HIGHLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

DISTRICT NO. 401 – KING COUNTY

 

Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting

 

November 8, 2006

                                                                                                                                                                 

 

CALL TO ORDER

 

President Byers called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. in the Board Room of the Educational Resource and Administrative Center.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

Highline Council PTSA Vice President for Tyee Area Meg Van Wyk led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

ROLL CALL

 

Board members present:

Phyllis Byers, President

Matt Pina, Vice President

Susan Goding

Tom Slattery

Julie Burr Spani

 

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

Andréa Johnson, Interim Executive Director/Facilities Services

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

Mark Finstrom, Director/Technology Services

Catherine Carbone Rogers, Director/Communication and Community Relations

Michael Sita, Interim Supervisor/High School Programs

 

 


President Byers asked for a moment of silence for three district students who had passed away.

 

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Julie Burr Spani moved approval of the October 25, 2006, regular board meeting as presented; Matt Pina seconded the motion.

 

The minutes were approved as presented.

 

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

Matt Pina moved approval of the agenda as presented; Susan Goding seconded the motion.

 

The proposed agenda was unanimously approved.

 

 

RECOGNITION

 

United Way Loan Executive Linda Chauvin presented Superintendent Welch with United Way’s Outstanding Employee Campaign Award for the 2005-2006 campaign, thanking employees for their support to United Way; and recognized Hilltop Educational Assistant Dan Davis for his leadership in running the campaign.

 

Superintendent Welch thanked Mr. Davis for his leadership, and introduced Madrona Assistant Principal Crystal Daniels who is a co-chair for this year’s campaign and announced that Ms. Daniels will head the United Way campaign next year.

 

Superintendent Welch issued a proclamation proclaiming November 12 through November 18, 2006, as American Education Week, and thanked district employees for their dedication and commitment, he also encouraged all citizens to extend their commitment to public education and the future of our children.

 

 

COMMUNICATION

 

Community/Staff Organizations and Committee Reports

 

Highline Education Association President Alan Sutliff remarked on the results of the recent elections; announced OSPI released the scores of those students who chose to re-take the WASL test, and commented on the results; reiterated the WEA’s key point that no single test should determine whether a student can earn a high school diploma; and commented on the high-stakes graduation requirements.

 

Highline Council PTSA Vice President for the Tyee Area Meg Van Wyk thanked the board for allowing Washington State PTA Researcher Barbara Billinghurst to present the findings of the Washington State PTA study regarding state funding; commented on the recent HCPTSA board meeting; and remarked on the recent meeting the organization had with the principals of the Academy of Citizenship and Empowerment, Odyssey - The Essential School, and Global Connections High School regarding a PTSA group on the campus.

 

Scheduled Communication

 

Rose Clark, 16856 Des Moines Memorial Drive, Burien, thanked the Board for the informative work/study session regarding high school improvement and stated she endorsed a roundtable format for a discussion with staff.

 

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

 

Superintendent John Welch commented on the WASL re-take results and stated he will share the information with the Board; he also shared one of the Microsoft videos that the organization is using to increase math awareness.

 

 

MATTERS REQUIRING BOARD ACTION

Consent Agenda

 

1.                  Resolution No. 2252 – Emergency Replacement of the Water Tower at Camp Waskowitz.  The Board adopted Resolution No. 2252 declaring an emergency situation existed at Camp Waskowitz that required an immediate installation of a new water reservoir, valves, and piping, and authorized staff to expend the funds necessary for this installation.

 

2.        Resolution No. 2254 – Approval to Renew 2006-07 Interdistrict and Interagency Cooperative Agreements to Provide Services for Students with Disabilities.  The Board adopted Resolution No. 2254 authorizing renewal of interlocal agreements for the 2006-2007 school year with neighboring school districts for Highline to provide services to students with disabilities and membership in the eDataDoc Cooperative; and authorized the superintendent to sign the appropriate documents.

 

3.        Resolution No. 2255 – A Resolution to Adopt Special Levies for Collection in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 and Set an Election Date.  The Board adopted Resolution No. 2255 approving a levy which will generate the amount of $32,470,000 at an estimated rate of $2.56 per $1000 of assessed valuation for collection in 2008; a levy which will generate the amount of $34,250,000 at an estimated rate of $2.62 per $1000 of assessed valuation for collection in 2009; a levy which will generate the amount $35,950,000 at an estimated rate of $2.67 per $1000 of assessed valuation for collection in 2010; and a levy which will generate the amount of $37,760,000 at an estimated rate of $2.72 per $1000 of assessed valuation for collection in 2011; and set the election date for March 13, 2007.

 

4.       Boeing “Flight to the Future” Grant Proposals.  The Board approved the three Flight to the Future grant applications that were submitted by the Highline School District teachers and principals.

 

5.        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:

 

Payroll warrants as listed totaling $273,366.10;

Payroll automatic deposits dated 10/31/2006 for $5,463,710.40;

Payroll wire tax transfer dated 10/31/2006 for $2,122,090.24;

General Fund warrants #185389 through #185488 dated 10/26/2006 for $2,858,804.47;

General Fund warrants #185489 through #185497 dated 10/27/2006 for $1,100,827.59;

General Fund warrants #185498 through #185762 dated 11/1/2006 for $762,771.59;

Capital Projects Fund warrants #185763 through #185785 dated 11/1/2006 for $1,985,561.73;

ASB Fund warrants #185786 through #185820 dated 11/1/2006 for $23,672.52;

Trust Fund warrant #185821 dated 11/1/2006 for $258.30;

General Fund warrants #185822 through #186044 dated 11/8/2006 for $457,112.19;

Capital Projects Fund warrants #186045 through #186061 dated 11/8/2006 for $843,092.77;

and ASB Fund warrants #186062 through #186099 dated 11/8/2006 for $43,357.51.

                        

6.         Personnel Matters.  The Board approved five (5) leaves, four (4) resignations, forty-three (43) new hires, thirty-four (34) supplemental contracts, two (2) new assignments, and seven (7) others as listed on the regular agenda; and six (6) new hires, three (3) new assignments, and seven (7) others as listed on the supplemental agenda.

 

Tom Slattery moved the consent agenda be approved as presented; seconded by Matt Pina.

 

The consent agenda was unanimously approved.

 

 

PRESENTATION

 

Washington State PTA Researcher Barbara Billinghurst gave a presentation on the results of the organization’s study regarding funding for education.

 

A Board discussion followed Ms. Billinghurst’s presentation.

 

Director of Communication and Community Relations Catherine Carbone Rogers presented the district’s efforts regarding educating staff in cultural competency and customer service.

  

A Board discussion followed Ms. Carbone Roger’s presentation.

 

 

DISCUSSION

 

1.  Legislative Report

Susan Goding commented on two school districts that attempted to pass bonds in the recent election and reiterated the importance of the simple majority legislation—noting that both bonds failed with approximately 55 percent approval; and remarked on the outcome of elected officials in the recent election.

 

President Byers recommended setting legislative priorities and a date to decide what the Board’s legislative priorities should be.  A Board discussion followed.  The Board decided to hold a work/study on November 20 at 5 p.m. to determine an agenda for legislative priorities.

 

2.  Other Business

 

Tom Slattery remarked on the levy the Board approved for March 13, 2007.

 

Phyllis Byers announced that Highline Citizens for Schools will hold an information meeting on November 13 at the Educational Resource and Administrative Center; and reported the Tyee Health Center is having an open house on November 9 and the public is invited.

 

Matt Pina remarked on Highline Forum’s request for a letter of intent from the Port regarding a fourth runway, asking for the Board’s consensus concerning the request.  After some discussion, it was decided that Superintendent Welch would check with municipalities and community legislators to determine their thoughts on the matter, and that he would report back to the Board regarding his findings.

 

Matt Pina commented on the YMCA’s new recreation center’s swimming pool and stated he feels the district could be impacted by the kind of pool the organization builds.  A Board discussion followed.  Superintendent Welch suggested he work with staff to get their input and stated he would get back with the Board regarding the district’s interest.

 

 

3.   Work/Study and Presentation Schedule 

                  

On track.

  

 

 

 

                                                                 

4.   Next Steps

 

·        November 20, 2006, 5 p.m.

Work/Study Regarding Agenda for Legislative Priorities

Educational Resource and Administrative Center

 

·        December 6, 2006, 5 p.m.

Work/Study Regarding Superintendent’s Focus Schools

Educational Resource and Administrative Center

 

·        December 13, 2006, 6 p.m.

Board Meeting

Educational Resource and Administrative Center

 

 

UNSCHEDULED COMMUNICATIONS

 

Matt Moeller, 20218 12th Avenue S., Des Moines, commented on his interaction with district employees and the positive customer service he has received from district personnel; commented on a Pop Warner football league being organized by community volunteers; and suggested the district website have someone from each school that updates the school’s calendar to let parents know when special activities are planned.

 

Midway Elementary School Teacher Keitha Bryson, of 2533 S. 288th Street, Federal Way, expressed appreciation to the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence for their gift of $100 to each Midway Elementary School teacher in conjunction with the organization’s “Adopt a Classroom” program.

 

                                                                                                                                                

ADJOURNMENT

 

Phyllis Byers declared the meeting recessed at 7:50 p.m. to an executive session regarding real estate, stating the Board would adjourn from the executive session with no action taken.

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                            __________________________________

President, Board of Directors

 

 

____________________________

 Secretary to the Board