3-9-15 minutes davenport community school district achievement service … · 2015-03-18 · 3-9-15...

12
3-9-15 Minutes 1 DAVENPORT COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT ACHIEVEMENT SERVICE CENTER JIM HESTER BOARD ROOM 1606 BRADY STREET DAVENPORT, IOWA 52803 MONDAY, MARCH 9TH, 2015 REGULAR BOARD MEETING 6:00 PM The Board of the Davenport Community School District in the Counties of Scott and Muscatine, State of Iowa, met on Monday, March 9 th , 2015 for their Regular Meeting. The meeting was held at the Achievement Service Center, 1606 Brady St., Davenport, Iowa, in said District. President Johanson called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:00 PM. 1. OPENING ITEMS 1.01 On roll call the following board members were present: Directors: Ralph Johanson, Rich Clewell, Nikki DeFauw, Jamie Snyder, Ken Krumwiede, Maria Dickmann and Linda Hayes. Dr. Tate and other administrators were present. 1.02 Director Snyder read the board priorities and Olivia Grubbs read the mission and vision statements. President Johanson announced he would be changing the wording for the motion for agenda item 9.03 (Approval of Proposed 2015-16 School Budget) and striking the words “Budget and” from the motion. He will also move agenda item number 8.00 (Superintendent Report) to immediately follow agenda item 9.03. 2. PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR BUDGET 2.01 Public Hearing for 2014-15 Budget Amendment President Johanson conducted a public hearing on the 2014-15 Budget Amendment. No one spoke. The public hearing was declared closed. 2.02 Public Hearing for 2015-16 Proposed Budget President Johanson conducted a public hearing on the Proposed 2015-16 Budget. No one spoke. The public hearing was declared closed. 3. STUDENT BOARD REPORTS Luke from Central High School reported on the National History Day at St. Ambrose. Olivia and Mitchel from West High School reported on their Car Bash fundraiser for ovarian cancer and their robotics team. Bennett and Cindy from North High School said their spring sports are starting up and reported on the Show Choir and also encouraged everyone to go see the student art work displayed at North Park Mall.

Upload: others

Post on 02-Jun-2020

2 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

3-9-15 Minutes

1

DAVENPORT COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT ACHIEVEMENT SERVICE CENTER

JIM HESTER BOARD ROOM

1606 BRADY STREET

DAVENPORT, IOWA 52803

MONDAY, MARCH 9TH, 2015

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

6:00 PM

The Board of the Davenport Community School District in the Counties of Scott and Muscatine,

State of Iowa, met on Monday, March 9th

, 2015 for their Regular Meeting. The meeting was held

at the Achievement Service Center, 1606 Brady St., Davenport, Iowa, in said District. President

Johanson called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:00 PM.

1. OPENING ITEMS

1.01 On roll call the following board members were present: Directors: Ralph Johanson, Rich

Clewell, Nikki DeFauw, Jamie Snyder, Ken Krumwiede, Maria Dickmann and Linda Hayes.

Dr. Tate and other administrators were present.

1.02 Director Snyder read the board priorities and Olivia Grubbs read the mission and vision

statements.

President Johanson announced he would be changing the wording for the motion for agenda item

9.03 (Approval of Proposed 2015-16 School Budget) and striking the words “Budget and” from the

motion. He will also move agenda item number 8.00 (Superintendent Report) to immediately follow

agenda item 9.03.

2. PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR BUDGET

2.01 Public Hearing for 2014-15 Budget Amendment

President Johanson conducted a public hearing on the 2014-15 Budget Amendment. No one

spoke. The public hearing was declared closed.

2.02 Public Hearing for 2015-16 Proposed Budget

President Johanson conducted a public hearing on the Proposed 2015-16 Budget. No one spoke.

The public hearing was declared closed.

3. STUDENT BOARD REPORTS

Luke from Central High School reported on the National History Day at St. Ambrose. Olivia and

Mitchel from West High School reported on their Car Bash fundraiser for ovarian cancer and their

robotics team. Bennett and Cindy from North High School said their spring sports are starting up

and reported on the Show Choir and also encouraged everyone to go see the student art work

displayed at North Park Mall.

3-9-15 Minutes

2

4. SHOWCASE

4.01 Sudlow Intermediate Principal, Bruce Potts and teacher, Dave Elmore, provided an overview of the student involvement

in the Creative Arts Academy. They have 108 students participating. Mr. Elmore discussed project

based learning and how they incorporate teaching math and science and provide real life

experiences. Board members thanked them for their presentation and commented on what a great

program this is for students.

5. COMMUNICATIONS

5.01 Upcoming Events and Meetings

1. March 16th, Board Self Evaluation, 5-8PM, St. Ambrose Alumni House

2. March 16th through March 20th- Spring Break

3. March 23rd, Regular Meeting, 6:00PM, ASC, Jim Hester Board Room

4. March 30th, Taste of ProStart, 5:30PM, River Center, Davenport

5. April 1st, Policy Committee, 4:00PM, ASC, Executive Board Room ,

6. April 6th, Committee of the Whole, 5:30PM, ASC, Jim Hester Board Room

7. April 7th, Legislative Advocacy Committee, 3:00PM, ASC, Executive Board Room

8. April 13th, Regular Board Meeting, 6:00PM, ASC, Jim Hester Board Room

9. April 14th, LSIAC, 5:30PM, ASC, Jim Hester Board Room

10. April 16th, 10-20 Year Service Recognition Event, 4:30-6:30PM, River Music Experience,

Davenport

11. April 21st, Annual Retirement Dinner, 5-9PM, Radisson

12. April 27, Regular Meeting, 6:00PM, ASC, Jim Hester Board Room

5.02 Open Forum for Community Input Micah Moser, 1717 E. 31

st St. Davenport-Spoke in support of birth- 2 yr program.

Sally Ellis, 2216 N. Nevada St. Davenport-Provided ideas for cutting budget.

Amanda Baxter, 3523 W. Lombard St. Davenport -Spoke in support of birth – 2 yr. program.

Lily Nguyen, 2321 E. 58th

St. Davenport – Spoke in support of birth-2 yr. program.

Julie Kalkwarf, 1528 Robinson Ave. Bettendorf, -Spoke in support of birth-2 yr. program.

Sarah Schenk, 3101 Stafford Blvd, Bettendorf – Spoke in support of birth-2 yr. program.

Sara DeLaere, 2866 Forest Rd. Davenport- Spoke in support of birth-2 yr. program.

Kerri Weipert, 1540 W. 48th

St. Davenport- Spoke in support of birth-2 yr. program.

Elizabeth Kempnich, 3024 Tremont, Davenport - Spoke in support of birth-2 yr. program

Mickey Sloat, 3160 Regency Court, Davenport - Spoke about funding inequity for Davenport

Anthony DeSalvo, 3929 W. Garfield, Davenport- Spoke about funding inequity for Davenport

6. CONSENT AGENDA

6.01 Reading of the Minutes of the Last Regular and Intervening Meetings

2-23-15 Regular Meeting; 3-2-15 Committee of the Whole

6.02 Contracts

Missman Contract in the amount of $39,500-ADA Compliance

3-9-15 Minutes

3

6.03 Personnel: Appointments, Resignations, Retirements, Leaves, Etc.

APPOINTMENTS: SUPPLEMENTAL CONTRACTS Brooks, Joshua 12% Assistant Boys’ Track $3,590.00 North High Schomburg, Kelsey 6% Intermediate Co-ed Swim $1,795.00 District Wide APPOINTMENTS: CLASSIFIED Gonzales, Maria (Mary) Effective: February 23, 2015 Para Educator Salary: $10.24/hr West High Hours: 7.5 hrs/day Murphey, Shelly Effective: March 2, 2015 Para Educator Salary: $10.24/hr Wilson Elementary Hours: 6.0 hrs/day EARLY RETIREMENTS: CERTIFICATED

Name Building Position Years of Service

Cowherd, Sheila Smart Reading 17 yrs 9 mos

Heintz, Beverly North Language Arts 23 yrs 11 mos

Marmorine, Marilyn Buffalo Reading Interventionist

21 yrs 9 mos

McClean, Diane CV West/CV Hoover Nurse 24 yrs, 10 mos

Peters, Marilyn West Counselor 21 yrs 11 mos

Summers, Susie Eisenhower Grade 5 20 yrs 10 mos

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS: CERTIFICATED Law, Jennifer Effective: End of 2014-15 School Year Math Years of Service: 8 yrs 4 mos Young K-8 Noe, Casey Effective: March 13, 2015 Math Years of Service: 12 yrs 8 mos West High RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS: SUPPLEMENTAL CONTRACTS Dexter, David 12% Assistant Baseball $3,590.00 West High Each, Michael 12% Assistant Football $3,590.00 West High

3-9-15 Minutes

4

English, Holly 25% Girls Basketball $7,480.00 Central High Garland, Jan $4,000.00 TLCS Mentor Walcott K-8 Wilson, Sherry 15% Fast Forward $4,488.00 District Wide RETIREMENTS: CLASSIFIED Erickson, Barbara Effective: End of 2014-15 School Year Para Educator Years of Service: 16 yrs 10 mos Monroe Elementary/Garfield Elementary Jorgensen, Mary Effective: End of 2014-15 School Year Para Educator Years of Service: 10 yrs 11 mos Walcott K-8 Prachar, Cynthia Effective: End of 2014-15 School Year Professional Secretary Years of Service: 19 yrs 9 mos Washington Elementary EARLY RETIREMENTS: CLASSIFIED

Name Building Position Years of Service

Morris, Denise Hayes Elementary Para Educator 26 yrs 8 mos

Mueller, Claudia Washington Elementary Para Educator 34 yrs 10 mos

Untiedt, David Central High Custodian 27 yrs 7 mos

EARLY RETIREMENTS: CLASSIFIED CORRECTION

Snyder, Sonja Professional Secretary I Walcott K-8 25 yrs 4.5 mos 27 yrs 7.5 mos

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS: CLASSIFIED Brancaleon, Jacob Effective: March 6, 2015 Para Educator Years of Service: 5 mos Buchanan Elementary Brundies, William Effective: February 27, 2015 Custodian Years of Service: 5 mos Adams Elementary

3-9-15 Minutes

5

Frievalt, Kathryn Effective: February 25, 2015 Para Educator Years of Service: 3 mos Buchanan Elementary Mack, Eva Effective: February 27, 2015 Para Educator Years of Service: 4 mos Young K-8 Watson, Shannon Effective: March 13, 2015 Para Educator Years of Service: 2 yrs, 5 mos Sudlow Intermediate RETURNS FROM LEAVE OF ABSENCE: CLASSIFIED Wilson, Audreanna Effective: March 5, 2015 Para Educator Salary: $10.59/hr North High Hours: 6.0 hrs/day LEAVES OF ABSENCE: CLASSIFIED King, Carly Unpaid Leave Absence Para Educator Effective: February 5, 2015 – April 24, 2015 Harrison Elementary Lorenzen, Mark Unpaid Leave of Absence Custodian Effective: February 19, 2015 – March 23, 2015 Madison Elementary SALARY ADJUSTMENTS: CERTIFICATED

LAST NAME FIRST NAME SCHOOL CALENDAR STEP

OLD DEGREE

NEW DEGREE

NEW SALARY

Cox Melissa CV West REG 2 B.A. B.A. +15 $38,386.00

Licht Katherine Buchanan Elementary REG 4 B.A. B.A.+15 $41,443.00

SALARY ADJUSTMENTS: CERTIFICATED CORRECTION

LAST NAME FIRST NAME SCHOOL CALENDAR STEP

OLD DEGREE

NEW DEGREE

NEW SALARY

Harkey Allison Young K-8 REG 2 B.A. B.A. +15 $39,915.00 $38,386.00

Rietz Aaron Arron West High REG 11/13 B.A.+15 M.A. $58,257.00

Van Spreyboek Andrew

Jefferson Elementary REG 17 M.A. M.A. +30

$61,140.00 $65,899.00

3-9-15 Minutes

6

Motion by Director Krumwiede seconded by Director Dickmann the board approved the

consent agenda as presented.

Discussion: Director DeFauw mentioned how retiring teacher, Mrs. Beverly Heintz from North

High School will be missed and the difference she has made in her own children’s lives.

Vote: All Ayes motion carried.

7. APPROVAL OF BILLS

7.01 Motion by Director Clewell and seconded by Director DeFauw the board approved the

following resolution for the payment of bills and salaries: “Resolved all claims presented to the

Board having been duly certified as correct by the Secretary, reviewed by the administration and

board members, and they are hereby audited and allowed as just claims and warrants drawn on

the Treasury for the several amounts. Further Resolved, the payment of claims and salaries be

approved as presented for the period of February 19th, 2015 through March 4th, 2015 with the

following voided check:

#325409 Payable to Petersen Plumbing & Heating in the amount of $247.00 (wrong amount).

Discussion: None.

Vote: All Ayes motion carried.

9.01 OTHER ITEMS REQUIRING ACTION 9.01 –Approval of Budget Guarantee

Motion by Director Dickmann and seconded by Director Snyder the board approved the following

resolution:

“RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the Davenport Community School District, will levy

property tax for fiscal year 2015-16 for the regular program budget adjustment as allowed under

section 257.14 Code of Iowa.”

Discussion: Director DeFauw asked Ms. Tangen to explain why the district is in budget guarantee

for the benefit of the public and Ms. Tangen provided more details. DeFauw emphasized this

means the state is displacing the tax burden on the district and Tangen said that is correct.

Vote: All Ayes motion carried.

9.02 - Approval of 2014-2015 Budget Amendment

Motion by Director Snyder and seconded by Director Hayes the board approved the amendment to

the 2014-15 Certified Budget in the area of Instruction from $123,722,248 to $124,466,151 and in

the area of Total Other Expenditures from $36,914,597 to $38,788,112.

Discussion: None.

3-9-15 Minutes

7

Vote: All ayes motion carried.

9.03 – Approval of Proposed 2015-16 School Budget

Motion by Director Clewell seconded by Director Krumwiede the board approved the

administration’s recommendation to adopt and certify the Budget and Tax Levy rate for the 2015-

16 fiscal year as published and presented. The proposed property tax levy rate per $1000 taxable

valuation will be $15.83627 and resources and requirements are estimated at $276,972,774.

Discussion: Director Snyder emphasized for the benefit of the public that this will be the same

tax levy rate as last year. Director DeFauw also asked for clarification for the benefit of the

public as to why the word “budget” was removed from the motion. Johanson clarified that the

requirement is to certify tax levy rate and that by including the word “budget” in this particular

motion he was concerned that it would mix up the requirements and make it more difficult to

understand what exactly we are approving. So as it stands at this point all the board is

approving is the tax levy rate. Director Dickmann wanted to also clarify that the proposed

discussion about cuts to the 2 year old program is only proposed and this is not being approved

this evening and Johanson stated that is correct.

Vote: All Ayes motion carried.

8. SUPERINTENDENT REPORT

Dr. Tate reported that Iowa is one of 34 states participating in the annual College and Career

Readiness Campaign through a partnership with ACT. The purpose is to celebrate achievement

and to create awareness of the goal of college and career readiness for all. Davenport Central was

selected for their commitment to ensuring students leave high school ready for a career and

college. He also announced that Jason Franzenburg, teacher at West High School, has been

presented with a 2015 STEM Education Award for inspired teaching by the Governor’s STEM

Advisory Council during a Science, Technology, Education and Math event at the high school.

Dr. Tate then read the following statement: “While attending the Davenport legislative forum on Saturday, I was deeply impressed by two things: First, students from our district were wearing t-shirts proclaiming “I’m Worth-Less,” and it made me realize my personal responsibility as their leader to take action to assure that their district provides them with budget support equal to other students throughout the state. Second, as I listened to members of the audience question why the legislature can ignore the law by not producing a timely two-year education budget, it caused me to consider why I should be held to a higher standard when it comes to statutes concerning budgets. Iowa State Code 257.7 prohibits districts from spending more than they are authorized, based on the district’s’ certified budget and the increase in allowable growth/state supplemental aid provided by the state. In other words, the state restricts how much a district can spend, no matter how much you have in the bank. The state requires that districts maintain something called the Unspent Balance which comes from monies the state allowed you to spend, but instead were saved as a reserve. Here’s the important point: State law does not allow the unspent balance to go into the red, which means that you are spending more than the state authorized. That is against the law. I am formally informing the Board and the public of my intention to violate the state law. With my plan that begins next school year, I put into play operations which will bring us into spending more than authorized by the state during school year 2016 – 2017, and that violates State Code 257.7. I am taking this action after careful consideration and understanding the possible personal consequence. I take full and sole responsibility for the violation of state law. With this action I am following the example of our state legislature, which has ignored the law this year by not providing districts with the state supplemental aid amount by February 12, 2015. Let me emphasize that we have

3-9-15 Minutes

8

reserve cash to fund this effort; what we lack is state authorization.The state funding formula is complicated and hard to master. But these facts are not complicated: 1. Our students and families have unmet needs resulting from a lack of funding. 2. We have cash reserves on hand of $29 million. 3. By using our reserves, we can sustain additional funding or programs without increasing the tax levy. 4. The state formula undervalues our students by $3.2 million each year The Davenport Community School District is comprised of nearly 16,000 students with a 67.3% free and reduced lunch population. The district’s Board of Education and I have been transparent in describing the critical challenges which face our schools and students. Our most notable challenges are achievement rates which do not meet our standards; a wide achievement gap between many subgroups, which is absolutely unacceptable; a dropout rate which, although significantly improved, still reflects that too many students are leaving our schools each year before graduation; and a suspension rate which, although it reflects national trends, is problematic. By its board priorities, the Directors acknowledge the overriding effects of poverty on education in the district. For over four years this district has been involved in significant reform efforts to address our challenges. Our Board of Education, administrators, teachers, and staff are focused on implementing programs which provide amazing supports for our students and families. With over 18 years’ experience as a superintendent in four states and five school districts, I can say without reservation that I have never seen an organization more committed to success than Davenport. As I visit the schools, I personally witness the sacrifices made on behalf of students. Our schools are making herculean efforts which reach far beyond the mission of education. This is a caring district. All that being said, the fact is that we do not have adequate resources to provide appropriate response measures to meet our challenges. Instead of adding needed supports and interventions, we have been reducing our budget for over a decade. Davenport Community School District is one of 165 districts in the state of Iowa which receives less money per student than a group of 173 higher-compensated districts. The “I’m Worth-Less” t-shirt is literally correct. Our students are valued less than many others in the state. This unfair situation has evolved from the early 1970’s when the state funding formula was enacted, and carries forward to the present day where the value placed on our students is $175 less than the value for other students in districts which receive the highest per student rate in the state. In other words, the state funding formula is explicit in valuing a Davenport student less than students in over 170 other districts, including, for example, Pleasant Valley and Bettendorf. How can this be right in any universe? If Davenport students had the same per pupil value as the highest compensated districts in the state of Iowa, this year and next we would receive an additional $3.2 million to spend on our students. I need to repeat that: Because Davenport students have less per pupil value in the state funding formula, we receive $3.2 million less than equity would dictate. How is this fair? How is this equitable? How can we accept that our students have less funding value than students in PV or Bettendorf? It is hard for me to even conceive how a state government could have allowed this discriminatory practice to exist for so long. In the last five years, Davenport School District would have received an additional $17,352,998 had we been getting the highest per pupil compensation. Instead, in the last five years, the district has had to reduce its budget by a total of $17,272,791, almost the exact amount that we were denied by a system which discriminates against almost half the districts in the state. Next year I will retain several logical reductions in the budget: 1) early retirement, 2) utility savings through an energy conservation program, 3) moving maintenance contracts from general fund to management fund, and 4) curtailment of professional development during the school day. The total of these cuts will be $1,405,000. I will be making no other reductions to programs and personnel, and most notably, I will not be increasing class size in order to reduce teacher positions. There will be the normal minor changes in teacher positions due to using our staffing guide, and I will continue to look for savings in department budgets and through possible consolidation of leadership positions. But I cannot with a clear conscience make reductions which will damage student achievement when the undervaluing of our students is institutionalized by the funding formula of the state. I want to prove to the students, parents, and employees of this district that they have equal value to any school district in the state. In addition to taking fewer budget reductions than I had originally proposed, I intend to use up to $1 million to support new programs designed to reduce our achievement gap, to fight the effects of poverty, and to address diversion programs needed to turn around our out-of-school suspension numbers. We must enact these new systems of supports to turn around situations and inequities that are unacceptable. We cannot continue business as usual.

3-9-15 Minutes

9

By not reducing the budget as previously planned, and by adding new essential programs, the plan to increase the unspent balance to $8 million over time will be negatively impacted. This places me on a glide path to violate the state law during the 2016 – 2017 school year when we spend more than authorized, but not more than we have in cash reserves. But I have a plan to build up the reserve fund and to be fiscally responsible. My plan is simple: To be relentless in pressuring the state to change the law so that Davenport students will receive the same per pupil dollars as the highest compensated districts in the state, and to push for immediate passage of a law which will let us spend cash reserves to increase our per pupil expenditures. When the district and our students have equal value in the state, we will be back on track for constituting an unspent balance and not overspending the authorized budget. We can’t continue to reduce programs and expect that all our great ideas and intentions will turn the tide. As the leader of this district, I cannot turn a blind eye to our needs, knowing that there are practices and programs which can make a measurable difference in our results. We all know the impact that poverty makes on our community and upon education. I cannot sit idly by and pretend that we can make $3.5 million in reductions to our budget next year, and that things will be OK; things will not be OK. We have to be bold, we have to employ proven techniques, and we have to do whatever it takes to meet the needs of our students and community. I feel a personal obligation to provide this community with the best education system possible. We cannot do that without reasonable resources. We cannot accomplish our mission until our students are valued equally with all other students in this state. It is important to point out that we have $29 million in cash reserves in the bank, and no additional levies are needed to accomplish my plan. We have the cash to pay for every program and position without increasing taxes. We just do not have state authorization to spend more because the formula undervalues our students. Everyone must understand that if our students were valued the same as the highest per pupil students in the state, if there were equality of funding, if all districts were treated the same, we would have $3.2 million more to spend, and I would not have to break the law in order to support my district. In short, I care more about our students and their needs than I do about the state law in this case.”

Discussion: Director DeFauw thanked Dr. Tate for being bold and having vision. She highlighted

the fact that the 3.2 million dollars actually boils down to .97 cents a day per student and urged

everyone to take a stand for students and wants to know where she can buy one of the T-shirts that

say “I Am Worth-Less”. Director Hayes thanked Dr. Tate for his boldness and commitment.

Director Snyder said there are other districts as well that are being discriminated against and that

Davenport is only asking that our students be treated the same as other students. He noted that

Iowa used to be a leader in education but now we are 35th

in the nation yet 9th

in the nation in cash

reserves. He would like to know what the state thinks is a more important investment than our

children. Director Dickmann thanked Dr. Tate for his bold leadership and also thanked Julie and

Anthony DeSalvo for their hard work on this issue and for the t-shirts. Director Krumwiede

thanked Dr. Tate as well and noted how disappointed he was with the legislators at the Education

Forum on Saturday and their lack of commitment to doing something about this issue. Director

Clewell said he is sorry it has to come to this but that we have tried everything else and nothing

has made a difference. According to Iowa Code the district has a requirement to not harm

students and making such drastic cuts will harm students. Student board members commented that

it is absurd that the district has 29 million dollars they can’t spend and that this is bullying by the

state. President Johanson said he is exceptionally proud of the superintendent, our board, and our

community for the commitment to doing something about this issue. He provided a brief

overview of the bill that has been introduced that would give the district additional spending

authority.

3-9-15 Minutes

10

9.04 – Approval of Meal Prices for 2015-16

Motion by Director Dickmann and seconded by Director Hayes the board approved the 2015-16

meal prices as presented.

Discussion: Director DeFauw asked Ms. Carrington to explain the reason for the increase in

cost so the public can understand. Carrington explained that the increase in cost is federally

mandated due to the Healthy Hunger -Free Kids Act of 2010 which requires raising prices to a

weighted average. Director Snyder asked how close this increase comes to offsetting the higher

costs of the meals due to new standards and Carrington stated is doesn’t cover the costs and

provided some examples.

Vote: All Ayes motion carried.

9.05– Approval of West High School YMCA Gym Air Conditioning Project

Motion by Director Krumwiede and seconded by Director Dickmann the board approved the

lowest, responsible, responsive bid of $152,045 from Hometown Plumbing and Heating for the

West High School YMCA Gym Air Conditioning Project.

Discussion: There was discussion about who is responsible for the heating and cooling and

Dr. Tate provided more details about the partnership agreement. Dickmann noted that the

climate is getting hotter so it is important to have air conditioning.

Vote: All Ayes motion carried.

9.05– Approval of Policies

Motion by Director DeFauw and seconded by Director Hayes the board approved the following

policies:

502.18 - Animals on District Property

605.01 - Progress Report of Students

605.02 - Testing Program

Discussion: Director Dickmann asked about district wide tests and Dr. Tate said he would

need more information in order to provide an explanation since there are many types of district

wide tests. Director Clewell asked about why the animal policy is not an administrative

regulation and President Johanson provided more details as to why a policy is needed in this

case.

Vote: All Ayes motion carried.

3-9-15 Minutes

11

10. DISCUSSION ITEMS

10.01 Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS)

Patti Pace-Tracy, Shari Larson and Susan Downs provided an overview and progress of the

LETRS program. They reviewed the guiding principles for the program, what LETRS is and is not,

and explained how LETRS is designed so that participants learn and understand how students learn

to read, what must be taught and to teach effectively, why all components of reading instruction

are necessary and related, how to interpret individual differences in student achievement and how

to explain the form and structure for English. LETRS has 12 modules and so far they have trained

312 prek-12 special education teachers, 233 general education teachers K-12 and 15 AEA staff.

Board members spoke about how they hear great things about this program. Ms. Pace-Tracy

discussed the professional development that will be provided for new teachers and Director

Clewell asked Dr. Tate to reconsider the moratorium on professional development Dr. Tate

explained they planned to take a break even without the budget cuts and said they are in a phase

where teachers need a break and need to spend more time in the classroom.

10.02 Policy

Director DeFauw invited discussion on the following policies:

The following policies will go back to the policy committee for review at the April meeting.

702.01 - Selection of an Architect/Engineer/CMA- This required additional discussion by the policy

committee on price point.

605.06 - Internet: Appropriate Use –DeFauw recommended getting student input based on some

feedback received from student board members. President Johanson stated he has talked

with teacher leadership and they are concerned about this policy and suggested getting

their feedback as well.

401.26 - Activity/Athletic Passes – DeFauw explained the request to remove the requirement of

years of service for this policy. Dickmann asked about the revenue generated and it is

minimal.

The following policies were discussed and will be on the agenda for approval at the next regular

board meeting:

604.05 - Health Education

701.01 - School Facility Studies

604.06 - Music Lessons

605.12 - Career Education

705.01 - Procedure in Bond Elections

703.02 - Site Acquisition

801.01 - Board Committees

802.01 - Compensation for Expenses

802.02 - Travel by Board Members

802.05 - Board of Directors' Self Evaluation

803.03 - Administrative Rules and Regulations

803.04 - Membership in State and National Organizations

901.01 - Name of School District

901.02 - Legal Status of the Board

901.03 - Powers and Responsibilities

901.04 - Number of Members

3-9-15 Minutes

12

901.05 - Filling Vacancies for Directors and Officers of the Board

10:03 Discussion of Dr. Beegle's Book, "See Poverty . . . Be the Difference!"

Director Krumwiede discussed the board having a book discussion on Dr. Donna Beegle’s book on

poverty. The books have been purchased for all board members so Krumwiede emphasized how

important it is for the board to discuss this book. He also suggested that the policy committee be

charged with reviewing all policies from the standpoint of reducing poverty. There was some

discussion about how the book study would take place, how much time to devote to this discussion

item, and where it would be placed on the board agenda. The board decided to ask the agenda

committee to develop a schedule. Krumwiede announced that new board member, Director Hayes, is

the newest board member on the poverty committee. Director DeFauw suggested the idea of not

having presentations during the period of having this book discussion.

11. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

None.

12. BOARD REPORTS/REQUESTS

Board Reports:

Director Snyder offered condolences to the family of Alaysia Shorter who passed away March 3rd

,

2015.

Director Krumwiede offered condolences to the family of Sister Michelle Schiffgens who also passed

away March 3rd

, 2015.

Board Requests:

Agenda request by Director Snyder:

1) That we move board reports to the first half of the meeting. By the time we get to share our reports

everyone is gone and there is no one left to report to leaving our reports somewhat meaningless.

2) I would like to have a discussion on what athletics mean to our students and to us as a district and

put a committee together to focus on how we can become more successful on the playing field and

courts and in turn in the classroom.

Agenda request from Director Clewell:

1) Request presentation from Early Childhood on the impacts that would come from eliminating the

birth-2 program. How many children it would impact; what are the options for parents with YMCA

and other providers. This request is intended to clarify why administration believes this is best course

of action for the district.

ADJOURNMENT

Director Clewell moved the board adjourn. Director Krumwiede seconded the motion.

By consensus President Johanson declared the meeting adjourned at 8:55PM

__________________________________

Mary Correthers, Board Secretary/Treasurer