HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012_05_08 Board MinutesMay 8, 2012
6:45 PM Executive Session
Lisa Burtenshaw, Vice Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:45 PM. Deidre Warden made a motion to enter Executive
Session. Jerry Wixom seconded. A roll call vote was taken:
Lisa Burtenshaw —yes
Jerry Wixom — yes
Deidre Warden — yes
Larry Haws —yes
Dave Lent - excused
The Board of Trustees met in Executive Session pursuant to Idaho Code §67-2345 (1) (b) Personnel
Jerry Wixom made a motion to return to Open Session. Lisa Burtenshaw seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Present from the Board of Trustees
Dave Lent, Chairman
Lisa Burtenshaw, Vice Chair
Jerry Wixom, Treasurer
Deidre Warden, Clerk
Larry Haws, Trustee
Present from the Administration:
George Boland, Superintendent
Trina Caudle, Director of Secondary Education
Karla LaOrange, Director of Elementary Education
Carrie Smith, Director of HR & Finance
Gail Rochelle, Director of Student Achievement & Prof. Development
Margaret Wimborne, Communications & Community Engagement
Debbie Wilkie, Recording Clerk
Chairman Lent called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Kelly Coughenour.
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY:
a. Emissary of Excellence
Gail Rochelle, Director of Student Achievement & Professional Development, presented the staff of Clair E.
Gale Junior High as the Emissary of Excellence this month. Gail stated that as a team the staff has leveraged
the resources at their school to help raise the achievement of their students. Gail shared a video put together
by the District's Instructional Coaches. Principal Robin Busch accepted the award and thanked the staff for
their hard work and successes.
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Chairman Lent thanked Robin, and recognized the staff for their hard work, then presented her with a
certificate and a token of appreciation for each of the staff members. Lisa Burtenshaw added that it has been
a rough year with the repurposing of Clair E. Gale but stated she is excited that the staff will be moving into
other buildings and be able to share their successes with others. Jerry Wixom commented that Gale has been
around a long time and is a fixture in the district. Jerry thanked the teachers and stated we are the district we
are because of the teachers. Deidre Warden shared that she had attended split sessions at Clair E. Gale and
the Spartans will always hold a special place in her heart. Deidre thanked the teachers for caring about the
students and said it shows in the improvements that they have made. Larry Haws stated that all six of his
children went through Clair E. Gale and he appreciated everything the teachers did for his children.
b. Volunteer of the Month
Kelly Coughenour, Hawthorne Elementary Principal, introduced Larena and Rich O'Quinn as the District 91
Volunteers of the Month. Mr. Coughenour invited Mr. O'Quinn to the podium (Mrs. O'Quinn could not be
here tonight) and shared his appreciation for all of the help the O'Quinn's have given to the staff and students
of Hawthorne Elementary over the years.
Chairman Lent thanked the O'Quinn's on behalf of the District and the Board of Trustees and stated that he
has seen Rich at several meetings of the board and appreciated his participation and objective questions to
help them understand and explore the issues at hand.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA:
Jerry Wixom made a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Lisa Burtenshaw seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
REPORTS/INPUT/INFORMATION:
a. Student Reports —
I. Caitlin McNamara, the newly elected 2012-2013 Idaho Falls High School Student Representative, reported:
• The choirs, Expressions and Dimensions, went to Festival and did really well
• The Tiger-Griz Track Meet on April 20-21 had a lot of schools participate and was a huge success
• Commencement Dance is this Saturday, May 12th
• Mr. IFHS will be held on May 15th
• AP students will be taking their final exams over the next two weeks
• District and State competitions for spring sports are scheduled later this month
• The Cystic Fibrosis Run has been postponed until Saturday, May 26th
• Paw Pride Day, where students will help clean up around the school, is on May 191h
• Baccalaureate is on Sunday, May 201h and Graduation is Wednesday, May 301h
Hannah Peterson, Skyline High School Student Representative, reported:
• Hannah introduced Paige Hermann as the new 2012-2013 Skyline High School Student Representative
• Last week was Run for Your Life Week, a week devoted to healthy eating and living styles, which
ended on Saturday, May 5th with a 5K run
• Commencement Dance is on Saturday, May 12th
• The Girls Golf Team won Districts so they will be going to State on May 14 & 15
• The Mr. Skyline contest was held last week and it was a lot of fun
• The spring play, Alice in Wonderland, opens tonight and will run through May 111h
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b. Patron Input —
Leigh Dehart, a teacher at Dora Erickson, shared that she is all for the proposed changes at Dora Erickson.
Leigh stated she taught at a school in Tennessee that implemented the same kind of changes and it
positively increased attendance, assessment scores, and their AYP status.
Gabrielle Hannon, a parent of students at Dora Erickson, shared that she thinks the proposed changes are
needed but she would like the district to proceed with caution. Gabrielle stated she is concerned about
ensuring that the Erickson students will be held to the same standards so that when they enter middle
school they will be on the same page. Gabrielle also shared her concerns about uniforms and not having a
proper dressing room for children to change clothes for PE classes and maybe waiting another year until
we have the new facility would be better. Gabrielle asked if the Board does approve the uniforms at
Erickson that they will look at implementing uniforms at the middle schools and high schools also.
Suketu Gandhi, a D91 patron and parent, shared comments about the American Heritage Charter School
proposal regarding curriculum and college readiness.
Roxane Rohweder, a parent of a 1" grader at Dora Erickson, shared that she is excited about the
proposed changes for Dora Erickson and hopes this will help to get more parents involved at their school.
Melinda Campbell, a parent of students at Dora Erickson, spoke in support of the proposed changes for
Dora Erickson. Melinda stated the uniforms will be an important part of the new culture and really got
excited about "The Leader in Me" program after purchasing the book to read about it. Melinda stated she
sees it as a win-win situation.
Sue Ellen Tomlinson, a parent of students at Dora Erickson, shared her comments of support for the "We
Believe" program implementation. Sue Ellen stated she does have some concerns about the lack of fine
arts and science curriculum and would be happy to help as a volunteer. Sue Ellen also stated she thinks
the uniforms will be a good change.
Cindy Holt, a parent with students at IFHS and Gale, shared that she really likes the idea of uniforms even
beyond Dora Erickson. Cindy asked the Board to consider uniforms for all elementary students district -
wide so by the time they enter middle school everyone would have the same expectations. Cindy stated
that some school administrators are enforcing the current dress code policy but some are not which
makes it hard.
Heather Clayton, a parent of students at Dora Erickson, stated she is very much in favor of the changes
for Erickson, especially the dress code.
c. IFEA Report —Mitzi Ellingson, President and Angela Gillman, President -Elect, reported:
Angela reminded everyone about the Retirement Banquet and Gala on Thursday, May 17, at the Red Lion. The
evening social hour starts at 6:00 and dinner at 7:00. Angela thanked the board members for their personal
contribution of $375.00 for the Children's Fund. Angela also stated that Nancy Caldwell, retired D91 teacher and
past IFEA president, has agreed to be the spokesperson for the Association's Negotiating Team, the first meeting is
scheduled for May 14.
Mitzi reported that there are still a few people at Gale that have not been placed for next year, mostly the Title
staff, and hopes they will be able to know soon where they will be next year. Mitzi stated it has been a difficult
year with the Students Come First Legislation, moving 91" graders to the high schools and with so many teachers
having to move. She asked the Board to strongly consider the early dismissal of secondary students so teachers
will have a couple of extra days to complete everything they need to. Mitzi asked that when the time comes to
move into the new elementary schools she also hopes the board will consider the same thing for those teachers.
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d. Education Foundation — Chairman Marge Foster reported:
• Marge provided a handout with the updated ticket sales for the Teton Toyota truck raffle and said Lamar
Advertising is going to give the Education Foundation a billboard in town to advertise the truck raffle.
• The Maeck Foundation has once again requested needs from the schools and the information has been
given to principals. Teachers can submit their needs to Cami Smith, Program Coordinator, and she will put
the information together in a catalog format for Mr. Maeck to look at before making a decision regarding
the items he would like to fund. Jerry Wixom stated that over the years the Maeck Foundation has
contributed several thousands of dollars to District 91 and it is certainly appreciated.
• The Mayor's Scholarship Awards were given out on April 25 at the Shiloh. Twenty-nine sponsors
participated this year and they were able to award 15 Senior Awards and 12 Promise Awards to students
in the community.
Superintendent's Report —
Superintendent Boland deferred the time to Karla LaOrange, chair of the review committee for the American
Heritage Charter School proposal, to present to the Board the findings from the review. Karla stated that she had a
great committee to work with and thanked Trina Caudle, Lisa Sherick, Gail Rochelle, Carrie Smith and Margaret
Wimborne for all of their time and effort they put in to do the review. Karla stated that the committee found the
proposal to be very well written and thought out but given the constraints of the district at this time, compliance
issues that would fall upon the district and potential liabilities for the district it is the recommendation of the
committee to forward the petition on to the Public Charter School Commission for approval. A discussion was held.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Jerry Wixom made a motion to accept the consent agenda as presented. Larry Haws seconded. Motion carried
unanimously.
Items approved include:
Meeting Minutes:
Payment of April 2012 Claims:
Staff Actions:
New Hire:
Kevin Klingler, Director
Maintenance & Operations
Resignations:
Spencer Cummings, Counselor
Longfellow Elementary
Judy Schmidt, 5th Grade
Temple View Elementary
Shaunna Olson, Sports Med/Trainer
I FHS/SHS
Adam Maitland, Special Ed
Edgemont Elementary
Pamela Dodd, 5th Grade
Longfellow Elementary
March 20, April 3, 6 & 10, 2012
$1,650,631.58
Leave of Absence:
Ellie Peterson, Special Education
Clair E Gale Junior High
Priscilla Gill, 1st Grade
Temple View Elementary
Rebecca Roesener, Instructional Coach
District
M. Estelle Cross, Special Ed
Longfellow Elementary
Lisa D'Orazio, 6th Grade
Linden Park Elementary
Natalia Moore, 1st Grade
Longfellow Elementary
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Renee Walker, 7th Grade Reading Christina Van Dam, 4th Grade
Clair E Gale Junior High Fox Hollow Elementary
Rebekah Nelson, Pottery/Sculpture Amy Briggs, Choir
IFHS/SHS Taylorview Junior High
Doralee McCormick, Science
Cory Price, Counselor
Eagle Rock Junior High
Westside Elementary
Gail Ochi, Chemistry
Misty Taylor, 15tGrade
Skyline High School
Longfellow Elementary
Tom Furniss, Tech Ed Carmel Lewis, Math
Taylorview Junior High Skyline High School
Retirements:
Vicky Ballock, PE
John Conquergood, Spec. Ed
Eagle Rock Junior High
Linden Park Elementary
Glenna Goeken, English
Charlet Westover, 3'd Grade
IFHS
Theresa Bunker Elementary
Julie Ann Hill, English
Kathryn Christensen, 3rd Grade
IFHS
Ethel Boyes Elementary
Laura Haddix, Math
Lynette Johnson, 3rd Grade
Taylorview Junior High
Sunnyside Elementary
Dina Luptak, Math
Donna Christiansen, 5th Grade
Eagle Rock Junior High
Westside Elementary
Ramae Murdock, ECT
Vicki Krogstrand, PACE
Bush Elementary
Sunnyside Elementary
Category A - Recommend Not For Renewal:
Teacher 2011-12F
Teacher 2011-2012H
Teacher 2011-12G
Teacher 2011-20121
ACTION ITEMS:
a. American Heritage Charter School Petition
Superintendent Boland stated that the evaluation rubric and letter of recommendation from the review committee
had been provided earlier to board members.
Deidre Warden made a motion to respectfully refer the American Heritage Charter School petition to the Public
Charter School Commission. Jerry Wixom seconded. A discussion was held. Motion passed with a vote of 4 ayes
and 1 nay.
b. Reduction in Force Policy and Procedures
Lisa Burtenshaw made a motion to accept the Reduction in Force Policy, and procedures, as presented. Deidre
Warden seconded. A discussion was held. Motion carried unanimously.
c. Blended Learning Pilot
Jerry Wixom made a motion to approve the Blended Learning Pilot Program as presented. Deidre Warden
seconded. A discussion was held. Motion carried unanimously.
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d. Dora Erickson Restructuring Plan
Larry Haws made a motion to approve the Dora Erickson Restructuring Plan as presented. Deidre Warden
seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
e. Award Bid for Clair E Gale Asbestos Abatement Contractor
Jerry Wixom made a motion to award the bid for the Clair E Gale asbestos abatement contractor to Pacific
Technologies Inc., with the low bid of $124,463.77, as recommended. Lisa Burtenshaw seconded. A discussion was
held. Motion carried unanimously.
f. Award Bid for Clair E Gale Asbestos Abatement Independent Testing
Jerry Wixom made a motion to award the bid for the Clair E Gale asbestos abatement independent testing to
Jorgensen Associates, with the low bid of $20,400.00, as recommended. Lisa Burtenshaw seconded. A discussion
was held. Motion carried unanimously.
g. Award Bid for Idaho Falls High School Asbestos Abatement Contractor
Lisa Burtenshaw made a motion to award the bid for the Idaho Falls High School asbestos abatement contractor to
Idaho Abatement, with the low bid of $15,684.50, as recommended. Deidre Warden seconded. Motion carried
unanimously.
h. Award Bid for Idaho Falls High School Abatement Independent Testing
Deidre Warden made a motion to award the bid for the Idaho Falls High School asbestos abatement independent
testing to Jorgensen Associates, with the low bid of $1,410.00, as recommended. Larry Haws seconded. Motion
carried unanimously.
i. 2011-12 Calendar Revision — Early Dismissal for all Secondary Schools
Superintendent Boland explained the administrators' request to modify the 2011-2012 calendar to dismiss
secondary schools at the end of the day on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 is not only because of the movement of
approximately 80 teachers to new buildings but also to facilitate internal moves that are occurring because of the
reformation at the middle schools as well as accommodating some of the changes at the high schools. The
principals' have all submitted plans for those two days so teachers will have assigned tasks and responsibilities
during that time. The work day on June 4T" will still be at the teacher's discretion but the reorganization days on
May 31" and June 1st will be at the direction of the building principals' to make sure the tasks that have been
identified will be accomplished.
Jerry Wixom made a motion to accept the 2011-2012 Calendar revisions as presented. Deidre Warden seconded. A
discussion was held. Motion carried unanimously.
j. 2012-13 Calendar Revision for High School on the First Day of School Sept. 4, 2012
Superintendent Boland reviewed that the high school principals' asked that only freshman and sophomores attend
on the first day of school Tuesday, September 4, 2012 so they can hold orientation for the two new grades coming
into the high schools for the first time and then have juniors and seniors start on Wednesday, September 5, 2012.
In summary, district -wide grades K-10 would start on September 4T" and grades 11 and 12 would start on
September 5T". The superintendent stated there is ample instructional time built into the schedule to permit these
changes.
Larry Haws made a motion to accept the 2012-2013 Calendar revisions for the high schools on the first day of
school September 4, 2012 a presented. Jerry Wixom seconded. A discussion was held. Motion carried
unanimously.
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k. May 22, 2012 Board Meeting Schedule
Superintendent Boland explained the action required here would be to change the meeting time of the regular
work session on May 22, 2012 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm to facilitate approval of the bond sale that will occur
that morning. The time change would allow Seattle -Northwest Securities time to prepare information from the
sale for board approval that evening.
Jerry Wixom made a motion to approve the May 22, 2012 meeting schedule change as presented. Lisa Burtenshaw
seconded. A discussion was held. Motion carried unanimously.
Jerry Wixom moved to adjourn. Deidre Warden seconded. Meeting adjourned 9:25 pm.
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Suketu Gandhi's Comments on the Proposed American Heritage Charter School May 8, 2012
There is a need to provide the high quality education, regardless the type of schools such
as the traditional public, charter, or virtual schools systems. The high quality education has a
curriculum that imparts learners with knowledge, a syllabus that teaches reasoning, instructions
that engages students and questions that provokes thinking. The advocates of American Heritage
Charter School claim that the school would prepare the students for colleges level education, but
the goal needs be set for those universities that offer rigorous education. This places extra
demands on the students to take rigorous courses. The available information on the charter
school leads one to conclude that it lacks the capabilities to provide rigorous education.
The charter school would meet the minimum instructions requirements, but nothing
more. The number of school days would mirror that of District 91. It is well known fact that
students learn more when the number of instruction days is around 205-210. More instruction
days allow the needed time to absorb & digest materials and go in depth on topics and less time
to forget the material between the long summer break. Increasing the daily school hours does not
result in the students learning more as the attention time does not increase.
Furthermore, textbooks play a major role in defining the quality of math & science
instructions. For math, the school will rely on Everyday Math. Careful examination of this book
reveals that it is deficit in rigors, derivations and complex exercises. This textbook instructs
students to use inefficient or non-standard procedures to find answers. This prevents student
from handling complex exercises. For science, the school will rely on FOSS Science in KG -8.
This curriculum lacks the rigors on those topics it covers, but neglects the topics that it could
cover. This makes it difficult for the students to handle core sciences when they are in high
school, will be detriment in their college preparation, and deprives them to make sound
judgments calls when they enter the world after high school graduation.
Rigorous science education is essential to be an effective citizen. Citizens participate in
jury duties, where they may confront scientific evidence, such as DNA, deliberate in formulation
of public policies, like the nuclear energy, and make technical decisions that impact the
environment through daily living and casting votes on election days. Developing capabilities to
read technical articles, like those in Scientific American, are paramount in understanding
complex scientific issues to deliberate on public policies and casting votes.
Furthermore, the leadership qualities require understanding on people's differing views,
culture, life -experiences, especially in US where our population is a heterogeneous. Brick &
mortar public schools facilitate this types of learning through interactions with classmates. The
American Heritage Charter School's provisions for students to learn online for 4 days at home,
and a day at school for instructions deprives them from learning different views, and the needed
engagement, like spontaneous discussions. If critical thinking skills are needed to bring fatality
to prejudice, ignorance and narrow mindedness (a slight variation of Mark Twain's words), then
online learning prevents students from acquiring the critical thinking skills.
The sponsors of the charter schools have a free hand to provide superior education, but
they have failed to deliver it at North Valley Academy, the sister school of the proposed
American Heritage Charter School. Because the needed elements that provide high quality
educations remain missing from the proposed school, it is reasonable to conclude that it would
not provide the needed rigorous education. Thus, District 91 needs to reject the proposed school.