May 21, 2007 Board Meeting

Regular Special Meeting May 21, 2007
Midtown Center Meeting Room 5:00 PM

Minutes

At 5:10 PM, Chair Vern Newby called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Trustees Edie Brooks, Sid Fredrickson and Diane Zipperer were present. Christie Wood was absent.

Approval of Minutes: None

Approval of the Agenda: Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the agenda, passed 4-0.

Identification of Citizens Wishing to Address the Board
Mary Jo Finney, 6451 Kingswood Lane, Coeur d’Alene expressed her disappointment that children’s names and addresses are listed on published Board minutes that are posted on the website. She stated she has not been granted reasonable access to district curriculum per her requests. She wishes to register a protest that parent notification for dates to teach sensitive issues is unreasonable and that she has not been provided an opportunity to preview material as requested in March.
Debbie Morris, 2039 Sundown Drive, Coeur d’Alene also asked that no citizen addresses be posted on Internet. She asked if the district is willing to provide copies of the flier she provided at the last Board meeting. Time is of the essence in reference to upcoming instruction being provided this week at school. Parents have the right to know what is being taught. She requested that the schools contact parents directly and not through children, as evidenced by a permission slip sent home and not received by the parent.
Approval of Consent Agenda Items:

A. Personnel
B. Approve LCHS Theatre Group Trip in August 2008.
C. Approve Additional Judges and Clerks for Supplemental M&O Levy
D. Approve Affidavit of Habitual Truancy
Motion to approve the consent agenda by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Brooks, passed 4-0.

Consideration of Action/Information Items:

LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading & Spelling) Piloteers Program – Director of Elementary Education Pam Pratt introduced Bridget Hill, a leader in our district. She was the catalyst to bring this training to our district, and subsequently piloted. Ms. Hill spoke about the importance of teaching reading, writing and spelling. A group of 20 teachers volunteered to pilot this program over past 18 months. LETRS is made up of 12 modules and training has been ongoing. Approximately 150 teachers will have received the basic training and the piloteers have integrated this program in their classes. Approximately 90 students were identified. Forty-one percent of students needed intensive instruction at the beginning of the project and by the end of 6 weeks, only six percent still needed intensive instruction. The results are impressive. Some of the piloteer teachers were in attendance and presented a certificate of appreciation. Board members extended their thanks for taking the initiative.

Sorensen Magnet School Update – Pam Pratt talked about the current highlights with a focus on fundraising; auction donations exceed $40,000.

Review of Board Policies – Curriculum Director Jim Facciano recently worked with a high school principal about access of curriculum for parent review. Mr. Facciano requests guidance from the Board regarding Policies on guest speakers and controversial issues and requested a possible review of these policies. Mr. Fredrickson asked for cursory review from legal counsel. Mrs. Brooks noted that current policies have been reviewed and meet legal guidelines. Mrs. Zipperer noted that these policies were last reviewed in 2001 and if needed she would agree to a review. Chair Newby recommended tabling the decision until June 4th.

Canvass and Certify Results of Supplemental M&O Levy – Clerk Lynn Towne presented the results of the Supplemental Maintenance & Operation Levy, held May 15th. Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Brooks to accept the results as presented, passed 4-0.

Canvass and Certify Results of Trustee Election – Zone 2: Clerk Lynn Towne presented the results of the Trustee Election for Zone 2, held May 15th – Vern Newby retained his seat. Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Zipperer, passed 4-0.

Canvass and Certify Results of Trustee Election – Zone 3: Clerk Lynn Towne presented the results of the Trustee Election for Zone 3, held May 15th – Christie Wood retained her seat. Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Zipperer, passed 4-0.

Proposed Fee Increase/High School Locker Fee – Chief Financial Officer Steve Briggs presented a proposal to impose a non-refundable locker fee in the amount of $5.00 (a one-time student fee). This fee would help to defray the costs for upkeep for normal wear and tear. Mrs. Brooks said that care of lockers should be the responsibility of the district, not the students. She wishes to retain the current parameters and refund the current fee unless a student blatantly abuses district property. The Board may entertain increasing the fee which would be refunded. Mr. Briggs asked to invite a representative from each high school to the next meeting and present their rationale. This item will be tabled until the June 4th meeting.

Set Date for Annual Budget Hearing for June 18, 2007 – Steve Briggs reported the date for the annual budget hearing to be held June 18, 2007 and noted that this date falls in line with county reporting.

Set Date for Annual Meeting – Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Brooks to hold the annual meeting of the Board of Trustees on Monday, July 2, 2007, passed 4-0.

Call for Committee Reports – Chair Newby thanked the community for their solid support of the recent Supplemental Levy. He also thanked Superintendent Amend for his part in the successful campaign. Mrs. Brooks noted that Superintendent Amend and Assistant Superintendent Hazel Bauman worked diligently and successfully; 90 presentations were held in total. Mr. Amend replied that this election boasted many firsts: a record voter turnout, an increase in the number of registered voters and the most polling sites ever used. A month out, many business leaders took the campaign over and “owned it”. They purchased advertising and signs. This was a large team effort.

Chair Newby invited Sandra Seaton, LCHS Drama teacher to speak about the theatre arts department’s selection to perform in Scotland in August 2008 as part of the American High School Theatre Festival. This group will represent Idaho and will be one of 40 high schools chosen to attend from the United States. Fundraising will be a challenge as approximately $5,000 will be needed for each student. Thirty three students have shown interest in attending. Mrs. Brooks asked that the Board be notified of public fundraising events.

Superintendent’s Report – Mr. Amend reminded everyone of upcoming graduation dates. Sports teams won a total of 5 state championships this year.

Board Comments and Information – Covered under committee reports.

The meeting adjourned at 6:15 PM.

Vernon L. Newby, Chair
Board of Trustees

Lynn M. Towne, Clerk
Board of Trustees

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