HIGHLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
DISTRICT NO. 401 – KING COUNTY
Minutes of
March
25, 2009
CALL TO ORDER
Vice President Savusa called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. in the library
on the Evergreen Campus.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Director of Security and Safety Tony Zeman led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Sili
Savusa, Vice President
Julie
Burr Spani
Susan
Goding
Michael
Spear
President
Bernie Dorsey had an excused absence.
Central office members present:
John Welch, Superintendent
Carla Jackson, Deputy Superintendent
Geri Fain, Assistant Superintendent/Support Services
Alan Spicciati, Chief Accountability Officer
Steve Grubb, Executive Director/Elementary and
Middle Schools
Susanne Jerde, Executive Director/Elementary and
Middle Schools
Andréa Johnson, Executive Director/Facilities
Services
Susan Smith Leland, Executive Director/Finance &
Business Services
Terri LePenske, Executive Director/Student Support
Services
Angus Mairs, Executive Director/Instruction Design
and Development
Max Silverman, Executive Director/High Schools
Don Waring, Executive Director/Human Resources
Marianna Goheen, Director/College and Career
Catherine Carbone Rogers, Director/Communication and
Community Engagement
Tony Zeman, Director/Security and Safety
Susan Wood-Megrey, Coordinator/K-12 Mathematics and
Science
Kim O’Neil, Assistant Director/Employee Services and
Labor Relations
Michael Sita, Coordinator/Secondary Alternative
Programs
Jackie Martinez-Vasquez, Manager/Family and
Community Partnerships
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Julie Burr Spani moved approval of the March 11, 2009, regular Board
meeting as presented; Susan Goding seconded the motion.
The minutes were unanimously approved as presented.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Michael Spear moved approval of
the agenda as presented; seconded by Susan Goding.
The agenda was unanimously approved as presented.
HOST PRINCIPALS
Community member Pat Thompson welcomed the Board and community and
introduced Arts & Academics Academy Principal Victor Anderson.
Principal Anderson shared about the school; stated the school’s
emphasis is on relationships, people, and creating a place where students are
safe; noted that each student is known personally by an adult at the school;
and introduced ELL/Spanish Teacher Paul Didier who commented on classes offered
at the school; mentioned the literacy work at the school; remarked on the
English language learners program at the school; referenced the school’s
relationship with the community; and reported on how the school is improving
academically and developing new teaching methods. Principal Anderson then introduced senior
Ikran Ismail who commented on the school from a student’s perspective. Principal Anderson ended his segment by
talking about the school’s diversity; and referenced how the school is
preparing all students for college, career, and citizenship.
Health Sciences & Human Services High School Principal Paula Montgomery
commented about the staff’s relationship with the students; remarked concerning
how staff is working to make students successful; stated there is a high
expectation level for each student, and that support is available. Principal Montgomery introduced Algebra I
Teacher Bethany Tate and freshman Marisol Rivera who gave their perspectives
regarding how the “Algebra Essentials” class is helping students; introduced Kerry O’Brien from the Upward Bound
Program and freshman Glendal Correa who talked about how the Upward Bound
Program supports students to be successful in their studies; mentioned
Bilingual Dropout Prevention Specialist Brenda Espinosa for her work with the
Latino students; and introduced Teacher-Leader Vickie Potter who talked about
the positive aspects relating to being in a small schools community.
Technology, Engineering & Communications School Principal Eric Hong
welcomed the Board and community; referenced the diverse ethnicity of the
school; shared how many of the students have been accepted to the college of
their choice; remarked on the collaboration among staff and the personal
learning environment that is created for students; commented the school is
focusing on persistence and managing impulsivity; reported on the increased
number of students taking advanced placement testing; referenced the impact the
AVID Program has had on the students; and talked about the Robotics Program at
the school, expressing his appreciation for the support his students have
received from the business community and Aviation High School students. Principal Hong introduced sophomore Diana
Martinez who commented on her learning experience in the Robotics Program, and she
reported on her trip to New York where she represented the “student voice” at
the National Academy Foundation conference.
Pat Thompson acknowledged Campus Manager Daylene Boehm for her work and
dedication for the campus; and talked about her experience, as a community
member, regarding the conversion of Evergreen High School into a small schools
community; commented that every staff member knows every student, and every
staff member knows every student well; referenced grants that the schools have
received; and concluded by saying that the staff is passionate about kids and
good work is being done at the campus.
Vice President Savusa thanked the staff and students.
COMMUNICATION
Community/Staff
Organizations and Committee Reports
There were no community or staff organization reports.
Scheduled Communication
Edna Noga, 12732 13th Lane SW, Apartment A3, Burien, talked
about the Family Connection Program at Mount View Elementary School, and how
the program provides services for the community.
Former Board Member Phyllis Byers, 18302 39th Avenue S,
SeaTac, expressed elation and support for the interlocal agreement between
Seattle Public Schools and the district regarding the new Aviation High School location
site.
Music Teacher Jeffrey Steen, 5014 Puget Boulevard, Seattle, mentioned
that some students at middle school do not get to take electives because they are
required to take a double dose of math, and stated that providing arts
education for students is mandated by both federal and state laws; and asked
that the month of May be recognized as Arts Education Month at the Highline
School District.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Superintendent Welch thanked the teachers and the school leadership at
the Evergreen Campus who have worked through the conversion; announced there
will be a High School Fair re-do at the Evergreen Campus on April 7 from 6:30
p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the library; mentioned that Para los Ninos is having an open
house at Mount View Elementary on March 26 from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.; commented
on the Washington Robotics Competition taking place on March 26 and 27; and
commented on the budget challenges that the state and district are facing.
MATTERS REQUIRING BOARD
ACTION
Consent Agenda
Susan Goding stated
that before the Board voted on the consent agenda she would like a discussion
regarding item number 2 – Resolution No. 2365 – Interlocal Agreement Between
Seattle School District No. 1 and Highline School District No. 401 Regarding
Aviation High School and item number 4 – Re-naming of Aviation High School to
Raisbeck Aviation High School when the school opens at the Museum of Flight in
2012.
Superintendent
Welch asked Aviation High School Principal/CEO Reba Gilman to comment on the
two items. Principal Gilman gave the background and reasoning behind both the
interlocal agreement with the Seattle School District and the proposed school
name change.
Julie Burr Spani commented
that although this Board has been supportive regarding an interlocal agreement
with the Seattle School District, it was the previous board that did a lot of
the work.
Vice President
Savusa thanked all those that worked on the Aviation High School project.
1. Resolution No. 2364 – Puget Sound Skills Center
Capital Grant Request to the State Board of Education for the 2007-2009
Biennium. The Board approved the expenditures of
$1,391,000 for minor capital improvements as per Project No. 350-110-4093.
2. Resolution No. 2365 – Interlocal Agreement Between Seattle School
District No. 1 and Highline School District No. 401 Regarding Aviation High
School. The Board adopted Resolution
No. 2365 – agreeing to an interlocal agreement with the Seattle School District
that will allow Aviation High School to build a new facility within the Seattle
School District’s boundaries.
3. Resolution No. 2366 – To Authorize the
Superintendent to Sign the Interlocal Agreement Among the City of Des Moines, the
City of Normandy Park, and Highline School
District No. 401 for the Operation of the Mount Rainier Pool – March 6, 2009,
through December 31, 2009. The Board adopted Resolution No. 2366 – to authorized the superintendent to sign
an interlocal agreement with the City of Des Moines and the City of Normandy
Park for the operation of the Mount Rainier Pool from March 6, 2009, through
December 31, 2009, and authorized the superintendent to sign all appropriate
documents pursuant to the interlocal agreement.
4. Re-naming of
Aviation High School to Raisbeck Aviation High School When the School Opens at
The Museum of Flight in 2012.
The Board approved the re-naming of Aviation High School to Raisbeck
Aviation High School when the school opens at the The Museum of Flight site in
2012.
5. Final Acceptance of Purchase Order No. P083813
Western Ventures Construction, Inc. for Installation of Fire Sprinkler System
at PSSC. The Board accepted the work
of Western Ventures Construction, Inc. related to Purchase Order No. P083813
for the installation of the fire sprinkler system at the Puget Sound Skills
Center for a total cost of $415,922, plus Washington State sales tax.
6. Revised Policy 3207 – Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying
– for Adoption. The Board adopted the
Revised Policy 3207 Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying.
7. Approval
of Vouchers and Warrants (voucher review for March 11 through March 18,
2009). 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 #216682 through #216856
dated 3/11/2009 for $727,407.69;
Capital Projects Fund warrants #216857 through
#216865 dated 3/11/2009 for $27,333.29;
ASB Fund warrants #216866 through #216881 dated
3/11/2009 for $15,296.92;
Trust Fund warrant #216882 dated 3/11/2009
for $65.00;
General Fund warrants #216883 through #217051
dated 3/18/2009 for $595,676.60;
Capital Projects Fund warrants #217052
through #217080 dated 3/18/2009 for $2,789,116.95;
ASB warrants #217081 through #217101 dated 3/18/2009
for $49,860.11;
and Trust Fund warrants #217102 through
#217103 dated 3/18/2009 for $212.82.
8. Personnel
Matters. The Board approved
twenty-two (22) supplemental contracts and eleven (11) others as listed on
the regular agenda; and eight (8) resignations, one (1) correction, one (1) new
hire, and two (2) others as listed on the supplemental agenda.
Michael Spear moved
approval of the consent agenda as presented; Julie Burr Spani seconded the
motion.
The consent agenda
was unanimously approved as presented.
PRESENTATION
Executive Director
of Finance and Business Services Susan Smith Leland gave an update regarding
the state’s budget shortfall; remarked how the shortfall is affecting the
district; referenced what is going on in the legislature; explained the Federal
Stimulus Package and how the funds will impact the district; reported the
administrative reductions that Superintendent Welch is recommending; and
mentioned the input timeline for community and staff members. She asked Deputy
Superintendent Dr. Carla Jackson to address the reductions regarding I-728
funding.
Dr. Jackson addressed
the projected cuts and how the administration is involving principals in the
conversation to ensure schools have input regarding the programs at their
individual schools.
Ms. Smith Leland
explained the process for community/staff input and the timeline for the final
recommended budget and announced there will be two community meetings:
(1) April 23 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. in the cafeteria at Pacific Middle
School; and (2) April 27 from 6 p.m. – 8
p.m. in the cafeteria on the Evergreen Campus.
A Board discussion
followed the presentation.
1. Legislative
Report
Susan Goding
gave a brief report regarding legislative matters.
2. Board and Superintendent Business and Updates
Julie Burr Spani commented on the thorough
presentation regarding the budget; and commented on the science report the
Board received, noting the need for partnerships and the need to improve the
district’s science labs. She also
remarked on the importance of preparing our students for college in the area of
science.
Michael Spear thanked Evergreen Campus
administrators for hosting the Board meeting; thanked Principal Gilman, staff, and
former board members for their work related to Aviation High School and the
interlocal agreement with the Seattle School District; mentioned Pacific Middle
School’s presentation on March 24 regarding the AVID Program at their school; and
remarked on the collaboration among Aviation High School and Technology,
Engineering & Communications School concerning their partnership with the
Robotics program.
Susan Goding commented on the recent Working
Together staff meeting she attended at Chinook; mentioned that teachers
suggested including sixth graders at the school to provide more students, which
would in-turn lead to more full-time staff which could provide more electives.
3. Next Steps
Vice President Savusa announced that the next
regularly scheduled Board meeting will be held on April 8, 2009, at 6 p.m. at
the Educational Resource and Administrative Center. Following the Board meeting, there will be a
work/study session regarding High School Portfolio and Graduation Requirements.
Heidi
Jacobson, 10414 Occidental Avenue, Seattle, Physical Education Teacher at
Beverly Park remarked on the importance of physical education for our students,
and invited the Board and superintendent to visit her classes.
Pat
Thompson, 10434 7th Avenue SW, Seattle, thanked the district on
behalf of World Vision for the teacher resource center. Superintendent Welch thanked Pat Thompson for
her work in getting the information to him so we could work with World Vision
regarding the project.
Jill
Wunch, 654 SW 132nd Street, Seattle, spoke on behalf of the Highline
Council PTSA and commented on the projected budget reductions, saying they were
scary and disappointing; and thanked the district for their transparency
concerning the reduction process.
ADJOURNMENT
Susan Goding moved the meeting be adjourned; Michael Spear seconded the
motion.
Vice President Savusa declared the meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
__________________________________
President,
____________________________
Secretary to the