Board Meeting January 16, 2007

Regular Special Board Meeting January 16, 2007
Midtown Center Meeting Room 5:00 PM

MINUTES

At 5:05 p.m. Chair Vern Newby called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Trustees Edie Brooks, Christie Wood, and Diane Zipperer were present. Sid Fredrickson was absent.

Approval of Minutes: Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the minutes of January 2, 2007, passed 4-0.

Approval of Agenda: Motion by Mrs. Zipperer, second by Mrs. Brooks to approve the agenda as presented, passed 4-0.

Identification of Citizens Wishing to Address the Board: None

Approval of Consent Agenda Items:

A. Personnel
B. Approve Affidavit of Habitual Truancy
Motion by Mrs. Brooks, second by Mrs. Wood to approve the consent agenda, passed 4-0.

Consideration of Action/Information Items:

Long Range Planning Committee Presentation – Dave Patzer, LRPC Chair recapped the findings of the committee. He provided the documents they used and mentioned that the committee held three meetings dedicated to this topic, spent approximately 9 hours of receiving, reviewing, and exploring the impact of the closure. Also included was a chart listing reasons for closing and reasons to retain. The resulting vote was 10 in favor of keeping Sorensen open and 8 in favor of closure. This illustrates the difficulty in reaching a clear cut recommendation for the Board. Mr. Patzer thanked citizens, neighbors, parents for their input, passion and energy. Chair Newby thanked Mr. Patzer and all members of LRPC for exploring the issue thoroughly. Mrs. Wood asked if majority rules for the recommendation or if it was more advisory in nature. Mr. Patzer said it took lots of energy to get a vote, vote shows that issue is split down the middle, not an easy question.

Sorensen Magnet School Proposal – David Miller, Sorensen Principal shared a PowerPoint presentation about this proposal. A copy of this presentation is attached to the original minutes. Planning is currently taking place, takes 4 years to fully implement. He shared a sample of the enrollment form and how the lottery drawing will work. Chad Christensen produced and showed a video featuring Steve Gibbs, Art Spirit Gallery; Ruth Pratt, Coeur d’Alene Library; Jack Bannon and Ellen Travolta, local residents and actors; Laura Little, LC Playhouse; and many others who talked about the potential for success of the magnet school proposal.

Mrs. Brooks inquired about the lunch schedule and Mr. Miller addressed many possible schedule changes, and about required instructional hours. Chair Newby cautioned about passing time to various venues. Mrs. Brooks asked about Individual Learning Plans and Mr. Miller responded that every child deserves this intensive plan, based on a range of development. Mrs. Wood appreciated the presentation; the concept of a magnet school is very exciting. She asked about additional costs required; Mr. Miller explained that costs are dependent on the level of programming and implementation. He added there are significant partnerships and grants available.

Mr. Miller expects that during years 3 and 4, the school will take a look at cost recovery and revenue generated for the district. They hope to attract students because of what the program offers. Sorensen will attempt to recruit 50 new-to-the-district students. Assistant Superintendent Hazel Bauman asked why not draw an additional 100 students. Chair Newby advised a workshop with 2 board members and administrators prior to making decision: Trustees Zipperer and Brooks, David Miller, Mr. Amend and Ms. Bauman may meet to work out some details. Mr. Amend spoke about accountability benchmarks for each year when revisited, on-going funding availabilities (short and long term) and utilization of space. Ms. Bauman congratulated David Miller and supporters for a job well done.

Public Comment
Chad Christensen 2397 Silver Beach Loop, Coeur d’Alene supports magnet idea for Sorensen (even though he doesn’t have children). He worked on the Extreme Makeover site in Sandpoint and experienced the volunteer spirit. There are many people willing to make this happen and he offered to volunteer.
Justin Stormogibson, 310 S. 13th St. Coeur d’Alene commented that neighborhoods that supported Proposition 1 and other education endeavors should be rewarded; school should not be closed. He suggested that for the next levy, the district should make the public aware that if it fails, a school may be closed within the precinct that didn’t vote to pass a levy.
Gordy Hannigan-Luther, 823 Bancroft Ave, Coeur d’Alene volunteers weekly at school, voted in favor of past levies and has volunteered on levy committees. If a school is closed, he would question the decision-making process leading to a closure. Some Ramsey parents are concerned about the impacts of enrollment especially on portables. Children should not be forced into portables.
Brian Doig, 1320 E. Garden, Coeur d’Alene is excited about the prospect of a magnet school and has seen first-hand the benefits that come from a magnet school. He saw a school develop from a concept to a flourishing school 25 years later in California. The Arts community in Coeur d’Alene is growing and the excitement is contagious. The staff and board of Lake City Playhouse will support the conversion of Sorensen to a magnet. Idaho Commission of Arts offers grants and a magnet school is eligible for arts grants in collaboration with arts alliances such as Lake City Playhouse.
Lynn Morris 304 S 11th St. Coeur d’Alene read a letter from the East Mullan Historic District supporting to keep Sorensen open. Most children walk to Sorensen and they believe it is important to maintain a neighborhood school.
Tracie Emerson 1411 Norlyn Court, Coeur d’Alene talked about her student who did well at Sorensen over the last 3 years and transferred to Bryan Elementary this year. The student hasn’t made much progress this year and is not so excited to attend classes this year. Don’t close a school when still transferring students to other schools.
Pat Pace 419 S 13th St. Coeur d’Alene turned in a petition that’s been circulated in local businesses, downtown and other areas. Many addresses of community members who signed the petition are outside the downtown area, which shows community support.
Roger Snyder 319 Park Dr. Coeur d’Alene commented about last week’s meeting with school district officials to discuss research. Since that meeting, he has become aware of new research and he shared those findings.
Bonnie Pratt 5541 N. Nina Ct. Coeur d’Alene learned of the Sorensen issue in December. Her children attend Charter Academy and Ramsey Elementary. She is concerned about the portables and increased enrollment at Ramsey. Schools are already pushed to the limit and increasing the number of students will add to trickle-down effect to schools, administration and parents.

Teresa Runge, 905 Boyd, Coeur d’Alene thanked the Board for their dedication to public education. She thanked audience members and Sorensen staff for their dedication and determination.
Gwain Oka 510 S 13th St. Coeur d’Alene. He has resided at this address since 1984 and has watched demographics change. If or when Sorensen is closed, will the current students attend even farther away. He suggested that the district keep Sorensen open for future growth. Its downtown location is unique and within walking distance to many venues/businesses. Sorensen serves its area well and if closed, the potential for a magnet school is gone.
Bill Banger 4940 N Anne, Coeur d’Alene acknowledged the wonderful opportunity with staff and parents who have done a tremendous amount of work to make the magnet program possible. He and his wife will purchase the first pottery wheel.
David Stacney 909 E Garden, Coeur d’Alene noted that he owns several properties in downtown and has voted yes on every school proposition over past several years. He knows this will be a difficult decision for Board. If the school is closed, he will remove his student from the school system rather than see her bussed.
James Collet 823 Wallace Ave, Coeur d’Alene commented that he felt the minutes of November 20, 2006 contained a flaw regarding an answer to a patron’s question. The LRPC vote was close but the percentage would have been close enough to decide a winner in any vote. He requested a summary of the small group research meeting. Sorensen is a small school and the staff attend regular morning meetings, and children receive exposure to different cultures. He thanked the librarian for calling attention to a particular book checked out by his child. Afternoon enrichment programs including Spanish are laying the foundation for students. At the LRPC meeting, he heard that the Board has no appetite for rezoning but he would like to see some flexibility for that option. He spoke of the inappropriateness of some comments made by administrators. He has been impressed with the dedication and years of service of Board members who mix Board work with their jobs and families.
Merle VanHowten, 1013 CDA Ave. Coeur d’Alene asked how the decision will be made? Many options have been discussed.

Chair Newby stated that meetings have been held with Lake City Development Corp and the Mayor’s office. Superintendent Amend reported that a joint meeting with the School Board and Coeur d’Alene City Council will be held on Monday January 22 at 5:30 p.m. The agenda will focus on ways that the city and school district can work closely together to achieve goals for both entities. Chair Newby stated that most people attending tonight have been here on a regular basis, and most have attended and participated at LRPC meetings. He thanked everyone for their input at the Forum last week. A decision may come at the February 5 or 20th meeting. A Board workshop to discuss budget issues is scheduled for January 29th. He appreciates the hours of input and will look further at research.

Meeting recessed at 7:55 p.m.
Reconvened at 8:05 p.m

Finance Report – Chief Financial Officer Steve Briggs presented the finance report for the month of November. He anticipates holding the amended budget hearing in February. The State is providing significant funds on a more regular basis than in previous years. Expenditure patterns are unchanged under the new revenue stream. Chair Newby asked about budget authority with communication budgets; Mr. Briggs replied that this is based on history and guidance from finance office. Mrs. Brooks asked about school activities program; and why some of the line items are at more than 100% of their budget. Mr. Briggs stated that some of these budgets are a result of HB 742 and items are categorized differently. He is not concerned but knows that work needs to be done. He is experiencing some teachable moments as far as some of the new requirements. Some of these specific questions could be addressed at budget workshop.

Approve Emergency Closure – Motion by Mrs. Brooks, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the emergency closure day December 15, 2006, passed 4-0.

Call for Committee Reports – Chair Newby asked the administration to thoroughly explore the recommendation for new graduation requirements. This is being discussed vigorously at state level. It appears the recommendation will pass at 3 math and 3 science credits required to graduate.

Superintendent’s Report – Superintendent Amend reminded everyone of the Board workshop scheduled for Monday, January 29 at 5:00 p.m. A team representing CEA will provide levy input to district administration on Jan. 23rd.

Board Comments and Information – Chair Newby reminded the Board about the upcoming ISBA Day on the Hill Feb 12 & 13. One topic of discussion will be funding mechanisms for the new high school reform. Chair Newby and Vice-Chair Brooks will attend. Mrs. Wood thanked the administrators for their efforts in publishing the weekly Board Memo and commented about each administrators schedule and the work they do. The memo helps Board members understand the day to day workings.

Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mrs. Brooks for Executive Session: Idaho Code 67-2345, Subsection (b) to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent or public school student; Roll Call Vote: Newby, Wood, Brooks, Zipperer each “yes”. Mr. Fredrickson was absent.

The meeting returned to open session at 8:50 p.m.

No action was taken.

Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

Summary Statement of Executive Session

At 8:40 p.m. in accordance with Idaho Code 67-2345, Subsection (b), the Board held an Executive Session to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent or public school student.

Vernon L. Newby, Chair, Board of Trustees

Lynn M. Towne, Clerk, Board of Trustees

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