic education; continue to evaluate current course
offerings and explore new course offerings; and continue to strengthen the
connection with basic education.
| PRESENTATION—CTE PROGRAM | |
Board member Petersen commented that he is interested in how one taps into students’ interests and having programs such as CTE are one way to meet their needs. He then asked about the District’s relationship with the Sno-Isle Skills Center, to which Larry replied that Everett is the largest user of the center, a consortium of 14 school districts. Board member Madsen asked about the number of boys vs. girls enrolled in CTE courses, to which Larry replied that there is an approximate 50/50 mix. |
PRESENTATION—CTE PROGRAM (cont’d.) | |
The attached materials regarding K-12 health and fitness curriculum were provided for first reading with adoption to be recommended at a future Board meeting (E:155/06). In order to meet current state standards in health and fitness at K-12, a new program is necessary. The Prentice-Hall health textbook will supplement the Discovery Health—Core series. Terry Edwards introduced Director of Curriculum Mary Ann Stine who said Discovery Health is a web-based curriculum offering a multitude of search options. As a demonstration for the Board, she toured the website and noted that Discovery Health has a partnership with United Streaming Video with which the District is already connected. | PROPOSED ADOPTION OF K-12 HEALTH & FITNESS CURRICULUM TEXT--1ST reading | |
Board member Cooper wondered whether there is any resistance by teachers to using technology. Mary Ann said Everett is the largest user of United Streaming on the West Coast. If there are those who are uncomfortable with a web-based curriculum, notebooks and CDs will be created. Other assistance will also be offered. However, if staff members are already doing online grading, then it is likely the Discovery Health process will be simple. Associate Superintendent for Finance and Operations Bob Collard noted that activation of the WAN (Wide Area Network) will be of great help. Dr. Whitehead commented that the Discovery Health program was teacher recommended. Mary Ann said the program will be constantly updated. When asked how a web-based program is funded, Terry said the District negotiated a five-year license agreement for approximately $600 per site which, due to a change in the law a few years ago, can be funded through capital funds. When asked whether textbook committees usually include a parent, Terry said that sometimes happens, and there is always a parent preview time which is advertised extensively. When the adoption comes to the Board, said Dr. Whitehead, there is a first reading followed by adoption at a future Board meeting, thus providing the Board and others the opportunity to review the materials and ask questions. | ||
The attached instructional materials regarding high school physics and advanced placement biology were provided for first reading with adoption to be recommended at a future Board meeting (E:156/06). Prentice Hall— Conceptual Physics will be used as the District’s high school physics textbook and will replace various books currently in use at different schools, thus bringing a common program to all District high schools. The Pearson (Benjamin Cummings) biology advanced placement will standardize advanced placement biology among all the high schools which are now using different textbooks. This updated version also includes technology. | PROPOSED ADOPTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS FOR H.S. PHYSICS & AP BIOLOGY—1st reading | |
K-12 Science Specialist Bob Sotak described the process for selecting the materials. Among the features of these materials is a more extensive web-based emphasis for students. Part of the implementation will involve bringing the teachers together to work on an extensive bio-tech portion for the course. There will also be opportunities to share pieces of expensive equipment via the Science Resource Center. Regarding the physics books, approximately 15 different texts were reviewed. They looked for something that would provide conceptual understanding for students as a lead-in to math. The book chosen also has a very strong technical connection. Terry provided a brief re-cap of the science renewal that began in the District almost three years ago. He went on to say the parent review piece has been, and is being, conducted the same as other adoptions. | ||
The attached Proposed School Board Meetings Schedule for 2006-2007 was provided
for first reading with approval to be requested at a future Board meeting
(E:157/07). Dr. Whitehead said even though the student calendar is not complete, an effort was made to estimate the dates for spring break, etc., and the Board meetings were scheduled around them as well as certain conferences. Dr. Whitehead requested that the Board review the dates and provide feedback. | PROPOSED SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS SCHEDULE FOR 06-07—1st Reading | |
ACTION ITEMS Karen Madsen moved for approval of the revised Consent Agenda items. Sue Cooper seconded the motion. 1) Personnel Report (revised) (E:158/06); 2) Voucher Lists (E:159/06); 3) Proposed Revised Policy 1712—Conflicts of Interest ( regarding clarification of guidelines) (E:160/06); 4) Event Support Personnel Salary Schedule 2006-2007 (E:161/06); 5) Carl D. Perkins Vocational & Technical Education Act of 1998— Assurances (E:162/06); 6) Gift of Digital Visualizer Cameras from Whittier Elementary School PTA to Whittier Elementary School (E:163/06); &
7) Res. |
CONSENT AGENDA | |
BOARD COMMENTS Board member Madsen asked whether someone will be contacting the ASB students with answers to their questions. Dr. Whitehead said that Director of Finance Jeff Moore is already working on it. | BOARD COMMENTS
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BOARD ACTION AND/OR BOARD DISCUSSION With no further comments, Vice President Dutton recessed the regular meeting at 6:50 p.m. into a closed session for discussion of collective bargaining agreement proposals. Before moving into the closed session in Conference Room C3 of the Educational Service Center, it was announced the closed session would be of approximately 30 minutes’ duration.
At 7:20 p.m., it was announced the closed session would extend for another 15 minutes. |
CLOSED SESSION—DISCUSS COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT PROPOSALS | |
At 7:35 p.m., Vice President Dutton re-convened the regular Board meeting in
the Board Room of the Educational Service Center and immediately moved into a
study session concerning orientation of the new Board member.
Board member Cooper opened the discussion by talking about the role and function of a school board member. She asked Board member Petersen about assistance he needs as a new Board member. So far, he said, he is satisfied with learning as he goes, but he is also interested in understanding the process for raising questions and interacting with the community, students, parents and the media. The Board members discussed these questions and provided their perspectives. Mr. Petersen commented that he sees Everett as an exceedingly well-run school district.
With no further comments, Vice President Dutton adjourned the regular meeting at 8:45 p.m. | STUDY SESSION—NEW BOARD MEMBER ORIENTATION | |
_____________________________ ________________________________
Carol Whitehead, Secretary Kristie Dutton, Vice President |