June 4, 2007 Board Meeting

Regular Special Meeting June 4, 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, Christie Wood, Sid Fredrickson and Diane Zipperer were in attendance.

Approval of Minutes:
Motion by Mrs. Zipperer, second by Mrs. Brooks to approve the minutes of May 7, 2007, passed 4-0-1 (Mr. Fredrickson abstained).
Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Brooks to approve the minutes of May 21, 2007, passed 4-0-1 (Mrs. Wood abstained).
Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Wood to approve the minutes of May 23, 2007, passed 5-0.
Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Wood to approve the minutes of May 29, 2007, passed 5-0.

Approval of the Agenda and Possible Addendum: Item F “Gear Up Idaho” will be acted upon by separate motion as Item C. Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mr. Fredrickson to approve the agenda as revised, passed 5-0.

Identification of Citizens Wishing to Address the Board:
Rebecca Monitz, 7509 Sweet River Drive, CDA; Coeur d’Alene High School vocal teacher spoke about the proposal on tonight’s consent agenda for a student trip to Ireland in June of 2008. She highlighted some of the destinations and performances to be held.
Katie Sayler, 1102 Ash Ave. CDA has been an English Teacher for 39 years and has offered an opportunity for students to read the books that have been in question. She was disturbed when the Board chose to pull some book choices away from students. Parents may have option to opt out of reading a book that a family may object to reading. She is concerned that holds are being placed on books and made difficult for students to check out. She asked the Board not to ban these books; instead offer “opt out” as an option and provide a list of books as required or optional reading.

Coeur d’Alene Education Association Report – Barbara Crow, President congratulated everyone about the recent levy election and also congratulated returning Board members Vern Newby and Christie Wood. Paula Marano will be the next CEA president; Nancy Mueller, Jim Windisch, and Chris Valiquette round out the new slate of officers. Negotiations have begun with 48 hours of meetings scheduled in the month of June. Barbara thanked the Board for the courtesy extended to her and CEA.

Approval of Consent Agenda Items:

A. Personnel
B. Approve Accounts Payable Check List Dated May 25, 2007
C. Approve Affidavit of Habitual Truancy
D. Approve Award of Bid – Wall Insulation
E. Approve Award of Bid – Carpet and Tile
F. Gear Up Idaho Agreement
G. CHS Chamber Singers Summer Tour June 2008
Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Brooks to approve the consent agenda (move consent item F to be acted upon separately) passed 5-0.

Consideration of Action/Information Items:

Board Recognition: Staff, Students and/or Community
Sam Ross, Kootenai County Solid Waste gave a brief history of the Recycling Program and noted the benefit in the form of reductions given to the school district for recycling. His purpose at tonight’s meeting is to recognize the efforts of James Curb, who took on this project and has been very successful in his efforts. James thanked Bryan Martin and the maintenance crew. Recycling efforts bring money to the district.

Sorensen Magnet School Update - David Miller, Sorensen Principal reported that the auction held Saturday was a great success with over 200 in attendance and funds raised totaled $40,000.

Gear Up Idaho – Shannon Gabby shared that State Department representatives recently visited Project CDA. Requirements in order to participate in this program are to have more than 70% free and reduced lunch population and receive federal funding. Parent awareness is a large component, and additional funding opportunities are available. Seventh grade students will be tracked through their senior year. Mrs. Brooks asked about the opportunity for students to job shadow in the community. Mrs. Astorquia noted this fits with district efforts to offer apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships. Motion to approve the partnership agreement for Gear Up Idaho by Mrs. Brooks, second by Mr. Fredrickson, passed 5-0.

Workforce Housing Summit Update – Assistant Superintendent Hazel Bauman reported that she and Superintendent Amend attended with representatives from the City of Coeur d’Alene. What role does the district have in tackling this dilemma? There is a gap between people in the workforce, many who are district employees, and their ability to own a home. It is a tragedy when people cannot achieve the dream of owning a home in their community. The district may look into forming partnerships with cities and look at ways to form land trusts in order to build homes. Education about home ownership and mortgage lending would also be made available. Mrs. Wood noted hearing from Mayor Bloem about the city’s enthusiasm for the district’s involvement.

Policy Review – Ms. Bauman (on behalf of district administration) requested Board direction about current policies 644 Controversial Issues & 646 Guest Speakers. Should these policies remain as adopted or returned to a review committee for possible revision. Parent Mary Jo Finney suggested that the district has not complied with federal code regarding her request to review health curriculum; she feels she has not been granted reasonable access. Parents cannot make informed decisions unless they are able to preview all materials and curriculum, including speakers. Chair Newby asked for comments from Board members: Mr. Fredrickson asked for review by legal council, Mrs. Wood concurs, Mrs. Brooks agrees that both policies be remanded to a review committee. Motion by Mr. Fredrickson to send policies 644 and 646 for review, second by Mrs. Wood, passed 5-0.

Parent Debbie Morris shared her concern that minors’ addresses are still posted on district website as listed in Board minutes under “Public Comment”. She spoke to a representative from the State Department of Education about this and wants to make sure the district is following the law. Ms. Bauman noted there may be some confusion about terminology regarding curriculum. The district will check with legal council to assure protection of students.

Finance Report – Chief Financial Officer Steve Briggs presented the finance report for review.

Bond Refinance – Mr. Briggs presented a memo from Bond Counsel Eric Heringer, detailing available options per the Board’s request: The second option is fairly conservative and is a fair approach. Motion to accept Option 2 by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Zipperer, passed 5-0. This option will be finalized and presented for approval at the next Board meeting.

Locker Deposit – Mr. Briggs discussed this again with high school administrators; they feel the fee is moderate and has been charged for a number of years, however it is arduous to deal with the refunds: Annual costs for repairs and cleanup are approximately $500.00. Motion by Mrs. Brooks to remove the fee entirely, second by Mrs. Wood. Mrs. Zipperer asked how students will be held accountable and Mr. Briggs responded that students who violate the code of conduct and cause blatant damage will be charged for that damage. Motion passed 4-1, Mr. Fredrickson voted against.

Call for Committee Reports – Mrs. Zipperer attended Language Arts and Report Card Committee Meetings. A new report card will be piloted next year at the elementary level and she will bring a draft report card to a future Board meeting. Chair Newby attended most of the Graduation Requirements Committee meetings and reported they are close to making a recommendation to the Board.

Assistant Superintendent Hazel Bauman called attention to upcoming events – graduations and honors breakfasts. She invited Board members to attend the many events happening in buildings over the next week or two.

Board Comments and Information – Mrs. Zipperer asked about the diploma received by graduates of Project CDA which is issued by the State and not by a district high school.

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

The meeting returned to open session at 6:50 p.m.

Schedule Workshop – Board members chose Thursday, June 21 at 4:00 p.m. to be the date and time for a workshop to learn about Urban Renewal Districts.

Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

Vern Newby, Chair
Board of Trustees

Lynn M. Towne, Clerk
Board of Trustees

Summary Statement of Executive Session
At 6:40 PM, in accordance with Idaho Code 67-2345, Subsection (b) the Board held an Executive Session 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 students.

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