Board Meeting August 6, 2007

Regular Meeting August 6, 2007
5:00 PM Midtown Center Meeting Room

MINUTES

At 5:07 P.M. Chair Edie Brooks called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Trustees Vern Newby, Christie Wood, Sid Fredrickson and Diane Zipperer were present.

Approval of Minutes: Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mr. Fredrickson to approve the minutes of July 2, 2007, passed 5-0.

Approval of the Agenda and Possible Addendum: Motion by Mrs. Wood to approve the agenda as amended (postpone Item D) and the addendum, second by Mr. Fredrickson, passed 5-0.

Identification of Citizens Wishing to Address the Board – None

Superintendent Harry Amend introduced and welcomed Maureen Dolan, CDA Press Education Reporter.

Coeur d’Alene Education Association Report – CEA President Barbara Crow reported that in July, four CEA members attended the NEA representative assembly in Philadelphia. She and Paula Marano attended a ceremony to view the 800 year old Magna Carta and heard a presentation by actor Richard Dreyfuss about teaching Civics. She shared some concerns about improving student achievement. CEA delegates will address a local Democratic Committee function. The CEA recently nominated our School Board for a Friend of Education award, which they didn’t win however, she presented a plaque in recognition of their public stand in support of Proposition 1. She also spoke about teacher Barbara Morgan who will serve on a mission in space. Mrs. Brooks thanked her for attending the meeting and for a great job on behalf of CEA.

Approval of Consent Agenda Items:

A. Personnel
B. Accounts Payable Check List Dated 07-30-07
C. School Resource Officers Agreement with City of Coeur d’Alene
D. Price Increase for School Breakfast and Lunch Program
E. Disposal of Computers
F. Bus Routes 2007-2008
G. 15th Street Frontage Improvement at Canfield Middle School
H Motor Fuel and Fuel Management Systems Bid
I. Textbook Management Software Bid
J. Food Service Bid – Bread
K. Food Service Bid – Dairy
L. Food Service Bid – Pizza
M. Athletic Training Contract

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

Sorensen Magnet School Final Determination – Director of Elementary Education Pam Pratt asked for Board approval to go forward. Enrollment is at 286, and fundraising is at approximately $50,000. Fifteen teachers attended training this summer and have been meeting on a consistent basis. Information about uniforms and schedules have been sent to parents. Mrs. Brooks asked about future endeavors for fundraising. Mrs. Pratt replied that the auction will be an annual event, and committees are in place to continuously work on fundraising. Mrs. Brooks asked Mr. Briggs how much ADA funding is anticipated, he replied that students who are new to the district will bring $5,000 each in new monies but they must be new to our district, not transferred from another school. An analysis of projected funds is forthcoming. Mrs. Pratt noted that according to data she has seen, up to half of the students registered at Sorensen are new to the district. Mrs. Wood asked what will happen if fundraising doesn’t come in at $100,000, and Assistant Superintendent Hazel Bauman responded that enrollment allows some movement within funding. Mr. Newby noted that $100,000 was a lofty goal however support from the community has been steady. Mr. Fredrickson concurs. Mrs. Zipperer asked about only offering one section of 5th grade and should that be looked at for next year when feeding 2 sections of 4th grade into 1 section of 5th grade. Mrs. Pratt is aware of that situation for next year and will monitor accordingly.

Motion by Mr. Fredrickson to direct the administration to finalize steps to create Sorensen Magnet School for the current year, second by Mr. Newby, passed 5-0.

LEP (Limited English Proficiency) Title III Plan – Title I Director Frances Huffman discussed the framework of this program which serves 35 students with 2 full time staff members. About 85% of those students come from Spanish speaking backgrounds. Students follow a state adopted curriculum and are spread out through nearly all of our schools. The teachers travel in order to serve the students. We have seen an increase in the number of languages spoken by students who are served by this program. This plan presented tonight is not new, however must be approved under the Title programs. This item will appear on the next Board agenda for approval.

Report on Graduation Requirements Committee – Curriculum Director Jim Facciano thanked the members of this committee who met throughout the year. Progress reports were provided throughout last year, and a final recommendation is presented tonight for information. This proposal increases the number of required credits in math and science from 2 years to 3 years. If approved, this plan begins for the entering freshmen class; Fall of 2008. One year (or 2 credits) of math must be taken in their senior year and one year of science must be lab-based. Required credits needed for graduation would be increased. A Senior Project will also be required for graduation. Mrs. Brooks asked why no parents or students were members of the committee, and will this proposal be taken to parent groups for information prior to Board action. Mr. Newby recommended a separate motion to address the Senior Project issue.

Motion by Mr. Newby that a Senior Project be required for all seniors in the Coeur d’Alene School District, effective for school year 2007-08 - seniors enrolling in the Fall of 2007, second by Mrs. Wood, passed 5-0. Mrs. Wood reminded the administration about the importance of working with secondary institutions on continuing secondary preparedness.

Report on Book Review Committee – Item postponed until August 20 meeting.

Policy 620-P Revision – Mr. Facciano shared highlights and some new information regarding high school courses taken in Middle School for high school credit. Up to now, the District did not have specific policy that addressed this issue. Mixed messages have been sent from state agencies with no clear guidelines or policies for allowing or not allowing this. Students will still be bound by the high school math requirements. In addition to math, this proposed change reflects additional classes such as foreign language. A cross-reference to graduation policy will be added. This will be advantageous to students who wish to graduate early. This item will appear on the next Board agenda for approval.

Board Policies – Ms. Bauman presented Policy 543 and Director of Technology Jean Bengfort presented Policies 652, 696 and 698; all for approval.
• 543 – Student Suspension – Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the revisions as submitted, passed 5-0.
• 652 – Library & Resource Center – Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mr. Newby to approve the revisions as submitted, passed 5-0.
• 696 – Computer Assisted Instruction – Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the revisions as submitted, passed 5-0.
• 698 – Computer Network Services – Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mr. Fredrickson to approve the revisions as submitted, passed 5-0.

Finance Report – Chief Financial Officer Steve Briggs reported they are finishing up the audit and annual report. He hopes to share a new format for finance reports at the August retreat.

Synthetic Field Turf – Superintendent Harry Amend reminded the Board about hearing from members of a community group who approached the Board for permission to begin fundraising efforts. This group will be very sensitive to community needs and will report periodically to the Board as they begin to organize. Mr. Newby noted that this is an exciting development for our athletic community. The only concern raised at this point is the need to have the administration designate a policy to address future replacement/repairs. Mrs. Wood asked if it is possible to hold a percentage of gate receipts, Mr. Newby noted that routine and usual field maintenance comes from the general fund. Mr. Briggs noted that direct costs will be saved and having the synthetic turf presents opportunities for additional rentals. The district spends approximately $40,000 annually in field maintenance costs; monies that could be saved and set aside for future issues. The District will evaluate those amounts over the next two years of fundraising efforts. Quality, Safety and Access are the drivers behind this issue. It will be safer and more accessible to the public. Funds will be identified and earmarked for a “sinking” fund.

Motion by Vern Newby to authorize the initiation of fundraising for synthetic turf fields at Coeur d’Alene and Lake City High Schools; installation should not occur prior to the establishment of a permanent turf replacement fund along with identification of revenue, second by Mr. Fredrickson, passed 5-0.

Lighthouse Training – Ms. Bauman shared some of the highlights of this opportunity. It represents a five-year commitment; the training is provided free of charge. This program has been used successfully in 9 states, and 140 school districts. One suggestion is to reserve the second Board meeting of the month for this training. Costs will be paid from ISBA (Idaho School Boards Association). Board members were enthusiastic saying that continuing improvement in training is a great opportunity. Motion by Mr. Newby to support pursuing the Lighthouse Training, second by Mrs. Wood, passed 5-0.

Call for Committee Reports – Mr. Fredrickson reported about his participation on a Purchasing Policy Committee. Mrs. Brooks is also a member of this committee. The purpose is for compliance with state law. This will come to the Board for action in October.

ISBA Resolution – Mr. Newby provided background about this proposed resolution to reinstate a 15 minute recess during half-day kindergarten. Motion by Mr. Newby to adopt this resolution and submit to ISBA, second by Mr. Fredrickson, passed 5-0.

Superintendent’s Report – Mr. Amend thanked the maintenance and custodial crews that have worked hard this summer. Members of the Core Cabinet have been meeting regularly this summer. He has attended all three of the affordable housing meetings. More than 100 participants have been at each meeting. Groups provided input about Finance, Land and Policies. Everyone looks forward to the beginning of a new school year. Mrs. Wood asked about recent articles regarding LCDC. Mr. Amend stated that their Board asked for an appraisal/assessment of Sorensen and Winton to see if they meet the criteria to be included in the Urban Renewal District. We should know within 6-8 weeks. Work on Sorensen could begin soon after this decision is made.

Board Comments and Information – Mr. Newby expressed his personal thanks for a 5 week recess from meetings; a time to re-energize.

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

The meeting returned to open session and adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

Edie Brooks, Chair
Board of Trustees

Lynn M. Towne, Clerk
Board of Trustees

Summary Statement of Executive Session
At 7:05 PM, in accordance with 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.

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