School Board Meeting June 2, 2008

Regular School Board Meeting June 2, 2008
5:00 PM Midtown Center Meeting Room

Minutes

At 5:08 p.m. Chair Edie Brooks called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Trustees Vern Newby, Sid Fredrickson, Diane Zipperer and Christie Wood were in attendance.

Approval of Minutes:
Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mr. Fredrickson to approve the minutes of May 5, 2008 as presented, passed 5-0.
Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Wood to approve the minutes of May 22, 2008 as presented, passed 5-0.

Approval of the Agenda and Possible Addendum:
Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the agenda and addendum, passed 5-0.

Identification of Citizens Wishing to Address the Board
Debbie Morris, Coeur d’Alene spoke about last month’s new course proposal presentation, a class designed for at risk students however, materials contain mature themes. She picked up a copy of the book today, some of these graphic novels are not appropriate. The Ad Hoc Committee still doesn’t meet formally to vote, parents still wish to observe these meetings. The materials appear to have been purchased and already used in the classroom. She wants the Board to earn the trust of the public and parents. Superintendent Amend responded that this course will be sent through normal process and will not be implemented in the fall; earliest implementation will be in the spring of 2009. Mr. Newby understands the concern that the books have previously been purchased through a grant and taught as a unit in another class. Mrs. Brooks asked if this comports with current guidelines.

Coeur d’Alene Education Association Report – President Paula Marano spoke to the purpose of CEA and their many accomplishments this year. Several students joined Paula tonight and presented apples to Board members and the administration. Members will attend upcoming retreats and will meet to talk about the structure of the CEA Team.

High School Student Body Reports
CHS ASB President Sam Barnes reported about Senior Projects and that graduation is Friday; it is greatly anticipated. Plans for next year are being made.
LCHS Aubrey Dinning, ASB President and Gus Anchondo, Vice-President – Plans are in the works to create the official fall schedule, open house, and homecoming. They predict a busy first semester and hope to take part in community events second semester.

Approval of Consent Agenda Items:
A. Personnel
B. Approve Accounts Payable Check List Dated
C. Approve Affidavit of Habitual Truancy
D. Rehire for 2008-09
E. MOU between School District 271 and Kootenai County
F. Bid Award for Science Labs at CHS and LCHS
G. Bid Award for Nutrition Services
H. Bid Award for Reroofing at Borah and Fernan
I. Panhandle State Bank establish new account for Sorensen Magnet School
J. Approval additional judges for May 20, 2008 election

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

Consideration of Action/Information Items

Board Recognition
MetLife Foundation Mentor Award Gold Honoree
Frank Bittick is the founder of the Teen Aid Program. Volunteers meet with students who are struggling; food is provided and it offers a great opportunity for tutoring. Mr. Bittick was recognized for his work through the MetLife Foundation, a national level award. He offered thanks to Mr. Amend for his continued commitment, Assistant Superintendent Hazel Bauman and Chief Financial Officer Steve Briggs for their support especially in the area of finance; acting as the fiscal agent. Also acknowledged was Ron Adams, retired vice principal and scores of tutors. Seventy percent of high school students graduate on time with a regular diploma, over 1 million students nationwide are dropouts. Teen aid offers one-on-one tutoring and they see approximately 60% of students raise their grades.

Student Community Service Video – Gwynn Crabtree Lakes MS Prevention Specialist helped to coordinate the “Pay it Forward Tour” a volunteer experience at Lutherhaven with high school and middle school students; this particular day, students cleaned campsites and made them usable. Students also did a cleanup project at Lakes after their return from Lutherhaven.

CHS Expansion Project – Principal Randy Russell asked the Board to consider a request for an expansion opportunity south of campus off Jordan court. Maintenance Director Bryan Martin met with the group in April to look at the proposal and saw no problems. Funds have started coming in; labor and material donations will cut costs considerably. The Booster Club will hold the funds in a separate account and several companies are willing to donate used equipment. Craig Leaf, PE Dept. Chair, two fold benefit – space and safety, create a classroom to teach 9th grade PE and aerobics equipment. Rick Rassmussen CHS graduate, representing the Booster Club, will act as treasurer. Students deserve opportunity. Craig Hunter – indoor training facility would be helpful – Chris Periero Ginno Construction and CHS parent – athletes need place to practice in inclement weather a number of activities can practice there. There is approximately $100,000 committed of the amount needed for construction costs. The project fits in with the long term goals of the school.

Mrs. Brooks asked what the full cost of the project would be; likely $800,000 – $900,000. The District will have a million dollar facility for half the cost but at no cost to the district. A similar space is available at Lake City HS and Mr. Amend responded the LCHS facility is highly used. The Board heard a proposal at that time and supported it. Mrs. Brooks thanked everyone for their dedication to students. This will come back to the Board at their next regular meeting for action. Ms. Bauman supports the recommendation and asked the Board to take action at next week’s meeting. Mr. Newby asked that safety is considered. Mrs. Brooks noted that public comments may be left at district office. Mr. Newby asked if the district will offer an option to provide input on the website.

Board Policy – Hazel Bauman presented the following policy for information:

547 – Portable Communication and Other Electronic Devices
Feedback noted that the proposal regarding cell phones had not gone far enough. Further tightening will be considered. Six hundred nine (609) comments on the district website survey have been received to date. These changes will protect instructional time which is the common thread.

Ms. Bauman continued that under the proposal, there will be no access during the instructional day; access only during lunch and passing time. Unfortunately, students are using cell phones to harass other students and cheating is going on using text messaging and photographic capabilities. “The school is not the street.” Mrs. Wood asked how parents and other groups can comment; noting this will be challenging as parents wish to have instant communication with a child. How will a student be able to contact parents in the event of an emergency. Mr. Newby asked about blocking the signal in a school, and Technology Director Jean Bengfort noted this is illegal; against FCC regulations. This proposal will come to the Board in July, and scheduled for approval in August so the changes can be implemented in September.

EPIC Charter Academy request – Dr. Robyn Ancker, parent, local physician and member of the Panhandle Autism Society demonstrated how difficult it is for a child with autism to be able to concentrate. Recent legislation allows public school districts to donate space to charter schools. Their school services a small number of students but has a large impact. Mrs. Brooks asked the grade levels of students currently being served; grades 4 to 8. The Charter has been through preliminary process; classes will be offered at no charge to families. Other questions include how to address mainstreaming, and if classes will be open to additional students. Up to now, tuition has been an issue for some families; most are students who attend from Coeur d’Alene. They anticipate opening with an enrollment of 20 students. They are willing to negotiate on cost of utilities if granted use of the Hayden Lake Center. Ms. Bauman suggested a separate meeting to discuss some facility needs and is interested in helping to find a solution.

Finance Report – Chief Financial Officer Steve Briggs shared a graph to help set the stage for the upcoming budget hearing, scheduled for next week. He addressed changes in the amounts of contingency funds. The contingency policy has helped in this regard. The current budget is stressed and left with little flexibility. Ms. Bauman noted that the Board mandated policy to budget for contingency and reserve and although not as much remains, we have made positive steps in that direction.

Novel Recommendation – Curriculum Director Jim Facciano brought a recommendation and minority report. This book is currently listed on the freshman optional list. In light of new guidelines, books will be categorized as novels which can be assigned whole group (captive audience) and student options. Novel rationales will be written. The Chocolate War would not be assignable to whole groups, but recommended as an optional title. Mrs. Brooks asked about the novel rationale documents and Mr. Facciano noted these are being developed for required novel titles. Mr. Fredrickson questioned what the recommendation might look like after the literature guidelines are in place and when are the guidelines coming forward? Ms. Bauman recommended postponing any novel decision until after the literature guidelines including novel recommendations are ready in July. The current recommendation is based on the current policy however the ultimate outcome is contingent on literature guidelines and status. Mrs. Brooks agreed that the Board should wait to see Literature Guidelines.

Carrie Chase, CDA stated she doesn’t think parents will take time to look at the rationales and they will trust board members and teachers to make best decisions on behalf of students. She feels decisions have been deceitful, and that this book is a manual about how to bully. She asked to read excerpts and Mrs. Brooks asked her to refrain from reading anything inappropriate for young children who may view the recorded broadcast at home.
Mary Jo Finney, CDA questions the educational value of the book; it teaches sexually explicit materials and is out of date. Parents who don’t go along will be silenced at school board meetings, treated rudely, and their comments ignored. Look at the policy and vote no to this book; be up front and use informed parental consent.

Debbie Morris, CDA Literature guidelines are proposals, not policy. No minutes were taken or meetings held and parents have been kept from the process. Everyone’s input is necessary. She quoted from Idaho Code 33-1224. The district has a policy banning profane language and the only way to resolve this is to go after teacher credentials, look at policy and consider parents are part of the plan. How can this be allowed in our classrooms? This book does not meet the criteria. She quoted Superintendent Amend as saying that parents should sue the district to get what they want.

Mr. Amend spoke about the 8-10 hours of meetings with Mrs. Morris, Mrs. Finney and others and doesn’t recall recommending that they sue the district. Mrs. Wood understands that parents have the ultimate responsibility to opt-out, do these parents really want the Board to tell parents what should be allowed and not give parents any options. Parents should have enough information to make informed decision through the literature guidelines. Mrs. Brooks added these guidelines are best practices and opportunities to comment have been made available; she looks forward to bringing this to the Board for approval at next meeting. Mr. Newby added that the process has been healthy for district, and parents are encouraged to be involved and have the best information to make that decision. Classroom assigned novels should meet the needs of all students and parents.

Canvass and Certify Results of School Plant Facilities Levy
Mrs. Wood thanked those who were involved on a daily basis. It’s obvious that parents and patrons want to come together and support the district. Mrs. Brooks commended the administration for the informational community forums held. Board Clerk Lynn Towne reported the totals from the May 20 election were 3,550 yes votes, 3,955 no votes, resulting in 47% in favor; therefore, the levy failed. Motion by Mr. Fredrickson to accept the results of the SPFL election, second by Mrs. Zipperer, passed 5-0.

Canvass and Certify Results of Trustee Election – Zone 4
Board Clerk Lynn Towne reported the results from the Trustee Election in Zone 4 held May 20, 2008. Incumbent Diane Zipperer retained her seat. Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mr. Newby to accept the results, passed 5-0.

Canvass and Certify Results of Trustee Election – Zone 5
Board Clerk Lynn Towne reported the results from the Trustee Election in Zone 5 held May 20, 2008. Incumbent H. Sid Fredrickson retained his seat. Motion by Mrs. Zipperer, second by Mrs. Wood to accept the results, passed 5-0.

Set Date for Annual Meeting
Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mrs. Fredrickson to schedule the Annual Meeting on Monday, July 7, 2008, passed 5-0.

Call for Committee Reports - None

Superintendent’s Report – Superintendent Harry Amend congratulated the Board and District for their recent designation as a 2008 School Match “What Parents Want” honoree. School Match recognizes only 16 percent of the nation’s 15,571 public school districts with this honor. District consistently meets the needs of students and parents.

Graduation activities include Senior Honors Breakfasts and Graduation Ceremonies. He offered congratulations to the more than 1,200 school district employees who do outstanding work teaching and working with students. He offered a thank you to the community – they care about students, stay engaged and supportive, and take pride in what we do as an outstanding community. The Board has led us through 2 major strategic planning processes, engaged in strategic budgeting with a close focus on programs. He commended the Board for the number of open work sessions regarding topics such as facilities, property, budget, policies on the website and televised board meetings. The Board honors the open meeting law and are strong guardians of executive sessions. The district will always have challenges but the future is bright. Mrs. Brooks thanked Mr. Amend for six years of service; the superintendent’s position is a difficult job and she thanked him for his service. Mrs. Wood added that Harry has been a tireless leader in the community; a superintendent must devote their life to the district which takes a tremendous amount of energy. Thanks were expressed for the wonderful programs brought to district during his tenure.

Assistant Superintendent Hazel Bauman issued in invitation to a community retirement party to be held for Harry at Midtown Center on June 4 at 3:30 – 6:00 p.m.
She also shared that a levy forum has been scheduled for June 10 at 12-1 at Midtown Center. She invites anyone who wrote letters to the editor opposing levy and those community members who wish to dialogue about the failed levy and facility issues. She offered a thank you to Harry; he’s been a great mentor, friend and boss. He will be missed at the district but we’re glad he will be in the community.

Board Comments and Information - Mr. Newby shared his disappointment in the outcome of the levy. The work of the levy committee was exemplary. Mrs. Zipperer asked about senior exit interviews; these begin tomorrow. She also asked if this can be extended to Project or Bridge. Mrs. Astorquia responded that surveys were conducted at Project as part of a school improvement plan and results will be shared with the Board.

Meeting recessed at 8:05 p.m.

Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mr. Fredrickson for Executive Session: Idaho Code 67-2345, Subsection (a) to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent; (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, Fredrickson, Zipperer, Wood each “yes”.

Meeting returned to open session at 8:55 p.m. Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

Edie Brooks, Chair
Board of Trustees

Lynn M. Towne, Clerk
Board of Trustees

Summary Statement of Executive Session
At 8:05 pm, in accordance with Idaho Code 67-2345, Subsection (a) to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent; (c) to conduct deliberations concerning labor negotiations or to acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency

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