EVERETT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
EVERETT, WASHINGTON Regular Meeting | ||
| The Board of Directors of Everett Public Schools, Snohomish County, Washington, held a regular Board meeting on September 26, 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, Karen Madsen, Ed Petersen and Roy Yates. Absent: Kristie Dutton.
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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. She also requested that an executive session (to review the performance of an employee) be added immediately following the “Board Comments” section of the agenda. With that, Sue Cooper moved to adopt the revised agenda. Karen Madsen 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 September 12, 2006. Ed Petersen seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
| SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
Dr. Whitehead distributed a list of those who served on the Elementary Boundary Review committee and acknowledged their hard work, commitment, talent and teamwork (E:08/07). Committee members in attendance tonight were Woodside Elementary School’s principal Wayne Kettler and Elementary #17’s principal Brenda Fuglevand. Dr. Whitehead displayed photographs of Emerson Elementary School whose new lighting (as part of its remodeling project) was showcased in a magazine called Architecture. Recently, the United Way Day of Caring took place whereby people in the community give back to their community. Among the participants, four teams volunteered their services to help spruce up four District sites: Heatherwood, North and Evergreen Middle Schools and Penny Creek Elementary School. With the elementary school boundary review process drawing to a close, plans are in progress to conduct a review of the middle school boundaries. Middle school enrollment patterns throughout the District are shifting and it is important for these enrollments to be equitable. Therefore, a committee is being formed to conduct a review and members of the community are being invited to be a part of the process. Dick Withycombe, who served as the facilitator for the elementary boundary review process, will also facilitate the middle school process using many of the same methods that were used to review the elementary boundaries. The composition of the committee will include one parent from each middle school, who is the parent of a current sixth grader, two parent representatives from each middle school feeder pattern who are parents of a current fourth or fifth grader, every middle school principal and principals from seven elementary schools. Feeder patterns will be represented. It is anticipated that the committee will complete its review by the end of November. A public hearing will be held in mid-January for the committee to present its tentative recommendation to the public and to gather feedback from the community. The committee will review the public input and prepare a recommendation to the superintendent. The superintendent will make her recommendation to the Board. An opportunity to speak to the Board will take place at a special Board meeting in late January or early February. The Board will make its decision in February and families will receive notification of the Board’s decision in March, 2007. The changes will become effective for the 2008-2009 school year. Recently, Dr. Whitehead testified on behalf of the special education coalition that is part of the special education lawsuit, at a recent Washington Learns commission hearing which was among several that have been held around the state. She estimated that approximately 150 attended the session that was held in Mount Vernon, which is where she testified. The purpose of the commission is to review public school and higher education spending and early childhood needs in order to meet the goals for the state. She asked the commission to specify dollars in three areas: technology, special education and all-day kindergarten. The commission deems these areas as important for public education; however, they have not included in their recommendation adequate funds to accomplish their recommendation. For example, it is important that there is enough money to have all-day kindergarten but, in order for that to happen, portable facilities would need to be put in place at a cost of approximately $70,000 per portable to meet the commission’s recommendation of having approximately 15 students per class whereas most kindergarten classes have 20 or 21 students per class. Permanent facilities would cost approximately $11 million. At the request of President Yates, these figures will be provided to the Board. The commission noted that in 1986 45.7 percent of the State’s general fund went to public schools while in 2006 only 39.5 percent went to public schools. The District’s eighth-day enrollment count was at 18,489 students which is approximately 15 different from the projections. Dr. Whitehead marveled at how close the District comes to its projections. Even so, the enrollments did not occur in an equitable fashion across the District. Therefore, some teachers were moved to different schools while some teachers and children were moved from one classroom to another. A few additional teachers were hired. Dr. Whitehead noted that on November 14, the Everett Public Schools Foundation will partner with a number of local restaurants to hold a fundraiser called “Dine Out for Kids.” Profits will go to the Foundation. | SUPT’S COMMENTS
SUPT’S COMMENTS (cont’d.) | |
| PUBLIC COMMENT
None. RECOGNITION OF RETIREES None. | PUBLIC COMMENT
RECOGNITION OF RETIREES | |
| ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
Associate Superintendent for Instruction Karst Brandsma introduced Executive Director for Curriculum Alignment and Implementation Terry Edwards who outlined the Individual Student Learning Plans (ISLP) which historically have been developed for students not at standard in certain areas. The goal of the ISLP has been to provide timely, meaningful information to parents on the academic progress of their students and guidance to parents on how they can help support their students in meeting academic standards. This is the third year the District will have provided ISLPs, but the first year of “ramping up” to provide ISLPs for all students in grades three through ten. |
INDIVIDUAL STUDENT LEARNING PLANS | |
| This is the first year the timing for the ISLP has been moved from spring to fall. Originally, it was intended to have these plans ready to go out with WASL report scores, but that turned out to be overly ambitious. The revised date for sending ISLPs has been moved to mid-October. In tonight’s packet of information is a copy of the evening’s PowerPoint presentation, a sample WASL score report, an actual WASL score report (that has been redacted), a copy of the state’s brochure called “Reaching Higher,” and two ISLPs (E:09/07). The entirety of the student’s ISLP is posted on the Instructional Management System (IMS) for parents’ viewing. An additional requirement is to send a plan home for all students identified to receive LAP (Learning Assistance Program) services; thus, the mid-October mailing date is even more realistic. Mr. Brandsma said his office will supply the Board with samples of WASL packets for students who did not meet standard. He further stated that the merge system that has been developed by the Curriculum/Assessment and Information Systems departments is amazing in simplifying what could be a logistical nightmare in accurately preparing these packets for families.
Board member Madsen asked whether information about a child’s attendance is provided, to which Terry said yes. Board member Petersen said this is a very understandable packet which is easy to grasp and provides an excellent tool for helping parents understand their child’s status. He suggested making a presentation at Rotary. Board member Madsen commented that having this information come to parents in pieces may actually be a better method because it is not so intimidating. |
INDIVIDUAL STUDENT LEARNING PLANS (cont’d.) | |
| The Administration provided an update on summer school programs in Everett Public Schools. Terry Edwards provided a copy of the PowerPoint document to be used for tonight’s presentation (E:10/07). He reported that this year’s summer school was the largest one ever for the District. At the end of the summer, the District was able to graduate 11 more students because of summer school and work students had done over the summer.
For the first time, the number of online teachers exceeded the number of classroom teachers. The summer school registration process was streamlined and worked very well. Terry talked about high school course offerings for summer school, enrollment data, WASL preparatory classes, tutorial offerings, elementary and middle school programs offered, WASL retakes and planning for next summer. When Mr. Petersen asked whether tuition is a barrier for needy students, Terry replied that these students are referred to the Everett Public Schools Foundation for scholarship assistance. In addition, the District funds extremely low-income students with STAR program monies from the Workforce Development Council which is aimed at helping and monitoring students who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out. The Everett Public Schools Foundation will fund students who qualify under the requirements for free-and-reduced lunch. PAS (Promoting Academic Success) and LAP dollars are also used to fund some students. Therefore, cost is not a barrier. When President Yates asked whether the District contacts parents and encourages them to get their child to retake the WASL, Terry said at least two mailings are done. Teachers also recruit students. In closing, Dr. Whitehead said over the last two or three years, real progress has been made in tightening up the summer school program. | SUMMER SCHOOL UPDATE
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| The textbook Geography Alive, published by Teachers’ Curriculum Institute, will be used as core curriculum material in the World Geography class offered at the 7th grade level. Additionally, the National Geographic series World Cultures and World Regions, provides students with engaging informational texts that examine people, places, environments and geography (E:11/07). These materials were provided at this time for first reading with adoption to be recommended at a future Board meeting.
Terry Edwards and Curriculum Specialist Allison Larsen described the materials. Allison talked about the process used to arrive at the recommended adoption, the makeup of the committee, research that was conducted, gathering of materials and input, creation of the final recommendation from the adoption team, review by the instructional materials committee and an in-house public review that will be held on October 4. Allison distributed a packet of the instructional materials bias review forms that were done. Supplemental readers are also being recommended. Board member Madsen asked about the purpose of a field test to which Terry said it helps one get better at the instruction of using these materials. | PROPOSED ADOPTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL WORLD GEOGRAPHY—first reading
PROPOSED ADOPTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL WORLD GEOGRAPHY —first reading (cont’d.) | |
| ACTION ITEMS
Sue Cooper moved for approval of the revised Consent Agenda items. Karen Madsen seconded the motion. 1) Personnel Report (revised) (E:12/07); 2) Voucher Lists (E:13/07); 3) Administrative Salary Schedules 1 & 2 for 2006-2007 and School Administrative Salary Schedule for 2006-2007 (E:14/07); 4) Professional & Technical Salary Schedule for 2006-2007 (E:15/07); 5) Minimum Basic Education Requirement Compliance Report (E:16/07); 6) Title I, Part A: Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged—2006- 2007 (E:17/07); 7) Contract Between Everett School District and Everett Public Schools Foundation (EPSF) (E:18/07); 8) Res. 863: Authority to Approve Space Survey – Neighboring Districts (Res.03/07); 9) Res. 865: Cancel Warrants Outstanding Dated Prior to 8/31/05 (Res. 04/07); The motion carried unanimously. |
CONSENT AGENDA | |
| The Administration recommended that the Board of Directors adopt Resolution 864: Silver Lake Elementary School Partial New Construction in Lieu of Modernization, surplusing 11,996 square feet of Silver Lake Elementary School to be replaced with new facilities per WAC 180-33-042 (Res. 05/07). Associate Superintendent for Finance and Operations Bob Collard said there is a need to demolish the existing kitchen (but not the whole cafeteria structure) and gymnasium because they do not meet the program needs as defined in the educational specifications of the project and because there are some physical needs of the buildings that may not make it cost effective to renovate them. The annex building was demolished in 2003 and is part of tonight’s recommendation. Although there is a tight “window” for submitting this document, demolition will not occur until the modernization is complete. Tonight’s action relates to a total District capacity (square footage) issue and state match funding.
President Yates and Board member Petersen asked clarifying questions about the site plan and the timing for submission of the project application (D-3). With no further comments, Ed Petersen moved for the adoption of the aforementioned Resolution 864. Sue Cooper seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | RESOLUTION 864: SILVER LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARTIAL NEW CONSTRUCTION IN LIEU OF MODERNIZATION
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| The Administration recommended that the Board of Directors adopt Resolution 867: Puget Sound School Coalition Interlocal Agreement, authorizing the District to join the coalition in accordance with RCW 39.34 (Res. 06/07). The coalition was created as a means to engage in coordinated and cooperative efforts regarding issues pertaining to permitting, land use, planning, impact fees, school construction, school funding and projects of mutual interest. Bob Collard described the history of the coalition. It was originally formed to address issues regarding King County, but it now includes statewide issues. The District has had an informal relation with the coalition since October 2005. They have a workplan and meet monthly. The coalition works to gain more funds for the district, thwart attempts to take away funds and to create more opportunities and “tools” to conduct business. The coalition purposely keeps itself small so it does not get the paralysis of larger groups. Smallness keeps the group “nimble.”
The cost for Everett Public Schools to be a member of the coalition will be approximately $45,000 per year, chargeable to the capital fund. The District would not be required to pay for issues that dealt only with King County. The return on investment is incredible, as witnessed by impact fees and state match funding. Membership is a good investment. Board member Petersen asked clarifying questions about membership in the coalition. With no further comments, Karen Madsen moved for adoption of the aforementioned Resolution 867. Ed Petersen seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. | RESOLUTION 867: PUGET SOUND COALITION INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT
RESOLUTION 867: PUGET SOUND COALITION INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT (cont’d.) | |
| BOARD COMMENTS
Board member Madsen reported that the Board was recently treated to tours of Emerson Elementary and Eisenhower Middle Schools’ remodeling projects. Each school is amazing in its transformation. She further noted that during the tour of Emerson, some patrons were in the foyer trying to find their way around and members of the tour (Judy Nicholson and Mike Gunn) separated themselves from the group to help these families. Such actions are clearly indicative of what Everett Public Schools is all about. Board member Petersen reported that his orientations continued with meetings with Food and Nutrition Services and Information Technology. He said he is repeatedly impressed at the breadth of activities the District oversees. He is also impressed with how the theme of teamwork is a stated value and keeps surfacing. The element of pride is very evident. President Yates and Board member Cooper said it is encouraging to hear this feedback from the “fresh eyes” of a new Board member. When one has been in the system a long time, one sometimes forgets how special Everett Public Schools is. Board member Madsen reported that she recently attended the WSSDA legislative assembly in Pasco on behalf of her Board colleagues. It was a useful and informative conference. She appreciated the Board’s input on legislative issues. | BOARD COMMENTS
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| BOARD ACTION AND/OR BOARD DISCUSSION
At 6:05 p.m., President Yates recessed the regular meeting into executive session for a review of the performance of an employee. It was estimated the executive session would be of ten minutes’ duration. | ADDENDUM--
EXECUTIVE SESSION—TO REVIEW PERFORMANCE OF AN EMPLOYEE
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| President Yates re-convened the regular meeting at 6:15 p.m. and recessed immediately into a closed session to discuss collective bargaining proposals. It was estimated the closed session would be of 15 minutes’ duration.
President Yates re-convened the regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. and recessed immediately for a 30-minute rest break. | CLOSED SESSION—TO DISCUSS
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING PROPOSALS
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| President Yates re-convened the regular meeting at 7 p.m. and moved immediately into a study session regarding the elementary school boundary adjustments.
Dr. Whitehead distributed a document for use during tonight’s presentation (E:19/07). She reported that the District has been tracking over 2,700 housing units in the southern part of the District that are either in the plat approval or permitting process or are under construction. It is anticipated that these units will generate 765 K-5 students with approximately 550 of them in the Cedar Wood Elementary School service area, which translates into one full elementary school. Dr. Whitehead listed the members of the committee and commended facilitator Dick Withycombe on his exemplary work. Mike Gunn and Terrie DeBolt were also amazing in their ability to synthesize data, conduct research, provide answers and assist others. An exciting part of the review process came when the committee held a public hearing and ended up changing their recommendation as a result of the community input. A true team effort was evident and the communication process was exceptional. Dr. Whitehead reported that her recommendation, which she is presenting to the Board tonight, is exactly the recommendation made by the committee, which was a unanimous recommendation. The next steps will be for the Board to hold a public hearing, which will take place on October 17. Those individuals who will be affected will receive special notification. Written and oral input will be accepted. Once the Board makes its decision, families will be notified by the end of the Winter break and the changes will be implemented by the Fall of 2007. Parents will have the opportunity to ask for variances and variance procedures will be modified to accommodate them, with a priority being in place over the next two years to help lessen the impacts of the boundary changes on the affected students and their families. Director of Facilities and Planning Mike Gunn talked about the nine parameters and guiding principles of the committee. He showed maps of existing boundaries and the final boundary recommendation along with rationale. The total number of students affected by the boundary adjustments is 933 projected out to the year 2010. Terrie DeBolt said in the immediate future these changes will result in the elimination of one bus in 2007. The Board thanked all who participated in the boundary review process. | STUDY SESSION—ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENTS
STUDY SESSION—ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENTS (cont’d.) | |
| President Yates adjourned the regular meeting at 8 p.m.
_____________________________ ________________________________ Carol Whitehead, Secretary Roy Yates, President |