December 4, 2006, Board Meeting

December 4, 2006, Regular Meeting
5:00 PM Midtown Center Meeting Room

MINUTES

At 5:04 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. Brooks, second by Mrs. Wood to approve the minutes of November 20, 2006 as amended, passed 4-0. Motion by Mrs. Zipperer, second by Mrs. Brooks to approve the minutes of November 29, 2006, passed 3-0-1 (Mrs. Wood abstained).

Approval of the Agenda and Possible Addendum: Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approved the agenda and addendum, passed 4-0.

Governor’s “Brightest Stars” Award Nominee: On behalf of the Bridge Academy, Stephanie Bennett read a nomination letter received from the Governor. A total of 96 nominations in 5 categories were submitted statewide and nominees will meet with Governor Risch on Thursday. Mrs. Wood offered congratulations to the entire staff.

Coeur d’Alene Education Association Report: Barbara Crow, CEA President offered thanks again for the Board’s support of Proposition 1. Over 200,000 people voted in favor of Prop 1. She said that many good ideas came out of the recent SPEAK meeting. She shared some concerns about classified policies that had not been accessible at some buildings. Comments are currently with the HR Policy Committee. Cathy Rider, para-professional was introduced and she spoke about classified policies that have been worked on for 2 years. She requested to have a timeline established; when policies would be sent to the Board and finalized, and asked this be done no later than April 2007.

High School Student Body Reports
Jake Wayman, James Souza, and Nick Cotton from LCHS reported about their Homecoming Dance and Parade; representatives attended the State Student Council meeting last month and returned with new ideas and excitement. Student Council is preparing for the upcoming Fight for the Fish. The Internation Baccalaureate program has 13 diploma candidates; the drama team made it to the finals and placed second, the football team won the 5A championship, and they offered kudos to Mike Clabby State Teacher of the Year.
Dani Page from CHS, reported about beginning to work on a food drive, a pizza party will be the incentive, they plan to adopt a family for Christmas and are starting now. Preparations are in the works for Fight for the Fish. Junior Prom theme will be Paradise on Ice.
Kaitlyn from The Bridge Academy reported that graduation is scheduled for May 29. Students greatly appreciate the staff who made Thanksgiving dinner for each session of students at school. Teachers keep the students on task and help is readily available. Caroling is planned for Dec 13, students are holding an “animal” food drive, and plan to read books to students at Hayden Meadows Elementary. A record number of lessons were recently finished.

Identification of Citizens Wishing to Address the Board
Barb Crumpacker, 1015 Lakeside Coeur d’Alene commented that closing Sorensen will damage the neighborhood. She understands the budget concerns but feels the school should stay open. She asked what will become of the property if sold.
Chris Guggemos, 822 Wallace Coeur d’Alene asked why can’t the boundaries be redrawn. He was very disappointed that Superintendent Amend is not in attendance and asked if a decision will be made at the Dec 18th meeting; Chair Newby responded no.
John McLeod,818 Foster, Coeur d’Alene distributed a letter and information to the Board. In May of 2006, Lake City Development Corp and City of CDA partnered to commission a housing needs assessment listing 6 goals – one of the goals is to maintain quality education in downtown area.
Teresa Runge, 905 Boyd, Coeur d’Alene Sorensen PTA Co-Chair commented there’s a lack of compelling evidence to support closure especially when enrollment in elementary has increased. Anxiety levels are high because no plans are made available about relocation of students and staff, possible bussing, and possible overcrowding. She asked for a forum for further discussion. She acknowledged that the administration and Board are under a great deal of pressure, but this room is full of passionate people who support levies and she challenged the Board to use these resources.
Doug Payne, 405 S 13th St. Coeur d’Alene left a copy of some research about rural schools and consolidation.
Sharalee Howard, 716 A Street, Coeur d’Alene stated that her research shows there is no monetary deficit currently and it is not necessary to eliminate Sorensen. She shared a report about fiscal consolidation based on nationwide school closures; expenditures will not be lowered and it’s probable that closure would not be financially beneficial. Regarding the estimated savings of 400,000, she asked the district to scrutinize these figures. She provided specific questions to Board members.
Pat Pace, 419 S. 13th St. Coeur d’Alene thanked the Board for their time and he appreciates their dedication. He provided a list of questions including bussing, portables, asked if the administration will make some of the same sacrifices.
Roger Snyder, 319 Park Dr. Coeur d’Alene provided some literature about consolidation. He questioned about whether to believe the research in support of consolidation and will the administration please share this research if it exists. Why reduce capacity when elementary enrollment is growing? The community wants a diverse number of schools and sizes.
Dave Stasney, 925 E Garden, Coeur d’Alene asked if the Board has the power to make this decision and will the Board provide enough time for families to offer creative ideas and find a solution if the reason to close is strictly financial. Allow parents to come up with alternatives.
James Collet, 823 Wallace, Coeur d’Alene asked the reason for closing. The emergency levy was approved in light of increased enrollment and why would the district purchase portables when considering closing a school. Look at voluntarily transferring students into Sorensen from other schools.
Kyle Knapp, 1001 Wallace, Coeur d’Alene shared some statistics showing the number of yes votes for supplemental levy passed by Sorensen voters (62%). Has the Board formulated a plan of where students would be attending.
David McCaw, 606 Reid Ave, Coeur d’Alene always votes for increased funding for public schools. He received a recommendation from a private day care to attend Sorensen instead of a private school. Will children be allowed to remain with current classmates and stay intact, will children stay together in same schools, and, is closing Sorensen a plan to increase other schools in place of Sorensen. Are other plans being considered to address problems.
Sherry Bullard, 1024 Indiana, Coeur d’Alene stated that Sorensen is a real asset. Most of their programs have success and parents here express satisfaction so why close a crown jewel. The community is willing to offer assistance.
Lori Hadden, 802 Indiana, Coeur d’Alene bought a home in that neighborhood because of Sorensen elementary. She had considered homeschooling but heard good things about Sorensen.
Colleen Krajack, 607 S. 14th St. Coeur d’Alene asked why 5 years ago, the school was kept open? The Board at that time was comprised of bright people and had obvious reasons at that time to keep the school open. She recommended that the current Board listen to their past Board members. Busing kids will take quality of life away. She suggested selling the Midtown Property before closing a school and felt that the Board could be just as effective meeting in a school gym.
John Cafferty, 607 S. 14th, Coeur d’Alene appreciates the opportunity to speak. He spoke of the great experience walking his kids to school. Sorensen is a gathering place for park and recreation and increases sense of community. The only school in “downtown” is Sorensen. If more was known about programs offered there, then enrollment is sure to increase.
Robert Goetze, 813 Bancroft Ave, Coeur d’Alene asked the Board to preserve the tradition. His son voted for first time in November and saw a former teacher at the Sorensen voting site. In his job, he’s been in every elementary school in Region 1 and advocated to keep Sorensen open.
Cathy Gephart, 924 Young Ave. Coeur d’Alene wants her students who attended Stepping Stones to also attend at Sorensen. How many students are needed to keep school open?
Susie Snedaker, 821 Hastings, Coeur d’Alene was active in saving Persons Field. She presented some questions about a previous Long Range Planning Committee meeting.
Ann Couser, Sorensen Teacher stated she is proud of our district and asked if all persons involved will work together with this group who have all the energy, ideas and the willingness to do anything. She invited Board members to spend a day at Sorensen and get to know the students, staff and programs.
Jenny Wayman, no address given, said she was surprised to hear that Sorensen was considered for closing. Her children’s experience at Sorensen gave them a love of learning, this is where foundation is laid, consider fine education in a small school.
Bob McAdams, 805 Garden, Coeur d’Alene asked when and where will the public get answers to questions posed tonight? Chair Newby responded that information will be ready by the December 13th Long Range Planning Committee meeting.
Mr. VanHowten, 1013 CDA Ave. Coeur d’Alene chose their home based on the sense of community.
Robert Provost, 1014 Indiana, Coeur d’Alene asked if a date will be set to make a decision?

Mrs. Wood said this discussion is important and she reiterated that the Board is asking for input only and that no decision has been made. She thanked everyone for attending this evening.

A recess was called at 6:45 p.m. Meeting reconvened at 6:55 p.m.
Approval of Consent Agenda Items:
A. Personnel
B. Approve Request for Release from Teaching Contract effective 1-2-07
C. Approve Accounts Payable Check List Dated 11-28-06
D. Approve Bid Award Recommendation – Copy Paper
E. Approve Bid Award Recommendation – Laptop Computers
F. Approve Copier Lease Recommendation for Lakes Middle School
G. Authorize Declaration of Habitual Truancy Student A

Motion by Mrs. Brooks, second by Mrs. Wood to approve the consent agenda with the addition of Item G: passed 4-0.

Consideration of Action/Information Items:

Finance Report:– Steve Briggs, Chief Financial Officer stated that submitted reports include budgetary information which has not been amended. The target amendment date is January.

ASB Budget: Mr. Briggs introduced Treasurer, Julie Day . She stated that last year’s ASB document was provided in hard copy format and she was pleased to be able to submit these reports on a CD. The budgets reflect separate ASB accounts. Mr. Newby asked if schools will become more detailed with information in the future.

Assistant Superintendent Hazel Bauman stated that the district is looking at ways to utilize ASB funds and redeploy in order to alleviate shortfalls. Mrs. Day said that funds are audited annually and reviewed by the district on a monthly basis. Mr. Briggs commits to providing the budget in a new format using a new model; in turn, patrons will better understand the budgets.

ISBA Reports – Mrs. Zipperer attended four sessions at the recent Idaho School Boards Association Conference: topics discussed included graduation requirements, Just 4 The Kids, The Importance of Music and Art in School, and Policy Making. Mrs. Brooks attended sessions that discussed state funded education and how districts receive this funding, Policy Making/Review, Education Law in a Nutshell, (new laws and how they affect everything), and Board Chair-Your Role and Responsibilities. She feels it is important that all Board members attend this state conference every year.. Ms. Bauman also attended four sessions including facility bonds and levies/recent trends with passage rates, and data driven decision making; looking at common assessments. Chair Newby reported on the final general session speakers and their positive message for all participants. Clerk of the Board, Lynn Towne reported about sessions she attended which included one on Parliamentary Procedure, Professional Technical Education, and learning a system for producing electronic Board packets and agendas.

Assistant Superintendent’s Report – Ms. Bauman stated that teaching standards have been the focus at a recent Admin. Academy. She has been working with administrators to standardize and create language around best practices in instruction. She thanked Rosie Astorquia, Pam Pratt and Dr. Tom Trotter who have taken a lead role in designing these academies and modeling for administrators. Teaching standards were the last piece in the Albertson Initiative to improve student achievement. Pam Pratt and Hazel attended “Mike Clabby Day” in Boise last week. His speech was engaging and heartwarming. Hazel reminded everyone that the questionnaire about the supplemental levy is on the district website for patrons; staff input is finished and being compiled.

Board Comments and Information – Mrs. Wood looks forward to seeing the data from the levy questionnaire. Ms. Bauman commented that the results are not scientific and the district is looking for trends and patterns that will give us information we don’t currently have. Mrs. Wood asked about some follow-up from the recent tabletop exercise with emergency responders. Mrs. Brooks thanked Pam Pratt for including portions of Mike Clabby’s speech with last week’s Board correspondence.

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

No action was taken.
The meeting returned to open session at 8:09 p.m. and adjourned.

Summary Statement of Executive Session

At 7:45 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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