September 10, 2008 Board Meeting - Spokane Public Schools

Spokane, WashingtonDecember 1, 2010REGULAR SESSIONThe board of directors convened in regular session on the above date at 7 p.m.Present: Directors Jeff Bierman, Garret Daggett, Bob Douthitt, and Rocky Treppiedi, StudentAdvisor to the Board Matt LaPlante, and President Sue Chapin, presiding.FLAG SALUTEThe Flag Salute was led by Tiger Den 2, Pack 344 from Jefferson Elementary – Chris Harding,LeaderINTRODUCTIONSPresident Chapin introduced Superintendent Nancy Stowell and her staff.MINUTESPresident Chapin asked for a motion to approve the minutes.Motion: Garret Daggett moved to approve minutes of the November 3, 2010,special meeting; November 17, 2010, special meeting; and November 17,2010, regular meeting, as written.Second: Rocky TreppiediPresident Chapin invited discussion or correction. Director Douthitt suggested an amendment tothe minutes from the regular meeting of November 17 related to the discussion on election ofschool board officers, to clarify the rationale to abandon the long-standing custom of automaticrotation. The board members believe it is a good idea to elect people they think would do agood job in the position. Further, the board feels it is not a good idea to automatically rotatepositions, as has been done for decades, so that everyone could have a turn at every positionduring his or her term in office. The minutes will be amended to reflect this, as well as acorrection of the date listed at the top of pages 2 through 12.Vote: Yes - 5; No – 0CHANGES IN THE AGENDA FROM THE BOARD OR THE ADMINISTRATIONDr. Stowell presented one change to the order of the agenda, noting the order of the ExecutiveSession (Item X) and the Closed Session (Item XI) would be reversed.SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMSDick Stannard Principal of the Year RecognitionMary Weber, principal of Grant Elementary and president of the Spokane Elementary SchoolsPrincipals’ Association (SESPA), provided a brief description of the Dick Stannard Principal of

December 1, 2010the Year Award. Ms. Weber highlighted the contributions of this year’s recipient – Ms. KathyWilliams, principal of Ridgeview Elementary. Ms. Williams expressed her appreciation to theboard and to Dr. Stowell, in particular, for her leadership, inspiration, and for always putting kidsfirst.President Chapin congratulated Ms. Williams and commented that the work done in thebuildings is what Spokane Public Schools is about and that the principal sets the tone for theentire building. President Chapin thanked Ms. Williams for her influence and leadership withinher building as well as her peer group.HEARING OF DELEGATES ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDAPresident Chapin invited comments regarding items not on the agenda.Ms. Laurie Rogers addressed the board regarding K-8 math curriculum. She referred to heremail inquiry and the resulting offer for a meeting with Ms. Short and Instructional Programsstaff. As she declined the invitation, Ms. Rogers approached the board for a response. Shepresented the board with a seventh grade student’s math test results and a copy of her emailinquiry.President Chapin expressed appreciation for Ms Rogers’ interest and noted it was evident thatMs. Rogers is passionate about this topic. President Chapin further noted that this topic is noton tonight’s agenda and referred Ms. Rogers back to Teaching and Learning staff.CONSENT AGENDAPresident Chapin asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, including thesupplemental reports.Gifts and GrantsGiftsEd Clark donated 150 tickets to Disney on Ice, valued at $3,450 to Holmes Elementary toprovide a unique opportunity for their students.Matthew Holmes, a senior and eagle scout, donated $550 to the Ferris High School Preschoolprogram to provide additional teaching supplies and equipment.The Ferris High School Dance Team Parent Group donated $625 to the Ferris High SchoolASB/Dance Team to provide assistance in procuring new uniforms.The North Central High School Boosters donated $700 to the North Central High SchoolASB/Boys’ Basketball program to purchase a video/DVD camera, bag, and tripod to use inanalyzing games.The North Central High School Boosters donated $1,500 to the North Central High SchoolASB/Girls’ Basketball program to purchase new uniforms for the team.The North Central High School Boosters donated $1,000 to the North Central High SchoolASB/Wrestling program to assist in tournament fees for the upcoming year.2

December 1, 2010The North Central High School Boosters donated $800 to the North Central High SchoolASB/Cheerleading program to purchase new sweat suits for the team.Wells Fargo Foundation donated $1,000 to Shadle Park High School’s ASB/Boys’ Basketballprogram, matching the previous donation from Rick Gaebe, to further enhance the entire boys’basketball program.Grant/Entitlement ApplicationsThe Career and Technical Education Department applied for a state grant through OSPI in theamount of $50,000. If successful, the monies will be used to increase the number of biomedicalcourses at high schools through the development of staff and infrastructure.Spokane Public Schools Foundation – Salk Middle School applied for a private grant throughthe Spokane Public Schools Foundation in the amount of $508.06. If successful, the funds willbe used to support the Reading Incentive Plan for Salk students by encouraging and increasingtheir reading practice through the use of electronic sources.School’s Out Washington – The Express Childcare Program applied for a federal grant throughSchool’s Out Washington in the amount of $3,000. If successful, the monies will be used toprovide professional development and additional science supplies and materials.Grant/Entitlement AwardsCarl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Act – The Career & Technical Education Departmentreceived a federal grant through OSPI in the amount of $285,736. The funds will be used toprovide program support and curriculum development, including professional development,program infrastructure, staffing, and career and college readiness.Title II, Part A, Teacher/Principal Training and Recruiting – The Staff Development Departmentreceived a federal grant through OSPI in the amount of $1,957,925. The monies will be used toincrease the academic achievement of all students by helping schools and districts improveteacher and principal quality and ensure that all teachers are highly qualified.Washington FIRST Grant – Rogers High School received a state grant through OSPI in theamount of $7,000. The funds will be used to support the purchase and construction of theRogers’ Robotics team robot, as well as support the team travel expenses to the SeattleRegional competition.Washington FIRST Grant – Havermale High School received a state grant through OSPI in theamount of $7,000. The monies will be used to support development of the Havermale Roboticsteam, as well as the purchase and construction of the LC Robotics team robot and team travelexpenses to the Seattle Regional competition.Title III, Limited English Proficient – The Special Programs Department received a federal grantthrough OSPI in the amount of $207,379. The funds will be used to ensure that students withlimited English proficiency, including immigrant children and youth, develop English proficiencyand meet the same academic content and academic achievement standards that other childrenare expected to meet.Immigrant Competitive – The Special Programs Department received a federal grant throughOSPI in the amount of $50,000. The monies will be used to provide educational services foreligible immigrant children in elementary and secondary public and non-profit private schools.3

December 1, 2010Eastern Washington University Foundation – Lewis & Clark High School received a privategrant through EWU Foundation in the amount of $5,000. The funds will be used to support theFirst Robotics program at LCHS.Spokane Public Schools Foundation – Grant Elementary received a private grant through theSpokane Public Schools Foundation in the amount of $1,000. The monies will be used topurchase additional library books to nurture the learning environment.AgreementsIt was recommended that the board approve the Intergovernmental Cooperative PurchasingAgreement between Educational Service District 112 and Spokane Public Schools in order toallow the district to access ESD 112’s Digital Edge Contract No. ESD112-DE-09, and any otherrelevant ESD 112 contracts.Bid AwardsBid No. 24-06 – It was recommended that a purchase order be issued to Coleman OilCompany, Lewiston, ID, for approximately 60,000 gallons of unleaded gasoline and 7,000gallons of diesel fuel to supply the district’s fuel needs for the 2011 calendar year.Bid No. 4-1011 – It was recommended that a purchase order in the amount of $129,981.60 beissued to Costco Wholesale, Spokane, WA, for the district’s six-month supply of copier andprinter paper.AuditsWarrant Register 921 through 924, General Fund $3,546,858.63Warrant Register 532 through 535, Capital Fund $2,208,532.19ASB Registers 766 through 769 $99,555.57Vouchers audited and certified by the auditing officer as required by RCW 42.24.080 and thoseexpense reimbursement claims certified as required by RCW 42.24.090 have been recorded ona listing which is available to the board.Resignations/Retirements; Nominations; Leaves of Absence; and Supplementals, if applicableCERTIFICATED RECOMMENDATIONSTERMINATIONS/RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENTSHowland, K’Anne – Ridgeview, Teacher, Elementary Health/Fitness – Deceased,11/18/10NOMINATIONSWeirauch, Donna – Havermale East, Teacher, Alternative Education – On Track English(.5 FTE)4

December 1, 2010CLASSIFIED RECOMMENDATIONSTERMINATIONS/RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENTSSecretarial/ClericalHarney, Rose – Rogers, Guidance Office Secretary – Retire, 01/01/11SpecialistsRuff, Charlene – Bemiss, Interpreter – Layoff, 11/30/10NOMINATIONSInstructional AssistantsLynch, Keegan – Chase, Special Design BI IAMillican, Janice – Bancroft, Re-Entry IA (Temporary position ends 06/15/11)Professional/TechnicalWagner, Denise – Special Ed – Libby, Technical Assistant – Medicaid (Temporaryposition ends 06/15/11)Secretarial/ClericalMoore, Amanda – Bryant, Clerk/Secretary & Medication AideLEAVES OF ABSENCESecretarial/ClericalBoyd, Danielle – Accounting, Express Bookkeeper/Secretary – Educational Leave,01/03/11 to 01/02/12CLASSIFIED RECOMMENDATIONSSupplemental ReportTERMINATIONS/RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENTSInstructional AssistantsMcGavran, Sharon – Jefferson, Special Education Resource IA – Retire, 01/01/11Technology ServicesWood, Blaine – ITSC, Technology Support Specialist – Retire, 12/17/10NOMINATIONSInstructional AssistantsJohnson, Mackenzie – Indian Trail, Special Design BI IA5

December 1, 2010Travel ReportTravel Date(s) Name Purpose City/StateEXPENSE - PRIOR NOTIFICATIONDec 6, 2010 Stacy Loudermilk Senate Ed Committee Work Session Olympia, WADec 8-10, 2010 Shawn Jordan AVID National Conference Dallas, TXDec 8-10, 2010 Lori Wyborney AVID National Conference Dallas, TXMar 30-Apr 2, 2011 Peter Ellis Health & Fitness Nat'l Conference San Diego, CAGRANT EXPENSE - PRIOR NOTIFICATIONDec 2, 2010 Joe Garza YPQA Assessor Visit Walla Walla, WADec 8-9, 2010 Nancy Pemberton GEAR-UP Workshop Wenatchee, WADec 8-10, 2010 Jon Swett AVID National Conference Dallas, TXDec 12-14, 2010 Samantha Anderson Effective Grading Practices Summit Las Vegas, NVDec 12-14, 2010 Ivan Corley Effective Grading Practices Summit Las Vegas, NVDec 12-14, 2010 Christine Lynch Effective Grading Practices Summit Las Vegas, NVDec 12-14, 2010 Tami McCracken Effective Grading Practices Summit Las Vegas, NVDec 12-14, 2010 Jane Miller Effective Grading Practices Summit Las Vegas, NVDec 12-14, 2010 Jeremy Ochse Effective Grading Practices Summit Las Vegas, NVDec 12-14, 2010 Mark Robbins Effective Grading Practices Summit Las Vegas, NVDec 12-14, 2010 David Ulmen Effective Grading Practices Summit Las Vegas, NVDec 13-14, 2010 Michelle Carkeek GEAR-UP Professional Development Yakima, WADec 13-14, 2010 Kelly Guilfoil GEAR-UP Professional Development Yakima, WADec 13-14, 2010 Tyler Ham GEAR-UP Professional Development Yakima, WADec 13-14, 2010 Robin Harrison GEAR-UP Professional Development Yakima, WADec 13-14, 2010 Tony Ross GEAR-UP Professional Development Yakima, WADec 13-14, 2010 Joseph Schultheis GEAR-UP Professional Development Yakima, WADec 13-14, 2010 Victoria Shepard GEAR-UP Professional Development Yakima, WAJan 15-17, 2011 Lisa Bowen SpringBoard Train the Trainer Ft Worth, TXJan 15-17, 2011 Cassius Ledeboer SpringBoard Train the Trainer Ft Worth, TXJan 15-17, 2011 Tim Lewis SpringBoard Train the Trainer Ft Worth, TXJan 15-17, 2011 John Marshall SpringBoard Train the Trainer Ft Worth, TXJan 30-Feb 3, 2011 Nicole Christianson National Title 1 Conference Tampa, FLJan 30-Feb 3, 2011 Lisa Pacheco National Title 1 Conference Tampa, FLJan 30-Feb 3, 2011 Janet Parker National Title 1 Conference Tampa, FLJan 30-Feb 3, 2011 Judy Reavis National Title 1 Conference Tampa, FLJan 30-Feb 4, 2010 Brett Dodd National Title 1 Conference Tampa, FLSHARED EXPENSE - PRIOR NOTIFICATIONDec 4-6, 2010 Frederick Schrumpf Dropout Reduction Summit Lacey, WADec 9-12, 2010 Kim Douglas Pediatric Nursing Update Seattle, WA6

December 1, 2010GRANT SHARED EXPENSE - PRIOR NOTIFICATIONNoneSCHOOL ASB EXPENSE - PRIOR NOTIFICATIONNoneNON-EXPENSE - PRIOR NOTIFICATIONDec 5-6, 2010 Larry Quisano OSPI Dropout Reduction Summit Lacey, WADec 7-10, 2010 Dr Lorna Spear Title 1 Committee of Practitioner Mtg Seatte, WAGRANT NON-EXPENSE - PRIOR NOTIFICATIONNoneSHARED NON-EXPENSE - PRIOR NOTIFICATIONNoneEXPENSE - POST NOTIFICATIONNov 9, 2010 Dan Close State Soccer Pasco, WANov 19, 2010 Will Sarett Skills Center Assistant Director Mtg Kennewick, WAGRANT EXPENSE - POST NOTIFICATIONNov 17, 2010 Joe Garza YPQA Assessor Visit Walla Walla, WANov 19, 2010 Mike Peterson Canfield Butte Coeur d'Alene, IDNov 29, 2010 Joe Garza YPQA Assessor Visit Burbank, WADec 1-3, 2010 Dr. Linda Takami OSPI Institutional Ed Mtg Tumwater, WASHARED EXPENSE - POST NOTIFICATIONNoneGRANT SHARED EXPENSE - POST NOTIFICATIONNoneSCHOOL ASB EXPENSE - POST NOTIFICATIONNoneNON-EXPENSE - POST NOTIFICATIONNoneGRANT NON-EXPENSE - POST NOTIFICATIONNone7

December 1, 2010CANCELLATIONSNoneMotion: Garret Daggett moved to approve the Consent Agenda, including theSupplemental Report.Second: Jeff BiermanVote: Yes - 5; No – 0NEW BUSINESSTeaching and Learning ServicesAlternative Learning Experience (ALE)Ms. Karin Short, associate superintendent for Teaching and Learning Services, together withMs. Kristin Whiteaker, director of Instructional Technology, provided an update of alternativelearning experience (ALE) programs in Spokane Public Schools. ALE programs offeredcurrently include The Enrichment Cooperative (TEC), Spokane Virtual Learning (SVL), contractbasedlearning, On-Track Program, as well as Skills Center academic support. The ALE Annualreport was presented to the board and program requirements were reviewed.Dr. Stowell noted that the ALE program has been very successful and further commented thatprograms have been moved from the Bryant Campus to allow room for ALE expansion. With 30-40 students on a waiting list at this time, additional expansion may be considered.Director Douthitt shared comments that he received at the Reach for the Future dinner about ahigh percentage of home-schooled students in Stevens County and wondered if SPS hassatisfied the demand for alternative learning programs. Dr. Stowell felt that Ms. Gwen Harris,principal at Bryant Campus, would say there are untold numbers to draw upon, and thatadditional space would be required before the program could be expanded.Dr. Stowell further noted that the legislature is reviewing ALE rules, and a shift is possible whichwould impact how programs such as this are offered. Ms. Whiteaker and Ms. Harris aremembers of an OSPI committee which will advise the legislature. Additionally, Dr. Stowell notedthat Ms. Harris has formed a consortium with other program leaders in the community and willmeet with legislatures to ensure understanding of issues currently facing the ALE program.Director Treppiedi wondered why the majority of students enrolled in the TEC program were ingrades 5-8. The Running Start program may account for some students leaving the TECprogram when they enter high school.Director Douthitt commented on the recently-signed contract with another district. Ms. Whiteakerconfirmed that SPS now contracts with Tacoma School District, and approximately 100 Tacomastudents are enrolled in SVL. Brief discussion was held regarding opportunities to reachadditional districts; Ms. Whiteaker invited the board to share the district’s success with otherboards. Director Daggett noted there may be an opportunity to share information at a WSSDAwork session.Ms. Short noted that students attending the contract-based education program held atHavermale typically attend one to three hours per week, with the remainder of their classworkdone at home.8

December 1, 2010The On-Track program continues to grow, with room for approximately 100 additional students.This program has an outstanding graduation rate which is a higher percentage rate than allother high schools in the district.The Skills Center Academic Support program is for students who have a passion for CTE.These students are college and career-ready after taking core subjects at the Skills Center.President Chapin thanked Ms. Short and Ms. Whiteaker for sharing information on the ALEprogram, particularly the graduation rates, noting this information is helpful as the board entersbudget planning.School Support ServicesFirst Quarter General Fund Financial UpdateDr. Mark Anderson, associate superintendent for School Support Services, and Ms. LindaMcDermott, executive director for Budget and Finance, provided the first quarter general fundfinancial update.The net total of budget changes from the 2009-2010 budget resulted in an estimatedundesignated fund balance of $7.7 million, as of November 30, 2010. These resources can beused to address additional budget considerations this year, including the contract reopener withthe Spokane Education Association. The district recognizes that the EduJobs funding is onetimeonly, and these funds could be used to mitigate the effects of the “federal funding cliff” thedistrict will experience in 2011-12. The most recent state revenue forecast indicates there is a$905 million revenue shortfall for the current fiscal year, which places all non-basic educationfunding at risk.The current forecast of additional resources available above the adopted budget is $7.7 million.Discussion on the use of these resources should include the strategy for carrying funds forwardto 2011-12. The economic outlook in Washington and the expiration of federal stimulus dollarsputs funding for non-basic education programs at risk. Prudent allocation of resources will helpmitigate the effects of potential statewide budget reductions and the loss of federal stimulusfunds.SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTSuperintendent Stowell reported that the district received the 2010 Robert Fraser Excellence inMasonry Design Award from the Eastern Washington Masonry Producers Association and theMasonry Industry Promotion Group for the John R. Rogers modernization and additions project.BOARD REPORTSStudent Advisor’s Report – Student Advisor Matt LaPlante gave an update on the discussionrelating to student morale at Ferris High School. Also, a blood drive was held today, and itappears staff and students are gearing up for winter break.Legislative UpdateDirector Bierman reviewed the board’s proposed 2011 Legislative Priorities. The first priorityadvocates fully funding basic education.Motion:Second:Bob Douthitt moved to approve the board’s 2011 Legislative Priorities.Jeff Bierman9

December 1, 2010Director Treppiedi requested confirmation that the phrasing in Item 2, “. . .only the highestqualitystaff are retained,” is consistent with Senate Bill 6696, noting that the board’s concern iscompetency.Vote: Yes - 5; No – 0Director Douthitt noted that the Federal Relations Network Conference begins Sunday,February 6. He inquired about another board member attending this year. The board agreedthat it is a necessary expenditure, feeling that if SPS is not represented, the district will not havea voice at all. The purpose of attendance is to descend on the Capitol and educate people aboutissues and awareness. Dr. Stowell asked that board members check their calendars and let herknow who may be able to attend. The FRN web link will be sent to all board members.CORE 24Director Douthitt has not received a response to his letter to MaryJean Ryan and will check backin with her.Middle School UpdateDr. Stowell reported on the upcoming MSAC meeting. East Valley’s superintendent has beeninvited to discuss their process to restructure middle school, why it was done and theimplementation timeline, which will depend on passage of a $30 million bond.Citizens Advisory CommitteeDr. Bierman reported on the CAC meeting on mathematics. Legislators have been invited toattend the next meeting, though only one has confirmed to date.OtherDirector Daggett commented on the WSSDA conference he attended and a session thataddressed the achievement gap, presented by Puget Sound ESD.President Chapin reported on a KSPS Friends meeting and the financial discussion.CLOSED AND EXECUTIVE SESSIONSMotion: Rocky Treppiedi moved that the board hold a closed session for 45minutes for the purpose of planning or adopting strategies or positions tobe taken during the course of collective bargaining. Following the closedsession, he moved that the board recess into an Executive Session for 45minutes for the purpose of meeting with legal counsel to discuss potentiallitigation concerning legal risks of a proposed action or current practice.Second: Jeff BiermanVote: Yes – 5; No – 0The board recessed at 9 p.m., for the purpose of holding a Closed and an Executive Session.The board reconvened into Open Session at 10:40 p.m. to extend the Executive Session anadditional 20 minutes.RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSIONThe board reconvened into Open Session at 11 p.m.10

December 1, 2010ADJOURNMENTThere being no further business to come before the board, President Chapin adjourned themeeting at 11 p.m.Nancy J. Stowell, Ph.D., SecretarySusan S. Chapin, President11