School Board meeting - April 7, 2008

Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
April 7, 2008 5:00 PM Midtown Center Meeting Room

Minutes

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

Approval of Minutes:
Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the minutes of March 3, 2008 as amended, passed 4-0.
Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the minutes of March 4, 2008 as presented, passed 4-0.
Motion by Mrs. Zipperer, second by Mrs. Wood to approve the minutes of March 11, 2008 as presented, passed 4-0.
Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the minutes of March 18, 2008 as presented, passed 4-0.

Approval of the Agenda and Possible Addendum:
Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mr. Newby to approve the agenda as modified, passed 4-0.

Identification of Citizens Wishing to Address the Board – None

Coeur d’Alene Education Association Report – CEA President Paula Marano welcomed all to spring noting that excellence is the character trait for April. Members hosted an insurance inservice with district personnel, questions were generated to help with goal setting and understanding the basics of insurance. A committee has formed regarding the levy campaign, and CEA has offered their support of the SPFL; the negotiations team is being formed, and work continues on the retirement dinner upcoming May 6th. The IEA Delegate Assembly was represented by twenty-four CEA members. Barbara Morgan will be presented with the IEA Friend of Education Award.

High School Student Body Reports:
Bridge Academy: Jeremy shared that March was a busy month; students attended ski trip, the school stayed open through spring break, and they are forming a team to participate in upcoming MS Walk. Bradley reported that 15 students will participate in at the H3 day at NIC. Students continue to volunteer at Borah; they are looking at dual enrollment opportunities for the fall semester, and completing scholarship applications.

Approval of Consent Agenda Items:

A. Personnel
B. Approve Accounts Payable Check List Dated 03-28-08
C. Approve Affidavit of Habitual Truancy
D. CHS Boys Basketball trip
E. 2008-09 Calendar – (item removed from agenda)
F. School Plus Program 3% Increase for 2008-09 School Year (item added to agenda)

Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mr. Newby to approve the consent agenda as modified, passed 4-0.

Consideration of Action/Information Items

Meet the Board: Borah Elementary Principal Bob Shamberg introduced new teaching staff members: Stephenie Walker, 1st grade; Teresa Avakian, 1st grade; Casey Campbell, 2nd grade; and Jennifer Reyes, 5th grade.

YVA Presentation – Lake City High School teacher Don Callister thanked the Board for allowing him to speak about the two hundred students who regularly volunteer at Lake City High School through YVA, a program that offers students the opportunity to look outside of themselves. Students shared a power point presentation: Tucker spoke about some of the sections of YVA, Jenny spoke about the after school component, Emily noted that members of the YVA council work with students in the school to encourage them to volunteer, they organize events and ask for student’s help, and partner with Big Brothers/Big Sisters Organization. Jenna spoke about a semester project “A Week of Service”. Students volunteer at local soup kitchens and have worked on the food drive for the past 10 years. Jaeda spoke about Coats for Kids Campaign, a program recognized by KVNI Radio. Volunteering from behind the scenes has been a great learning experience.

Mrs. Brooks commended the YVA Council and noted how impressive this program is, creating great citizens. Mr. Newby said that volunteerism is fostered through our students, students are leading the way and will become great citizens, Mrs. Zipperer said it is exciting to see the numbers of students who participate and the numerous projects they assist with. Mrs. Wood echoed everyone’s sentiments and remarked that parents should be proud of these students; all are future community leaders.

Naming CHS Softball Field – Assistant Superintendent Hazel Bauman introduced Principal Randy Russell who spoke of Larry Schwenke’s accomplishments. Plans are to have a ceremony this spring which will be advertised. Motion by Mr. Newby to name the CHS Softball Field after Larry Schwenke, second by Christie Wood, passed 4-0.

Elementary Language Arts Adoption – Elementary Curriculum Director Glenda Armstrong presented details of the process and of the recommended program at the March Board meeting. Parents from each elementary school, interested community members and patrons come to the district office as part of the Ad Hoc Committee and previewed the materials (on their own time). Materials have been on display since March 8th, no comments were received. Patron Debbie Morris asked to speak about this topic stating that she protests this committee including Literature Guidelines and Ad Hoc. The process was polluted and she was recently prohibited from making a presentation to school board. Policies are inconsistent and she wishes to work to a mutual agreement with the district. Assistant Superintendent Hazel Bauman thanked all the volunteers for their many hours of work toward completion of this project. Motion by Mrs. Wood to purchase the Houghton Mifflin Reading Program for Grades K-5 for use beginning with the 2008-09 school year, second by Mrs. Zipperer, passed 4-0.

Literature Guidelines – Secondary Curriculum Director Jim Facciano shared an overview of the Literature Guidelines. He spoke about the materials selection; the connection to educational objectives and the relevance to student needs. The responsibility rests upon the professionals, and these guidelines are considered to be best practices. He shared the approved novel list requirements; all required novels will be subject to the board approval process and titles will require a rationale guide. A process will also be in place regarding optional/alternate novels.

Novel content will be communicated via a rationale. Approved novel rationale components include: title, author, class/level, summary of plot, connection to the curriculum, standards, notes on the text (include actual content), and AP or IB connections to the novel. Guidelines include a syllabus/opt-out process which includes an alternative novel request procedure; communication with teacher, parent and teacher select a suitable alternate. Mr. Facciano spoke about Reading Strategies which include silent sustained reading and read alouds. He demonstrated a sample of a website that we may model a future site for our district.

Mr. Newby asked if an Ad Hoc committee has been developed for the “required novel” review committee, Jim responded this will come together in the future. Ms. Bauman asked how many novels may go though this process, he felt that 3 or 4 per level will be recommended. At some point in the future, all novels may go through this process. Ms. Bauman stated that the list will be narrower for the next few years which indicates diligence to address patrons/parents concerns. The opt out process has been much improved, and she thanked Jim for several hours of research and for a thorough job. Mrs. Wood asked about items listed under “Effective Reading Strategies” Read Aloud. She reiterated that any passage being read aloud will not be inappropriate or contain sexually explicit passages or profanity. Guidelines, once approved, will be presented to teachers at the beginning of every year. Mrs. Bauman spoke about continuing to meet and come to compromise regarding the issue of profanity. Mrs. Wood commented positively about the website, thanked the patrons who have been dealing with this issue for several months, and commented that the district is in a better position and process is in motion that should satisfy all who are concerned. Mrs. Brooks asked about incorporating literature guidelines into policy and perhaps holding a public forum once the review has been complete, allowing patrons to address concerns. Mr. Newby suggested the following rule of thumb: “do not speak aloud words in a classroom that aren’t appropriate in a board meeting setting”. Mrs. Brooks suggests public forum in July after the steps are completed. Written comments will be accepted by the Board.

Attendance Zone Recommendation/Elementary – Chief Financial Officer Steve Briggs shared the recommendation of the attendance zone committee previously presented to the Board and public. The Sorensen Overlay is for students who live in the Sorensen zone but choose not to attend the magnet or in the event that the magnet is full, students would attend Bryan, Fernan or Winton.

Motion by Mr. Newby to approve the recommendation for establishment of new elementary attendance zones allowing affected 5th graders to transition for one year. They would be allowed to select between their current school of attendance or their new school through a voluntary transfer request. This does not include siblings and they would be required to provide their own transportation. Hawk’s Nest students currently attending Skyway would be allowed to stay at Skyway through a voluntary transfer request. This does not include siblings and they would be required to provide their own transportation. Additionally, to approve the Sorensen Overlay. Second by Mrs. Zipperer, passed 4-0.

Attendance Zone Recommendation/Middle School – Mr. Briggs shared the recommendation of the attendance zone committee previously presented to the Board and public. Motion by Mrs. Wood to approve the recommendation for establishment of new middle school attendance zones allowing affected 8th graders to transition for one year. They would be allowed to select between their current school of attendance or their new school. This does not include siblings and they would be required to provide their own transportation, second by Mrs. Zipperer, passed 4-0.

Board Policy 493 – Dependant Sick Leave Bank – H.R. Director Kelly Ostrom shared the rationale behind this new policy. Staff have asked how they can donate sick leave days to other staff members to assist with serious family illness. Classified Advisory Council met to discuss this as well as Sick Leave Council committees and administrative core cabinet. The policy will go out to buildings for 30 day review. Mr. Newby requested this proposal be posted on the website.

Finance Report – Mr. Briggs provided the finance reports for February 2008. A date will be set for a budget hearing in June to include the amended budget and next year’s budget. Mr. Newby asked if transfers are anticipated; these are typically done in April and May. They will be occurring within the next two months. Mr. Briggs noted that we generally hold budget hearing at the beginning of a regular board meeting; some options will be provided in terms of dates and we may need to have special meeting for this. The hearing was tentatively scheduled for June 23, 2008.

SPFL Update – Ms. Bauman reminded everyone that May 20th is the date for the SPFL election. In response to inquiries about a public forum, a date has been set; April 29 at 6:00 pm at Lakes Middle School. This provides patrons the opportunity to see the building and the need. Plans are in the works to mail a factual flyer to households in our district two weeks prior to the election. Ms. Bauman encouraged any community organization to request a levy presentation. Mrs. Wood asked who sponsors the flyer. Ms. Bauman replied there are two arms to the campaign – district administration provides factual information separate from the levy campaign which operates separately and is funded privately by local businesses and citizens. Mrs. Brooks asked when information flyers will be mailed; 10 to 14 days prior to election. Additional information will appear in the local newspapers. Mrs. Brooks recommended a daytime meeting at a senior center or other locations for those who may not be able to attend an evening meeting.

Board Authorized Committees/Board Procedures Policy Process – Mrs. Brooks read through a draft of a proposed review of Board Policy 220. Board Appointed Standing Committees meeting dates and times will be publicized. Minutes will become part of the public record and posted on the website. Mr. Newby proposed a similar process for Ad Hoc Committees. Part of the review shall include distinguishing between board authorized committees and administrative ad hoc committees. Ms. Bauman spoke about the reason the ad hoc does not meet formally. Members who are interested parents/patrons must come in and spend multiple hours reviewing materials and it has become increasingly more difficult to find time for people to come in together. Requests were made to come in on their own time for the review purpose; therefore, they function as a committee though independently. After the review is complete, comments will be compiled. A board member liaison is not assigned to Ad Hoc however, existing policy defines the membership including the number of patrons. The Adoption Committee has a board liaison. Mr. Newby stated that Board authorized committees have minutes and comments taken from all sides. Ms. Bauman requested to look further into process. We will seek input from ISBA and Elaine Eberharter-Maki.

Official Notice of SPFL Ballot/Polling Sites – Board Clerk Lynn Towne shared the proposed ballot language for the upcoming SPFL election. This language has been reviewed and approved by legal counsel. Motion by Mr. Newby to accept the ballot language as presented as well as the polling sites as listed, second by Mrs. Zipperer, passed 4-0.

Official Notice of Trustee Election/Polling Sites – Board Clerk Lynn Towne presented the notice of the annual school trustee election describing Zones 4 and 5 as well as the polling sites designated for each of those zones. Motion by Mrs. Zipperer to accept the notice as presented as well as the polling sites that are listed, second by Mrs. Wood, passed 4-0.

Call for Committee Reports - None

Superintendent’s Report – Assistant Superintendent Hazel Bauman reported in Mr. Amend’s absence. Hardhats, Hammer and Hotdogs (or H3) will connect students to a professional technical world. This event is scheduled for next week; Coeur d’Alene students will participate from 8:30 to 11:30. The post legislative tour is scheduled for April 15 at the Ameritel. The joint City Council/School District Board meeting will take place on April 17. An initiative is in its beginning stages expanding the literacy project to students who are below proficient in grades 6, 8 and 9. Assessing large number of students to dig below test scores indicators is a huge undertaking. Once the screening and data are back, the next step is to determine students’ needs instructionally. At that time, a team will design interventions for those students.

Board Comments and Information – Mr. Newby reported about a productive NSBA conference; sessions he attended will reinforce ways to improve our district.

Meeting recessed at 7:35 p.m. and reconvened at 7:45 p.m.

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

The meeting returned to open session at 8:06 p.m.

Motion by Mrs. Zipperer to table pending tort claims, second by Mrs. Wood, passed 4-0.

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Edie Brooks, Chair
Board of Trustees

Lynn M. Towne, Clerk
Board of Trustees

Summary Statement of Executive Session
At 7:45 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 and 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.

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