June 19, 2006, Board Meeting

Minutes of June 19, 2006 Regular Special Meeting/2006-2007 Budget Hearing
5:00 PM - Midtown Center Meeting Room

MINUTES
At 5:03 PM Chair Wanda Quinn called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Trustees Vern Newby, Christie Wood, Sid Fredrickson and Diane Zipperer were also present.

Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the minutes of June 5, 2006, passed 4-0-1; Mr. Fredrickson abstained as he did not attend that meeting.

Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mr. Newby to approve the agenda and addendum, passed 5-0.

2006-2007 BUDGET HEARING - At 5:05 PM, Chief Financial Officer Steve Briggs thanked those in attendance (38) and proceeded to present the 2006-2007 budget information using a PowerPoint presentation that is made a part of the official minutes. Board discussion and public comments followed. A roster of those who spoke is a part of the official minutes.

Richard LaFrancis, 810 Parkhurst Ct., Coeur d’Alene, commented on his concerns for the artificially high property values in the area. He said an average house is valued eight times higher than the average income, an indicator that an economic cleansing may occur, and that would mean significant change in school district revenues in the future, and how would the district be prepared in that event. Mr. Briggs referred to the State equalization formula, said the district is captive to the values that are assessed, and described how the district is required to apportion the funds.
Jim Hollingsworth, 3130 N. Cherry Lane, Coeur d’Alene, commented that school budgets are very confusing, there needs to be work with the state to change how school budgets are done and how funds are allocated.
Bill Fitzgerald, 5003 Bay Point Way, Coeur d’Alene, commented on a chart showing property values not changing.
Allan Andrews, 11466 Trafalgar, Hayden, asked about school budgets and audits, requested a copy of the proposed budget, asked for data such as how much are we spending per child per year and how much to run a classroom per year. He commented on the levy election date, and suggested it be run by the county. Mr. Briggs said copies of the budget had been available and information had been published, and past annual audits by an independent audit firm are available and there will be an audit report here in October. The State of Idaho offers a website that shows comparision data of Idaho school districts. Chair Quinn added the rationale for the March election.
Dan Gookin, 714 Empire, Coeur d’Alene, offered concerns about the budget categories, how allocated and revenue sources.
Muriel Burke, 1800 W. Capri Court, Coeur d’Alene, suggested consideration be given levies and special elections and how this affects property owners and what the state can do. Mrs. Wood said the board does look at what the community seems to want in its schools. Mr. Fredrickson commented on the efforts asking the legislature to look at property tax reform.
Ron Green, 6107 Harbor Dr., Coeur d’Alene, had questions on some of the data, noted the turnout was a result of the assessor’s office information, and asked if all current assessments are accounted for in this budget. Mr. Briggs responded that the millage rate is a projection, a State Tax Commission estimate.
Joyce Ford, 4241 S. Cloud View, Coeur d’Alene, offered options to a facilities levy that would use portables as a portion of a building is remodeled. She added remedial and gifted/talented programs can be done with grant monies.
Chad Solsvik, 4455 S. Boise Loop, Coeur d’Alene, asked if there are any other sources of revenue that might be available.

Ann Seddon, 2477 W. Hull Loop, Coeur d’Alene, asked if comments would be in the minutes and if the district does any study of home schooling or private school attendance; is this being tracked? She felt this worthwhile from the standpoint of meeting the needs of the whole community. She offered the level enrollment reported in the paper might have a benefit. She asked if the board was getting into the planning process involved with Lake City Development Corporation or any other group. Mr. Amend responded that the district takes no role in promoting or squelching developments. Chair Quinn said the district is often asked to respond to approving agencies on the impact of development on schools. Mr. Fredrickson said there are two on-going developments under LCDC; Riverstone and Mill River.
Frank Reed, 11732 Kensington, Hayden, asked if the district might assess impact fees on new construction.
Mr. Newby said that is only in Ada County, that he has tried to have that changed and it would require legislative action.
Susie Snedeker, 821 Hastings, Coeur d’Alene, asked where the balance forward on any holdover from the Lakes project shows and what money was not expended. Mr. Briggs gave the figures and where that is in the budget, and the actual remainder would not be known until the completion of the Ramsey project and all the collections are in.
Ann Seddon, 2477 W. Hull Loop, Coeur d’Alene, asked if there is a special budget set aside for land purchase and where would one see the assets of the district. Mr. Briggs said there is no fund created for that.
The annual audit report available in October, as well as last years, would show assets.
Richard LeFrancis, 810 Parkhurst Ct., Coeur d’Alene, said he is concerned about the future of vocational training and asked how much is being spent for vocational education and for trades. Mr. Amend mentioned the 40 different skills sets in courses for high school students, with the specific goal of preparing students for the work force, and the effort to get employers to ask job applicants for their skill set certificates.
Joy Seward, 1315 N. Hill Drive, Coeur d’Alene, asked if the district puts the budget on the Internet. Mr. Briggs said this one is not as it is proposed, but would look in to how the large format document might be posted.

At 6:53 PM, the Chair closed the hearing.

At this time, with the agreement of the other trustees, Chair Quinn called for an adjustment in the agenda to have the Board recognition agenda item. Ginger Steed, school nurse, speaking for School Health Services, introduced and acknowledged Drs. Ray Greene and Sarah Morrosey for their significant efforts to assure students have vision screening. In many cases, glasses have been provided to students at no charge. The Northern Region Optometric Association was also recognized for their support of the programs and services in schools.

Vice Chair Vern Newby and Superintendent Harry Amend honored Chair Wanda Quinn for her service to the district and community and awarded a plaque in appreciation. This concludes her 12 years of Board service.

Identification of Citizens Wishing to Address the Board
Marty Meyer, 225 E. Harrison Ave., Coeur d’Alene, a custodian at Fernan Elementary, expressed his concern regarding the outsourcing of custodial work. He commented on the background and service of the district custodial staff and asked the Board to reverse the decision to outsource any custodial jobs.
Jim Hollingsworth - 3130 N. Cherry Lane, Coeur d’Alene, commented on the proposed parent permission for after school activities.

Jennifer Simons, 3720 21st Place, Coeur d’Alene, a 10th grade student, reported on her reading of Dancing at the Rascal Fair. She said some parts took the fun out of reading, and she feels it is not a book for high school students.
Brittany Bruyette, 3415 Pinehill Place, Coeur d’Alene, commented on the book Dancing at the Rascal Fair, saying that she feels the sexual descriptions are not appropriate, and that the sex talk should take place at home. She wondered if this book had been previewed before being placed in the schools.
Debbie Morris, 2039 Sundown Dr., Coeur d’Alene, said she supported parent permission forms, that children come to school to learn to read so they can read to learn and that the Board is ultimately responsible for what books are in our schools. She referred to a book in the school library she reviewed that contains many profanities with no complaints filed. She questioned the recommendations of the American Library Association and referenced a publication on making libraries family friendly. She also questioned the adherence to policy and procedures in the instructional materials review process.

Approval of Consent Agenda Items:
A. Personnel
Certificated
Individual Action Position Facility Effective Date
Dawn Altman Hire Summer School Teacher Project CDA SY 06-07
Mike Thayer Hire Summer School Teacher Project CDA SY 06-07
Nick Lilyquist Hire Summer School Teacher Project CDA SY 06-07
James Maurer Hire Summer School Teacher Project CDA SY 06-07
Jeff Lakes Hire Summer School Teacher Project CDA SY 06-07
Derek Kohles Hire Summer School Teacher Project CDA SY 06-07
Julie Walker Hire Secondary Summer School JDC SY 06-07
Terry Best Hire Secondary Summer School JDC SY 06-07
Kt Paxton Hire .4 FTE 1st Grade Teacher Hayden Meadows SY 06-07
Pam Alexander Hire .5FTE Speech Teacher Lake City High SY 06-07
Lyndon E. Harriman Retirement Science Teacher Canfield Middle 08-31-09
Suzanne L. Gerber Retirement English Teacher Woodland Middle 08-29-08
Meg Rude Retirement 5th Grade Teacher Hayden Meadows 08-31-09
David Steele Retirement 6th Grade Teacher Lakes Middle 08-31-09
Chris Turner Retirement Music Ramsey Elementary 08-31-09
Tim Peebles Retirement English Teacher Coeur d’Alene High 08-29-08
Hugh Marconi Retirement Special Ed. Teacher Ramsey Elementary 08-31-09
Dawn Fuchs (Sisk) .2 LOA .8 Spanish Teacher Canfield Middle SY 06-07
Kari A. Granier LOA Title 1 Teacher Fernan Elementary SY 06-07
Matthew A. George Resignation Math Teacher Lake City High 08-31-06
James K. Whiteman Retirement Counselor Coeur d’Alene High 08-31-09
Classified
Individual Action Position Facility Effective Date
Meagan Fehling Resignation Para Professional Dalton Elementary 06-09-06

B. Approve Disposal of Computers per Recommendation
C. Award Bid for Coeur d’Alene High School Gym Floor Replacement $135,625.00
D. Approve Rehiring of Extra-Curricular Staff for 2006-2007 per memos from Coeur d’Alene High School and Lakes Middle School
E. Award Bid for Carpet (include bid summary in minutes at Vern’s request)

Motion by Chair Quinn to table item D. on the Consent Agenda until budget decisions are made regarding activities, second by Mr. Newby, passed 5-0.

Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mr. Fredrickson to approve the Consent Agenda as modified, passed 5-0.

Consideration of Action/Information Items:

Adoption of 2006-2007 Budget – The Board asked for consideration of a delay in action to adopt to allow for any further public comments. Idaho Code would be checked for the timing requirements. A decision about when to adopt would come prior to the end of this meeting.

Language Arts Adoption – Rosie Astorquia, Curriculum Director, presented the budget for purchase of secondary curricular materials and asked for approval of the adoption. Previously presented on May 5th, the recommended materials, Holt Language Series, were taken to an Ad-Hoc Committee and have been available for public review for 30 days. The purchase price is $697,290.00, based on enrollment projections for the coming school year. Mrs. Zipperer asked about purchase of additional materials for new classrooms.

Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the secondary Language Arts Adoption, passed 5-0.

Instructional Materials Concerns Reports (2) – Rosie Astorquia reviewed the timeline and process responding to a complaint on the book Fallen Angels. She shared the recommendation of the review committee that the book remain in the schools, and two of six committee members recommended some restriction be considered, such as a warning on the cover or parent permission form. Mr. Newby commented on his review of the book and the obscenities it contains.

Mr. Fredrickson made a motion that the book Fallen Angels be placed on a restricted list at the middle school level, and require parent permission for student access, second by Mr. Newby, passed 5-0.

Mr. Newby then requested that other books of this type have the same restriction. Mrs. Wood suggested the difficulty that might create and offered that she would prefer to see books individually. This was referred for a policy discussion at a future meeting, to see how this fits together.

Mrs. Astorquia then reviewed the procedure and steps taken responding to a concern regarding the book Dancing at the Rascal Fair at the high school level. This book had previously been removed from a mandatory reading list. She reviewed the comments of the committee after reading the book and their recommendation that the book is appropriate for juniors and seniors and should be optional reading for those grades. The committee also felt that the book should remain in the library, and that parents be informed as to where to get a review of the book. She suggested that information for parents on where they can research any books in our schools might be on our website.

Dave Bruyette, 3415 Pinehill Place, Coeur d’Alene, supported a disclaimer, and parental notification.
Jim Hollingsworth - 3130 N. Cherry Lane, Coeur d’Alene, said he objects as a taxpayer that the book was purchased with his tax money.

Gary Finney, E. 6415 Kingswood Lane, Coeur d’Alene, said the book should not be in our schools, or this community and country. He objects to this kind of garbage, and cannot believe they do not see how this is appropriate for our kids.

Mr. Newby made the motion that the book Dancing at the Rascal Fair require parental permission for library checkout, second by Mr. Fredrickson, passed 5-0. Mr. Newby suggested the Board go through the policies on books in libraries and how they are selected and used.

Budget Hearing Adoption - The clerk reported the information from Idaho Code on budget adoption requirements. Mr. Newby made the motion to delay budget adoption until a special meeting on Monday, June 26, 2006, at Noon at the Midtown Center Meeting Room, second by Mr. Fredrickson, passed 5-0.
Mr. Newby then asked that any written comments be forwarded to the board by email if possible, prior to the meeting.

At 8:15 PM, the meeting recessed. At 8:30 PM, the meeting reconvened.

Board Policies for Second Reading and Adoption
Board Policy 569 Parent/Guardian Denial of Permission for Extra-Curricular School-Sponsored Student Activities – Judy Drake presented the policy that has been through the required steps toward adoption.

Rick Seward, 1315 N. Hill Dr., Coeur d’Alene, commented on his support of this kind of policy and parent involvement in the activities in which their children participate. Mr. Newby suggested some language changes that would be incorporated in the policy.

Motion by Mr. Fredrickson to adopt Policy 569 Parent/Guardian Denial of Permission for Extra-Curricular School-Sponsored Student Activities, with correct grammatical form as to the added language, second by Mr. Newby.

Joy Seward, 1315 N. Hill Dr., Coeur d’Alene, asked how parents would know about the policy and how to object to their student joining. Mrs. Drake advised that this would be a parent responsibility, and noted the methods the schools use to communicate with parents through the school handbook and newsletters.

The motion to adopt the policy passed 5-0.

Waive Policy on Adoption/Adopt
Board Policy 672 - Advanced Learning – Ms. Bauman noted that this action adopts the state recommended advanced learning plan and adoption now assures this is in place for the coming school year.

Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mr. Fredrickson to adopt Board Policy 672 Advanced Learning, passed 5-0.

Board Policy 684 BP and 684 E Grading Systems – Board Procedures and Exhibit – Ms. Bauman noted the Board Procedures revision effective in the Fall of 2006 and the Exhibit referenced that addresses the Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate Final Exam Option Details. This information will also be an addendum in the student handbooks.

Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mr. Fredrickson to adopt the Board Policy 684 BP and 684 E Grading Systems, passed 5-0.

Board Policies for First Reading
Board Policy 522 and 522 P - School Attendance - Ms. Bauman related the committee work to create a policy that addresses the difficulties in meeting the needs of some students and their absences that may be related to school activities and those with parent permission. The committee feels this change supports students being in the classroom. Chair Quinn suggested listing the approved activities that justify an absence, a tighter list of areas that can be waived. Mrs. Zipperer suggested a clarification in item 1 of the high school procedure.

Board Policies for Information – Kelly Ostrom, Human Resource Director, presented the following policies for information, noting that the policy attorney has reviewed them. They were held until the legislature completed their session, and now are ready to go to the buildings for staff review in September. These policies are:
Board Policy 412 – Personnel Promotion
Board Policy 480 – Definition of Classified Personnel
Board Policy 483 – Evaluation of Classified Personnel
Board Policy 487 – Reduction in Force - Classified Personnel
Board Policy 488 – Discharge of Classified Personnel
Ms. Drake presented a complete revision of Board Policy 506 – Student Harassment, noting that the language reflects the law and the changes were the recommendation of the policy attorney Elaine
Eberharter-Maki.

Chair Quinn made the motion to waive policy on policy adoption and adopt this policy as it reflects the requirements of law and then would be in place for the beginning of school, passed 5-0, with one change to move a line showing a specific date to a procedures page, passed 5-0.
Board Policy 612 P and 612 E – Valedictorian/Salutatorian – Ms. Bauman and Jim Facciano, Advanced Learning Progam Director, explained the formula and the rationale for the change. This procedure change has been in the buildings since May 5, and after Board discussion, it was decided that the implementation would begin this year, for all grades.
Board Policy 620 and 620 P - Credit Acceptance – This is for information as to the changes in procedures.

Call for Committee Reports – none
Superintendent’s Report – Harry Amend – None

Board Comments and Information – Chair Wanda Quinn and Superintendent Harry Amend, on behalf of the Board and administration, presented Judy Drake and Fran Bischof with engraved clocks and thanks for their years of service to the district.

Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mrs. Wood 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: roll call vote; Quinn, Newby, Wood, Fredrickson, Zipperer, each “yes”.

At 10:30 PM, the meeting returned to open session and reviewed some pending board activities.

At 10:40 PM, the meeting was adjourned.
______________________________
Wanda C. Quinn, Chair
Board of Trustees
___________________________________
Fran Bischof, Clerk
Board of Trustees

Summary Statement of Executive Session
At 9:45 PM, the Board held an 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.

Home