Board Meeting February 4, 2008

Regular Meeting February 4, 2008
5:00 PM Midtown Center Meeting Room

Minutes - Amended

Chair Edie Brooks called the meeting to order at 505 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Trustees Vern Newby, Sid Fredrickson, Diane Zipperer and Christie Wood were present. Mrs. Brooks announced that tonight’s meeting will be taped and later aired on Channel 19. She introduced Board members and administrators and welcomed all visitors to tonight’s meeting.

Approval of Minutes
Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mr. Fredrickson to approve the minutes of January 7, 2008, passed 5-0.
Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mr. Fredrickson to approve the minutes of January 10, 2008, passed 5-0.
Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mr. Newby to approve the minutes of January 24, 2008, passed 5-0.

Approval of the Agenda
Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the agenda as presented, passed 5-0.

Identification of Citizens Wishing to Address the Board
Mary Jo Finney, Coeur d’Alene handed a container of Pepsi to Board and Administrators at the beginning of the meeting. She went on to say that Pepsi has been taken out of our schools and replaced with healthy alternatives; a decision was made not to pollute students’ bodies but the district continues to pollute their minds. Opting out as a solution does not provide quality education. Please provide better reading for the mind.
Carrie Chase, Coeur d’Alene stated that private and homeschooled students test higher than public school students. Has the district considered looking at their curriculums? Her son at age 13 tests at a college level for reading however, she doesn’t give him college level books to read. She asked the district to replace a literature guidelines committee member because that teacher committee representative said that every book is fine and she wouldn’t object to her child reading them.

Coeur d’Alene Education Association Report – President Paula Marano said that membership in CEA and IEA is an investment; they advocate for child welfare, and improvements to the education profession. Members participated in recent Human Rights Education Institute activities and a fundraiser. Membership is an investment in professional learning opportunities, members will participate in a leadership conference to be held in Boise “Impacting the Next 20 Years in Education” is the focus. Members of CEA Leadership will meet with Harry and Hazel to dialogue about State Superintendent Tom Luna’s ISTARS program.

High School Student Body Reports
Lake City High School - Kelly reported they are hosting a regional conference. We Can All Learn from Crayons is the theme. Junior Prom was last weekend, and was deemed a great success. As the new semester begins, classes are setting spring goals.

Coeur d’Alene High School - Hayden reported about the successful “Fight for the Fish” basketball game. It was the best one he’s seen and he extended thanks to all who attended. He also extended thanks to the Police Department for how they handled the recent lockdown. Student Council sponsored the Junior Class Sunrise Sunset Dinner Dance for parents and students. The Mr. CHS contest is coming up on March 5th. The Human Rights event was hosted at CHS; the speakers offered a powerful message.

Jeff who attends Project CDA, IDLA, NIC and Bridge Academy reported that the counselors from all the high schools teamed up to offer workshops last month regarding financial aid for college. The turnout was great with standing room only. The next workshop is scheduled for Feb 17 with the topic of discussion to be another way to earn credits. Motivational speaker Scott Grigsby from the Human Rights event spoke to the student body and Jeff encouraged the district to bring this kind of speaker in to work with troubled students.
Bridge Academy students Shane and Jake reported 24 new students have been enrolled. Students plan to attend a democratic caucus, and representatives from NIC will present information about financial aid and scholarships. A Pet Food drive for humane society will take place for Valentines Day. Student Chris at age 20 is thankful for the Bridge. He was unable to obtain a diploma due to the loss of credits but was accepted to Bridge and will graduate.

Approval of Consent Agenda Items:
A. Personnel
B. Approve Accounts Payable Check List Dated 01-29-08
C. Approve Affidavit of Habitual Truancy
D. Approve Postage Meter Lease for Canfield

Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mr. Newby to approve the Consent Agenda, passed 5-0.

Consideration of Action/Information Items:

Meet the Board: Sorensen Magnet School
Principal David Miller introduced Holly Weymuth, first grade teacher; Moira Ducoeur, kindergarten teacher, and Scott Ducoeur, 2nd grade teacher.

SPFL Information – Superintendent Harry Amend spoke about input gathered from community. Shorter levy time and a specific list of needs topped the input responses. The Long Range Planning Committee met four times this year as they crafted a recommendation. District administrators have met with every staff member and a variety of community groups. Steve Briggs spoke about the levy rate history, and the rate for the proposed levy at $1.65 per 1,000. The levy amount will be less if we experience an increase in property valuations. Mr. Fredrickson asked when the new amount would be in effect; Mr. Briggs reported it would be certified in September 2008, and the assessments will take effect in December 2008. Technology Director Jean Bengfort explained about the need to add technology to the levy: Categories are: Classroom/Lab Computers, Laptops, Servers, and Wiring/Peripherals. Mr. Newby asked if printers on a 10 year replacement cycle are feasible; Mrs. Bengfort responded in the affirmative based on past performance of laser printers. Mr. Fredrickson asked about voiceover internet protocol and will this need to be included in policy. Mrs. Bengfort responded yes, however, this will be addressed in the future. Mrs. Wood asked if state funding is available for technology; response yes, funding through ICTL helps but can’t cover the amount of infrastructure that is necessary. Funds are needed over and above what is provided.

Ms. Bauman spoke about the largest portion of the levy which would be for the rebuild of Lakes Middle School. This is long overdue; the building is substandard. The administration expects to receive detailed costs for 2008/2009 so the recommendation can be accurate. This project is estimated at 20 million including 4.5 million which was leftover from 2002. Additionally, the proposal includes building a new elementary school in northwest quadrant using the existing design at a cost of approximately 8 million.

Acquisition of property for future building will be included in the proposal; the district currently owns property adequate for the elementary however, additional property will be needed for an elementary, middle and high school for future growth. Mrs. Wood asked about the difference in cost of an elementary vs. a middle school. Size constitutes the difference, which is considerable. Secondary schools include science labs, larger lunchrooms, libraries, and gymnasiums. Mr. Amend added that Lakes will be an urban design of three floors which is slightly more expensive. Mrs. Wood asked about the cost of rebuilding vs. remodeling. Mr. Amend met with specialists in the field and the conclusion was unanimous that the cost of a total remodel will be more than the cost of building new. Mrs. Wood asked for information about impact fees and whether a Board can mandate this? The State of Idaho has no statute to support impact fees. The legislation has been proposed but has not received much traction. Impact fees would constitute only a small fraction of the total cost of a new school. Mr. Fredrickson asked who will present the final amount/analysis. He warned about escalation clauses in a multi-year contract. Mr. Newby shared information from another school district in Idaho of a similar size whose budget is running in the red because of increased construction costs.

Finance Report – Mr. Briggs reported that we are in a normal pattern and in a favorable cash position. We will go forward with an amended budget and will provide some intermediate information. Work continues through some special education reports.

Emergency Closure Days – Mr. Amend recognized employees who have gone above and beyond during this stressful time; Transportation Director Jill Hill and the team of bus drivers, and Maintenance Director Bryan Martin and crew. They will be invited to a future board meeting for the appropriate recognition. Mr. Newby noted the skill it takes to chain up buses during this weather. Ms. Bauman added that the State allows for two emergency closure days that do not need to be made up. She suggested that in the future she would like to see if all days could be made up. So far, we must make up one day for this year. She met with all principals to gather input about the make up day. The best dates seem to be April 25 and early release day scheduled for March 7. Mr. Newby asked if the “state of emergency declaration” made a difference regarding making the day up.

Motion to approve three emergency closure days (Jan. 9, Jan. 28, and Jan. 31, 2008) by Mr. Newby, second by Mr. Fredrickson, passed 5-0.

Call for Committee Reports – Mr. Fredrickson reported that the Attendance Zone committee scheduled for last week was cancelled due to weather, it will be rescheduled. Approximately 80 people were in attendance at the January public forum, most did not like the proposal. Mrs. Zipperer attended the novel review committee meeting and a policy review meeting. Mr. Newby reported that Long Range Planning cancelled last week due to weather.

Superintendent’s Report – Mr. Amend received a call from Superintendent Ranells in Wallace where their bus garage roof collapsed on 6 of their 8 buses. He asked for assistance to use buses and in response, Post Falls, Lakeland and Coeur d’Alene were able to loan them 6 buses. Late Friday afternoon, Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management held a conference call and put together a memo requesting assistance.

Board Comments and Information – Mr. Newby noted the integrity and honesty of the district office staff related to the recent payroll challenge. Board members appreciate the effort. Mr. Briggs thanked the entire district office and the Herculean effort of staff delivering checks to buildings and banks.

Recess at 6:40 p.m. and reconvened at 6:56 p.m.

Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mr. Fredrickson 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; (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. Roll Call Vote: Brooks, Newby, Wood, Fredrickson, Zipperer each “yes”.

The meeting returned to open session at 7:34 p.m.

Motion by Mr. Fredrickson to table the pending tort claim, second by Mrs. Wood, passed 5-0.

Meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

Edie Brooks, Chair
Board of Trustees

Lynn M. Towne, Clerk
Board of Trustees

Summary Statement of Executive Session
At 6:56 pm, in accordance with 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; (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.

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