august 2013 slate - idaho school boards association

A PUBLICATION OF THE IDAHO SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION

IN THIS ISSUE:

VOL.31 • NO.3 • AUGUST 2013

CHANGES TO THE TEACHER EVALUATION RULE / 14ASK ISBA: DISTRICT-SPONSORED INSURANCE / 1621ST CENTURY SCHOOL BOARDS / 38ANNUAL CONVENTION / 30-37

SchooltoBackthe

Issue

Voting on Resolutions p. 5 | Tips from the Trenches p. 20

2 / Volume 31 / August 2013

SLATE statistic of the Quarter

BUSINESS PARTNER

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from the director’s chairHow Does ISBA Establish The Legislative Platform? Voting on Resolutions

President’s messageLayers of Decisions: Layers of Potential Disagreements

public instructionTrustees Have a Powerful Voice in Common Core Conversation

Statistic of the QuarterNot The Right Kind of Summer Slide

from the State Board of EducationIncreasing Expectations, Increasing Student Success

Safety NotesOSHA Updates Chemical Hazard Communication Program

Policy Update NewsChanges to the Teacher Evaluation Rule

Executive Board Member HighlightLisa Burtenshaw

ask ISBADistrict-Sponsored Insurance Plans

Distinguished Student AwardDistinguished Students of the Year

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in every issue

features

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38

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Superintendent of the Year, Wiley Dobbs

Business Official of the Year, Nancy Landon

Tips from the Trenches: Administration

A New Service of the ISBA: Superintendent Search

2013 ISBA Scholarship Recipients

ISBA Master of Boardsmanship Program

ISBA Job Center

21st Century School Boards

annual convention

STATISTIC OF THE QUARTER

SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH SERVICE

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32

34

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General Convention Information

Keynote Speakers

Call for Award Nominations Submit Award Applications

Agenda at-a-Glance

Call for Workshop Proposals

Call for Student Entertainment

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4 SLATE

In Every IssueContributors

Karen Echeverria ISBA Executive DirectorFrom the Director’s Chair

Tom LunaSuperintendent of Public InstructionPublic Instruction

Anne RitterISBA PresidentPresident’s Message

Don SoltmanPresident, State Board of EducationFrom the State Board of Education

Allan RanstromMoreton & CompanySafety Notes

Jessica HarrisonIdaho School Boards AssociationPolicy Update News

Idaho School Boards AssociationExecutive Committee Board Officers & Executive Director

Executive Board Region Representatives, Board Officers & Executive Director

Executive Board OfficersPresident Anne Ritter, Meridian Jt. School District

President-Elect Todd Wells, Castleford Jt. School District

Vice President Vacant

Imm. Past President Dallas Clinger, American Falls Jt. School District

Regional RepresentativesRegion I Reps Melanie Staples, Boundary Co. School District

Archie McGregor, St. Maries Jt. School District

Region II Reps John Menter, Troy School District

Kim Campbell, Moscow School District

Region III Reps Lori Bennett, Bruneau-Grand View Jt. School District

Juan (Mike) Vuittonet, Meridian Jt. School District

Region IV Reps Dane Higdem, Kimberly School District

Lisa Knudson, Castleford Jt. School District

Region V Reps Janie Gebhardt, Pocatello School District

James Stoor, Soda Springs Jt. School District

Region VI Reps Lisa Burtenshaw, Idaho Falls School District

Nancy Arnold, Teton Co. School District

Region VII Reps Deb Foster, South Lemhi School District

Shannon Johnson, Salmon School District

Region VIII Reps Marg Chipman, Weiser School District

Barbara Dixon, Meadows Valley School District

ISBA StaffExecutive Director Karen Echeverria

Associate Executive Director Misty Jones Swanson

Policy & Government Affairs Director Jessica Harrison

Office & Finance Coordinator Kristi Toolson

Training Director Jackie Hopper

Research & Policy Coordinator April Hoy

Graphics & Marketing Coordinator Rochelle Adams

2013 CalendarSept 4 Governance Workshop, Region V (see page 39)

2013 DeadlinesSept 16 Submit student entertainment proposals for ISBA Annual Convention (see page 37)

Oct 1 Submit award nomination forms for ISBA Annual Convention (see page 34)

Oct 18 Submit award applications for ISBA Annual Convention (see page 34)

Like us on Facebook:facebook.com/IdahoSchoolBoardsAssociation

Follow us on Twitter:twitter.com/IDSchoolBoardsA

For member services, board development, and much more: www.idsba.org

NEW! We’ve launched an ISBA Annual Convention website:www.idsba.org/convention

ISBA Mission StatementThe mission of the Idaho School Boards Association is to

provide leadership and services to local school boards for

the benefit of students and for the advocacy of public

education.

Editorial OfficeP.O. Box 9797 Boise, ID 83707-4797

222 N. 13th Street Boise, ID 83702

Phone: (208) 854-1476 • Toll-Free: (866) 799-4722

Fax: (208) 854-1480

Online: www.idsba.org

SLATE SubscriptionSubscription to the SLATE, published four times per year,

is by membership to the Idaho School Boards Association.

The material contained herein is for informational purposes

only and may be quite divergent in point of view and/or

controversial in nature. It is the belief of the Association that

the democratic process functions best through discussions

which challenge and stimulate thinking on the part of the

reader. Therefore, this material does not necessarily reflect

the opinion of the Association or its members.


Feb 24-25 Day on the Hill 2014

Nov 6-8 ISBA Annual Convention

5


SLATEFrom the Director’s Chair

In my last article I indicated that I would spend this year writing about ISBA’s

legislative platform. I plan to break that into four main topics. In the May issue

of the SLATE, I wrote about the actual resolution process – who can submit, when

resolutions are submitted, and the process resolutions go through before being

presented to the full membership. In this issue I will focus on debate and deliberation

of resolutions and voting on resolutions. In the fall, I will write about turning any

resolutions passed by the membership into legislation and the final article, early

next year, will focus on what happens if the law passes or fails.

WHEN IS IT DONE? • WHO CAN VOTE? • WHAT IS THE VOTING REQUIREMENT? • HOW DOES THE OUTCOME ESTABLISH THE ISBA PLATFORM?

BY KAREN ECHEVERRIA

What Happens Next?

QUESTION Who is Allowed to Vote on ISBA Resolutions?

ANSWER The ISBA bylaws allow for each school district member of ISBA to deliberate and vote on resolutions. There is a formula in the bylaws that allows for a block of votes for each school district. That block is based on several strata of student populations.

I should note that there is a committee that is currently reviewing the bylaw as it relates to voting and there may be a proposed amendment to that particular bylaw. Even if an amendment is proposed, there will still be a block of votes for each school district.

QUESTION Does That Mean That Each Board Member is Allowed to Vote Individually?

ANSWER Yes and no. Each school district is given one ballot. That ballot allows for each school district to have a block of votes. The school district can choose to vote their entire block as a no vote, a yes vote, or split the vote. So, if the individuals on any particular board are not in agreement with their votes, they can split the votes on their ballot.

QUESTION When Does Debate and Voting Occur?

ANSWER Debate and voting occurs during the Business Session at the Annual Convention.

QUESTION Does the School District Need to Be Present to Debate and/or Vote?

ANSWER Yes. At least one board member from the district needs to be present, in person, in order for the school district to cast a ballot. One board member can vote the entire block for the entire board.

Any and all board members can debate any given resolution. Each person who wishes to debate is allowed three minutes to express their opinion. That same person can speak a second time after all other members who wish to speak have been given that opportunity. Each resolution can only be debated for thirty minutes total.

The Resolution Process Voting on Resolutions Turning The Resolutions Into Legislation

Executive Director

Voting on Resolutions

QUESTION Can Anyone Besides a Board Member Debate For or Against a Resolution?

ANSWER Yes. However, a board member must first come to the microphone and ask that their time be yielded to another person. For instance, a board member may ask that they yield their time to their superintendent. It is important to remember that if the superintendent speaks on behalf of a board member that the board member would then not be allowed another three minutes for themselves – they have also yielded their own time.

QUESTION Can a Board Vote by Proxy?

ANSWER No. There is no provision in the ISBA bylaws that will allow for a proxy vote. I presume the reason for that is because much debate and deliberation occurs on the floor of the Business Session. If board members are present during the Business Session to hear the debate and discussion, they may change their votes based on that discussion. Therefore, in order for a board to have a voice in the resolution process, at least one member from that board needs to be present at the Business Meeting to case the votes for the entire board.

QUESTION Should the Entire Board Review the Resolutions Prior to the Business Session?

ANSWER Yes. If the entire board is unable to attend the convention, it is important for the board to discuss the resolutions prior to the Business Session. During that discussion,

How Does ISBA Establish The

Legislative Platform?

In the May 2013 SLATE In this August 2013 SLATE Look for it in the October 2013 SLATE Look for it in the February 2014 SLATE

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SLATE From the Director’s Chair

THE PROCESS OF RESOLUTIONSfrom Start to Finish

The ISBA Business Session is on Friday, November 8 at theCoeur d’Alene Resort. Districts can debate and will vote on each Resolution.

DON’T MISS IT!

Do you have a problem or issue at your school district that you want changed? Can this be changed by State Law or Administrative Rule?

If yes, prepare a Resolution to be submitted to ISBA. A Resolution is a document that explains the problem and what outcome you would like.

Some Resolutions are passed and some are not passed by the members. For those Resolutions passed, they become the legislative platform for ISBA staff and lobbyists during the Legislative Session.

During the Legislative Session, ISBA staff request legislators to help “carry” the legislation (Resolutions) and present them to both the House and Senate.

If the legislation (Resolution) passes the House and Senate then it goes to the Governor to be signed into law.

START

the entire board can direct those members who will be attending the Business Session how they wish them to cast the votes on their ballot. Without a discussion by the entire board, the members in attendance will simply vote as they wish which may not necessarily be how other members of their local board may feel.

QUESTION When Are the Voting Results Tabulated and Reported to the Membership?

ANSWER Tabulations and voting occur during the Business Session. ISBA staff tabulates the votes as soon as debate ends for each resolution. Most results are available

to those in attendance before the Business Session is over. The last one or two resolution results that may not have been completed at the conclusion of the Business Session are announced at the next General Session.

For those board members who were unable to attend the Business Session, ISBA staff sends a formal email sometime after the Annual Convention that identifies the outcome of all resolutions.

QUESTION What Happens With the Resolutions Once They Pass or Fail?

ANSWER If a resolution fails, it does not move any further. The school district or region

who originally submitted the resolution may choose to resubmit it the following year or they may drop the idea altogether.

If a resolution passes, it will be in effect for two years. Some legislation will require ISBA staff to work with another state agency, some will require rulemaking, and some will require legislation. The ISBA staff will work with the school district and the ISBA attorneys to craft rules or legislation that outlines the elements contained in the resolution or to work with the other agency.

I will discuss this in greater detail in the next issue. However, those resolutions that were passed will then become ISBA’s legislative

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SLATEFrom The Director’s Chair

Government Affairs CommitteeEach year at the Idaho School Boards Association Convention, board members assemble to consider resolutions submitted by the membership. These resolutions are the voice of the membership and an effective means of providing guidance for ISBA.

All resolutions received by July 31, 2013 are reviewed by the ISBA Government Affairs Committee. It is not necessary to submit resolutions dealing with positions to which the ISBA is already committed from last year’s legislative

program. (Resolutions remain on ISBA’s legislative agenda for two years following its approval by the membership.) The ISBA Government Affairs Committee will make recommendations to the Executive Board on the resolutions and the Executive Board will make recommendations to the membership. The membership then votes on the resolutions at the Business Session of the Annual Convention.

ISBA welcomes your participation in this process and urges you to take this opportunity to be heard.

Submit the Resolution to the ISBA Office no later than July 31st. If you would like help writing the Resolution or have questions, contact the ISBA Office.

Throughout the month of August, ISBA will review all Resolutions and may contact you for clarification.

All Resolutions are sent to ISBA membership via email and posted on the ISBA website. Boards should review each of the Resolutions and discuss the pros and cons of the Resolutions. Boards should choose a position to take on each Resolution.

This is how your Resolution can ultimately become law and help your school district and many others in the State.

All Resolutions are presented to the ISBA Executive Board during its September Board

Meeting. There, the Board reviews all Resolutions and votes on each Resolution with a “do pass”,

“do not pass”, or “no recommendation”.

During the ISBA Annual Convention in November, the Business Session is held where member districts can debate and vote on each Resolution.

July 31 Resolutions due from trustees, districts, regions, or the ISBA Executive Board

Aug 1-9 ISBA staff compiles and clarifies submitted Resolutions

Aug 12-22 Resolutions are sent to Government Affairs Committee for review

Aug 23 Board packets containing proposed Resolutions are sent to the Executive Board members (two weeks prior to the meeting)

Sept 6-7 ISBA Executive Board reviews Resolutions and makes recommendations

Sept-Oct Resolutions are discussed and debated at fall regional meetings

Oct 10 Deadline to transmit Resolution board packets to Trustees

Nov 8 Trustees vote on resolutions at ISBA Annual Business Session

December Create and publish 2014 Legislation Resolutions and Priorities Pamphlet

2013 Resolution Timeline

FINISH

[email protected]

AUG

sep

platform for the next two years or until they are passed.

I hope you can see the importance of the Business Session at the Annual Convention and the impact it has on ISBA’s activities during the legislative session. Your voice is important to establishing that platform and we hope to see your school district represented at the next Business Session.

8


SLATE President’s Message

BY ANNE RITTERISBA President

Somehow I must live with many layers of opinion. Some I agree with. Some I oppose. The difference in my life, as in yours, is how I support those with whom I do not agree. So how do I avoid becoming a split personality victim? If it sometimes makes me

crazy, how does it affect you?

In my current roles the potential conflicts are pretty clearly defined. I have my personal opinions (well thought out and mostly correct if I do say so myself) on issues that face my local board. They are always subject to change with additional information, time, or changing circumstances.

My local board, like yours, works with majority rule. We try very hard to reach consensus because it is much more powerful and comfortable for all involved. It also gives clear direction to our superintendent and the rest of the staff. It is unusual when I disagree (vehemently or to any degree) with a decision of the board. To be perfectly honest, I agree with most decisions without any reservations. It is easy and comfortable to support them in public. It is also expected.

I find that when I disagree I can live with the bifurcation as long as I am clear when I am expressing one or the other by qualifying my role at the time that I am speaking. It is important that my listeners understand whether I am speaking for myself or the board as a whole.

As a member of the ISBA Executive Board, the Government Affairs Committee (GAC), and as your current President, I have occasionally disagreed with some decisions. Sometimes my local board has disagreed with ISBA decisions. How can I speak without getting my tongue tied or having to qualify every statement? Determining what role I am in at the time of the conversation is the key. It helps the listener understand, and that is always the goal.

I have found over the years that the more layers of decision making you participate in, the more important it is to be clear in your roles. Sometimes it is uncomfortable. Sometimes it is awkward. Sometimes it feels a little dishonest (but it is not.) Does it get easier? Yes, on the small stuff. It never gets easier on the big decisions.

The biggest issue for me is one of honesty. I have to live with myself, I have to represent the decisions of my local board with integrity, I have to express the decisions of the ISBA with precision, and I have to be clear, concise, and accurate in all communications. A goal that I am continuing to strive for.

Layers of Potential DisagreementsLayers of Decisions:

I have found over the years

that the more layers of decision making

you participate in, the more important it is to be clear in your roles.

Twin Falls School District superintendent, Wiley Dobbs, was named Idaho’s Superintendent of the Year.

Superintendent Dobbs has been superintendent of the Twin Falls School District since 2003. He will represent Idaho this fall during a national superintendents’ roundtable in Washington, D.C. when superintendents from around the country meet with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

Superintendent of the Year

Wiley Dobbs

Wiley is deserving of this award. He has a love for education and surrounds himself with others

that share in this belief. He will give credit to being supported by great administrators and

faculty. However, great administrators and faculty follow an exceptional leader. It has been a

great honor to work with him.

- Dan KingChairman, Twin Falls School District

Dr. Dobbs has worked a lifetime for the betterment of students. His dedication to three

generations of Twin Falls constituents has created a consistency for our community in an

ever changing world. Growing people through a collaborative or team leadership style provides

the loyalty, depth, and dedication in his team that only a highly visible model like Dobbs can create.

- Bryan Matsuoka Vice Chairman, Twin Fall School District

In all that he does, Dr. Wiley Dobbs stands as an academic and community leader that Twin Falls

is lucky to call its own.

- Jerry Beck,Former President of College of Souther Idaho

9


SLATEPublic Instruction

BY TOM LUNASuperintendent of Public Instruction

This summer, I had the honor of speaking with school board trustees from throughout the Pacific Northwest.

They asked me to speak about Idaho’s move to higher academic standards and how we as a state are communicating this transition to our parents, patrons, and policymakers. While not every state has chosen to adopt the Common Core State Standards, every state has realized it must increase its academic standards in core areas in some way in order to better prepare students for the world that awaits them after high school.

Because of this, all states and school districts are facing similar challenges when it comes to implementing higher academic standards, whether those standards are Common Core State Standards or other college- and career-ready standards.

In speaking with these school board trustees from throughout Idaho and across the Northwest, I reiterated the critical role school board members play not only at the local level, but at the state level as well.

In Idaho, school board members are a powerful voice. You are educational leaders in

your individual communities. When you talk, people listen.

As a former school board member, I understand the role you play at the local level.

Your voice is powerful on issues of local control and labor matters. It is just as powerful on issues such as academic standards.

Idaho adopted the Common Core State Standards as Idaho’s new Core Standards in English language arts and mathematics back in 2011. While many schools have already begun teaching to these new, higher standards, all schools will begin teaching to them this fall. Students will be measured against these higher standards in Spring 2015.

Now that the full implementation of the standards is here, it has caused a lot of conversation in communities across the State.

Parents want to know how their child’s classroom will look different than it did last year. Teachers want to know what professional development will be available

throughout the school year. Other community members want reassurance that local school boards still have control over curriculum.

Your voice is critical in this conversation.

I encourage every school board member to take the lead. We know these standards are what is best for our students and the future of our State. We face a challenge in Idaho.

While our students do well academically in grades K-12, far too many are graduating from high school unprepared for the rigors of college, professional-technical education, or the workforce. We are not alone. Many other states face the same challenge.

That is why we worked with other states through a state-led voluntary initiative in 2009 to develop higher, more rigorous standards in mathematics and English language arts that emphasize critical thinking and problem solving and are comparable with any other country in the world.

As a school board member and leader in your community, you can help share this important message by getting out and speaking to civic

Trustees Have a Powerful Voice inCommon Core Conversation

Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Luna, presents on Common Core Standards at the NSBA Pacific Region meeting in Boise on June 29, 2013.

continued on next page...

10 SLATE Public Instruction


clubs. Tell your neighbors and colleagues about these standards, the benefits of them, and how your school district is working to implement them at the local level.

If those in your community have lots of questions about local control and implementation, host a school board workshop on the standards and provide a thorough review of how your school district is implementing these standards. This can help demonstrate the authority you maintain at the local level.

I also strongly encourage you and your district to create a plan to communicate with parents regularly about the transition to these higher academic standards.

We at the Department have created an Idaho Core Standards Communications Toolkit for any school board member or local school district to use in their communication efforts.

The Toolkit includes a sample PowerPoint presentation you can use at community meetings. A sample letter is available for you to tailor to meet your needs and send home to parents. The Toolkit also includes a list of Frequently Asked Questions and a sheet of myths we have heard and the facts to dispel them. I am sure many of you are hearing the same things.

We also have created a Parent Brochure you can download and post on your website. We will be printing hard copies and sending them to your district just in time to hand out to parents as school begins again.

All of these documents are translated into Spanish as well to help meet the needs of your community.

In addition, we have posted a link to the national PTA’s Parent’s Guide to Student Success by Grade Level. These documents drill down by grade level to provide specific examples and tips for parents depending on the age of their child. The PTA will allow any district to download these documents and affix their own logos to these guides, if they want to co-brand them before handing them out to parents.

Please draw on these resources that are available on our website at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/common/toolkit.htm and let us know if there are other ways in which we can help you communicate effectively with parents and patrons in your communities about the new Idaho Core Standards and the benefits of moving to higher academic standards.

Board Training of the QuarterSeptember - November 2013

Call the ISBA Office to discussyour training needs.

Phone: (208) 854-1476Toll-Free (866) 799-4722

[email protected]

EIGHT CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE SCHOOL BOARDSThis two-hour training focuses on the impact that goal setting, district knowledge, and collegial working relationships with superintendents, teachers, and administrators have on student achievement. This workshop will help boards understand the critical difference between governance and data driven decision making from a balcony viewpoint versus the day-to-day management in the district.

This is a $50 dollar savings to the district over the regular cost of board training. Book now and help your district move from good to great!

Cost: $250 plus travel

Jackie Hopper

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9 / Volume 31 / February 2013

SLATE

Improving Education and the Legislature so that together we can ensure every penny continues to go to Idaho’s teachers and educators, not only this year but next year and in the future.

In case you missed my budget presentation before JFAC, here are the highlights of what I recommended for Fiscal Year FY2014:

• 3%, or $37.9 million, increase in General Funds for public schools

• 1.67% to restore the shift in funding for teacher salaries

• Raise the minimum teacher salary to $31,000

• 1.5% increase in discretionary funds for local school districts and public charter schools

• 2% increase in pupil transportation funds

• $10.4 million to restore a historic line item for classroom technology for school districts

• $3.7 million to fund professional development as Idaho teachers implement higher academic standards

• $4.8 million to continue funding for more math and science teachers

• $7.7 million to follow through on the State’s commitment to operate the statewide instructional management system, known as Schoolnet, and provide professional development opportunities for Idaho teachers on how to integrate this system in the classroom

• $10 million to begin a two-year phase-in to restore school facilities and maintenance funding

• $250,000 to continue the Dual Credit for Early Completers Program

• $150,000 to reconvene the Safe Schools Task Force that will take a renewed look at school safety in Idaho

Financial Governance:

Jackie Hopper(208) [email protected]

Liz Killpack(208) [email protected]

Fiscal responsibility is establishing budgets that are affordable, sustainable, stable, and responsible. It involves setting a budget that is within the means of funding, having a capital projects plan, using resources wisely and communicating the budget and the financial health to the patrons. This workshop will include topics on:

BoARd TRAining of ThE QuARTER

THE DOLLARS AND SENSE OF SCHOOL FINANCE

• The basics of financial oversight, accountability, and fiduciary responsibilities, including the roles, and responsibilities of key district finance officials in properly safeguarding, using, and accounting for district resources.

• Board members will be able to read and understand the finance reports, and what reports warrant special attention.

• The importance of the audit and the process for audits, as well as common types of fraud, attitudes, and conditions that invite abuse will be explored.

• The overall goal for the board member upon completion of this training will be knowing how to recognize sound financial management and the signs of a fiscally stressed district as well as the policy and oversight actions that the board can put in place to protect resources.

Call the ISBA Office to discuss your training needs.

Phone: (208) 854-1476Toll-Free: (866) 799-4722

www.idsba.org

Special rates can be negotiated if districts would like to schedule the workshop together! Split the travel

and get a further reduction on the workshop.Contact Jackie Hopper for details.

2 hour Workshop:

$200 plus trainer’s travel (Savings of over $50!)

Use the Idaho Education Network and pay no travel costs!

Idaho Core Standards Communication

Toolkit

Visit http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/common/toolkit.htm to download resources:

• Sample PowerPoint presentation for community meetings

• Sample letter to parents (also in Spanish)

• Frequently asked questions (also in Spanish)

• Myths and facts (also in Spanish)

• Parent brochure (also in Spanish)

• PTA’s Parent’s Guide to Student Success by Grade Level

Tools You Can Use

Statistic of the Quarter 11SLATE


Not the Right Kindof

SUMMER LEARNING LOSSSome children experience a slowdown in learning over the summer. The impact is greatest on children from low-income families who may not have access to enriching summer activities. These children lose two to three months of reading comprehension skills every summer.1 By the end of fifth grade, they are almost three years behind their middle-income peers.

IDAHO’S CHILDRENThe Idaho State Department of Education reports that in the spring of 2012, 82% of kindergarteners had grade-level reading skills (‘Benchmark’ scores on the Idaho Reading Indicator). When that class of first graders returned in the fall, only 64% were at grade level.

TOO MANY CHILDREN LOSE GROUND OVER THE SUMMER MONTHS

RESOURCES1Cooper, H., Borman, G., & Fairchild, R. (2010). “School Calendars and Academic Achievement.” In J. Meece & J. Eccles (Eds.), Handbook of Research on Schools, Schooling, and Human Development (pp. 342-355). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.

Idaho KIDS COUNT thanks the Annie E. Casey Foundation for generous financial support. The findings and conclusions presented here do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Foundation.

Learning Gap Between Low-Income and Middle Class Children

Summer Slide

We invest in our children’s schooling to ensure they become productive adults. Summer learning loss is a hole in the bucket, letting some of that investment slip away every year and threatening our future.

CHILD OFMIDDLE- CL ASS

FAMILY

CHILD OFLOW- INCOME

FAMILY

SUMMER LE ARNING LOSS

SCHOOL

YEAR

SUMMER

SCHOOL

YEAR

SUMMER

SCHOOL

YEAR

SUMME

SCHOOL

YEAR

SUMMER

SCHOOL

YEAR

SUMMER

BIRT

H

KIND

ERGAR

TEN

FIRS

T GRAD

E

THIR

D GRAD

E

FIFT

H GRAD

E

SECO

ND G

RADE

FOUR

TH G

RADE

AC

CU

MU

LA

TE

D

LE

AR

NIN

G I

N Y

EA

RS

5

4

3

2

1

fast factby fifth grade

low-income kids aremore than

2.5 yearsbehind

12


SLATE From the State Board of Education

BY DON SOLTMANPresident,State Board of Education

Increasing Expectations,

T he graduating class of 2013 is a special group of students and one we will be watching closely as they

move into the next chapter of their lives. This year’s seniors are the first cohort of students who completed the more rigorous graduation requirements adopted by the State Board of Education in 2008. These additional requirements included three years of math, including math during the senior year, three years of science, a senior project, and a college entrance exam.

This redesign of high school graduation requirements raised the bar so a high school diploma means what it should – that Idaho students are ready for college or to enter the workforce with the tools they need to succeed. Ensuring that high school graduates are college and career ready is a critical first step to meeting the Board’s goal to see that 60 percent of Idaho citizens between the ages of 25-34 attain a postsecondary degree or certificate by 2020.

Thirty-five years ago, just 28 percent of U.S. jobs required training or education after high school. According to a recent report on job growth and education requirements from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, 68 percent of all jobs in Idaho will require postsecondary education and training beyond high school by 2020. Developing our State’s talent and providing a 21st century education to meet the demands of today’s economy requires us to set higher standards for our students.

In addition to the more rigorous high school graduation requirements, the Board, along with the Governor’s Office and the State Department of Education, have worked over the last several years to establish the

evidence-based Idaho Core Standards. These more rigorous standards were adopted by the Board in 2010 and the Legislature in 2011 for implementation beginning in the 2013-2014 school year. Content standards outline the knowledge and skills students should attain at each level of their education across different subjects. The Idaho Core Standards are aligned with college and workforce expectations, are focused and coherent, include rigorous content, and are internationally benchmarked. The implementation of these new standards in math and English language arts will further help ensure that students are prepared for opportunities in education, work, and life.

This preparation means not only mastering reading, English, and math, but also developing skills needed to succeed in college and the workplace – like communications, problem solving, and teamwork. Students, parents, teachers, and community members should understand that we must expect more if we want to achieve more. Life is no longer about competing with people in the same town or in the state. Idaho students are now competing with their peers around the globe. It’s up to all of us to make sure they are ready.

Increasing Student Success

In addition to the more

rigorous high school graduation requirements, the Board, along with

the Governor's Office and the

State Department of Education,

have worked over the last several

years to establish the evidence-

based Idaho Core Standards.

Don Soltman is the current president of the Idaho State Board of Education. He is a retired health care executive and former trustee of the Lakeland School District. Don makes his home in Rathdrum, Idaho.

13


SLATESafety Notes

OSHA’s Chemical Hazard Communication program is designed to protect workers from exposures to hazardous materials that they may be exposed to in the workplace. This program

has been adopted by the Idaho Division of Building Safety.

In schools, hazardous materials can be found in a wide variety of areas including science laboratories, professional-technical education, and arts classrooms. School staff members including maintenance, custodial, teachers, and bus drivers will routinely be exposed to hazardous materials that are included in the hazard communication standard.

OSHA has changed the Hazard Communication Standard to adopt the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. Once implemented, the revised standard will improve the quality and consistency of hazard information, making it safer for workers and students by providing easy to understand information on the appropriate handling and safe use of hazardous chemicals.

Chemical Hazard Communication Program

Pat Pinkham or Allan RanstromMoreton & Company(800) 332-6789

BUSINESS PARTNER

DIAMONDISBA

BY PAT PINKHAMMoreton & Company

Other changes to be made include standardizing the information contained in Material Data Safety Sheets (MSDS), so that their safety information provided by the material’s manufacturer or supplier is in a uniform order. MSDSs will also have their name changed to “Safety Data Sheets”.

The changes to the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard involve changes to the current labeling system. When implemented, labels will use a Globally Harmonized System (GHS) using standard pictographs to describe a substance’s hazards. Labels will also contain:

• Precautionary Statements: One or more phrases that describe recommended measures to be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous chemical or improper storage or handling of a hazardous chemical.

• Signal Words: A signal word used to indicate the relative level of severity of the hazard and alert the reader to a potential hazard on the label. The signal words used are “danger” and “warning.” “Danger” is used for the more severe hazards, while “warning” is used for less severe hazards.

• Hazard Statements: A phrase assigned to each hazard category; examples include “harmful if swallowed,” “highly flammable liquid and vapor,” etc.

The switch to the GHS of labeling and the uniform order of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) is to be phased in over the next three years, with the first phase involving employee training. The first phase will be completed by December 2013, with complete implementation to be done by June 2015.

SafeSchools.com has already developed online training programs on the change over to the GHS labeling requirements, and can be used to comply with OSHA’s training requirements.

http://dbs.idaho.gov/safety_code/pdfs/301_haz_comm.pdfADDITIONAL ONLINE RESOURCE

GHS Hazard Pictograms

Explosive

Gas Under Pressure

Skin IrritantToxic

Other Safety Hazard

Corrosive

Aquatic Toxicity

CarcinogenRespiratory SensitizerReproductive Toxicity

Mutagen

Oxidizer

Acute Toxicity

Flammable

OSHA Updates

Please contact Moreton & Company if you have any questions related to the OSHA changes on the Hazard Communication program, the newly adopted GHS labeling system, or how to access and use the SafeSchools online library of school specific safety and loss control training.

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SLATE PoLicy Update News

The new rule is a result of several factors, including the repeal of the Students Come First legislation that formed the foundation of Idaho’s teacher evaluation system. Due to the repeal, Idaho was no longer in compliance with the Elementary Secondary Education Act (“ESEA”) Waiver requiring that student achievement and multiple measures be included in teacher evaluations. As a result, the Idaho State Department of Education (“the Department”) worked with stakeholders to extensively redraft Idaho’s local teacher evaluation policy rule (IDAPA 08.02.02.120) to bring Idaho’s evaluation standards back into compliance with the ESEA Waiver. To do so, the Department convened an Educator Evaluation Task Force to analyze the gaps between Idaho’s current evaluation system and what was required under the ESEA Waiver.

Teacher Evaluation RuleChanges to the

Policy & Government Affairs Director

The Educator Evaluations Task Force made several recommendations for changes to the current evaluation rule. The Task Force determined that all teachers and pupil personnel certificate holders should be evaluated once annually, no later than May 1st, which was the basis for the resulting statutory changes enacted in the 2013 legislative session. Additionally, the proposed rule developed by the Task Force requires that thirty-three percent (33%) of all certificated instructional staff evaluations be based on objective measures of growth in student achievement as determined by the board of trustees and based upon research. The Task Force is also recommending that a percentage of that thirty-three percent (33%) be based on growth in student achievement as measured by the statewide assessment utilized for Federal accountability purposes. The Task Force decided that in calculating portion based on student achievement, districts may choose to use both current and past year’s data. For new teachers who do not have data from previous years, the principal should work with those teachers to develop student growth goals for the students assigned to those teachers.

Another important change to the teacher evaluation rule recommended by the Educator Evaluations Task Force is that the remaining sixty-seven percent (67%) of the evaluation be based on measures of Professional Practice. The measures of Professional Practice portion of the evaluation shall include a minimum of two documented observations annually and at least one (1) of the following; parent/guardian input, student input, or portfolios. At least one (1) of the documented, formal observations must take place prior to January 1st. This required deadline was also included in the recent statutory changes. The January 1st deadline will ensure that teachers put on a performance plan of assistance are identified early in the school year.

The final significant change is the inclusion of a performance level system to be used in teacher evaluations. The Task Force decided that the State should adopt a minimum of three (3) performance levels used to differentiate the performance of teachers and pupil personnel certificate holders. Those performance levels are; unsatisfactory, basic, and proficient. Districts may choose to add additional performance levels at the discretion of the local board of trustees.

Once these changes are formally approved by the State Board, districts will need to update their local teacher evaluation policies to be in compliance with the new rule. Fortunately, the Idaho School Boards Association (ISBA) is here to help! ISBA will be providing members of its Policy Update Service with a revised teacher evaluation policy based upon the rule changes noted above in its Fall Policy Update Service Release after approval by the State Board. If you have a policy question, or would like to learn more about becoming a member of ISBA’s Policy Update Service, please contact Jessica Harrison at [email protected].

The Idaho State Board of Education (“the State Board”) will likely be considering a proposal at its August meeting that significantly changes the current local teacher evaluation policy rule.

BY JESSICA HARRISON

Policy Update ServiceToll-Free: (866) 799-4722Email: [email protected]

Web: www.idsba.org

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SLATEExecutive Board Member Highlight

Why I Serve on the Executive Board I am currently serving on the ISBA Executive Board as the Region VI Chair. It is a privilege to work with so many outstanding fellow board members from across Idaho. As with my own individual board, we have different backgrounds, experiences, and expectations, but the one thing we all have in common is our commitment to educating the children in Idaho.

ISBA Region 6 Chair • Idaho Falls School District

Lisa Burtenshaw

A little about me I am the mother of four busy children: Sydney (16), Jacob, 13), Josh (11), and Ethan (7). I am also very blessed to have a husband, Bryce, who is willing to act as my “sponsor” so I can dedicate the necessary time to serve. My children are spread throughout elementary school, middle school, and high school, and I have concerns (some justified) about serving as a trustee with all of my children still in school, but the rewards have outweighed the challenges. When I am not participating in school board activities, I like to travel and enjoy the opportunities of Idaho’s great outdoors.

A little Advice There are always two sides of a story, and the truth usually lies somewhere in the middle. Take the time to hear all sides of an issue and recognize that perception is reality. In most communities, the education of children is a very emotional issue. Parents, teachers, and patrons have their own unique experiences with public education - both good and bad. These experiences have led to strong beliefs about how the school should be run. Be willing to accept criticism, try to find consensus, be honest and sincere, and above all, keep children the first priority.

My service began in 2008 on a district-level committee tasked

with looking at the then new graduation requirements for the class of 2013. A few of the committee recommendations divided members of the school board and the community. It was during this turbulent time that I was appointed to serve on the board of trustees. I was elected in May of 2011, and as a board we continue to face challenges with limited resources, changing demographics, and higher expectations. I am fortunate to serve with experienced board members who understand that strength comes from the board and not individual members.

Be willing to accept criticism, try to find consensus, be honest and sincere, and

above all keep children the first priority.

Education EvaluationsTask Force UpdateThe Teacher and Principal Evaluation Rules have been out for public comment along with the necessary revisions required from the US Department of Education. These rules are now in final form. The changes that have been made are listed below:

Principal (IDAPA 08.02.02.121)• Added language that requires

principal evaluations based on the new statewide standards piloted in districts during the 2013-2014 school year with full implementation during the 2014-2015 school year.

• Added language to include “teacher input” as a multiple measure choice under the Professional Practice section.

• Added language that requires principals to be evaluated at least once annually by May 1st.

• Added language that clarifies that despite the fact districts will only be piloting the new principal evaluation standards during the 2013-2014 school year, principals will be required to have 33% of their evaluation based on growth in student achievement during the 2013-2014 school year. Due to the potential transition from the ISAT to the SBAC Assessment next year, the use of Statewide Assessment for Federal Accountability Purposes will not be a required part of the evaluation until the 2014-2015 school year.

Stay tuned for the changes and the impact to Boards of Education on the Administrators evaluation rule.

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SLATE ASK ISBA

Are trustees allowed to participate in district-sponsored insurance plans?

Question:

Answer: Yes. Idaho Code does provide a mechanism by which elected officials in political subdivisions can

participate in the insurance plans offered by the entity they serve. However, there is a “prepayment” condition whereby the elected official must pay, out of his or her own pocket in advance, each month the premiums for the plans in which they choose to participate. The relevant Idaho Code citation is below:

67-5763. Governmental body authorized to make contracts for group insurance for officers and employees. Any school district, municipality, county, or the state of Idaho, or other political subdivision of the state of Idaho, is hereby authorized to make contracts of group insurance and arrangements with prepayment plans, insuring and covering life, health, hospitalization, medical and surgical service and expense, accident insurance, contracts of annuities and pensions, or any one or more of such forms of insurance, annuities, pensions, or prepayment plans of coverage for the benefit of its elected or appointed officers and employees including life, hospitalization, medical and surgical expense insurance or prepayment plan coverage for dependents of such officers and employees.

This code section clearly allows the district to include trustees in their health and other insurance benefits offered to employees as long as the payment for the chosen coverages is made in advance.

However, although the code section allows the school district to obtain insurance coverage for elected or appointed officials, it does not require an insurer to cover those individuals if the school did not include them as eligible individuals under the plan.

Schools participating in the Statewide Schools program all have the same Eligibility & Enrollment qualifications as follows:

To qualify as an Eligible Employee under this Policy, a person must be and remain a full-time employee, sole proprietor, or partner of the Group who regularly works at least 20 hours per week and is paid on a regular, periodic basis through the Group’s payroll system.

As we all know, school board members cannot be employees of the school district. As such, the trustees in any school district that participates in the Statewide Schools program are not eligible to apply for health insurance benefits. If your district has other health insurance, we encourage you to check with your provider to see if this is possible for the trustees in your district.

The Idaho Association of School Business Officials is pleased to announce Nancy Landon, Business Manager with the Boise School District, as the 2013 School Business Official of the Year.

Business Official of the Year

Nancy Landon

“Nancy Landon exhibits our district’s values of respect, dignity, honesty, responsibility, and

teamwork in everything she does. She treats every question, from the simplest to the most complex

with same respect, which helps the board gain deeper understanding of district finances.”

- A.J. Balukoff, School Board President,Boise School District

“Nancy is recognized as one of the top Budget and Finance administrators in the State, and is often

relied upon by officials in other districts for advice in budget preparation, creation of budget documents,

and analysis of financial statements.”

- Dr. Don Coberly, Superintendent,Boise School District

“Nancy’s management abilities, and further, her willingness to communicate the responsibility with

which she has carried out her mission to keep our district solvent in tough times are laudable.”

- Sue Lovelace, Parent Volunteer,Boise School District

ABOUT THE AWARDStarted in 2003, the IASBO Business Official of the Year program is a peer recognition program for outstanding service, innovative plan design and implementation, or other exemplary business practices within school business management in the State of Idaho.

17


SLATE


SLATE18

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19SLATEDistinguished Student award

02

01 MACKENZIE O’BLENESS

Idaho Falls High SchoolIdaho Falls School District

02 MAGGIE BROWN

Gooding High SchoolGooding School District

03 WESTON DURLAND

Capital High School Boise School District

04 LAINE PRATT

Clearwater Valley High SchoolMountain View School District

0401

03

MACKENZIEO’BLENESS

MAGGIEBROWN

WESTONDURLAND

LAINEPRATT

COMPUTER SCIENCE

PRE-MED

FILM MAKING

AGRICULTURALSCIENCE

Distinguished Studentsof the YearSince 2002, Idaho’s dairy farm families began recognizing well-rounded senior students who excel as leaders in academics, athletics, volunteerism, and extracurricular activities.

Each week throughout the school year, four students from each Idaho market (Southwestern, Eastern, Northern and South Central) are selected as Distinguished Student Award winners. Yearly, four students from the winners are selected as DSA Students of the Year. Weekly winners earn their schools a $100 scholarship and yearly winners’ schools receive a $5,000 scholarship thanks to each student’s achievement.

20 SLATE

Geoffrey CanadAFounder of the Harlem Children’s Zone and recent speaker at the National School Boards Association’s annual conference in Boston:

● “The cost of education is cheaper than the cost of incarceration. We must invest more with kids who need more now, or pay later.”

● “Our world is changing. Businesses have seen a need for change and have made changes. Why can’t schools?”

● “We need to stand up and fight for our kids. Our job is not to try to figure out what our kids can live without, but rather what can our kids live for.”

AdministrationTips from the Trenches:

Leadership is essential to effective education. Here are some “Tips from the Trenches” from the school leaders and leaders of national education organizations themselves.

Esther Monclova-JohnsonDirector of Equity Affairs for Virginia Beach City Public Schools:

● “Our purpose in education is to help create learning environments that are culturally responsive, engaging, and respectful of the young people that we serve.”

● “In order to fully engage in this tremendous learning experience that lasts 13 years or more, we should honor the true relationship. If we want to know what interests and excites our youth, we need to talk to them and share in constructive dialogue. If we want to ensure that they acquire the skills they need to be successful in life, then we have to make learning relevant, rigorous, and exciting.”

● “We have to pay attention to the development of resiliency skills in their educational experience.”

BY STEPHEN SROKA

Volume 31 / August 2013

C. Ed Massey is a keynote speaker

at the ISBA Annual Convention in

November. See page 32.

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SLATE

C. Ed MasseyImm. Past President of National School Boards Association:

● “Leaders in today’s world must be flexible. Adaptive leadership is meeting the challenge of a changing educational environment.”

● “Leaders must push people to their potential while not pushing them beyond their capacity.”

● “Leaders must rise above the trenches so as to see the battlefield globally rather than locally. By doing so, problem solving becomes contextual.”

● “Leading is dangerous work and not for the ill of heart. Many times those not familiar with the issues at hand dislike the message and as a direct result, they blame the messenger. Leaders continue to promote a message even in the midst of travail. They understand that the conveyance of their message is their role and they don’t take the criticism personally. As a result, persistence has a chance to prevail.”

Betsy LandersPresident of National Parent Teacher Association:

● “It’s simple: parent involvement equals student achievement. Decades of research continue to show a direct link between family engagement and student success, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, religion, or background.”

● “A 2010 study examining school improvement work in Chicago’s lowest performing public schools found that success depends on five necessary ingredients. Not surprisingly, family engagement is one of them. Like baking a cake, researchers found that if even one ingredient was not in place, there was no recipe for success. We know this to be true, yet we continue to fail to see family engagement made a priority in many reform movements.”

Stephen Sroka, PhD, is an adjunct assistant professor at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, and president of Health Education Consultants. He has worked in schools for more than 30 years.

Connect with Sroka at www.wholechildeducation.org or [email protected]

© 2013 Stephen R. Sroka, PhD, Lakewood, Ohio. Used with permission.

Barbara-Jane ParisPrincipal at Canyon Vista Middle School in Austin, Texas, and President-Elect of National Association of Secondary School Principals:

● “Programs don’t change behavior, people do. Chose the right ones. Fire a few.”

● “Work smarter, not harder. Give everyone a productive role by knowing what drives them.”

● “If you put the wrong task with the wrong person, they work harder, but the mission fails. It’s like straightening the chairs on the Titanic.”

● “Speak with one voice. In difficult times, there is rarely one solution—if there were, the situation would never have happened. Pick an underlying principle and stick with it.”

● “Above all: students first.”

Senator Richard MarcellaisNorth Dakota State Senator (D-9), chairman of Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, and president of National Indian School Board Association:

● “Native American schools have the lowest AYP scores in the nation. What happened with No Child Left Behind was that it was for only non-native schools.”

● “As a Native American, I believe that non-natives need to understand the culture of each tribe because each tribe is different and has different beliefs.”

● “In order to educate the Native American students, I believe educators need to better understand the issues and concerns and be able to communicate on the culture level.”

● “As a senator, I am on the education committee because I believe education is the most important thing to help everyone in their lives.”

Look for more Tips from the Trenches in future Issues of the SLATE.Topics will include teaching, Student Services, and School Safety.


the board and superintendent work as a team. There is a common goal to improve student achievement, with both sides working to keep the relationship positive and effective. When boards are seeking a superintendent who will fit their district and whose professional skills are outstanding, it is prudent to secure outside assistance.

The Idaho School Boards Association (ISBA) is the place to turn for help when selecting a new superintendent. ISBA has skilled, experienced, and helpful staff dedicated to the principle of serving local boards.

We are in a position to make recommendations as to the professional work, skill level, and instructional leadership experience of those interested in applying for a superintendent position. Because every state has a school board association, and we belong to the National Association of Superintendent Searchers, we also have the capacity to conduct a full national search.

When a district decides to use ISBA to lead the search process, it not only gets the skill and experience of the search team, it can also draw upon our other in-house resources such as legal advice, and research data related to the search.

A NEW SERVICE OF THE ISBA:SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH

IN SUCCESSFUL DISTRICTS

22 SLATE

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SLATE

PO Box 9797Boise, ID 83707-4797

phone (866) 799-4722fax (208) 854-1480

web www.idsba.orgemail [email protected]

Interview QuestionsISBA has established a list of effective and pointed questions that your district may find beneficial in its superintendent search process. We have researched many states and various districts to find the most effective questions to ask. With this option, ISBA will send you the list of questions.

Assistance with Interview ProcessAre you aware of the questions you can and can’t ask your superintendent candidates? Don’t cause your Board undue problems or embarrassment by asking illegal or inappropriate questions. With this option, we will provide an experienced staff member who will assist your Board with the interview process. If you choose, this staff member will travel to your district and ask the interview questions or lead your Board with the questions to ask (and not ask).

Background CheckMake sure your superintendent candidates have clean background checks! ISBA provides this service to help ensure you know of any criminal backgrounds of your candidates.

SERVICESa la carte

SERVICESpackageOption 1: Marketing of Opening With this option, ISBA will work with the district to determine the qualifications of the desired candidate. ISBA will then market the opening around the State as well as in other states. ISBA will forward all applications to the district for their review. Once the district selects the top five candidates, ISBA will conduct background checks on those candidates and return the findings to the district.

Option 2: Marketing + Superintendent Search With this option, the district receives all of the services in Option 1 in addition to search services. Once ISBA completes the marketing of the opening, we will appoint a qualified and experienced staff member to assist your district with the search. This includes reviewing the applications, informing the board of candidates who are not qualified (based on information provided on the application), and assist the district in determining the top candidates to move forward with interviews. ISBA will set up interviews with the top candidates, and, if the board prefers, the staff member can assist with the interview process. This could include preparing a list of interview questions and being present for interviews. There is an additional cost for an ISBA staff member if you choose to have the staff member present during the interviews.

Option 3: Marketing + Superintendent Search + CoachingWith this option, the district receives all of the services in Options 1 and 2 in addition to a coaching service. Because the first year is so critical for setting the tone of professional relationships, ISBA offers a year-long coaching to help your new team operate effectively. ISBA will meet with you and your new superintendent once per month to discuss any of the following:

• Governance• Expectations• Goal Setting• Operating Agreements• Performance Evaluation

• Public Meetings & Executive Sessions

• Effective Communications • Roles & Responsibilities• Board and Superintendent

Relationships• Public School Funding in Idaho• K12 Public School Laws in Idaho

contact misty jones swansonIdaho School Boards Association

SLATE

ISBA Scholarship Recipients2013

Archie McGregor IV Archie McGregor III St. Maries High School St. Maries Joint SD #041 1

Karen Hunt Julie Hunt Post Falls High School Post Falls SD #273 1

Kaia Cannon Byron Cannon Deary High School Whitepine Joint SD #282 2

Kirk Nelson John “Jack” Nelson Troy Jr.-Sr. High School Troy SD #287 2

Sarah Gussenhoven Esther Spataro, Brad Cuddy, Lewiston Senior High School Lewiston Independent SD #340 2

William Gussenhoven

Wyatt Calkins Donald Calkins Lapwai High/Middle School Lapwai SD #341 2

Amanda Grover Andrew Grover Melba High School Melba Joint SD #136 3

Malia Peck Clinton Peck Kuna High School Kuna Joint SD #003 3

Brooklyn Worthington Christine Worthington Murtaugh High School Murtaugh Joint SD #418 4

Bryon Hope Doyle Hope Wendell High School Wendell SD #232 4

Cheyenne Hubert Kris Hubert Dietrich High School Dietrich SD #314 4

Jaide Parke Daniel Parke Carey High School Blaine County SD #061 4

Karli McHone Kelli Ann McHone Glenns Ferry High School Glenns Ferry Joint SD #192 4

Logan Porter Jarrett Porter Dietrich High School Dietrich SD #314 4

Emily McCurdy Troy McCurdy Grace High School Grace Joint SD #148 5

Cole Hepworth Carol Hepworth Snake River High School Snake River SD #052 5

Hailee Harrigfeld Gordon Harrigfeld North Fremont High School Fremont County Joint SD #215 6

Jason McBride Douglas McBride Sugar-Salem High School Sugar-Salem Joint SD #322 6

Erica Green Lin Hintze Mackay High School Mackay Joint SD #182 7

Megan Pearson Cheri Pearson Butte County High School Butte County Joint SD #111 7

Trevor Kauer Tex James Kauer Leadore High School South Lemhi SD #292 7

Danielle Petitmermet Nick Petitmermet Cambridge High School Cambridge Joint SD #432 8

Elizabeth McDonald Holly McDonald Meadows Valley High School Meadows Valley SD #011 8

Scholarship Recipient Recipient’s School Recipient’s District RegionBoard Member

Parent/Grandparent

Smith Family Memorial ScholarshipRecipient: Kirsti MorrisBoard Member: Randal MorrisMarsh Valley High SchoolMarsh Valley SD #021, Region 5

Comstock Family Memorial ScholarshipRecipient: Haley WorkmanBoard Member: Kim WorkmanDeary High SchoolWhitepine Joint SD #282, Region 2

The ISBA Past Presidents’ Scholarship Auction at the Annual Convention raises money to support

the ISBA Scholarship Trust Program. The Scholarship Trust awards college scholarships to children

and grandchildren of Idaho public school board members (both past and present). For more

details, visit the Scholarship Trust page at www.idsba.org.

24

25


LEVEL I ACHIEVEMENT

25-50 PointsPlus:• Code of Ethics Signed

LEVEL II EXCELLENCE

50-100 Points Level I plus:• Self Assessment Completed• Attends 90% of Board meetings

LEVEL III MASTERY

100-150 PointsLevel II plus:• Writes article for SLATE or Voice• Serves on at least one Board Committee

LEVEL IV DISTINCTION

150 + PointsLevel III plus: • Served on Board for 3+ years• Region Leadership Service

Certificate ofR E C O G N I T I O N

I NL E A D E R S H I P

Trustee Awardof BOARDSMANSHIP

The demands on board members have grown as new federal, state, and local responsibilities are added to the agenda. With budgets tighter and public

scrutiny sharper, the stakes are higher. But so are the results accomplished by good board members. You deserve formal recognition for the time and talent you devote to your community’s most important responsibility - public schools.

To encourage professional growth of individual school board members, ISBA awards members who invest their time and effort into becoming more informed and more effective school board members.

There are four levels of recognition; Level I Achievement, Level II Excellence, Level III Mastery and Level IV Distinction. These awards are earned during a 12 month period, October to September, and are recognized during the ISBA Annual Convention.

I S B A M A S T E R O FBoardsmanship

P R O G R A M

Individual board members can earn the Trustee Award of Boardsmanship by reaching one

of four levels of recognition; Achievement, Excellence, Mastery, and Distinction.

With the participation of two-thirds or more of board members, the board can earn the Master

of Boardsmanship Award, by meeting the minimum criteria outlined for the five standards.

BOARDSMANSHIPTrustee Award of

BOARDSMANSHIP AWARDMaster of


STANDARD 1

REQUIRED (complete both)

• Conduct an annual Board Evaluation

• Conduct an annual Superintendent Evaluation

ELECTIVE (complete one or more)

• Review and update district vision, mission, values, or strategic plan

• Review and sign board code of ethics

• Print your district mission on your agenda and refer to it when making decisions

• Attend 90% of your regularly scheduled district board meetings

• Attend your Region Meeting

EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE

CONVENTIONS ISBA Annual Convention 50Early Bird Workshop (at ISBA Annual Convention) 15Night Owl Workshop (at ISBA Annual Convention) 10NSBA Annual Convention 50

WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS Summer Leadership Institute 25Education Law Seminar 20Governance Workshop 10

ISBA REGIONAL MEETINGRegional Meeting 15

LEGISLATIVEDay on the Hill 25

INDIVIDUAL BOARD TRAINING By ISBA Approved Presenter8 Hours Board Training 254 Hours Board Training 152 Hours Board Training 10 10 Minute Trainers* 5 *1 point per 10 Min. Training with maximum of 5 points. Board Minutes from meeting must be attached for verification.

ISBA EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETINGS February Meeting 10April Meeting 10September Meeting 10

OTHER Represent ISBA on committee or in a meeting* 15

*Up to 15 points awarded based on hours served .For any activity not listed, contact atrainer to determine award points.

Point System

Trustee Awardof BOARDSMANSHIP BOARDSMANSHIP AWARD

Master of

Knowing the authority of the school board is found in the board actions as a whole, the Idaho School Board Association offers a Master Boardmanship Award for the entire school board. This award is granted upon completion of an application process that demonstrates both boardmanship basics as well as a demonstration of effectiveness in the five standards of school board operations; governance,

26

STANDARD 2

REQUIRED (attend one or more)

• ISBA Convention• NSBA Convention• Charter School Network Convention• Summer Leadership Institute• In-District Training


• Attend a seminar, workshop, or presentation on an education related topic

• Attend a neighboring school district’s board meeting and compare governance styles

• Participate in 15 min. board training session to be held at your own school board meeting at least four times per year

• Read an education related book or article and submit a synopsis for the blog on ISBA’s website

• Participate in an education related webinar

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

STANDARD 3

REQUIRED (complete two or more)

• Attend ISBA Day on the Hill

• As a board, conduct a public hearing

• Testify to the Legislature

• Meet or call and visit with your local legislator about legislation impacting your district

• Meet with city government officials

• Submit an article to the SLATE or local paper

ADVOCACY

STANDARD REQUIRED ELECTIVE

1 - EFECTIVE GOVERNANCE 2 1

2 - CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT 1 1

3 - ADVOCACY 2 N/A

4 - ACCOUNTABILITY 1 1

5 - COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 1 1

TOTAL 7 4

STANDARD 4

REQUIRED

• Complete ISBA Governance Training at least once every three years


• Complete the Finance 101 Module

• Review and update your district’s Strategic Plan

• Review and update at least 1/3 of your policy manual annually

• Adopt and monitor annual district budget

• Update district website to include AYP and Star Rating Results

ACCOUNTABILITY

continuous improvement, advocacy, accountability and community engagement. This award will be presented at the ISBA Annual Convention in November. The application needs to demonstrate the following activities have been met. The award is earned during a 12 month period, October to September. You may provide board meeting minutes or a signed affidavit of completion of the standards by the Board and the Superintendent.

27

STANDARD 5

REQUIRED

• Establish or review district vision, mission, values, and goals


• Meet with Mayor, City Council, County Commissioners to “tell your story”

• Present at Lions/Rotary/Kiwanis/Senior Citizens/Elks to “tell your story”

• Visit school or school activity as a board, invite the media to attend

• Sit on school committees

• Attend PTA, PTO, Education Foundation meeting

• Share student success stories via social media

• Submit student success stories to ISBA

• Reward and/or recognize staff and students in Board Meetings

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Points towards either boardsmanship award can be earned until September 30, 2013.

Submit your application by October 18, 2013. For application forms, please visit www.idsba.org/convention or email [email protected].

Awards will be presented during the Awards Banquet at the ISBA Annual Convention in Coeur d’Alene, November 6-8, 2013.

Training Director • [email protected] (866) 799-4722 • (208) 854-1476

Please contact Jackie Hopper for application assistance.

28

HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALDistrict: Twin Falls School DistrictApply: Visit the district website at this short link: www.tinyurl.com/kdk9495.Other Details: Canyon Ridge High School. Minimum qualifications include: Master’s degree, with a major in secondary school administration; Meet State certification requirements; At least three years experience as a classroom teacher at the secondary level; Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the board may find appropriate and acceptable.

BUSINESS MANAGERDistrict: Xavier Charter SchoolApply: Application packets need to include the school application form which can be accessed at xaviercharter.org. Other Details: Xavier Charter School is seeking an enthusiastic leader who is able to work collaboratively to further the financial stability of Xavier. The leadership structure is comprised of the Head of Schools, Business Manager, and three Lead Teachers. The ability of the Business Manager to work in this type of a collaborative environment is key. Xavier is a 630 student, K-12, college-prep school that implements a classical education curriculum accented by the Fine Arts. Candidates should have previous accounting and business experience and expertise and possess a professional work ethic. Xavier Charter School is an equal opportunity public charter school funded by the State of Idaho. High professional standards are a hallmark of our school. Questions regarding this position should be directed to Mr. Gary Moon at [email protected].

SECONDARY MATH TEACHERDistrict: Boundary County School DistrictApply: Visit the district website at this short link: www.tinyurl.com/lz5679e.Other Details: This position is located at the Bonners Ferry High School. This is a certified, full time position with district benefits. We operate on a four-day school week. A valid Idaho certificate with proper endorsement is required. Salary based on Certified Salary Schedule. There is more information available on the district website.

help wantedBelow is a sample of job openings currently listed on the ISBA Job Center, a service for member districts and job seekers. View complete listings of adminstrator, certified, and classified positions at www.idsba.org.

These listings are published in this issue of the SLATE as a one-time courtesty.


Voice Newsletter ListingYour job listing will be listed in the Voice, ISBA’s weekly e-newsletter, for 4, 8, or 12 weeks.

SLATE AdvertisementYour job listing will be advertised one time in the next SLATE magazine. Please contact ISBA regarding deadlines for this option. We request a six week notice prior to the print of the next SLATE.

Front Page Website FeatureYour job listing will be added to the front page of www.idsba.org for 4, 8, or 12 weeks. Our website receives a high volume of traffic.

Online Job Center Listing

Your job listing will be posted in the ISBA Job Center for 4, 8, or 12 weeks.

credit packs

Do you want to get the most bang for your buck? Purchase a “pack” of job postings to use now or at any time. This is a great option if you have only a few listings now but expect to have other listings in the future, or, if you have five listings now and want to advertise all of them.

Sold in Packs of 5:• Listed for 4 weeks - $135• Listed for 8 weeks - $200• Listed for 12 weeks - $325

•For More Information

If you have any questions regarding this service or would like additional information, please contact Misty Jones Swanson at the ISBA Office: (208) 854-1476 | [email protected].

PROMOTE YOUR JOB

add $20

add $70

add $30

$30Online Job Center Listing

Voice Newsletter Listing

SLATE Advertisement

Front Page Website Featureadd $40

add $70

add $25

$50

add $50

add $70

add $30

$75

Does your district or charter school have a position to fill? ISBA offers a service for member districts and job-seekers.

ISBA

29SLATE

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SLATE

Please Join Us!November 6-8 • Coeur d’Alene Resort

Room Reservations: Reserve by October 4, 2013The Coeur d’Alene Resort • (800) 688-5253

Ask for ISBA Room Block • $99 to $175 per night, plus tax

Registration: Visit www.idsba.org/conventionRegister before Sept. 30th to save!

Whether you are a veteran board member, a superintendent, a board support

professional, or a first-time attendee, the 71st

ISBA Annual Convention has the tools you need to support 21st century education. You’ll come away with practical ideas, best practices, and a renewed commitment to help your board accomplish the critical work ahead.

The 21st Century BoardLeading for Tomorrow:

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SLATE 31SLATE

Convention WebsiteEverything you need for the 2013 ISBA Annual Convention is now in one central location — www.idsba.org/convention. Find registration information, hotel and travel information, agenda, and any convention related updates. All forms are also available online, including award nomination forms and applications, workshop applications, and student entertainment applications.

Workshop TracksThe workshop sessions will be organized into tracks. These optional tracks are a designed to guide attendees through a progressive set of workshops by the capacity and role they fill - New Board Members, Clerks / Business Managers, Board Chairs, Superintendents, and Charter School Board Members.

State of the ISBA / Open Mic Night

In place of the usual Wednesday evening President’s Reception, we will have an

Evening with Your Board & ISBA. This event is FREE for registered attendees and

includes dinner, board discussion time (we’ll reserve tables for your board), a State of the

ISBA report, and an Open-Mic night so you can ask ISBA officers and staff your questions or

provide comments.

Early Bird WorkshopsWednesday, Nov. 6 • 9am - 12pm

Financial Governance: The Dollars and Sense of School Finance

Fiscal responsibility is a major component of good school board governance. This workshop will cover the basics of financial oversight, accountability, and fiduciary responsibilities. A panel will share their wisdom on financial governance and how they give oversight on the monthly budget reports and the budgeting process.

Board Roles and Responsibilities:

New school board trustees will learn essential knowledge and skills for success. Veteran trustees can share experiences and receive a “booster shot” in what the roles and responsibilities are. Focus your attention on responsible school governance, beliefs about student learning, supporting student and staff success, accountability, and community engagement. Learn

how to maximize your ability in your new role to “invest in

our future through public education.”

NEW FOR 2013!

ISBA ANnual Convention

32 SLATE


Friday, Nov. 8Second General Session

See www.idsba.org/convention for bio.

Jim Bearden’s speaking and writing are based on his first-hand experiences in a wide range of leadership roles. A decorated Vietnam veteran where he served as a Marine rifle company commander, a corporate vice president, and the founder of his own successful company, Jim will do more than espouse leadership theories. Using plenty of humor and his own rich life experiences, Jim will offer specific suggestions for translating leadership concepts into effective school director behavior. This powerful opening keynote presentation is a must-attend for those truly committed to creating cultures for learning.

Thursday, Nov. 7Opening Ceremonies

C. Ed Massey

2013

keynoteSpeakers

These motivating speakers are selected to build your leadership skills and to help move

your district forward. Apply lessons & wisdom learned directly back to your school district.

Jim Bearden

ISBA thanks the following companies for their sponsorship at the 71st ISBA Annual

Convention. Their generous support is vital to the ISBA’s continuing efforts to provide a quality

convention experience for attendees.

Friday, Nov. 16Third General Session

The above sponsors are as of the date of print. See www.idsba.org/convention for current sponsors.

Stephanie Hamilton

A lifelong educator, Stephanie was a high school teacher of English, Social Studies, and Mathematics. After leaving the classroom, she was the director of integrated classroom technology (ICT) for a school system in Alief, Texas, and then the chief information officer (CIO) for the Austin Independent School District in Austin, TX. Since joining Apple in 2000, Stephanie has brought her experience to help define a blueprint for building a 21st Century Learning Environment, helping school leaders identify the critical factors for successful implementation of ICT. She has traveled worldwide in search of successful, replicable instances of ICT used to drive student achievement and prepare students with 21st century skills. She helps articulate the messages about learning, how it has changed and what schools must do to adapt.

to our sponsorsThank You

33SLATEISBA Annual Convention


Supporting the ISBA Scholarship TrustThe ISBA Past Presidents’ Scholarship Auction

raises money to support the ISBA Scholarship Trust Program. The Scholarship Trust awards college

scholarships to children and grandchildren of Idaho public school board members (both past and

present). For more details, visit the Scholarship Trust page at www.idsba.org.

Scholarship Auction

These motivating speakers are selected to build your leadership skills and to help move

your district forward. Apply lessons & wisdom learned directly back to your school district.

AWARDED INTHE PAST 12 YEARS!

$103,500


ISBA Annual ConventionSLATE34

Please Submit Your

award applications & Nominations

Legislative Liaison AwardEvery year school district trustees and superintendents spend a great deal of time advocating to local, state, and national leaders in support of public education. This award is given to an individual whose efforts and participation with ISBA during the legislative session should be recognized and applauded.

Submit nomination forms for these awards:

20 Years Of Service Award Part of growth and learning as a school board trustee is the knowledge acquired from those who have previously served. Each year ISBA recognizes those extraordinary individuals who have selflessly given 20 years or more to the students and education system of Idaho.

Citizenship AwardEach year ISBA recognizes two exceptional individuals from our State whose contributions to education are outstanding. Please submit your nominations with supporting documentation or data. One award is presented to a certificated educator while the other is presented to a non-certificated individual, such as a volunteer, a community member, or classified staff.

Master of Boardsmanship AwardThe Master of Boardsmanship Award is granted upon completion of an application process that demonstrates both boardsmanship basics and effectiveness of the five standards of school board operations; governance, continuous improvement, advocacy, accountability, and community engagement.

Trustee Award of BoardsmanshipThe Trustee Award of Boardsmanship is granted to those individuals who invest their time and effort into becoming more effective school board members. There are four levels of recognition for this award. Level I Achievement, Level II Excellence, Level III Mastery and Level IV Distinction.

Submit your award applications for these awards:

award applicationsDid you participate in the ISBA Master of Boardsmanship Program?

Go to www.idsba.org/convention to download an application form. Please contact Jackie Hopper with questions.(208) 854-1476 • [email protected]

Submit application form(s) by Oct.18, 2013Email: [email protected] • Fax: (208) 854-1480PO Box 9797 • Boise, ID • 83707-4797

nomination formsDo you know an individual deserving of the recognition of any of these awards?

Go to www.idsba.org/convention to download a nomination form. Please contact the ISBA office with questions.(208) 854-1476 • [email protected]

Submit nomination form(s) by Oct.1, 2013Email: [email protected] • Fax: (208) 854-1480PO Box 9797 • Boise, ID • 83707-4797


7:00 AM - 7:30 AM Breakfast Buffet Convention Center Lobby7:00 AM Student Entertainment Bays 1-37:30 AM – 8:30 AM Second General Session, Keynote Speaker Bays 1-38:45 AM – 12:00 PM Business Session Bays 4-612:00 PM Student Entertainment Bays 1-312:00 PM – 1:45 PM Closing & Third General Session, Keynote Speaker Bays 1-32:00 PM – 4:00 PM Night Owl Training Workshops Beauty Bay, Boardroom 6, Boardroom 7

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Registration Open Convention Center Lobby 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Early Bird Training Workshops Casco Bay, Kidd Island Bay, North Cape Bay, Cabin 5 1:15 PM – 2:30 PM Workshop Session I Various Rooms2:45 PM – 4:00 PM Workshop Session II Various Rooms4:15 PM – 5:30 PM Workshop Session III Various Rooms6:00 PM – 7:15 PM NEW! State of the ISBA / Open Mic Night Bays 4-6 Enjoy an evening of dinner, discussions with your board, State of the ISBA, and an open mic night

This is a draft agenda as of the date of print. For the most current agenda, visit www.idsba.org/convention.

WEDNESDAY, November 6

FRIDAY, November 8

THURSDAy, november 76:45 AM – 2:30 PM Registration Open Convention Center Lobby7:00 AM – 7:45 AM Breakfast Buffet Convention Center Lobby7:15 AM Student Entertainment Bays 4-6 8:00 AM – 9:45 AM Opening Ceremonies & First General Session Bays 4-6 Keynote Speaker10:00 AM – 11:15 AM Workshop Session IV Various Rooms 11:15 AM – 2:00 PM Exhibit Show Bays 1-311:30 AM – 1:00 PM Exhibit Show Lunch Bays 1-311:30 AM – 1:45 PM Region Meetings Region I: 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM Casco Bay Region II: 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM Kidd Island Bay Region III: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM North Cape Bay Region IV: 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM Kidd Island Bay Region V: 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM Casco Bay Region VI: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM Beauty Bay Region VII: 12:45 PM – 1:30 PM North Cape Bay Region VIII: 12:45 PM – 1:30 PM Beauty Bay 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Workshop Session V Various Rooms 3:45 PM – 5:45 PM Scholarship Auction Bays 4-66:00 PM – 6:30 PM Networking Time Convention Center Lobby 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Awards Banquet Bays 1-3

at-a-Glance

35SLATEISBA Annual Convention

Agenda

36


SLATE ISBA ANnual Convention

Call forWorkshop proposals

Can the trustees & school district leadership of Idaho benefit from your expertise & experience?ISBA invites school districts, educational agencies, and others to submit proposals for workshops to be presented at the ISBA 71st Annual Convention. Convention attendees are seeking information and skills to help them govern and lead more effectively in the ever-changing world of public education. Workshop proposal applications are available at www.idsba.org.

November 6-8, 2013 • Coeur d’Alene Resort

37



Does Your District have student

TALENT?ISBA is proud to showcase student performing arts groups during the ISBA 71st Annual Convention.

Inviting students to participate helps remind us why over 500 board members volunteer to serve the children of their communities. In years past we have enjoyed a variety of student performances including bands, jazz bands, choirs, orchestras, dancers, and thespians. All groups have been extremely well-received by the audience.

This tradition will continue at the 71st Annual Convention, November 6-8, at the Coeur d’Alene Resort by inviting student groups to perform. Student performance groups will be announced in late September. Please visit the www.idsba.org/convention for the application form.


38 SLATE

America is in the midst of what some call the “third wave” of the industrial revolution. Just as the

mechanization of the textile industry changed England in the late 1700s, and the assembly line transformed America in the early 1900s, so our current digital revolution is poised to change our entire world in ways we cannot yet see.

How shall we think about school boards in our new digital world? Some assume, or perhaps hope, they will fade into obsolescence. Personally, I am committed to public education as the only way to keep the U.S. strong and democratic. We cannot have vital public schools without publicly elected school boards, as school boards serve to link schools and communities in critical ways. It is particularly urgent that school boards find new practices and habits to stay effective and positive.

The U.S. will not continue to be a key player in the global economy if our public school graduates are not up to the new challenges. But schools and their governance structures cannot continue with business as usual. The vitality of our society requires all of those involved with public education to fully participate in the digital transformation.

The markers of our new age include: anywhere, anytime, now. Clearly, the bureaucracies that

have been valuable in the past will not work going forward. My concern is with school governance. Part of the governance job is finding ways to help districts become the nimble organizations our new age requires. Board leadership requires board members to understand their own organizational role and the particular type of institutional power they wield.

What will school boards look like on the other side of the digital revolution? Some of our most effective boards are pointing the way.

REVOLUTIONARY EXPECTATIONSA critical, and often neglected, task of every school board is to clearly articulate the mission of the organization. Such clarity is important for staff (what are we trying to do?), students and families (how do we fit in and can we make this work for us?), and community (why is this work important to us?). If our communities are going to spend a significant amount of resources and money on schools, they need clarity about what we are trying to do and why it is important. If staff and students are to work together, they need a common understanding of the goal.

Clarity of purpose is the age-old responsibility of every board. But, in today’s digital world, clarity about, and commitment to, a vision is urgent. School is yet another example of where the individual cannot “go it alone.”

Quality public education can only arise from a collaborative effort, and it falls to the board to marshal the resources and ensure everyone is on the same page regarding the goals and purpose of education.

Most public school districts are less than clear about their values and purpose. In addition, most districts resist change. The impulse of many new board members and some boards is to “drive change” into resistant organizations. These board members misunderstand the way governance works.

Here is a marker for the digital board: The board sets up the expectations that ensure change will happen. The board, on behalf of the community, is the part of the organization that creates and nurtures an expectation that schools will meet the educational needs of their students. In today’s world, this means being part of the revolution. Our old ideas and old outcomes no longer make the grade. The board needs to regularly ask the hard questions: Are we moving closer to the kind of education our new society requires? Are our graduates ready for the challenges they’ll find right outside our doors? Have we established, at the heart of our organization, expectations for success? Do we have a culture that supports risk and innovation? How can we help our communities understand the changes and challenges of the new age?

21st CenturySchool Boards

The markers of our new age

are anywhere, anytime, now.

What will school boards look

like after the digital revolution

has transformed society?

BY JOHN J. CASSEL

continued on page 40...

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SLATE

GOVERNANCE WORKSHOPIDAHO SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION

When:Sept 4, 2013 • 6-8 PM

RSVP by Aug 30

Where:Preston School District Office

RSVP to Jackie Hopper, ISBA Training DirectorToll-Free: (866) 799-4722Phone: (208) 854-1476Email: [email protected]

REGION 5 ISBA will hold the Governance Workshop in each region at least one time each year. By holding the Governance Workshop regionally, ISBA is no longer charging the training fee of $300. Please note: districts can continue to schedule this workshop in-house (at their own facility without other districts) for the regular training fee of $300 per two-hour workshop, plus travel.

This workshop is for Region V members. Entire boards or one board member may attend. We ask for a commitment to attend, and that those districts who participate share the travel costs of the trainer. If a participant reserves a spot and then fails to show up, we will charge the district a cancellation fee of $5 plus the portion of travel.

ABOUT THE GOVERNANCE

WORKSHOP

TOPICS INCLUDE:

WWW.IDSBA.ORG

WHOCAN

ATTEND

Roles & Responsibilities,Finance, Policy,Effective Meetings,Effective Boards, andISBA and Its Resources.

Trustee Awardof BOARDSMANSHIP POINTS

10

To schedule your region’s workshop, contact

Jackie Hopper today!

40


SLATE

John J. Cassel recently retired from the Illinois Association of School Boards, where he served as director of field services for 17 years. Reprinted with permission from American School Board Journal, October 2012. Copyright 2012 National School Boards Association. All rights reserved.

A 21ST CENTURY GOVERNANCE TEAMCollaboration is a mark of our new age. Important things get done when you stir in the right mix of ingredients (perspectives, skills, wisdom, and insight). Being a true governance team has become an increasingly important part of any district’s success. Revolutionary boards understand they need a competent and capable superintendent to be successful. And, they structure their relationships with the superintendent and staff to ensure an empowered organization that is able to move toward agreed-upon goals.

Effective governance means a true partnership, where each part of the organization plays its own role. The dynamics of the modern partnership raise an age-old conflict around the role of the board. Board members want to make a contribution; they see the demands on graduates and want to help them be successful. However, the subject many board members know best is management (most are successful people and good managers in their own right). But, even a bimonthly board meeting is a terrible way to manage a school district. An organization where the board needs to make all of the important decisions will never be nimble.

That is important to note, since successful school districts in the digital world must be nimble. Real evolution and growth are part of staying alive. Our factory-based mental models regarding education limit our thinking. The idea that “next year we’ll get it better” retards continuous improvement and revolutionary growth. It’s ironic that we have to be concerned that schools function as “learning organizations.” Only an organization that can learn from its own experience and implement positive change will be able to model the lifelong learning required by all future graduates.

A modern public school requires empowered staff members who feel they are able to use their professional expertise and stand accountable for the results of their efforts. The only way school boards can empower their staff is to establish expectations and get out of the way.

This is not to imply the board has no role. Agreed-upon expectations are vital. Everyone in the organization needs to be working toward the same thing. And the board orchestrates the agreement. Staff members will invest themselves in expectations if they see their goals and plans are connected to community values and professional wisdom.

Successful boards need to find ways to let go of management and focus on that part of the work boards do well: values, purpose, expectations. The staff must be inspired and empowered to figure out how to put the values and purpose into practice. Only this kind of mutual partnership between board and staff will allow public schools to rise to meet the expectations of the digital revolution.

THE BIG PICTURE Teachers, principals, and even at times the superintendent are busy teaching students and managing learning. Who is thinking about our transformed world and the meaning of the changes? Who is thinking about what an educated citizen will look like 25 or 40 years into the future? Who is thinking about the shape and character of our communities? Who is thinking about what our society’s investment in education means? If a small group of committed and informed citizens can gather around these kinds of questions, our whole society—and especially students and their teachers—will profit.

School boards carry an awesome responsibility: the future of our children and our society. However, too many school boards go about their business as usual, ignoring the need to rise to the occasion. The whole enterprise of public education is at risk. What will it mean for school boards to take their responsibility seriously?

How boards spend their time is a key issue. Does it stay focused on the big picture, thus fulfilling its charge and role? Or, does the board spend most of its time on management issues, thus defaulting on its unique challenge?

A notable challenge before school boards is the difficult matter of community trust. Much of our digital revolution has transformed the way we communicate and access information. We know more than we ever did and our knowledge comes from a myriad of sources, 24/7. For school boards, it’s tempting to do business online. However, to maintain community trust, the board’s work must be transparent. The board is obliged to work exclusively at the board table. Only at the table can the board act as a corporate body and speak with one voice.

Part of the challenge to the school board is finding the discipline to limit its work to the corporate, public setting. The digital revolution, with new and immediate ways to communicate, has made this part of the task more difficult.

The board has a clear obligation to act only as a single governing body (not exercising its power as individuals) and to be disciplined about its agenda, rejecting managerial conversations, and focusing on district ends and gauging success. In this way, the demands of our open meeting laws actually enhance the board’s ability to make a positive contribution.

21st century school boards can rise to the challenge of our digital age. They need to allow themselves to be transformed by the revolutionary forces at play in our world. They need to truly partner with an empowered staff. They need to be focused on the big picture and refuse to be sidetracked by old battles and established behavior.

If contemporary school boards can engage the demands of our new digital world and learn to respond, they will model the exact behavior future graduates will need to exhibit for success in our transformed world: the ability to be lifelong learners.

The vitality of our society and the success of our children depend on effective school boards. I believe that the thousands of locally elected school board members want to succeed and will step up to the challenge.

...continued from page 38

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SLATE

0 IDAHO DAIRY COUNCILA non-profit nutrition education organization providing science based materials to health care providers, schools, and consumers throughout the State of Idaho.

Crystal Wilson (208) [email protected]

0 MORETON & COMPANYMoreton & Company provides property and liability insurance as well as risk management services to member districts through the ISBA endorsed insurance plan. Most recently, Moreton & Company launched a group auto and homeowner insurance program that is available to district employees as well as school board trustees.

Allan Ranstrom (208) [email protected]

0 ZIONS BANKA leader in financing school district projects at the lowest overall cost. Since 1994 Zions has assisted Idaho districts in financing over 60 projects totaling over $200 million.

Cameron Arial (208) [email protected]

0 HUTCHISON SMITH ARCHITECTSHutchison Smith Architects is a full service architectural firm that has been providing responsive, creative, value-driven building solutions for more than 15 years. HSA specializes in educational facility design having worked with over 20 school districts and completed over 900 successful education projects. We will assist you on a wide array of project types, from bond passage for new buildings and remodels to systems upgrades, historic renovations, and repair and maintenance work. Each project, no matter how large or small, is important to us. We offer you the commitment to give each project the attention that you expect and deserve.

Angelia Healy (208) [email protected]

0 PIPER JAFFRAYPiper Jaffray is an investment bank and broker-dealer specializing in tax-exempt bond underwriting and sales. Providing financing solutions custom tailored to its clients’ capital financial needs.

Eric Heringer (208) [email protected]

0 HUMMEL ARCHITECTS PLLCEstablished in Boise in 1896, Hummel Architects PLLC is a general practice architectural firm whose history touches nearly every Idaho community. Over the decades Hummel has built a solid reputation on the design of educational, institutional, civic, industrial, governmental, retail, office, and corporate structures.

Aubry Briggs (208) [email protected]

BRONZE BUSINESS PARTNERSDiamond BUSINESS PARTNERS

Silver BUSINESS PARTNERS

ISBA Business PartnersOur Valued 0 ISBA’s Business Partners offer a variety of services and products that can assist Idaho’s public schools in cutting expenditures and finding cost-effective options.

BUSINESS PARTNER

DIAMONDISBA

BUSINESS PARTNER

BRONZEISBA

BUSINESS PARTNER

SILVERISBA

Look for these Business Partner logos in SLATE articles and advertisements.

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SLATE

11

11 / Volume 31 / February 2013

SLATE

In budgeting one of the challenges we face is to look at enrollment trends and try to predict the number of students that will be enrolled in the coming year. Here is an interesting look at the national trend of enrollment. This projection is done by the National Center for Education Statistics and is meant for discussion purposes only. Each individual school district needs to look at the trends within their own community to assist in the budgeting process.

Total public and private elementary and secondary school enrollment was 55 million in fall 2008,

representing an 8 percent increase since fall 1995. Between fall 2008, the last year of actual public school data, and fall 2020, a further increase of 5 percent is expected, with increases projected in public schools and decreases in private schools. Increases in public school enrollment are expected for Blacks, Hispanics, Asians/Pacific Islanders, and American Indians/Alaska Natives, and a decrease is expected for Whites. Increases in public school enrollment are expected in the Midwest, South, and West, and a decrease is expected in the Northeast.

Information Courtesy of:National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education. http://nces.ed.gov/programs/projections/projections2020/sec1a.asp

Projection Statistics to 2020STATISTIC OF THE MONTH

Source

ISBA INSURANCE PROGRAM

Allan [email protected](800) 341-6789

MORETON & COMPANY

SOFTWARE FOR ORGANIZING MEETING MATERIAL

Mike [email protected](888) 587-2665 Ext. 6413

BOARDBOOK

CHECK RECOVERY SERVICE

Rodger [email protected](888) 726-0015

SOLVERAS PAYMENT SOLUTIONS

ONLINE PURCHASING COOPERATIVE

Rochelle [email protected](866) 799-4722

BUYBOARD

eGOVERNANCE SOLUTIONS

Michael E. [email protected](800) 407-0141

BOARDDOCS

EMPLOYEE FLEXIBLE SPENDING PROVIDERPaula [email protected](801) 878-0671

USBA FLEX

Our Valued 0 ISBA’s Business Affiliates offer a variety of services and products that can assist Idaho’s public schools in cutting expenditures and finding cost-effective options.

ISBA Business Affiliates

Contact these Business Partners or Affiliates to find out how they can assist your school district, or contact Misty Jones Swanson at the ISBA Office for more information.

Phone: (208) 854-1476Toll-Free: (866) 799-4722

000

00

Fax: (208) 854-1480Web: www.idsba.org

Email: [email protected]

43



IDAHO SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATIONP.O. BOX 9797 • BOISE, ID 83707-4797PH: (208) 854-1476 • FAX: (208) 854-1480

Non-Profit OrgU.S. Postage

PAIDBoise, ID

Permit No. 136

The 21st Century BoardLeading for Tomorrow:

RESERVATIONS: (800) 688-5253, ask for ISBA Room Block • ROOM RATE: $99 to $175 per night, plus tax

ROOM RESERVATION DEADLINE: October 4, 2013 • FOR MORE INFO: visit www.idsba.org/convention

November 6-8, 2013 • Coeur d’Alene Resort

august 2013 slate - idaho school boards association

Documents

school district region

moscow school districtregion

salmon school districtregion

weiser school distric

state board of educationfrom

reps lisa burtenshaw

reps john menter

reps deb foster