August 20, 2007 Board Meeting

Regular Special Meeting August 20, 2007
5:00 PM Midtown Center Meeting Room

MINUTES

At 5:09 PM, 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 also present.

Approval of Minutes: Motion by Mr. Newby to approve the minutes of August 6, 2007 as amended, second by Mr. Fredrickson, passed 5-0.

Approval of the Agenda: Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the agenda as presented, passed 5-0.

Identification of Citizens Wishing to Address the Board:
Darren Christensen, Hayden, urged the Board to seriously consider this decision which may have a profound impact on literature. Schools must expose students to literary content; do not shelter them from reality. Literature provides a marketplace of ideas. Protect free speech in schools. Don’t attach unwarranted labels to these classic works and consider the long term consequences.
Rick Seward 1315 N. Hill Drive, CDA stated there is no circumstance that can defend profanity in a school environment. National moral fabric is damaged. It is degrading for a female student to read aloud from some of these works. He feels if changes aren’t made, parents will opt for an alternate learning environment for their students and teachers will follow. Get back to basics where values are of integrity.
Ann McLaughlin, 1624 E. Pennsylvania, CDA agreed with first speaker. These books speak to the development of character and value. Books show what can happen if society succumbs to fear, everyone should explore what they don’t know. This is yet another black mark on Coeur d’Alene as news of this issue was announced nationally.
Approval of Consent Agenda Items:

A. Personnel
B. LEP (Limited English Proficiency) Title III Plan
C. Fee Increase for School Plus Program
D. Photography & Graduation Services for High Schools

Motion by Mr. Newby, second by Mr. Fredrickson to approve the consent agenda, passed 5-0.

Acceptance of Charter Academy Annual Report – Superintendent Harry Amend reported on behalf of the Charter Academy. They finished the year with 412 students and 37 graduates. They were one of 53 charter schools designated by the Center for Education Reform as a charter school of the year. Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mr. Fredrickson to accept the annual report, passed 5-0.

5th Grade Health Class Videos – Director of Elementary Education Pam Pratt reminded the Board of the process followed last year. These videos will replace outdated videos and will be used in 5th grade classrooms in the spring. Parents may view the content with their child and permission will be requested. Motion to adopt and purchase “Let’s Talk-Girls” and “Let’s Talk-Boys” by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Wood, passed 5-0.

2006-2007 Suspension Report – Mr. Amend summarized the suspension report from the previous school year. Suspensions can range from ½ day to up to 10 days; two of the criteria for suspension are if a student harms another student or disrupting the educational environment.

Report on Book Review Committee – Curriculum Director Jim Facciano shared a written response to complaints previously filed about five different novel titles. He noted the makeup of the review committee. Two titles are being discussed tonight: “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” and “Fallen Angels”. Mr. Fredrickson asked if the State uses any kind of rating or warning system; Mr. Facciano wasn’t aware of that. The ratings used in our district are listed as “M” and “H” (Mature and Honors). He was unclear about the placement of the rating except that the teacher would consider the contents of the book prior to allowing a student to check out as optional reading. Mr. Facciano shared the recommendation of the committee; to uphold the current status of each book as a “reserved” title. Citizens who signed up to speak about this issue were invited to share their comments at this time.

Cari Miller 9759 Circle Drive, Hayden understands that both books being discussed tonight are not listed as required reading. Freedom of information is a vital part of what this country is about. Individuals may make this decision with parental input. Everyone’s opinion of what is objectionable is different. Keep novels on the recommended list. Restricting books sets up censorship.
Ann Wycoff 845 E. South Loop Hayden has been following coverage in newspaper, and noted there seems to be a discrepancy if this material is required or not. Are these particular books being discussed in class and if so, are students being forced to stand in the hall while being discussed. There were no parent members at a committee meeting she attended. She asked for confirmation whether or not teachers select these materials. She is extremely concerned how the district handles issues of vulgar language and reading materials.
Lori Smith 228 Lakeview Dr CDA has two students at Fernan and a CHS graduate. She reviewed these books over the course of last year, and felt the information represented point of view. Are books on the reserved list available to all students? These books should be available for all students who wish to read them. She grew up in this area and discovered she was ill-equipped to learn about racial diversity when she left North Idaho.
Jim Hollingsworth 3130 N Conference Dr. CDA read from a letter submitted to the Board. He spoke of the importance of building character in children. He questioned why a teacher would permit a book in class that degrades a student and if these books are assigned as required reading. Teachers should not ask students to read any materials that embarrasses a child and feels this act is criminal. He suggested policy changes across the district.
Sally Johnson 4786 S. Bonnell Rd. CDA “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” was given to students without warning of content. She was denied access to attending the book review committee meeting. Why does the district require materials that contain objectionable content? Will students’ language while in school also be addressed? This is not about racism; she is objecting to vulgar and inappropriate language. Families are responsible to expose students to discussions about these materials.
Jennifer Symons 12th Grade student at CHS – Certain books chosen by teachers and discussed in class make her uncomfortable. Most students don’t know they have the option to read something different, therefore, students then must leave the classroom when objectionable materials are discussed in class.
Marley Elmer, 10th Grade student at LCHS – She lost respect for a teacher because students were allowed to read bad language. Male students cheered during graphic scenes while watching video clips.
Sara Anders student at CHS – Read the book to attain a grade and was forced to endure the graphic content of “Mists of Avalon”. Books must not be required by schools if content is not accepted by society.
Cari Chase 7512 4th St. Dalton Gardens agreed with previous speakers. She would like to be considered to be a member of the review committee. Her children are homeschooled and this is why her children do not attend public school. She encourages other parents to do the same. The numbers of student suspensions can be directly related to materials in books that are required reading.

Debbie Morris 2039 Sundown CDA stated that these books may be checked out at the public library, and should not be in the schools. She will request that every optional title be reviewed. She asked that parental permission be required for students to check out materials with adult content. Tax dollars should not be spent to purchase books with vulgar language. School Districts across the nation have been dealing with this for a considerable length of time.
Mary Jo Finney 6451 E Kingswood Lane CDA presented a petition containing over 500 signatures of citizens against district funds being spent on purchase of books containing vulgar and objectionable content. Can books be read aloud without violating school policy? A complete review of all books is called for.
Gaine Clifford 6484 E. Kingswood Lane CDA served on whole language approach committee in the late 80’s. Poor decisions were made and the process of the committee was flawed. The Board has the responsibility to keep the public trust. This is not censorship, but age appropriateness for children. The review committee makeup should include dissenting members. A majority and minority report should be presented together so all sides of the issue are represented. He recommended that the committee reconvene with both sides represented.

Policy 620-P Revision – Mr. Facciano noted that the wording was reworked based on input from the previous Board meeting. This change is based on a current recommendation from the State regarding graduation requirements. Motion by Mr. Newby to approve the revision to Policy 620P, second by Mr. Fredrickson, passed 5-0.

The meeting recessed at 6:40 P.M. and reconvened at 6:45 P.M.

Policy 670 Revision – Mr. Amend noted this is more of a housekeeping issue. He also recognized Special Services Director Dr. Tom Trotter, who was selected to assist in rewriting the Special Education Manual. Motion to adopt by Mr. Newby, second by Mr. Fredrickson, to approve the revision, passed 5-0.

Call for Committee Reports – Mrs. Zipperer attended the Language Arts Committee meeting as they prepare to start up for the beginning of the year.

Superintendent’s Report – Mr. Amend reported that the past couple of weeks have been filled with staffing and activity. Most staff are back and the breakfast will be held on Aug 30 at LCHS. He invited Board members to attend and be recognized. Tonight represents the final duty for Barbara Crow as president of CEA and has retired effective this year. New president and successor Paula Marano was introduced. Many thanks to Barbara for her dedication to students and staff.

Board Comments and Information – Mrs. Wood thanked all who spoke about the book review. She reiterated that the Board of Trustees represent all citizens and they will take this issue under serious consideration. She too appreciates all the hard work done by members of CEA, and the district team toward the successful negotiations process. Mr. Newby said that it is healthy to have these discussions, remembering 18 years ago when the topic was the “Impressions” reading series. He wants to look at policy about textbook review and dissenting comments. This brings valuable information and shows that the Board has listened to all the information, not a rubber stamp. On another topic, he is looking for ideas to make this year’s ISBA convention very memorable and enjoyable as it’s held in Coeur d’Alene this year. Mrs. Brooks wishes to answer all questions raised tonight. The Board will likely have another meeting prior to taking action so all questions may be discussed. Questions should be directed to Jim Facciano.

Board/Admin. Committee Assignments – Some revisions were suggested. Changes will be made and the updated list will be distributed to the Board and Administration.

2007-2008 Negotiated Agreement - CEA President Barbara Crow announced on behalf of the CEA membership that a quorum was present at today’s meeting and they voted to ratify the agreement reached on Aug. 9th.

Motion by Mrs. Wood, 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, Newby, Wood, Fredrickson, Zipperer each yes.

The meeting returned to open session at 7:30 PM.

2007-2008 Negotiated Agreement – Steve Briggs and Kelly Ostrom presented the motions for approval.

Motion by Mr. Fredrickson to ratify the 2007-08 Master Articles of Agreement, second by Mr. Newby, passed 5-0.

Motion by Mr. Fredrickson to approve the 2007-08 Negotiated Agreement with the Coeur d’Alene Education Association including a 4.0% base salary increase from $25,985 to $27,024, second by Mrs. Zipperer, passed 5-0.

Motion by Mr. Fredrickson to approve the 2007-08 4.0% classified base salary increase, second by Mrs. Wood, passed 5-0.

Motion by Mr. Fredrickson to approve the 2007-08 4.0% administrative base salary increase, second by Mrs. Zipperer, passed 5-0.

Motion by Mr. Fredrickson to approve the 2007-08 4.0% administrative salary increase for those employees not paid on a salary schedule, second by Mr. Newby, passed 5-0.

Meeting recessed at 7:35 PM.

Motion by Mr. Newby, 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, Zipperer each “yes”.

At 7:55 PM, the meeting returned to open session. Motion by Mrs. Brooks to expel Student A for the maximum days allowed. Student will be referred to the IEP Team who will also determine the student’s educational needs. Those services may not be provided on-site at any school within the District, second by Mrs. Zipperer, passed 3-0.

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.

Edie Brooks, Chair
Board of Trustees

Lynn M. Towne, Clerk
Board of Trustees

Summary Statement of Executive Sessions

At 4:08 PM, 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 students.

At 7:20 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

At 7:45 PM, 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 students.

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