November 6, 2006 Board Meeting

Regular Meeting - November 6, 2006
5:00 PM Midtown Center Meeting Room

MINUTES Amended)

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

Approval of Minutes: Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the minutes of October 16, 2006, passed 3-0. Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the minutes of October 17, 2006, passed 3-0. Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the minutes of October 26, 2006, passed 3-0.

Approval of the Agenda and Possible Addendum: Motion by Mrs. Zipperer, second by Mr. Fredrickson to approve the agenda and addendum to the Consent Agenda (Item F/Student C), passed 3-0.

Identification of Citizens Wishing to Address the Board
Teresa Bruch, 902 Montana, Coeur d’Alene spoke in favor of awarding high school credit for math classes taken during middle school. She asked to speak later when this item is addressed on the agenda.

Coeur d’Alene Education Association Report: Marty Meyer spoke for Barbara Crow who was unable to attend the meeting tonight. On behalf of CEA, he publicly congratulated LCHS Teacher Mike Clabby, Idaho Teacher of the Year. He thanked the Board for taking steps to unanimously endorse Proposition 1 at their last Board meeting. The CEA continues to work with the district on contractual issues and participate on many committees. He asked if enrollment numbers have come in yet in relation to help with salary increases. Building Education Support Professionals have been charged to make sure that classified policies are available within buildings. There is disappointment that the policy addressing notice of intent to rehire was removed. Further discussion around these issues is requested.

High School Student Body Reports: Christy Bishoff, student at the Bridge Academy reported that they received a $1,400.00 grant from Excel. Funds will be used to purchase a digital camera and editing software for the speech class. In other news: eight students have graduated so far this year; a Thanksgiving dinner will be served for students; and seniors will visit kindergarten classrooms as part of their senior summit.

6. Approval of Consent Agenda Items:
A. Personnel
B. Approve Consultant Contract for LETRS Training
C. Approve Accounts Payable Check List Dated November 1, 2006
D. Approve Bid Award Recommendation – Sale & Removal of Textbooks
E. Approve Bid Award Recommendation – School Buses
F. Authorize Declaration of Habitual Truancy Students A & B
G. Approve ICTL Phase II Report
H. Approve Field Trip Request for CHS Cross Country Team
I. Approve Request by Polin & Young to Construct Retaining Wall on Winton School Site.

Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the consent agenda with the addition of Student C to Item F, passed 3-0.

CDA 4 Kids Report – James Curb, Program Coordinator offered some background about the program and that it is offered in the morning and again after school for students. Snacks are provided in the afternoon and students may participate in homework house, and hear stories told by hometown heroes. Since its inception, the biggest supporter has been Camp Fire USA and James is currently working to include Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. They are also working with Catholic Charities to come up with model for use in other schools. James offered kudos to staff members at Borah and Atlas. Vice Chair Brooks thanked James for offering a wide variety of opportunities to students.

Trustee Christie Wood arrived at 5:20 p.m.

High School Credit – Assistant Superintendent Hazel Bauman shared information we received from the Boise School District and also our Board Policy 620 “Credit Acceptance”. She said there should be no reason why we cannot offer credit if the teacher credential, coursework, and textbooks are the same at the middle school and high school levels. Ms. Bauman offered some new verbiage to our current policy and hopes to bring back to the Board for approval in December. Students who get credit during middle school years will be held accountable to finish required classes during high school. Mrs. Wood asked if Boise School District has offered feedback. Vice Chair Brooks asked about the rare case for a student who is accelerated and Ms. Bauman responded that the district will not hold these students back. Proposed changes will be sent to buildings for 30 days input.

High School Reform – Assistant Superintendent Hazel Bauman asked the Board to dialogue about the direction for the high school graduation committee as they look at proposed changes. The State Board of Education pending rule calls for the change to be fully implemented for incoming freshmen class of 2009 (graduating class of 2013). Should the district pursue implementing this sooner than would be required if the ruling is enacted? Will this change or hurt other offerings i.e. arts, drama? Curriculum Director Jim Facciano added that the committee’s approach is not “if” but “when” this happens and what are the issues and challenges that need to be addressed.

State funding plays a significant part in the decision. Even though this is a financial decision, it cannot be done by sacrificing electives. How can we accomplish more with less? Currently, sixty percent of students take 4 years of math. The challenge will be for the remedial student who may be struggling. Ms. Bauman said that at one time, three to four years of math and science was considered to be on a college prep track however in today’s age, a high school graduate who may not go to college needs the same background to be proficient in a job. Vice-Chair Brooks agreed and added that the needs are very different today. She asked when will a committee look at high school schedules. Mr. Facciano responded that some successful states that have accommodated the increased requirements for math and science without sacrifices to the electives have shifted to an extended school day. Scheduling becomes very important. Our district may look at a hybrid to fit both schools schedules. Board members support the new requirements for four years of math and science.

Mrs. Wood asked that the Higher Education Committee weigh in on this. Updates will be provided at future Board meetings. Mr. Fredrickson suggested waiting for the results of Proposition 1 as the resource issue will be huge. He also shared concerns that this will not help the graduation rate in light of NCLB. Mrs. Brooks directed district administration to communicate with the public all through this process. Mrs. Wood asked to also include student input and perhaps schedule public forums. Superintendent Amend thanked those who served on the committees. The Board should hear from all parties including parents, teachers, and counselors. This will have far reaching impacts and may be one of the most important decisions to come from this Board. Be prudent and careful and take the right amount of time.

Trail Creek Program Update – Assistant Superintendent Hazel Bauman presented an update regarding the earlier program cut due to the budget crisis. A committee has been meeting and members have discussed ideas for students who missed the experience this year. Pros and cons were identified. Fall 2007 may bring a one night experience for students. The district will budget for this and will still allow for fundraising. For the current year 6th grade students, each building will come up with ways to provide the “pros” e.g., applied learning in science and language arts, character, self-esteem and tradition. Superintendent Amend said through a process of 4 or 5 meetings, we will be able to salvage the important parts of the experience for current year 6th grade classes, and we may learn some important things toward creating a new Trail Creek experience. Final decisions (including Trail Creek) will be made after the supplemental levy election next year and will be prioritized as next year’s budget is set. Vice-Chair Brooks asked for feedback at the end of the year.

Finance Report – Chief Financial Officer Steve Briggs commented that we are starting to see a unique relationship as we are seeing less money from county and more money from the state. Some adjustments are needed prior to amending the budget. The timing of revenues and cash balance will change as result of legislative action.

Call for Committee Reports – Mr. Fredrickson reported that the Attendance Zone Committee met last week and looked at projected enrollments from last spring. They don’t plan to meet again until next spring. Mrs. Zipperer is a member of the Report Card Committee; progress is being made and language arts and EOCA grades are being added.

Superintendent’s Report – Superintendent Amend reported about four items:
1) As of Friday, enrollment increased overall by 17 since first week of school; very steady.
2) Core Cabinet continues to work weekly on preparing for a supplemental levy recommendation.
3) Nov 27 will be Mike Clabby day in Boise – some administrators are paying their own way to attend.
4) Core cabinet members and Janet Feiler are working on a report to the community about the district’s strategic plan and goals. The report will be in both newspapers.

Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mr. Fredrickson for Executive Session: Idaho Code 67-2345, (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: Brooks, Wood, Fredrickson, Zipperer each “yes”. Chair Newby was absent.

The meeting returned to open session at 6:35 p.m.

Vice-Chair Brooks asked Board members to give input about the upcoming NSBA Conference. This topic will be discussed at a future meeting when all Board members are present.
Meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

Summary Statement of Executive Session
At 6:25 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.

Edie Brooks, Vice-Chair
Board of Trustees

Lynn M. Towne, Clerk
Board of Trustees

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