Minutes of July 24, 2006, Annual Meeting

July 24, 2006 Annual Meeting of the Board
5:00 PM Midtown Center Meeting Room

Minutes
Annual Reorganization Meeting

At 5:00 PM, Vice-Chair Vern Newby called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Trustees Christie Wood, Sid Fredrickson, Diane Zipperer and Trustee-Elect Edie Brooks were present.

Oath of Office to Elected Officials – Acting Clerk, Lynn Towne administered the Oath of Office to the newly elected Trustee from Zone 1 Edie Brooks. The signed oath is part of the official minutes of this meeting.

Annual Reorganization of the Board of Trustees

Election of Board Chair – By motion, Mrs. Brooks nominated Vern Newby as Board Chair for the 2006-2007 school year, second by Mrs. Wood, passed 5-0.

Election of Board Vice Chair – By motion, Mrs. Wood nominated Edie Brooks as Board Vice Chair for the 2006-2007 school year, second by Mrs. Zipperer, passed 5-0.

Election of Treasurer – Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Wood to elect Julie Day as Treasurer for the 2006-2007 school year, passed 5-0.

Election of Clerk of the Board of Trustees – Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mr. Fredrickson to elect Lynn Towne as Clerk of the Board for the 2006-2007 school year, passed 5-0.

Establish Regular Meetings of the Board of Trustees – Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Zipperer to adopt the meeting schedule as discussed, (schedule is part of the official minutes of this meeting) and that meetings be held the first and third Mondays of every month except as noted on the scheduled discussed, and that the meetings be held at the Midtown Center Meeting Room, 1505 N. 5th Street, Coeur d’Alene, unless otherwise posted for public notice in advance of the meeting, passed 5-0. (Note Changes: 9/4/06 to 9/5/06; 10/2/06 to begin at44:00 pm; 1/1/07 to 1/2/07; 4/2/07 to 4/9/07 and 4/16/07 to 4/23/07).

Establish Locations to Post – Motion by Mrs. Zipperer, second by Mr. Fredrickson that the Board designate the Kootenai County Administration Building main lobby and the Mullan Street lobby of Coeur d’Alene City Hall as the public places for posting of this Board’s public notices, in addition to the main lobby of the District Administration Office, and that the Coeur d’Alene Press and the Spokesman-Review newspapers by provided the meeting agendas at the time of posting, passed 5-0.

Approval of the Agenda – Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the agenda, passed 5-0.

Approval of Minutes – Motion by Mrs. Zipperer, second by Mr. Newby to approve the minutes of June 26, 2006, passed 5-0.

Identification of Citizens Wishing to Address the Board
Doug and Wendy Kraft, 8161 Summerfield Loop, Hayden and Justin and Angie Kane, 16102 N. Morgan Lane, Hayden. Wendy Kraft presented a packet of information to Board and Administration regarding their request to remain in District 271 after their move to a new residence on Morgan Lane just outside of District 271 north boundary. She pointed out that other families from this area were previously grandfathered into District 271. Efforts to annex this area into District 271 failed at the State level. The family wishes to continue attending at Hayden Meadows Elementary and Canfield Middle School. Chair Newby stated that the district administration will review the request and respond to the families.

Michelle Williams, 1723 W Stearn Drive, Coeur d’Alene, shared information about the Proposition 1 Initiative scheduled to be on the November 7th ballot. She shared some key information in her position as Field Organizer in Kootenai and Bonner Counties. Passage of this initiative would add 6 million for District 271. Funds are disbursed by the local administration. Ms. Williams asked for an endorsement from the Board of Trustees as well as individual endorsements.

Jim Ballinger, 8969 Davis Circle, Hayden, stated that he was an owner-operator of a custodial service in another state and has been employed by this district for 5 years as custodian. He currently works as a substitute (rover) and has worked in all the schools. He talked about the differences in the hiring process of a school district vs. custodial service. Turnover rates are very high and theft seems to be a factor. If this practice is allowed to continue, it places students at risk.

Steve Kapfer, 115 S. Spencer, Post Falls, is currently the night custodian at Winton and Project CDA. He feels if the school environment is improved, the average daily attendance would increase. Best practice is that every student attends school in a healthy environment. If the district were to take a proactive approach, absenteeism would decrease therefore increase available funding. He asked Board members to reconsider the outsourcing of custodial work.

Coeur d’Alene Education Association Report – Barbara Crow, CEA President provided an update on negotiations. They are looking at the legalities of some of the proposed cuts, and share custodians’ concerns about outsourcing.

Fee Increase Hearing/School Meals – Steve Briggs, Chief Financial Officer introduced Ed Ducar, Food Service Director. He shared the goals of the food service department which include serving the needs of students while maintaining a financially sound program. They provide nutrition information and serve quality wholesome foods. They also strive to create an exciting atmosphere, involve the students, and serve them quickly and efficiently. As fuel and food costs have increased, the proposal asks for increases of 25 cents for breakfast and lunch and those costs are comparable to Post Falls. Mrs. Brooks asked about free & reduced lunches and Mr. Ducar reported that information is provided to families at school registration and that federal guidelines are followed. Superintendent Amend thanked Mr. Ducar for the work done with Food Service and School Nurses on nutrition. Mrs. Wood stated that the meals are very good. No comments were received from audience. A patron did ask if the district will continue offering fast food. Mr. Ducar responded that nutrition guidelines of the wellness policy must be fulfilled and if they qualify, fast food may be served. Chair Newby closed the hearing.

Approval of Consent Agenda Items:

A. Personnel
Certificated
Individual Action Position Facility Effective Date
Dwight McCain Retirement Counselor Ramsey Elementary 8-30-09
Kathleen Sayler Retirement English/History Teacher Coeur d’Alene High 8-30-09
Connie Johnson Retirement Kindergarten Teacher Ramsey Elementary 8-30-08
Cathy Stanford Retirement Special Education Teacher Atlas Elementary 8-30-09
Shasta Bell Resignation .2 Spanish Teacher Coeur d’Alene High 8-25-06
Jillian Rowley Resignation .4 Prevention Specialist Coeur d’Alene High 8-25-06
Nancy Larsen Resignation Teacher on Special Assignment District Office 8-25-06
Geri Hagler Resignation Grade 5 Teacher Atlas Elementary 8-25-06
Michelle Dixon Hire Special Education Teacher Fernan Elementary SY 06-07
Shawna Russell Hire .5 Math Teacher Lake City High SY 06-07
Erika Gunderson Hire .8 Spanish Teacher Coeur d’Alene High SY 06-07
Gwen Reed Hire English Teacher Lake City High SY 06-07
Kimberly Crosser Hire Grade 2 Teacher Sorensen Elementary SY 06-07
Shanna Marshall Hire Title 1 Teacher Sorensen Elementary SY 06-07
Richard Jones Hire Counselor Coeur d’Alene High SY 06-07
Marnie Wattam Hire School Psychologist District SY 06-07
Karen Toerne Hire School Psychologist District SY 06-07
Daryl Stavros Resignation Substance Abuse Specialist Woodland Middle 8-25-06
Amanda Lee LOA .5 Kindergarten Teacher Hayden Meadows Elem. SY 06-07

Extra Curricular
Individual Action Position Facility Effective Date
Tony Cox Resignation Boys Tennis Coach Coeur d’Alene High SY 06-07
Jamie Thacker Resignation Girls JV Soccer Coach Coeur d’Alene High SY 06-07
Lisa Green Hire Asst Volleyball Coach Coeur d’Alene High SY 06-07
Sandra Galbavy Hire Cheer Advisor Coeur d’Alene High SY 06-07
Tiffany Duce Hire Cheer Advisor Coeur d’Alene High SY 06-07
Heather Harmon Resignation Asst Cross Country Coach Lake City High SY 06-07
Dale Johnson Resignation Girls Basketball Coach Coeur d’Alene High SY 06-07

Classified
Individual Action Position Facility Effective Date
Steve Briggs Rehire CFO District Office SY 06-07
Robert Mick Hire Head Warehouse Worker Food Service SY 06-07
Christina Sewerin Resignation Teacher Assistant Woodland Middle 8-25-06
Lori Penney Hire Title 1 Assistant Winton Elementary SY 06-07
Virginia Tollenaere Resignation Teacher Assistant Sorensen Elementary 8-25-06

B. Award Air Conditioner Bid to Midway Parts
C. Approve Accounts Payable Check List dated June 30, 2006
D. Rehire extra curricular staff at middle and high schools
E. Non-reissue of extracurricular staff
F. Possible reduction in contract for K-12 Counselors
G. Recommendation for reassignment
H. School Plus Proposal to increase fees

Motion by Mr. Fredrickson to approve consent agenda items B, C, & H, passed 5-0.
Item H, School Plus Proposal was approved at an increase of 4%.

Items A, D, E, F & G were tabled until further discussion could be held during executive session.

Consideration of Action/Information Items:
Proclamation for Sister School – Retired administrator Judy Drake, former North Idaho College president Bob Bennett and Coeur d’Alene resident Daniel Kim proposed a sister school arrangement with the district’s middle schools and a middle school on Geoje Island, Korea. The proposal would include hosting 15-20 students who would visit in January. Mr. Kim shared his story about being a refugee in South Korea. In camp, teachers gathered children and set up small classrooms. After the war ended, refugee schools were taken over locally and continue to operate currently. Students are able travel to the United States in January only and all costs are borne 100% by visiting schools and students.

Supt. Amend commended Mrs. Drake, Mr. Bennett and Mr. Kim on their proposal and their willingness to work within our calendar. Motion by Mr. Fredrickson to accept the official proclamation, second by Mrs. Wood, passed 5-0.

Fee Increase/School Meals – Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mr. Fredrickson to increase the fees charged for school meals per the recommendation, passed 5-0.

Fee Increase/ASB Cards & Admission Fees – Mr. Amend reported that a public fee hearing is forthcoming in August; information will be posted and published. Mrs. Wood asked how our fees compare to neighboring districts. This proposal is made in response to the increased costs of providing services at activities.

Finance Report – Steve Briggs stated that average daily attendance information was recently received from the State; support units are slightly above projected numbers. The district will end the year in the black, however, the ending fund balance is still not calculated.

ISBA Resolutions
a) Long term suspensions – A long term suspension would not require Board approval, and would lessen the number of times that requires the Board to meet. Superintendent Amend stated that the Post Falls School District Resolution addresses the intent of their administration, and he does not agree with suspensions up to 45 days. The best response would be to support less number of days. This was presented at Region 1 Superintendent’s meeting and asked to present to each respective Board. A response is required by August 4th. Support of the resolution would require a motion. Mrs. Wood asked Superintendent Amend to share information with Post Falls School District administration.
b) Increase of Discretionary Funds – advocating on behalf of students to increase those funds. ISBA continues to be a strong voice and many districts will support this resolution. Mr. Fredrickson added that a strong request for additional funding is needed but there’s no indication of a funding source. A special session of the legislature is forthcoming in August, and he recommends waiting until ISBA meets in November prior to supporting a specific resolution. Superintendent Amend asked that the Board support basic resolution to come before ISBA. Motion by Mr. Fredrickson to support an increase of state monies, not property tax and an increase in discretionary funding, second by Mrs. Wood, passed 5-0.
c) Naming of the Idaho Education Equalization Levy – the clarification provided will be positive and will offer a better understanding for the taxpayer. Mrs. Wood requested that this resolution be shared with our county commissioners. Motion to support the resolution by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Zipperer, passed 5-0.
d) GIFT – this resolution asks that ISBA keep this on the front burner and keep it active. Motion to support by Mrs. Wood, second by Mr. Fredrickson, passed 5-0.

NCLB Facts & Issues – In light of NCLB reauthorization, Chair Newby asked Assistant Superintendent Hazel Bauman to highlight some of the facts and issues that the district is facing. Ms. Bauman stated that NCLB is a good law if some of the flexibility pieces can be put in place. The law has made us more focused, more students are performing at higher standards, and the achievement gap is closing due in part to this law. Mrs. Wood asked if NSBA has stated resolutions to address this. Chair Newby asked the administration to submit comments.

Superintendent’s Report – A tour of Ramsey was held this morning; staff members are anxious to start settling in. Board members will tour the facility next month.

Board Comments - Mrs. Wood asked for a timeframe for support or non-support of the 1% Initiative discussed earlier by Michelle Williams. After an opportunity to meet with the Region 1 Board, a recommendation will be forthcoming. Past Chair Wanda Quinn is entitled to lifetime Idaho Activities Card at a cost of $100.00 and Board members supported that idea.

Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Brooks 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: Newby, Wood, Fredrickson, Zipperer, Brooks, each yes.

At 9:40 PM, the meeting returned to open session.

Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Wood to approve consent agenda item A, passed 5-0.
Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mr. Fredrickson to approve consent agenda item D including freshman extra curricular staff, passed 5-0.
Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Brooks to approve consent agenda item E, passed 5-0.
Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Brooks to approve consent agenda item F however, to exempt high school counselors; and to direct administration to institute a transportation fee for activities, and to establish a public hearing date, passed 5-0.
Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Wood to approve consent agenda item G, passed 5-0.

At 9:45 PM, the meeting was adjourned.

Vernon Newby, Chair
Board of Trustees

Lynn Towne, Clerk
Board of Trustees

Summary Statement of Executive Session
At 7:50 PM, in accordance with Idaho Code 67-2345, Subsection (c) the Board held an Executive Session to 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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