HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013_10_08 Board MinutesIDAHO FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 91
BOARD OF TRUSTEES -- BUSINESS MEETING
DISTRICT OFFICE BOARD ROOM — 7:00 P.M.
690 JOHN ADAMS PARKWAY
OCTOBER 8, 2013
Board Chair Lisa Burtenshaw called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. and asked for a motion to go into Executive
Session.
Trustee Haws made a motion to go into Executive Session. Trustee Warden provided the second. A roll call vote
was taken:
Lisa Burtenshaw - yes
Deidre Warden - yes
Larry Haws - yes
Bryan Zollinger — yes
Dave Lent — N/A (arrived later)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board of Trustees and Superintendent Boland met in Executive Session pursuant to IDAHO CODE §67-2345(b)
regarding a personnel matter.
Trustee Warden made a motion to return to Open Session. Trustee Haws provided the second. Motion carried 4
ayes, 0 nays.
Present from the Board of Trustees:
Lisa Burtenshaw, Chair
Dave Lent, Vice Chair
Deidre Warden, Treasurer
Larry Haws, Clerk
Bryan Zollinger, Trustee
Present from the Administration:
George Boland, Superintendent
Lisa Sherick, Assistant Superintendent
Trina Caudle, Assistant Superintendent
Carrie Smith, Director of HR & Finance
Kevin Klingler, Director of Operations
Margaret Wimborne, Coordinator of Communications
& Community Engagement
Debbie Wilkie, Recording Clerk
Board Chair, Lisa Burtenshaw, called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Emerson Student Representative Lesley Rodriquez.
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SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS
a. Emissary of Excellence
Superintendent Boland introduced Kevin Klingler, Director of Operations, as the District's Emissary of
Excellence this month. The superintendent stated that when Kevin took the position he had some big
shoes to fill and he has done so admirably. On top of keeping up with the maintenance of our existing
buildings Kevin has also kept a close eye on the four new elementary schools and other construction
projects going on. Kevin has been very good about paying attention to details and bringing things to the
attention of the district, construction managers and the architects. It was Kevin who took it upon himself to
research the acoustical issue at Compass Academy, he came up with a solution that saved the district
thousands of dollars and made it right. Superintendent Boland also thanked Kevin's wife and family for
their support. Trustee Burtenshaw presented Kevin with a certificate and token of appreciation and
thanked Kevin for his hard work and commitment to the district. Kevin thanked the Board and stated he
would not be able to do his job without the support and knowledge of the great people he has working in
his department.
b. Business Partner of the Month
Margaret Wimborne introduced Clay Ross and Bell Photographers as the District's Business Partner of the
Month. Margaret shared comments from building administrators who work with Clay and his staff on a
regular basis. Trustee Burtenshaw thanked Clay for all they do for the students and staff of the district and
presented him with at certificate. Clay stated it has been a privilege and a pleasure to take pictures in the
district over the last 30 years and thanked the district for the support.
ADOPT AGENDA
Trustee Haws made a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Trustee Zollinger provided the second. Motion
carried 5 ayes, 0 nays.
REPORTS/INPUT/INFORMATION
a. Student Reports — Student Representatives provided information about activities and events taking place
at their respective schools. Written reports, if provided, are attached.
i. Lesley Rodriquez, Emerson
ii. Rose Rammell, SHS
iii. Jace Packer, IFHS (filling in for Aubrey Holt)
iv. Andrew Johnson, Compass Academy
b. Superintendent's Report —A written copy is attached. A discussion was held regarding what the SMART
Goals, PLC's and LDC's look like across the district. Trustee Warden asked if a sample of the goals could be
provided. Superintendent Boland stated he would include this in his November report. Trustee Burtenshaw
asked to see a sample of the new Star Math assessment also.
c. Patron Input - Written comments, if provided, are attached.
Mr. Suketu Gandhi shared comments regarding mathematics in the district.
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d. IFEA Report — Angela Gillman, President, reported. A written copy is attached. A brief discussion was held
regarding the desire for the Board and Association to meet regarding proposals for this legislative session.
e. Education Foundation Report — Tonya Bunnell, Program Director, reported that the Teton Toyota Car
Raffle was a great success with the final sales coming in at almost $62,000. Tonya also reviewed the Dine -
for -Education Fundraiser, the Ed Foundation's purchase of new donor management software, Amy
Petersen the Foundations new bookkeeper and the Star Guitar Charity Auction recently held at the
Museum of Idaho to help benefit autism.
f. Other Items — no other items.
CONSENT AGENDA
Trustee Zollinger made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda as presented. Trustee Haws provided the second.
Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nays.
Items approved include:
Meeting Minutes: September 10, 2013 Business Meeting
September 17, 2013 Special Board Meeting
September 24, 2013 Work Session
September 2013
Payment of Claims: $5,010,827.63
Invoice for Representative Organization President Leave
Staff Actions: New Hires:
Maria Langhorst
.166 Math
Compass Academy
Sarah C. Jensen
.50 FTE Math
Compass Academy
Matching Funds: A. H. Bush Elementary
Technology $14,005.00
Linden Park Elementary
Projectors and adapters $ 1,936.75
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Eagle Rock Middle School
Library books $ 2,538.00
Total Matching Funds requested $18,479.75
PROPOSALS
a. 2014-2015 School Calendar
Superintendent Boland presented the calendar proposal for the 2014-2015 school year. The
superintendent stated that it is a lot like the calendar we have used for the past couple of years, starting
after Labor Day and ending the first week of June. A request from several patrons would be to have the
same spring break as District 93. Debbie called District 93 yesterday and was told they really hadn't started
working on the new calendar yet. District 93's spring break is tentatively scheduled for the week of April 6,
2014 but may be moved depending on the dates of the State spring testing window. A copy of the 2014-
2015 calendar draft will be posted on the district webpage for patrons to view and provide input. The
calendar proposal will be placed on the November meeting agenda for a second reading. A discussion was
held.
ACTION ITEMS
a. Ratify Poll Conducted on September 26, 2013 Regarding Amended Transportation Agreement with
American Heritage Charter School.
Superintendent Boland stated that a couple of items in the original contract required clarification and that
the changes were mainly clean-up items. Board members were contacted by Debbie Wilkie on September
26, 2013 to accept or reject the corrections.
Trustee Warden made a motion to ratify the poll conducted on September 26, 2013 regarding the
amended Transportation Agreement with American Heritage Charter School as presented. Trustee Lent
provided the second. Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nays.
b. Approve/Reject Proposal for Acoustic Panels at Compass Academy
Superintendent Boland stated there is an issue with echo in the classrooms at Compass. Kevin Klingler did
some research and found acoustical panels that are comparable and more reasonably priced that would fix
the problem. The panels were installed in one classroom and it made a huge difference. The acoustical
engineer also came back and did the testing with good results. This change order exceeds $50,000 which
requires board approval before proceeding. The superintendent stated that the bid for the original panels
came in at $60,000 so the project will still be within the budgeted amount. A discussion was held.
Trustee Warden made a motion to approve the proposal for the acoustical paneling at Compass Academy
in the amount of $57,087.90. Trustee Zollinger provided the second. Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nays.
10/08/2013 D91 Board Minutes Page 4 of 5
c. Employee 2013-2014G
Trustee Zollinger made a motion to release Employee 2013-2014G from their current contract as
requested. Trustee Haws provided the second. Motion carried 4 ayes, 0 nays. Trustee Lent recused himself
from the vote since he was not in attendance when this item was discussed.
d. Board Policy Revisions— BP 1012.0 Athletics
Superintendent Boland reviewed that after a presentation by Kerry Martin regarding the Athletic Advisory
Committee the proposed changes would help align board policy with the Idaho High School Athletic
Association's rules regarding eligibility. The other change would allow the advisory committee to vote in
the committee chairman and then the district's Athletic Director would then serve as vice chair of the
committee.
Trustee Warden made a motion to accept the revisions to Board Policy 1012.0 — Athletics as presented and
waive the three readings since these are mainly clean-up items. Trustee Haws provided the second.
Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nays.
Trustee Zollinger made a motion to adjourn. Trustee Haws provided the second. Meeting adjourned at 8:17 PM.
10/08/2013 D91 Board Minutes Page 5 of 5
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Superintendents' Report 10-8-2013
Response to patron concern regarding schedule changes:
o Lines were long & the intent for access to information, including schedules online, did
not work as planned.
o Over the last 5 years budget cuts of nearly $9 million has had an impact on schedule
flexibility. We have significantly reduced staff through attrition resulting in fewer
sections and increased class sizes.
o For example: A student has a core class 6th period and anticipates absences due to
extracurricular participation. There is another section of that course offered 3rd period.
The 6th period class enrollment is 28 students, the 3rd period class enrollment is 35
students. This request would have to be denied based on the relative enrollments of
the 2 classes.
o This scenario would be in place regardless of the scheduling model, semesters or
trimesters.
o As we have increased financial efficiencies out of necessity, we have decreased
flexibility in scheduling.
o Looking at arena scheduling software. Piloted at Compass Academy but further
evaluation is needed.
• Goal Progress Report:
1. Raise the bar, close the gap
4. Support excellent teaching
5. Measure achievement
o Implementation of PLC/LDC collaboration
0 5th session this Monday
o Initial session September 9th to gather feedback on differential pay plan, subsequently
approved by the board
o Progress expectations to date include development of Norms, PD regarding use of Ren
Learn Star Enterprise assessment system, Mileposts Data Management System,
formulation of SMART goals
■ Visits: IFHS, Hawthorne, Erickson, Bush
■ Evidence that groups have Norms in place (included on agendas), are working
through PD on Mileposts with TIMS, have begun administration of Star
assessments, and beginning work on SMART goals based on available data.
■ Variations between schools depending upon level of prior work with PLC
development and use of data (ie. Erickson — data boards, Bush — intervention
groups & scheduled intervention time).
o Anticipate ongoing work on a broken front through first trimester as teachers build
capacity related to PLC/LDC process, use of Star data and Mileposts.
Suketu Gandhi's Comment on the Need for Mathematics Textbooks October 8, 2013
There is a story of Learners and Earners that the Board must know. Learners are students
who yearn to learn mathematics rigorously. Earners are textbook publishers who yearn to earn
money by selling books. Their goals separate them, but their needs unite them. Learners learn
when they have access to quality textbooks, meaningful classroom engagement activities and
effective homework exercises. Earners yearn to supply the needed textbooks effortlessly to the
Learners. Earners expedite this by neglecting the needed rigors.
Singapore Math's Primary Mathematics, Standards Edition exceeds the Common Core
Math Standards. For example, it teaches rotational symmetry, which Common Core ignores.
Their textbooks introduce fractions in 2nd grade, and progressively teach difficult fraction topics
that close in 5d' grade. This approach allows students to grasp fractions with ease. Common Core
designates fractions are to be introduced in 3rd grade, area of triangles and circles are to be taught
in 6 , and 74' grades respectively. With Singapore Math, students learn these topics in 5d' and 6d'
grades. The expositions of difficult topics are clear and concise. This sets students to grasp
concepts quickly, and solve complex problems easily.
Singapore Math's homework exercises steadily progress from simple to complex that
challenge the Learners. Their questions provoke the students to think, reason and deduce.
Through derivation of mathematical procedures and compact relationships, students learn
reasoning. They determine whether the solutions to problems are unique, or the procedures are
general. Instructions facilitated by textbooks, coupled with right type of engagements and
assignments, teach students mathematics rigorously, and instill critical thinking skills.
Singapore Math books have all of the desired elements, but the State of Idaho does not
want these books in our classroom. Idaho yearns to have other textbooks in classrooms that defy
the needed rigors. Why is this the case? It is reasonable to discern that a nexus between textbook
publishers and the State officials exists in form of a gentleman's agreement. They look after each
other to protect their interests. This alliance has turned out to be very tonic for the Earners, but
very toxic for the Learners. State officials have the power to evaluate math textbooks, but lack
the knowledge to understand the contents. Idaho's preferred publishers have the financial power,
but lack the mathematics knowledge to write quality textbooks. A close examination of the
prevailing math textbooks reveals numerous conceptual errors, unnecessary photographs, and
lack of complex or challenging problems. There are too many examples to cover in the allotted 3
minutes. Getting high scores on standardized tests based on very low standards bode well with
the neighboring school district and the local charter schools thrive on it. This must not be the
guiding principle of this School District.
The only way out of this unfortunate situation requires the District to take a suo motu
action to assess the suitability of the textbooks and workbooks in the classrooms, but it is not
realistic. The inherent conflict between the financial power and the knowledge prevents the
timely evaluation. The Public knows very well, if a person offers District a large sum of money
as a gift, the decision makers will be eager to become the donor's audience, and will even grant
about 20-30 minutes of the time through a public meeting. In contrast, when a person offers the
knowledge on specific ways to improve the quality of mathematics education, free of charge,
they will ensure that the person does not talk beyond 3 minutes so that the essential details
remain hidden. In other words, out of sight, out of mind mentality prevails. Accountability, as
practiced regularly by the British Prime Minister to the Parliament, by this Board remains absent.
This leads the Public to wonder: Who benefits through the actions undertaken by the District's
decision makers? The Learners, or the Earners? Public sees that the Learners' interests have
been neglected, but Earners interests have been protected.
Wilkie, Debbie -1391
From: Gillman, Angela -D91
Sent: Tuesday, October 08, 2013 8:17 PM
To: Wilkie, Debbie -D91
Subject: IFEA Board Report October 9, 2013
IFEA Board Report October 9, 2013
Personal thanks to each of you on behalf of the Association for your support for supporting public education through
wearing red for public education which is the second Tuesday of each month. This extends through all educators, public
school employees, students, parents and the public.
Emotion Bowl Tailgate was a success and great way to be part of the school festivities through Association representation.
Serving over 80 hotdogs and lots of homemade root beer. We have a great committee that reflects the great educators we
have in our district.
I approached you earlier about rep meeting visits. It is our intent, as per discussion among building reps, that we focus our
discussions and questions around topics on the legislative agenda which will be closer to January when the legislative
session begins.
I have shared the ISBA proposals with our members about loosening fund limitations and widening discretionary funding as
well as changing from seat time to enrollment to increase district funding. Some comments from our members include
opening up an opportunity for our Association to work with ISBA in supporting and pushing legislative items such as these.
And in turn, the Association can count on the backing of proposals of increased funding and other focuses of public
education deficiencies. My intent is to open your minds to thinking how we could work together and at some point have a
more open discussion on how we could begin to work together. What we might do, how that might look.
Any questions or comments?
Angela