School Board January 7, 2008

Regular Meeting January 7, 2008
5:00 PM Midtown Center Meeting Room

Minutes

Chair Edie Brooks called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and led the Order and Pledge of Allegiance. Trustees Vern Newby, Sid Fredrickson and Diane Zipperer were present.

Approval of Minutes:
Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the minutes of December 3, 2007, passed 4-0.
Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the minutes of December 4, 2007, passed 4-0.
Motion by Mrs. Zipperer, second by Mr. Fredrickson to approve the minutes of December 12, 2007, passed 4-0.
Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mr. Fredrickson to approve the minutes of December 18, 2007, passed 4-0.

Approval of the Agenda and Possible Addendum - Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the agenda as presented, passed 4-0.

Identification of Citizens Wishing to Address the Board – None

Coeur d’Alene Education Association Report – President Paula Marano noted that in light of today’s State of the State address given by the Governor, she felt it appropriate to give a State of the Association yearly report. Highlights included: improved student achievement, increase quality programs, CEA members support of the supplemental levy campaign either financially, by making phone calls, and by reaching out to the community. That partnership between the district and CEA helped to pass the levy; as well as a contract settlement and continued health benefits. CEA members desire to communicate and exchange ideas through weekly meetings with district administration. Members have established positive participation in the community; Human Rights Education Institute, affordable housing, and the new library. She encouraged policy makers to stand up for a package that rewards educators and not giving up their contract.

Trustee Christie Wood arrived at 5:10 p.m.

High School Student Body Reports
Project CDA
Jeff encouraged parents to attend an upcoming workshop sponsored by counselors from all high schools who have teamed up to bring a series of monthly workshops to parents. The next one will be held on January 17 and the topic will be money for higher education. This information is geared especially for students who are Juniors.
Jake mentioned the arrival of the Korean students who will visit Project and cook with the food service class. Six Project CDA students will graduate in January and fifteen new students are arriving next semester.
Alex thanked Pam Pratt for helping her make a decision about massage therapy school, which begins today.
Bridge Academy
Alea reported that fifteen students will dual enroll at NIC for the spring semester.
Katie reported about SAT testing and Krista spoke about 20 new students who have been accepted into the Bridge Academy.

Coeur d’Alene High School
Hayden said that the upcoming Fight for the Fish has consumed lots of time. Spirit Week is in full swing. Students filmed TV announcements for students who may not have attended the game in the past. Students are also selling links for the Human Rights Task Force.
Approval of Consent Agenda Items:
A. Personnel
B. Approve Accounts Payable Check List Dated 12-31-07
C. Approve Affidavit of Habitual Truancy
D. Resolution 07/08-001
E. Disposal of Textbooks

Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mr. Fredrickson to approve the consent agenda, passed 5-0.

Consideration of Action/Information Items:

Meet the Board: Special Services & Coeur d’Alene High School
Director of Special Services Dr. Tom Trotter introduced Elizabeth Mann, school psychologist; Teresa Lancaster, SLP with preschool program; Mandy Hiebert, school psychologist; Jan Facciano, school nurse; Connie Griggs, school nurse; and Pat Lynch, school nurse.

Coeur d’Alene High School Principal Randy Russell introduced Wendy Bromley, special ed teacher; Sheri Cole, attendance secretary; Collin Connor, science teacher/ski club advisor; Carly Curtis, health teacher/volleyball coach; Linda Donnelly, English teacher; Cathy Field, Spanish teacher; Todd Gilkey, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director; Amanda Hooker, algebra teacher and assistant volleyball coach; Mike Nelson, Assistant Principal; John Webb, IB Math and algebra 2; Abby White, counselor; Camy Whitney, special ed secretary; and John Zobrowsky, science teacher. Mr. Russell commented that even with such a high turnover of staff, their number 1 priority is their relationships with students.

Novel Recommendation/”Snow Falling on Cedars” – Curriculum Director Jim Facciano reminded everyone that the original recommendation was created in July 2007, additional input was gathered and this was submitted for information in December. Mr. Newby asked about communication of novel content between student/parent/teacher. If this novel were assigned, the appropriate communication would take place between the teacher, parent and student. Director of Secondary Education Rosie Astorquia commented that through this process, we have heightened guidelines. As we develop guidelines, staff development will play a critical role. Superintendent Harry Amend thanked team members who have worked hard on this committee. Mr. Fredrickson asked if this book could be assigned by an English teacher, Jim responded yes but with opt out process (updated through literature guidelines). Mrs. Wood asked about a timeline to finish the literature guidelines, Mr. Facciano responded they hope to finish by spring. In front of the public comment this evening, Assistant Superintendent Hazel Bauman asked that objectionable words not be spoken out loud, especially in light of future recorded and subsequently broadcast meetings. This would violate FCC standards.

Carrie Chase stated that this book is inappropriate to be required reading for high school students. She read an excerpt from the book using “bleep” for the objectionable words. She asked who recommended this book, which contains explicit scenes and will lead to behavior that we wouldn’t want students to follow.

Debbie Morris said that the adoption of novels weren’t reviewed and approved by the Board. Does the Board endorse this kind of material? A Vice-Principal told her that he would not allow his children to read this book, do you want your children to read this book? Libraries operate under different rules. She and others will make sure the public knows that this school board approved this novel especially in light of upcoming elections. Papers have been filed with the state prosecutor about the Literature Guidelines committee.

Mr. Facciano thanked patrons for expressing their opinions. Mrs. Wood thanked parents as well. She understands their passion, and as a board member, she will listen to all stakeholders, not just to be re-elected. The Board strives to broadly serve students and parents. Mr. Newby recently read a book “Ghost Riders” which parallels the details in the book in question. While it contained some love scenes, this book seems more age appropriate. He recommended that “Snow Falling on Cedars” not be required under parent guidelines, it is more of an adult level book. It should not be required even with parental notification. It can be recommended on an individual basis with notification – teacher to student. Mrs. Wood asked how that fits into the guidelines, and Jim noted there are no guidelines for individual student recommendations, however, guidelines could be added. Mrs. Brooks asked which class has used this book; the response was that it has been used typically as a resource for AP, and is most appropriate for IB higher level English.

Ms. Bauman asked if this book contains more profanity/sexual content than the other two books. Mr. Facciano felt it was equal to the content of the previous two books. He stated that the district has received just as many positive replies about this book as negative ones. Mrs. Brooks noted that things read out of context can be misconstrued. Mrs. Wood welcomes the challenge and would like to see consistency within the Board. Consistency will be helped when the guidelines are in place. Mr. Facciano added that the majority of the literature guidelines are complete with two components yet to be finished. Regarding freedom of choice, these decisions are best made by parents, especially in light of this issue. This book is mostly used for college bound students who need the rigor.

Due to several outbursts by a patron from the audience, Chair Brooks called for a recess at 6:05 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 6:10 p.m.

Mr. Facciano continued that the Literature Guidelines will come to Board in February, and that they are being written due to concerns of parents. Mr. Fredrickson also doesn’t want this book on the reserved list. Mr. Newby noted that even though the guidelines are being written by staff, there should be time for public input. Mrs. Wood agreed that written input should be taken from parents. These guidelines are being written to provide consistency, and are not earmarked for a specific book(s). Motion by Mrs. Wood to uphold the current status and remain as an on option on the Junior English reading list, second by Mrs. Zipperer, passed 3-2 (Mr. Newby and Mr. Fredrickson voted no).

Finance Report – Chief Financial Officer Steve Briggs shared some new graphs (previously requested by the Board). Some of the additional information provided: general fund special education budget vs. actual for 2005-2008. Mrs. Brooks asked why child count numbers are down however expenses are higher. The response is that more intensive services are needed for a smaller population of students thereby driving up the costs. Administrators are making an effort to scrutinize requests for external services. Mrs. Brooks asked about the possibility of categorizing expenses per student need. Mr. Briggs noted that a high priority for the district is to get a handle on the expenses. Medicaid has been underutilized and is an important component. We anticipate improving from last year but will likely fall short.

Mr. Briggs provided a historical graph on special education funding. The District received less funding based on child count. Mrs. Wood asked about the difference between federal funding and Medicaid. Mr. Briggs responded that the federal reimbursement is money received through the child count and Medicaid is calculated on a reimbursement basis; the general fund is making up some of the difference between what we don’t get funded from federal or state. Mrs. Brooks asked for input from district administrators/special educators they can take to the legislature.

SPFL Report – Doug Jaworski, Long Range Planning Committee Chair reported that the committee met three times and voted 15-2 in favor of a recommendation for a 2-year SPFL for no more than $32 million: to build a new Lakes Middle School, Technology, a new elementary school and property acquisition. Mrs. Wood asked about the location for the new Lakes; it will be built on the existing site using the plans that were developed two years ago. The district spent 6 weeks gathering information about what should be on the levy polling every staff member and key community stakeholder groups. Long Range Planning committee members are cognizant of what the community will support in terms of levy rate. Mrs. Brooks asked for a breakdown: $20 million for Lakes, (in addition to what is currently in the bank); $800,000 per year for technology, $8 million for a new elementary school (no plans will be needed and to be built on the Northshire property); and approximately $50,000 per acre for property (total $3.2 million). The district is currently looking for available property. Mr. Newby thanked Mr. Jaworski and the members of Long Range Planning Committee for their work; he also thanked Ms. Bauman for her leadership on the committee.

Board Policies – Assistant Superintendent Hazel Bauman presented the following policies for information:
• 543 Student Suspension –this was a request to re-look at allowing students to make up work. Students miss instruction and it becomes more difficult to make up the work. Often students who get suspended have other at risk factors. If students cannot make up missed work, it could lead to failure. Mrs. Wood suggested “will be allowed” change to “will be required”. This policy will get input from staff over next 30 days.
• 612 Class Rankings – added IB and student ranking; notes from the previous meeting will be reviewed to clarify how students are ranked/numbered.
• 646 Guest Speakers – clarified language about applicability to curriculum.
• 627 Parent Involvement – this draft has been reviewed by Steve Meade, general counsel for Idaho School Boards Association. This is a new policy.

Call for Committee Reports
Mr. Fredrickson attended the Attendance Zone Committee where they are looking at a couple of scenarios. They plan to meet again as they look at middle school boundaries.
Mr. Newby thanked Doug Jaworski for presenting the report from Long Range Planning.

Superintendent’s Report – Mr. Amend reported that he and Ms. Bauman will meet with representatives from the City of Hayden in a planning session as they work on their strategic plan. Mr. Amend announced events upcoming during Human Rights week Jan 14-18. An assembly for 5th grade students will be held in the NIC gymnasium. A program for middle and high school students will be held January 21 at Coeur d’Alene High School from 1:00 – 3:00; many speakers are schedule to attend and the event is free. A Gala will be held that evening at CDA Inn, social and auction beginning at 5:30. Ms. Bauman introduced the technical crew as we prepare to record and broadcast school board meetings.

Board Comments and Information – Mr. Fredrickson announced that Living With Limits – March Awareness month with the kickoff scheduled for March 6th.

Recess at 7:45 p.m. and reconvened at 7:55 p.m.

Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mrs. Wood for Executive Session: Idaho Code 67-2345, Subsection (c) to conduct deliberations concerning labor negotiations or to acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency; (f) to communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated.

The meeting returned to open session and adjourned at 9:05 p.m. No action was taken.

Edie Brooks, Chair
Board of Trustees

Lynn M. Towne, Clerk
Board of Trustees

Summary Statement of Executive Session
At78550 PM, in accordance with Idaho Code 67-2345, Subsection (c) to conduct deliberations concerning labor negotiations or to acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency; Subsection (f) to communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated.

Home