School Board Meeting November 20, 2006

Regular Special Meeting - November 20, 2006
5:00 PM Midtown Center Meeting Room

MINUTES (Amended)

At 5:00 p.m. Chair Vern Newby called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Trustees Edie Brooks, Christie Wood and Diane Zipperer were present. Sid Fredrickson was absent.

Approval of Minutes: Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the minutes of November 6, 2006 as amended, passed 3-0-1, Chair Newby abstained. Motion by Mrs. Brooks, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the minutes of November 14, 2006, passed 4-0.

Approval of the Agenda: Motion by Mrs. Brooks, second by Mrs. Wood to approve the agenda, passed 4-0.

Identification of Citizens Wishing to Address the Board: See comments below.

Approval of Consent Agenda Items:
A. Personnel
B. Authorize Declaration of Habitual Truancy Student A

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

Future of Sorensen Elementary: Superintendent Harry Amend offered a brief overview of the topic. He met with Sorensen staff last week to allow time to plan this meeting. The Board and administration intend to hear every voice. Following tonight’s input, the administration will have their marching orders to gather data. The conversation will continue at next month’s Board meeting. Sorensen is unique in a number of ways: parent and patron support; part of the downtown culture; smallest school in the district; close knit staff; positive traditions and neighborhood school. Demographics in the south end of district have been followed and five years ago, we were hopeful there would be influx of families with children into downtown area, however numbers have not rebounded. Enrollment has declined and as of Friday, numbers were at 216 students and 8 classroom teachers plus specialists. Last year saw over 2 million in budget cuts; some that affected students. At this time, Chair Newby asked for public comment.

Amy Evans, 717 B St. Coeur d’Alene is the current PTA co-chair and was astonished to learn on Friday, November 17th that the future of Sorensen was to be discussed at tonight’s meeting. She spoke to the many attributes of Sorensen Elementary.
Roger Snyder, 319 Park Dr, Coeur d’Alene shared some research. He asked if the district will save money and if so, how much? Research he has seen supports the strong effect of small schools. Academic achievement for low income kids is a greater need than for other students and since 50% of Sorensen students qualify for free and reduced lunch, research shows these students would not do well in a larger school. He could not find examples of where school consolidation works positively.
Chris Guggemos, 822 Wallace, Coeur d’Alene asked if the Board has already made their decision, to which Chair Newby responded “no”. He reported having heard rumors that discussions have been held about selling the property.
Ron Fisher is a former Sorensen teacher who recently retired after 37 years of teaching; 24 of them at Sorensen. He is concerned about the future of the school and wants to make the Board aware of current programs. Sorensen provides an authentic learning program for students, attempting to inject a love for teaching and learning.

(Fisher comments cont.)
More than half of the staff have been trained in Primary Years Program and are ready to move to next level. They have been working on an idea of a magnet school for the arts. They already have many elements in the school that get students out into the community. He asked the Board to take a close look and give the opportunity to hear more in depth about their ideas.
Chris Fehr 818 815 Foster Ave, Coeur d’Alene moved from Post Falls because of Sorensen School. He heard good things about Sorensen and his child’s experience was great. He likes the idea of a magnet school to bring in additional students.
Teresa Runge 905 Boyd Ave. Coeur d’Alene is the PTA co-chair. She does not live in the Sorensen zone, but chose Sorensen as her family’s school. She stated that currently 20 students attend Sorensen from out of the zone and more than 10 students were turned away. It was important to have a sense of community as she made the decision where to send her child to kindergarten. This school is safe for her child. She highlighted many of the community involvement activities which keep kids connected to the community. Lake City Development Corp. has a goal for urban renewal and plan to create affordable housing in the downtown area, which would help to keep Sorensen alive. They are not trying to a save sinking ship but create a school the community can be proud of.
Teresa Bruch 902 E. Montana, Coeur d’Alene stated she went through this 5 years ago. Sorensen offers opportunities for marimba band, juggling, and advanced learning. She commented that Sorensen is a school that is paid for. She thanked staff members at large for instilling solid foundations.
John McLeod 818 Foster, Coeur d’Alene moved here from Seattle. He represents the Downtown Association who lend support to the southern Coeur d’Alene community. Closing Sorensen would have a negative effect on the southern end of the city. The real estate market has gone far beyond expectations, but he feels there will be more affordable housing offered in the not so distant future. He is familiar with enrollment problems and the budgetary crunch. Just looking at the numbers, he could see an argument for closing but it’s about the community. This move could save money in short run, but it’s more expensive to lose a school like Sorensen.
Joe Rice 1214 St. Maries, Coeur d’Alene. He felt he did not have enough time to prepare for tonight’s meeting. He brings his kids to Sorensen every day from Hayden. Sorensen staff members care about kids, and that value cannot be written off with simple economics. He would like the opportunity to generate options for the school.
Ann Jaworski also chose to attend Sorensen. Her student is thriving in this environment; and programs offer a chance for opportunities. This decision should be made slowly with input from the business community and she requested a public forum.
Donna Runge 1221 E. Royal Anne, Coeur d’Alene. Her family has strong ties to the downtown area. She worked as a counselor for 15 years at North Idaho College and she discussed the importance of creating a linkage from Sorensen to NIC and the educational corridor. She requested that the group in attendance tonight be allowed to assist with this decision.
Doug Payne 405 S. 13th St., Coeur d’Alene. He quoted some positive research about small school size, costs, safety, and small class size with relation to academic achievement. Real costs are hard to estimate. Don’t make the decision in haste and look at equitable solutions.
Colleen Krajack 607 S. 14th St., Coeur d’Alene described her experience choosing a school for kindergarten and chose Sorensen. The sense of community is more valuable; she understands the challenge to save money but there may be other ways to accomplish this. Sorensen is known for their sense of community and this culture cannot be replicated. These families are very passionate, remember the balance. Sacrificing education should not be a choice.
Sharlee Howard, no address given. She congratulated the school district and said she is thrilled with her son’s first exposure to school. She believes that the opportunities offered at Sorensen could not be duplicated in a larger school. Her son wrote a poem and got to read it to his teacher, the class, the principal and over the intercom. The downtown community has strong history of supporting school levies. She stated “Don’t deny this supportive precinct their school”. She asked for the opportunity to partner to combine all ideas to reach a financial solution together.
Dan Gookin 712 Empire, Coeur d’Alene congratulated the Board in tackling this tough subject. Should the district decide to sell the property, make sure to get a good price. If a deal is in the works regarding Sorensen and Persons Field, it will be a stormy winter. If the school is replaced, then do so with equal or greater value.
Penny Weiss 811 CDA Ave, Coeur d’Alene thanked the Board for this forum and the opportunity to speak. If the school district is to be fiscally responsible then additional discussion should happen. There are many success stories from Sorensen. She asked if this has this been discussed in Long Range Planning. Sorensen is headed toward being a magnet school.
Shannon Kay Riggs Erwin 720 N. 8th St., Coeur d’Alene Moved to her current address for Sorensen, and came back to Coeur d’Alene for Sorensen.
George Sayler 1102 Ash, Coeur d’Alene spoke as a past Sorensen parent. He attributes his daughter’s success to the start she received at Sorensen.
Dave Miller, found a house to rent on Wallace Ave. because of all the good things they heard about Sorensen. His children could receive an education anywhere else but could not receive a Sorensen education. He fears that young families won’t have a reason to come downtown if the school is closed. His family has altered their schedule to keep students at Sorensen.
Bill Banger 4940 N. Anne, Coeur d’Alene. His kids went to Dalton and had same passion for their school. Look at the resources available in this room and these people are important to the Board and administration.
Robert Provost 1014 E. Indiana, Coeur d’Alene moved downtown so his children will be able to attend Sorensen. Everyone he knows wants their kids to attend Sorensen. He found out about this meeting through the Garden District. He hopes we can find a better way to help the budget.
Evelyn Geraty 2020 Canyon St., Coeur d’Alene agreed that Sorensen is unique school. She too is a parent outside of the zone and chose Sorensen. Her student is in special education classes and was embraced for his uniqueness. She hopes a decision has not already been made.
Deanna Goodlander 515 E. Garden, Coeur d’Alene, City Council Member. She read a letter from Mayor Sandy Bloem. The letter supports keeping the school open; it is essential to maintain for the families it serves and provides practical benefits. Short term it may be a financial burden, however, do not ignore the community. Neighborhoods will prosper if community schools are left intact.
Maura Ducor 1311 CDA Ave. She remarked that Post Falls School District also closed a school and later reopened as a kindergarten center. Closing a school could have repercussions later and the Board should think about this. Closure may affect future school levies.

A recess was called at 6:50 p.m. Meeting reconvened at 7:00 p.m.

Supplemental Levy Planning/Survey Input: Superintendent Amend said that work continues on planning the supplemental levy though a date has yet to be determined. Information received from the Robinson survey and focus groups told us that more input from stakeholders is needed and the district must do a better job of informing what levy funds will be used for. A questionnaire has been developed and all 1200 district employees will complete one. This will also be made available to community on our web-site and we invite them to take part and give input. This also allows some understanding of what is involved in a supplemental levy. Staff input will be complete by Friday, December 1st. Beginning Monday, December 4th, the survey will be on the district website for public www.cdaschools.org. Ten categories are listed including programs that are funded within levy at this time:
The district seeks to educate and involve the community. The levy amount will be based on the taxpayers’ appetite. We will wait for the survey results and look for patterns and trends. All areas identified are integral to work of the district. Elementary Director Pam Pratt said she heard that the staff wants to keep levy amount at the same level. She encouraged them to note that in their response. Mrs. Wood asked reporters to help the public learn difference between the levies. There is much at stake and she appreciates assistance from both newspapers. Mr. Newby commented that some programs may need to be increased. Mr. Amend said the administration discussed and realize that programs will likely not be increased, under the premise that the levy amount would not increase.

Strategic Plan Report– Assistant Superintendent Hazel Bauman shared the latest iteration of data around our strategic plan. She thanked Elementary Education Director Pam Pratt, Secondary Education Director Rosie Astorquia and Public Information Officer Janet Feiler for their assistance to get this ready for publication. We currently see a flattening in the academic affect, achieving a high level of improvement. The last 10% of students are most difficult and most challenged and somewhat slower going. Activities have been identified to help kids reach proficiency and we have maintained a focus on staff development in reading.
The ISAT test is changing next spring with a significant increase in math. Increases are due to fabulous teaching and building leadership. The graduation rate increased 4%. Mrs. Astorquia reported that we will receive information about students who completed the GED program. Growth benchmarks were set for students in advanced learning; increases are dramatic for students who participate in advanced learning classes at elementary. All the data points to great successes. The Professional Technical goal should be about the number of students in courses, not the number of courses and will provide data about the number of students. One-third of high school students are currently enrolled in at least one professional technical course. Mrs. Wood asked that the district partner with North Idaho College when discussing courses to offer. Colleges reached out the community to ask what the business community needs; the district can offer pre-requisites in preparation for college classes. Look at these successes as levy amount is set. Quality staff and programs are highlighted. A suggestion was made to highlight coaches as well as teaching staff.

Call for Committee Reports – Idaho School Boards Association offered a variety of good sessions. Mrs. Zipperer attended several including Art in the Schools, presented by Joan Schultz, past president of the National School Boards Association.

Superintendent’s Report – Superintendent Amend reminded everyone about the upcoming SPEAK meeting to be held Tuesday, November 28 at Riverbend Professional Technical Academy – Refreshments will be served beginning at 5:30 p.m. and meeting begins at 6:00 p.m.

Motion by Mrs. Wood, 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. Roll call vote: Newby, Brooks, Wood, Zipperer each “yes”. Mr. Fredrickson was absent.

The meeting returned to open session at 8:10 p.m. Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the termination of employee A, passed 4-0.

Motion by Mrs. Wood, 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. Roll call vote: Newby, Brooks, Wood, Zipperer each “yes”. Mr. Fredrickson was absent.

No action was taken.
The meeting returned to open session at 8:37 p.m. and adjourned.

Summary Statement of Executive Session

At 8:00 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.

At 8:15 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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