HIGHLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

DISTRICT NO. 401 – KING COUNTY

 

Minutes of Regular School Board Meeting

 

September 12, 2007

                                                                                                                                                                 

CALL TO ORDER

 

President Pina called the meeting to order at 6:14 p.m. in the Board Room of the Educational Resource and Administrative Center.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

Director of Technology Services Mark Finstrom 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

Carla Jackson, Deputy Superintendent

Geri Fain, Assistant Superintendent/Support Services

Alan Spicciati, Chief Accountability Officer

Steve Grubb, Executive Director/Elementary and Middle Schools

Andréa Johnson, Executive Director/Facilities Services

Terri LePenske, Executive Director/Student Support Services

Max Silverman,  Executive Director /High Schools

Don Waring, Executive Director/Human Resources

Catherine Carbone Rogers, Director/Communication and Community Engagement

Mark Finstrom, Director/Technology Services

Nancy Pappas Barnhart, Director/Recruiting and Retention

Tony Zeman, Director/Security and Safety

Susan Wood-Megrey, Interim Director/K-12 Curriculum

Keith Colee, Assistant Director/Facilities Services-Maintenance and Operations

Kathryn Spriggs, Assistant Director/Assessment, Evaluation, and System Accountability

Courtney Vollan, Assistant Director/Title I, LAP, ELL, & Indian Education


 

 

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Susan Goding moved approval of the August 22, 2007, regular Board meeting and executive session as presented; Tom Slattery seconded the motion.

 

The minutes were approved as presented.

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

Phyllis Byers moved approval of the agenda as presented; seconded by Julie Burr Spani.

 

The agenda was unanimously approved as presented.

 

 

COMMUNICATION

 

Community/Staff Organizations and Committee Reports

 

Highline Education Association President Stacie Hawkins reported that the Collective Bargaining Agreement for 2007-2008 was overwhelmingly approved by the members, and commented on some of the changes in the new agreement.

 

Scheduled Communication

 

Tyrone Curry, 10735 27th Avenue SW, Seattle, withdrew his name as a candidate for school board member in District #1, stating his coaching position was viewed as a conflict of interest.

 

The following individuals commented on concerns regarding Bow Lake Elementary opening late, the facility not being completed on time, and their frustration with the handling of the project delay.

 

Cheryl Forbes, 5008 S. 182nd Street, SeaTac

Terri Hewitt, 19253 33rd Avenue S., SeaTac

 

Ms. Sula and Pam Velez were not in attendance.

 

 

 

 

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

 

Superintendent Welch commented concerning Bow Lake Elementary and addressed parent concerns and questions; apologized for the late communication and inconvenience regarding Bow Lake’s late starting date; gave an update on the Cedarhurst Elementary School construction project; announced that Aviation High School Assistant Principal Susan Hegeberg recognized by ING Direct as one of the nations most innovative educators; and asked Executive Director of Elementary & Middle Schools Dr. Steve Grubb to give a report on enrollment levels for kindergarten through middle school, and asked Executive Director of High Schools Max Silverman to give enrollment numbers for the high school level.

 

 

MATTERS REQUIRING BOARD ACTION

Consent Agenda

 

Tom Slattery pulled item #9 – Personnel Report – from the consent agenda, noting he had a conflict of interest and needed to abstain from voting on the matter.

 

1.                  Resolution No. 2301 – Working Revision of District Technology Plan:  E-Rate Use.  The Board adopted Resolution No. 2301 – Working Revision of District Technology Plan: E-Rate, and authorized the superintendent or designee to sign and deliver any and all necessary documents pursuant to the Technology Plans as they become available.

 

2.                  Resolution No. 2302 – Revision to Resolution No. 2077 – Capital Facilities Improvement Plan – Application for Project Approval (FORM D-3), Mount Rainier High School New Construction-In-Lieu of Modernization (Adopted 7-16-03).  The Board adopted Resolution No. 2302 – Revision to Resolution No. 2077 – Capital Facilities Improvement Plan – Application for Project Approval (Form D-3), Mount Rainier School New Construction-In-Lieu of Modernization (adopted 7-16-03), certifying that facilities at Mount Rainier High School and Glacier High School Buildings A, B, C, E, F & G, and that the existing facilities will not be used in the future for instructional purposes by Highline School District or be eligible for future state financial assistance.         

 

3.                  Board Meetings and Work/Study & Presentation Schedule for 2007-2008.  The Board approved the staff’s recommendations for the revised Board meeting dates and locations, and the Work/Study & Presentation Schedule for the 2007-2008 school year.

 

4.                  Ratification of Collective Bargaining Agreement Between Highline School District and the Highline Education Association.  The Board approved the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Highline School District and the Highline Education Association as presented.

 

5.                  Ratification of Collective Bargaining Agreement Between Highline School District and Public, Professional and Office-Clerical Employees and Drivers, Local Union No. 763 (Teamsters I).  The Board approved the contract changes to the 2007-2008 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Highline School District and Public, Professional and Office-Clerical Employees and Drivers, Local Union No. 763-Teamsters I (Security) as presented.                                                                                            

 

6.                  Proposed Adoption of Music Materials for Highline High School’s Advanced Placement Program.  The Board adopted The Musician’s Guide to Theory and Analysis and The Musician’s Guide to Aural Skills for students enrolled in Advanced Placement Music Theory at Highline High School.

 

7.                  Donation from Costco of Backpacks to Indian Education Students, English Language Learner Students, and Other Students as Needed.  The Board approved the Costco donation of 250 backpacks, with an estimated value of $3750.                                                                                                          

                                                        

8.                  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 $199,004.19;

Payroll automatic deposits dated 8/31/2007 for $5,634,342.17;

Payroll wire tax transfer dated 8/31/2007 for $2,167,119.l4;

General Fund warrants #197919 through #198053 dated 8/29/2007 for $213,311.84;

Capital Projects Fund warrants #198054 through #198057 dated 8/29/2007 for $1,456,198.17;

ASB Fund warrants #198058 through #198063 dated 8/29/2007for $7,960.05;

General Fund warrants #198064 through #198149 dated 8/30/2007 for $2,933,731.85;

Capital Projects Fund warrant #198150 dated 8/30/2007 for $213.89;

General Fund warrants #198151 through #198272 dated 9/05/2007 for $357,771.61;

Capital Projects Fund warrants #198273 through #198295 dated 9/05/2007 for $597,900.46;

ASB warrants #198296 through #198301 dated 9/05/2007 for $2,357.46;

Trust Fund warrant #198302 dated 9/05/2007 for $3,000.00;

General Fund warrants #198303 through #198480 dated 9/12/2007 for $514,258.76;

Capital Projects Fund warrants #198481 through #198500 dated 9/12/2007 for $707,252.03;

ASB Fund warrants #198501 through #198513 dated 9/12/2007 for $13,457.01;

and Transportation Vehicle Fund warrant #198514 dated 9/12/2007 for $24,256.98.

 

 

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

 

The consent agenda was unanimously approved as modified.

 

MATTERS REQUIRING BOARD ACTION

Personnel Matters. 

 

The Board approved five (5) resignations, five (5) new hires – teacher cadre, sixteen (16) new hires, five (5) new hires – retire/rehire, one (1) special coach, one (1) certificated exception, and ten (10) others as listed on the regular agenda; and seven (7) resignations, one (1) new hire – teacher cadre, ten (10) new hires, one (1) certificated exception, and six (6) others as listed on the supplemental agenda.                                                                                                   

 

Phyllis Byers moved approval of the Personnel Report as presented; Julie Burr Spani seconded the motion. 

 

Phyllis Byers, Susan Goding, Julie Burr Spani, and Matt Pina voted to approve the Personnel Report; Tom Slattery abstained.

 

PRESENTATION

 

Chief Accountability Officer Alan Spicciati gave an update on WASL results, schools’ Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), and presented a School Improvement timeline for the schools; reported that overall WASL scores increase from 2006 to 2007, and have made strong gains since the test began in 1997, even in the face of changing demographics.

 

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Carla Jackson highlighted some major teaching and learning initiatives that addressed the data discussed; referenced how Chinook Middle School is tackling their restructuring plan; and mentioned the student learning plans for those that haven’t made standard.

 

A discussion followed regarding various programs that are available to students who are behind.  And the topic of advising students of deficiencies, before their senior year, was also addressed.

 

A question was asked about WASL scores for Tyee and how they would be scored.  Mr. Spicciati explained how the systems works for WASL scores in our high schools.

 

The question came up regarding how one attends work/study sessions.  Superintendent Welch answered that everyone is welcome to attend the work/studies and noted the schedule is posted on the website.

 

UNSCHEDULED COMMUNICATIONS

 

The following individuals expressed their concerns regarding Bow Lake Elementary School not opening on time, safety issues for students, and questioned construction workers receiving security clearances to be around children:

 

Renee Crotty, 4657 S. 170th, SeaTac

Art Kelly, 3240 S. 166th, SeaTac

 

 

DISCUSSION

 

1.  Legislative Report

 

Susan Goding reported on state and federal legislation that has been approved that assists students going to college; and recommended that administrators follow-up on the opportunities for our students.

 

There was a discussion regarding proposing WSSDA adopt the position that the State provide funding, or other means of assistance, whenever legislators approve cost-of-living increases for state employees.  Ms. Goding was encouraged to discuss the matter at the upcoming WSSDA Legislative Assembly.

 

Tom Slattery reminded everyone that the Simple Majority legislation will go before the voters in November.  He also asked Board members to consider a resolution supporting the DreamAct legislation. Board members discussed the legislation and agreed to draft a resolution, to be brought to the September 19 Board meeting, supporting the DreamAct.  Julie Burr Spani recommended that they also let legislators know of their support.

 

2.  Other Business

 

Susan Goding remarked on the Design to Flight curriculum at Aviation High School, and stated she would like for the concept to be incorporated throughout other schools in the district.

 

Julie Burr Spani reminded everyone of the upcoming Highline School Foundation for Excellence fundraiser dance on September 22, and asked everyone to bring their old musical instruments for use throughout the district.

 

Tom Slattery acknowledged school board candidates in the audience and encouraged them to visit schools; and commented on his recent visits to Bow Lake, Midway, Shorewood, and Mount View Elementary Schools.

 

                                                                                

3.   Next Steps

 

The next regularly scheduled Board meeting will be held on September 19, 2007, at 6 p.m. at Parkside Elementary School.  Following the Board meeting, there will be two work/study sessions: 1) Environment Science Center and 2) Reading & Writing for Class of 2008.

 

                                                                                                                                                

ADJOURNMENT

 

Phyllis Byers moved the meeting be adjourned, Susan Goding seconded the motion.

 

Matt Pina declared the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. to an executive session regarding an employee evaluation tool, and announced the Board would adjourn from the executive session with no action taken.

 

                                                                       

                                                                                    __________________________________

                                                                                    President, Board of Directors

 

 

 

____________________________

 Secretary to the Board