HIGHLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

DISTRICT NO. 401 – KING COUNTY

 

Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting

 

January 24, 2007

                                                                                                                                                                 

CALL TO ORDER

 

President Pina called the meeting to order at 6:16 p.m. in the multipurpose room at Madrona Elementary School.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

Highline Education Association President Alan Sutliff led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

ROLL CALL

 

Board members present:

      Matt Pina, President

      Julie Burr Spani, Vice President

      Phyllis Byers          

      Susan Goding

      Tom Slattery

     

Central office members present:

John Welch, Superintendent

Geri Fain, Assistant Superintendent/Support Services

Carla Jackson, Assistant Superintendent/Teaching, Learning, and School Improvement

Steve Grubb, Executive Director/Elementary Learning

Susanne Jerde, Executive Director/Elementary Learning

Alan Spicciati, Executive Director/Secondary Schools

Marsha Spreier, Executive Director/Elementary Learning

Don Waring, Executive Director/Human Resources

Beckie Bouchard, Director/Assessment, Evaluation, and System Accountability

Catherine Carbone Rogers, Director/Communication and Community Relations

Mary Carr, Director/Transportation

Mark Finstrom, Director/Technology Services

Mary Roberts, Director/Secondary Learning

Max Silverman, Director/High School Improvement

Tony Zeman, Director/Security and Safety

Andréa Johnson, Interim Executive Director/Facilities Services-Construction and Planning

Barbara Piguet, Director/Business Services

Cherrie Smith, Coordinator/District Literacy for Secondary

Michael Sita, Interim Supervisor/High School Programs


APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Phyllis Byers moved approval of the January 10, 2007, regular Board meeting minutes and the January 17, 2007, executive session as presented, Susan Goding seconded the motion.

 

The minutes were unanimously approved as presented.

 

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

Tom Slattery moved approval of the agenda as presented, seconded by Susan Goding.

 

The agenda was unanimously approved as presented.

 

 

PUBLIC HEARING

 

At 6:19 p.m. President Pina recessed the Board meeting to a Public Hearing regarding the intent to sell the Riverton Heights property.

 

Superintendent John Welch introduced Interim Executive Director of Facilities Services-Construction and Planning Andréa Johnson who gave an overview of the proposed sale of real property, including the former Riverton Heights Elementary School.  Ms. Johnson stated the proposed use of the property is to develop the site for public uses, including a fire station, fire training facility, and a neighborhood park.  She also stated that no sale will take place for 45 days following the publication of the Notice of Sale, and welcomed the public to comment on the proposed sale by January 31, 2007.

 

There was no public comment.

 

President Pina closed the Public Hearing portion of the meeting and reconvened the regular School Board meeting at 6:25 p.m.

 

 

HOST PRINCIPAL

 

Madrona Elementary Principal Mike Fosberg welcomed the Board and community; introduced Madrona’s staff and PTA members; and commented on various statistics relating to the school.

 

 

RECOGNITION

 

Superintendent Welch introduced Big Picture School Principal Jeff Petty. 

 

Principal Petty introduced Big Picture School staff members, advisors, and coaches; thanked Director of High School Improvement Max Silverman for his support and coaching; introduced the following individuals who spoke regarding the internship program at Big Picture School: Seattle School District Fifth Grade Teacher Ben Lawton, Freshman John Tesfu, Sophomore Antoine Purnell, and parents Pedro Pasillas, Debra Walker, Sheila Smith, and Tiffany Rendon.

 

Principal Petty thanked the Board for their support and for giving the district the opportunity to serve students in a unique way.

 

 

COMMUNICATION

 

Community/Staff Organizations and Committee Reports

 

Highline Education Association President Alan Sutliff commented on Principal Fosberg’s remarks, and mentioned the importance of state funding.

 

Scheduled Communication

 

Ray Prentice, 18974 Marine View Dr. SW, Normandy Park, commented on his efforts to obtain a new track for Mount Rainier High School; reported he is looking for grant money to assist with the project; and requested that the track be named after a former track coach.

 

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

 

In honor of January being School Board Recognition Month, Superintendent Welch read a proclamation recognizing the Highline School Board members and thanked them for their dedication; commented that Global Connections High School’s DECA students competed in the 2007 DECA Competition and reported those students who came in eighth or better will compete at the DECA state competition level; announced that Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence gave the district checks for two donations:  a $10,000 donation on behalf of the South Central Rotary, Des Moines Rotary, and SeaTac Rotary, and a $4750 donation on behalf of Washington Mutual, and thanked the businesses for their support; and commented on the decisions regarding school closures due to inclement weather.

 

President Pina thanked Superintendent Welch and staff for their work related to the decisions to close or delay schools.

 

 

MATTERS REQUIRING BOARD ACTION

Consent Agenda

 

Tom Slattery moved that the Board members consider changing Policy 2255 Revision – 2006-2007 Alternative Learning Experience Programs – First Reading to a second reading, as the Board already had a work/study regarding the matter, and subsequently, it could be voted on for approval.  Susan Goding seconded the motion.  Board members unanimously agreed to modify the action item to indicate second reading.

Matt Pina asked Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and School Improvement Dr. Carla Jackson for clarification of the proposed graduation requirements regarding Policy 2410 Revision – Change to Math Graduation Requirement – Second Reading. A Board discussion followed Dr. Jackson’s comments.

 

1.      Resolution No. 2265 – Letter of Agreement to Lease the Burien Heights               Site to Highline West Seattle Mental Health.  The Board adopted Resolution No. 2265 authorizing the district to sign the Letter of Agreement with HWSMH and pursue negotiations for a long-term lease agreement, and authorized staff to execute all necessary documents.

 

2.      Policy 2255 Revision – 2006-2007 Alternative Learning Experience Programs -         Second Reading.  The Board approved the updated and revised Policy 2255 – 2006-2007 Alternative Learning Experience Programs.

 

3.      Approval of Vouchers and Warrants.  Approval of payment of vouchers audited and certified by the auditing committee as required by RCW 42.24.090, and those expense reimbursement claims certified as required by RCW 42.24.90 as recorded on a listing which is available to the Board were as follows:

 

General Fund warrants #188502 through #188585 dated 1/17/2007 for $73,784.59;

Capital Projects Fund warrant #188586 dated 1/17/2007 for $10,805.00;

ASB Fund warrants #188587 through #188598 dated 1/17/2007 for $5,690.21;

Capital Projects Fund warrant #188599 dated 1/18/2007 for $5,982.77;

ASB Fund warrants #188600 through #188601 dated 1/18/2007 for $1,613.64;

General Fund warrants #188602 through #188724 dated 1/24/2007 for $762,800.29;

Capital Projects Fund warrants #188725 through #188757 dated 1/24/2007 for $5,718,535.36;

ASB Fund warrants #188758 through #188777 dated 1/24/2007 for $11,439.08;

and Trust Fund warrant #188778 dated 1/24/2007 for $44.44.

 

4.      Personnel Matters.  The Board approved three (3) resignations, one (1) new hire, two (2) supplemental contracts, two (2) new assignments, one (1) special coach, and two (2) others as listed in the regular agenda; and six (6) resignations, one (1) new assignment, and one (1) other as listed on the supplemental agenda.

 

5.      Policy 2410 Revision – Change to Math Graduation Requirement – Second Reading.  The Board approved the proposed revision to Policy 2410 of raising the math graduation requirement from 2.0 to 3.0 credits beginning with the incoming freshman class of 2007-08 (graduating class of 2011) for second reading and adoption.

 

6.      Donation to Chinook Middle School.  The Board approved the $22,350 donation from The Boeing Company for the Flight to the Future Science Grant: Chinook Middle School Academic Achievement Club.  On behalf of the Board, President Pina thanked The Boeing Company for their donation.

 

7.      Donation to Marvista Elementary School.  The Board approved the $4,000 donation from the Marvista PTSA to provide support to the Visual Arts/Orchestra 5/6 class.  On behalf of the Board, President Pina thanked the Marvista PTSA for their donation.

 

Phyllis Byers moved approval of the consent agenda as presented, Tom Slattery seconded the motion.

 

The consent agenda was unanimously approved as modified.

 

 

DISCUSSION

 

1.  Legislative Report

 

Susan Goding commented on the Board’s February 26 visit with legislators and remarked on bills relating to simple majority legislation.

 

2.  Other Business

 

Board members discussed a number of issues regarding the Sea-Tac Occupational Center (OSC): updating the name, changing class curriculum, and how class scheduling at small schools impacts OSC.

 

Superintendent Welch gave an update regarding a revised 2006-2007 school calendar saying he hopes to have the revised calendar by the end of the week or early next week; remarked the district is trying not to change graduation dates; reported that December 15 would be a waiver day because the governor had declared a state of emergency.

 

Board members discussed the impact of the calendar change on the summer school schedule, and adding more than one snow day in the calendar.

 

Tom Slattery stated he would like for the Board to respond to the proposal regarding a partnership with the community regarding the Mount Rainier track.  A Board discussion followed Mr. Slattery’s comments, and members asked for more information regarding the district’s policy on the matter. 

 

Matt Pina reported on the Highline Forum meeting he attended with Assistant Superintendent of Support Services Geri Fain and complimented her on the report she gave regarding the upcoming replacement levy; mentioned the members of the Highline Forum would like to have a tour of Aviation High School; stated the Forum is drafting a letter of support to Governor Gregoire regarding a permanent home for Aviation High School with the Museum of Flight; and remarked on the SRO extension to Interstate 5 and budget costs.

 

3.   Follow-up Items and Work/Study Sessions 

       

The Board approved moving the February 14 Board meeting to February 13 and added a work/study on January 29 regarding the Mount Rainier track.

4.   Next Steps

 

Following the Board meeting, there will be a work/study concerning a Four Seasons Calendar Conversation.

 

Following the work/study session, the Board will hold an executive session regarding a personnel matter.

 

On Monday, January 29, 2007, there will be two work/study sessions at the Educational Resource and Administrative Center, the first beginning at 5 p.m.:

Strategic Plan

Mount Rainier Track 

 

On Wednesday, February 7, 2007, there will be two work/study sessions at the Educational Resource and Administrative Center, the first beginning at 5:00 p.m.:

High School Improvement (SLC/Small Schools, High School Metrics, College & Career Culture)

Policy Review

 

The next regularly scheduled Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 13, 2007, at 6:30 p.m. in the Yormark Room at the Sea-Tac Occupational Skills Center.

 

On February 13, 2007, following the Board meeting, there will be a work/study session regarding College & Career System Audit (including course alignment).

 

 

UNSCHEDULED COMMUNICATIONS

 

There was no unscheduled communication.

 

                                                                                                                                                

ADJOURNMENT

 

Phyllis Byers moved the meeting be recessed, seconded by Julie Burr Spani.

 

Matt Pina declared the meeting recessed at 8:10 p.m. to a work/study session regarding a Four Seasons Calendar Conversation and School Start Times, followed by an executive session regarding a personnel matter, and said the Board would adjourn the meeting without reconvening the general session.

                                                                                    __________________________________

                                                                                    President, Board of Directors

 

 

____________________________

 Secretary to the Board