HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002_02_27 Board MinutesIDAHO FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 91
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Special Board Meeting Minutes
February 27, 2002
Executive Session: The Board met in Executive Session at 3:45 P.M. on February
27, 2002, to discuss a personnel item according to S.67-2345(b), IDAHO CODE.
4:00 P.M. - Open Meeting: It was moved by Jerry Wixom and seconded by Ernest
Jensen to enter into Open Session. Motion passed.
Announcement of Superintendent Appointment
Chairman Alan Reed informed those gathered that 14 people had applied for the position.
Four finalists were selected and interviewed. Dr. Murdoch was the obvious choice of the
Board of Trustees to fill the position of Superintendent.
It was moved by Chairman. Alan L. Reed to appoint Dr. John Murdoch as Superintendent
of School District 491 effective July 1, 2002. Ernest Jensen seconded the motion.
Motion passed.
Adjournment
It was moved by Sharon Parry and seconded by Jerry Wixom to adjourn the meeting.
Motion passed.
Comments by Dr. Murdoch
Dr. Murdoch noted that this was a humbling experience and thanked the Board of
Trustees for their trust and support as a leader for the education of over 10,500 students.
He acknowledged that public schools are facing greater challenges more difficult
financial times than ever before, but felt that District #91 had never been better prepared
to meet these needs.
He believes that the teacher is the fundamental unit for student success. He told fellow
administrators that he is grateful for their support and excited about the possibilities. He
noted that this is the time to hold a steady course.
Students from both the Idaho Falls and Skyline school newspapers presented several
questions to Dr Murdoch. The questions included the District's policy regarding Snow
Days, the new Attendance Policy, weighted grades, the High Desert Academy,
curriculum alignment and a means for students to voice concerns or offer suggestions to
district level administrators.
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February 27, 2002
Dr. Murdoch's response to the questions included the following:
• The High Desert Academy was discontinued because of low enrollment. The
practices of the Academy have been incorporated into one or two trimesters in the
regular setting for those students who wish to have that experience.
• Curriculum Alignment: It is the goal of District 91 to present the best possible
written curriculum with no gaps in the K-12 instruction program, and to provide
teachers with the best practices available to help students achieve the skills and
knowledge necessary for success.
• Attendance Policy: the new policy has increased attendance and realized
$400,000 in increased revenues this year. Teachers report that students attend
class regularly and feel that the new policy has been effective.
Questions asked by the Idaho halls Education Association and news media included
retaining and attracting the best -qualified teachers and continuation of successful
programs.
Dr. Murdoch's response to these questions included the following:
• Retaining/recruiting quality teachers: The District's recruiting practices have
resulted in top teachers being hired and will continue. The peer assistance
program (Mentoring) will be maintained by the legislature and will continue to
be provided by District 91.
• New programs: Any new programs will be weighed against the objective of
student needs and achievement.
• The Strategic plan process will be continued and its focus renewed in the next
two years. It has been in place since 1993.
• Extra -curricular activities: funding for extra -curricular activities needs to be
balanced with an understanding of the school budgets that contribute to each
activity.
• Public School Appropriation: Because of the Governor's 2.5% Holdback, there
will be less money for public schools. District 91 will experience a decrease of
$950,000 for the current fiscal year. The State appropriation has also been
reduced which will mean even less money for the next fiscal year. The District
must absorb this loss which could amount to $2.5M over the next two-year
period. Options available to school districts include:
o Increase State Appropriation
o Increase the local Supplemental Levy
o Reduce Services
District 91 will be able to maintain services for the next school year, but will
match staff to enrollments. The goal is to support students in the classroom. The
District will work to maintain extra -curricular activities.
• Promote District Unity: Will continue to work together to understand different
points of view.
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February 27, 2002
Weighted Grades: The District is currently working on a solution. It is proposed
that an honor system be created and grades weighted for AP courses. The class
ranking system will be eliminated beginning with the 2002 graduating class. It is
believed that the district has found a way to meet a broad base of student needs.
Student Forums: An open door policy will be maintained. Periodic "press
conferences" with student representatives will be considered.
The top priority will be to provide a great educational program for students and prepare
all students to meet the Idaho State Standards, The District is coming from a good
position in this area.
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