January 2, 2007, Board Meeting

Regular Meeting January 2, 2007
5:00 PM Midtown Center Meeting Room

MINUTES

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

Approval of Minutes: Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the minutes of December 18, 2006, passed 4-0.

Approval of the Agenda and Possible Addendum: Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mr. Fredrickson to approve the agenda, passed 4-0.

Identification of Citizens Wishing to Address the Board: None

Coeur d’Alene Education Association Report: Barbara Crow, CEA President thanked the Board for the opportunity to report monthly. She expressed gratitude that the Board ratified the contract in a timely manner, they listened and made decisions best for all involved. Looking forward to the new year, she shared the philosophy of CEA; established sixty years ago. The District, Board and CEA must be partners, and ask for input from CEA on every decision. She appreciates the openness of administration who are willing to problem-solve.

High School Student Body Reports: Jake Wayman, LCHS ASB President reported on preparations for Fight for the Fish, a Key Club dodge ball tournament fundraiser, an schedule changes for finals week. Mrs. Wood asked if Fight for the Fish could be televised and if students could be involved with the broadcast. Superintendent Harry Amend responded that he would check into the possibility.

Approval of Consent Agenda Items:
A. Personnel
B. Approve Accounts Payable Check List Dated December 19, 2006
C. Approve Affidavit of Habitual Truancy

Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the consent agenda, passed 4-0.

Consideration of Action/Information Items:

Supplemental Levy Forum Invitation: Superintendent Amend wished all a Happy New Year. He extended an invitation to community members to attend a forum on Thursday, January 11th at the Human Rights Education Institute from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The purpose of the forum is to review the basic contents of the supplemental M&O levy, to talk about different types of levies, and what is normal in terms of budget percentages. Participants will gather in groups of 10-12 with a facilitator to gather input about amount and contents for the levy. The large group will benefit from information shared by the small groups.

Response to Sorensen Questions: A total of 71 questions were compiled and answered by Mr. Amend, Mr. Briggs and district staff. Questions were grouped into 8 categories including costs, political impact, growth/demographics, economic impact, research, community values, transfers/enrollment plans for students and miscellaneous. A handout was created to include these questions/answers as well as spreadsheets containing information about transfer students, projected elementary enrollment in the event of closure, and free & reduced lunch percentages. Each question in the handout was then addressed individually by Superintendent Amend.

Trustee Sid Fredrickson reminded everyone present that the Board is familiar with the research about small schools and socio-economic status and they have followed the research for at least five years. He also stated that the Board is elected by the community and they investigate and study research findings. Trustee Wood asked for further clarification of voluntary and involuntary transfers. Chair Newby asked about scheduling a workshop about the research findings for small schools and consolidation. He asked for volunteers to meet about this prior to the next Board meeting.

Citizen Input Regarding Sorensen
Doug Fagerness 2608 N 10th Place, Coeur d’Alene said he is encouraged that answers to questions raised at the last meeting were forthcoming. He had some concerns about showing ISAT and IRI scores and the potential for misinterpretation. Downtown has changed from 25 years ago with the addition of many art galleries, Art Walk, the new library, and Art On The Green. The prospect of a magnet school is exciting.
James Collet, 823 Wallace Ave. Coeur d’Alene double-checked the timeline that was provided at the last Board meeting. He feels that public comment is being countered by information after the fact. He feels it is unfair that the district office takes lots of space but the district is using that as reason to close Sorensen. He doesn’t care about any disruption to the district office, and feels it is more disruptive to close a school than to rezone. He referenced Long Range Planning Committee minutes from October 2005 and asked if property in the southwest corner of the district has been acquired. All documentation refers to a potential new school in the North. Closing Sorensen would only be moving a school since the district would eventually build another school. Superintendent Amend shared his confidence in the five Board members that they will make the best decision. Enrollment will drive the decision to possibly build a new school. Mr. Collet asked if there was any negotiation with City of Hayden to purchase the Hayden School Building. Mr. Amend responded that the School District anticipates using the site until 2010. Mr. Collet feels the temporary savings by closing Sorensen is miniscule compared to the potential sale of the Hayden Lake site. Chief Financial Officer Steve Briggs responded that building of new schools is based on where growth is occurring. The population must justify new building. Mr. Collet sees a correlation between test scores and free & reduced lunch rates and asked why this information was included in a question about closing a school. Mr. Amend responded that test scores were not a factor in the decision to close Sorensen.
John Bruning 618 Military Drive, Coeur d’Alene moved here to find a home near a neighborhood school. He serves as the Chairman of the Planning & Zoning Commission and reported that they voted to oppose the closing of Sorensen school at their December meeting. The Commission supports the concept of neighborhood schools and is concerned that the absence of a school will impact affordable housing in the downtown area. There is a resurgence of activity in the downtown area and the city is starting to see the fruits of their labor and he asked the Board to wait on their decision to see if growth takes place. If Sorensen is closed now, it may derail the city’s effort.
Teresa Runge, 905 Boyd Ave. Coeur d’Alene asked if parents may submit questions in writing. On Dec. 19, the needs assessment study was presented to the City Council, and LCDC. The presenter suggested creating programs in a school which would draw students.
Roger Snyder 319 Park Drive, Coeur d’Alene spoke to the district’s unique programs i.e. Project, Bridge and a possible magnet school. He takes exception to the statement that the district uses research in making all decisions. So far, it seems that the research data has not been used. He volunteered to participate in the Board workshop to be scheduled in the next two weeks. Research is an important element. Reducing the achievement gap does not take away from the importance of smaller schools. He thanked the administration for their attempt to answer the questions in the packet.

Steve James 905 Boyd Ave, Coeur d’Alene reiterated that this began as an effort to save Sorensen and has evolved into an issue of appreciating the value of Sorensen and revitalization of downtown. He has seen dramatic changes in the downtown area; housing prices have dropped and rentals are being purchased. Young families are moving to the downtown area and growth in the east will fill up Fernan. The City revitalized Sherman and Lakeside and we’re now seeing the results. Resort communities typically see dramatic growth and many people wish to live here. Closure of Sorensen is a short term financial solution and parents wish to work together to resolve this.
Chuck Hosack, 1020 Mountain, Coeur d’Alene has lived there 30 years and his children attended Sorensen. He thought that after his kids were out of Sorensen, this wouldn’t be an issue for him but found himself to be concerned. The local school board is important to the community. The Board is the policymaker and must weigh the data and intangibles. The data seems to support closure however the school means a lot to Sanders Beach area – a center of gravity. Perhaps this decision is premature and could hurt downtown growth. He thanked the Board for listening to the community.
Jack Riggs 801 S. 11th Coeur d’Alene finds himself thinking about this issue more than he thought he would. He knows the importance as attending School Board meetings launched his political career in the senate. As a legislator, he learned that more than 25% of students do not graduate; one size does not fit all. His experience is that consolidation does not work and may not be a good thing. Remember to think about the kids first, then discuss budgets. He asked the Board to be creative, this may not be as urgent as it seems. If no growth is seen over a period of years, then consider closing. The current timeline seems short.
Amy Evans 717 B. Street, Coeur d’Alene asked for clarification regarding the potential savings referenced in the documentation about special education positions and whether or not they are federally funded. Mr. Briggs answered that those funds may or may not have to be spent that way. He recommended that the district delve more deeply into an explanation. She asked what measures are being looking at when considering safety factors. Mr. Briggs responded that historically, the district has had students cross 15th Street without incidence. The district may provide crossing guards but we can not tell the city what lights and signs to install. Costs of a crossing guard are known.
Colleen Krajack 607 S. 14th Coeur d’Alene shared a quote by former president Lyndon Johnson about community.
Sharalee Howard 716 A Street, Coeur d’Alene spoke about consolidation and savings. Schools might think they will save money by consolidating but they do not. She was discouraged with the financial data provided in December and can offer contrasting information, for further review. The district can’t assume savings for variable costs and some that should be subtracted are: part time secretary, assistants/aides, utilities, etc. The district has not taken into account the loss of funds for salary increases. Some long term financial costs include permanent status of portables, cost of a new school, levy implication, site expenses, and salary increases.

Mrs. Wood thanked the audience members for their input. She stated that the district administration works on behalf of the Board and do so with the best interest of the district and community at heart. The Board relies on the administration and community for their information.

The meeting recessed at 7:45 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 7:55 p.m.

Call for Committee Reports - None

Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Amend reminded the Board of the February dates for meetings: February 5 and 20. Fight for the Fish is a great community event and is coming up January 12th. He extended wishes for a prosperous, calm new year.

Board Comments and Information - None

Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Zipperer 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 each “yes”. Mrs. Brooks was absent.

The meeting returned to open session at 8:10 p.m.

No action was taken.

Meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Summary Statement of Executive Session

At 7:48 p.m. 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 student.

Vernon L. Newby, Chair, Board of Trustees

Lynn M. Towne, Clerk, Board of Trustees

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