School Board Meeting - May 5, 2008

Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
May 5, 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 Sid Fredrickson were present.

Approval of Minutes:
Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the minutes of April 7, 2008, passed 4-0.
Motion by Mrs. Zipperer, second by Mrs. Fredrickson to approve the minutes of April 9, 2008, passed 4-0.
Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mr. Fredrickson to approve the minutes of April 17, 2008 as amended, passed 4-0.

Approval of the Agenda and Possible Addendum:
Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mr. Zipperer to approve the agenda as revised (change the order) with the addendum, passed 4-0.

Trustee Christie Wood arrived at 5:05 p.m.

Board Recognition:

LCHS Music Teachers Tim Sandford and Lacie Hedahl introduced tonight’s performers who recently competed in the Heritage Festival Competition; Sax quartet members Jordon Kees, David Mills, Geoffrey Spiers, and Grayson Smith and Anthony LaFrinier, 1st place District Tenor and Idaho State Champion. Mr. Sandford spoke about the accomplishments of students; their many awards this past year as he noted that the skills these students have obtained will enrich them for a lifetime.

Identification of Citizens Wishing to Address the Board:
Mary Jo Finney, Coeur d’Alene asked to be granted the same amount of time to speak as anyone else, and is disappointed that the book “The Chocolate War” was not on tonight’s agenda.
Susie Snedaker, Coeur d’Alene asked if the Board will speak to the upcoming SPFL as promised at the forum last week.
Carrie Chase, Coeur d’Alene said she felt she was treated disrespectfully last month when she was asked to sit down during the meeting citing she believes that the public should be allowed to make comments during meetings. She feels the novel rationales discussed during book review meetings are valuable. She commented about a recommendation from an English teacher to use the description of complex vs. mature. Complex does not equal mature and if that has already been changed, it’s deceitful. The word “complex” will not send up the red flag needed for parents.
Debbie Morris, Coeur d’Alene is concerned that the agenda was not on the website; however the levy is very well represented on website. She had been told they would have a forum to present their ideas and work together. Board policies are there for everyone, and she has information about the selection of materials. Mr. Fredrickson pointed out that the agenda did appear on the district website.
Earl Hunter, Coeur d’Alene has grandchildren in the school district and attended tonight in order to introduce Kevin Mylan who is a candidate for Trustee in Zone 5.

Coeur d’Alene Education Association Report – President Paula Marano said it was hard to follow the student performers. Hats are off to educators this week. Teacher Appreciation Week was established to honor hard working teachers and their contributions. The retirement recognition dinner is planned for tomorrow evening in conjunction with CEA. The association voted unanimously to support the SPFL, and members have been involved in supporting the campaign. Plans are being made to interview candidates and make an endorsement.

High School Student Body Reports
Project CDA – Kalie reported that students hosted a parent night with pizza; ISAT testing is taking place; students attended the Hard Hats, Hammers and Hot Dogs event, and next year, the nutrition class will articulate through NIC.
Hollie was recently selected as Sunrise Rotary Student of the Month. Seniors are getting excited about graduation.
Bridge Academy – Sierra noted that students held a community planning meeting, she offered thanks for input received. Students are finishing their senior summit.
Coeur d’Alene High School – Sam, the incoming ASB president talked about the Senior Ball coming up this weekend, the Mother Daughter tea will take place May 12 for senior girls and their moms, Mayor Bloem will be the guest speaker.
Brianna, incoming ASB Secretary-Treasurer spoke about plans for homecoming for next September.
Aaron, incoming ASB Vice-President shared information about class meetings where students learn about what’s happening.
Lake City High School – Aubrey, incoming ASB president talked about the regional student council conference held in Coeur d’Alene. They are planning a raffle for teacher appreciation week, a student council retreat will be held in June. Goals are for recognition of programs such as music.

Approval of Consent Agenda Items:

A. Personnel
B. Approve Accounts Payable Check List Dated 4-30-08
C. Approve Affidavit of Habitual Truancy
D. Approve Clerks/Judges for May 20, 2008 Levy Election
E. 2008-09 Rehires
F. 2008-09 Calendar
G. Bid Award – Advanced Fireproofing & Insulation for wall insulation
H. CHS Rocket Club – Team America Rocketry Challenge Trip

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

Consideration of Action/Information Items:

Board Recognition:
Kootenai County Solid Waste Dept. Recycling Award was given to Maintenance Director Bryan Martin. The district partners with Kootenai County Solid Waste Department, due to Bryan’s efforts the district saved in excess of $56,000.
Walk/Bike to School Week May 12-16, 2008 Proclamation
Vice-chair Vern Newby read a proclamation. Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mr. Fredrickson to adopt the proclamation, passed 5-0.

Board Policies - Information
508 – Foreign Students
564 – Health Records
566 – Emergency Care
608 – Middle School Required Instruction – show focus on reading for non-proficient reading students
610 – Graduation Requirements – show focus on reading for non-proficient reading students
623 – Independent Studies
Jim Facciano spoke about these six policies presented tonight for information. The policies will go out to buildings for 30 day review. Mr. Newby requested inclusion of legal references for policies 564 & 566.

Board Policies - Action
514 – Student Safety – recommendations include listing legal requirements.
612 – Class Rankings – Mr. Newby asked about ranking of students and looking at where the grade point average fell. This has been discussed over a number years and weighted grades. Val and Sal are the top and second highest grade point averages, and ties rarely occur.
644 – Controversial Issues – Changes included some updated language.
646 – Guest Speakers

Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Wood to approve Policy 514 with recommended changes, passed 5-0.
Motion by Mr. Newby to change Policy 612 to rank individually, motion died for lack of a second.
Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mrs. Fredrickson to approve Policy 612 as presented, passed 4-1 (Mr. Newby voted nay).
Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mr. Fredrickson to approve Policy 644 with revisions as presented, passed 5-0.
Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mr. Newby to approve Policy 646 with revisions as presented, passed 5-0.

Finance Report – Chief Financial Officer Steve Briggs shared general fund and detailed cash balance graphs current year to date as compared to three years prior. Upcoming months will include detailed finance reports, and he will bring detailed information at the upcoming budget meeting to be held June 9th. Mrs. Wood asked if we know the dollar amount owed to the school district due to the mistake made earlier in the year. Mr. Briggs will provide the exact amount but believes it to be approx $180,000.

New Course Proposal - Literature for Visual Learners – This new course proposal from Lake City High School has been through an ad hoc committee review – comments are provided. Five ad hoc members participated in the review, and they felt this course would be helpful for some challenged readers, This will be an elective offered at LCHS. If the Board wishes to go forward, the materials will be subject to the adoption process. This could be offered in the Fall of 2008. Materials for this class were previously purchased through an Excel Grant as part of another class. Mr. Newby requests that the costs be listed on the form (Excel funding). Mrs. Brooks asked Mr. Facciano to bring examples to the next meeting. Mrs. Wood is also interested to see how this course will be helpful. Ms Bauman reminded this is an elective; over and above the four years of required English.

SPFL Update – Ms. Bauman has been busy sharing facts about the levy noting that a public forum was held last week. The event was very well attended at Lakes Middle School. Sorensen and Lakes PTA groups donated pizza and beverages. The forum produced a positive exchange of information and ideas, attendees appreciated the opportunity to give their thoughts and ideas. The district should offer this more often and especially when the issue is critical.

Construction Projects Budget Commitment – Ms. Bauman offered an explanation about funds approved from the 2002 levy; namely those funds earmarked for Lakes. The community needs assurance and she offered a proposal that the Board make a statement that when the levy passes, the amount specified for Lakes Middle, a new elementary school, property acquisition and technology will not be altered – that amount spent per project will be spent as allocated; possibly less but not more. The district will commit that if bids come in higher, we will not borrow from other projects but scale back to come in under budget. Mrs. Brooks added that the 2002 SPFL was for four years, a new concept for the district and one of the unexpected consequences was cost over-runs. This has caused concern, and there has been much support to stay with the current 2-year levy process which can be much more predictable.

The time has come to take a philosophical stance on living within the dollar amounts set for projects. Board members support this; Mrs. Wood asked about the 10-year study. Ms. Bauman noted that the district submitted a 10-year facility plan to the state in 2007; this was borne out of legislature making sure that districts were dedicating enough funds to maintenance. Contention about who should pay for facilities culminated in a lawsuit. One result was that the legislature looked at facilities upkeep. In an attempt to make sure districts were making the right effort, the square footage of student occupied buildings were established and multiplied by a factor which established an amount to be dedicated for maintenance. The report identified square footages, however the multiplier changed. Mr. Briggs noted that though this report was valuable, the subsequent linkage of this report to the levy and cost projections was unfortunately not relevant. It does however allow districts to analyze building needs. Mrs. Wood said it’s worthwhile to clear this up and may make a good topic for Mr. Amend’s upcoming newspaper article.

Mr. Newby proposed the following language:

WHEREAS, there is a lingering of incomplete understanding regarding the 2002 levy;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Coeur d’Alene School District 271 will complete each project as submitted to the patrons of our district by the amounts provided by advertised calculations to arrive at the 2008 SPFL as presented.

Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mr. Fredrickson, passed 5-0.

Call for Committee Reports – Mr. Newby reported progress of the Levy Steering Committee; Mrs. Zipperer recently attended a policy review committee meeting as well as a novel committee meeting.

Superintendent’s Report – Mr. Amend thanked the Board for making the proclamation. He took this opportunity to reiterate information about why build a new Lakes Middle School vs. a remodel. The Long Range Planning Committee considered remodels in 2002, 2006 and 2008 and ultimately recommended building a new school because the cost was less than a remodel. Input was received from two contractors in Kootenai County. The cost to have done a detailed projection of remodel would have been cost prohibitive and assurances that were received was enough to make the recommendation.

The Retirement/Recognition dinner will be held tomorrow evening – retiring staff represent over 600 years of experience. The focus will be on hiring the best and brightest to replace these experienced teachers.

Mr. Amend shared information about a recent exchange trip to Geoje Island in South Korea; our district formed a sister-school relationship two years ago and students have visited twice. Harry, Judy Drake and Jeff Bengtson traveled last week at the invitation of residents of Geoje, there was no cost to the district. They visited classrooms, observed and brought back information that can be useful to our district.

Board Comments and Information – Mrs. Wood ran for NIC board to be involved in connecting students to higher education. Coeur d’Alene School District staff have taken tremendous steps to work with higher education. One thousand district students will visit the campus of NIC this week. Mrs. Astorquia acknowledged Eric Murray’s efforts to help schedule this visit and while there, students will attend a class. NIC has done terrific job to offer this. Mrs. Zipperer asked if exit interviews will be scheduled with senior students. She also asked about letting teachers know that they may present the diploma to their graduating senior.

A recess was called at 7:20 p.m. and reconvened at 7:35 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; (c) to conduct deliberations concerning labor negotiations or to acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency: Roll call vote: Brooks, Newby, Wood, Fredrickson, Zipperer each “yes”.

Meeting returned to open session at 8:08 p.m.

Motion by Mr. Fredrickson based upon the recommendation of the Superintendnet to place a certificated employee who shall be identified as Employee A upon formal probation immediately. The terms and conditions of which are as recommended by the Superintendent, a copy of which shall be provided to Employee A, second by Mr. Newby, passed 5-0.

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 7:35 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; (c) to conduct deliberations concerning labor negotiations or to acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public

Home