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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010_10_12 Board MinutesOctober 12, 2010 7:00 PM Present from the Board of Trustees Dave Lent, Chairman Jerry Wixom, Vice Chair Ernest Jensen, Treasurer Deidre Warden, Clerk Lisa Burtenshaw, Member Dave Lent, Board Chair, called the meeting to order. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mitzi Ellingson. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY: Present from the Administration: George Boland, Superintendent Guy Wangsgard, Director of Business Trina Caudle, Director of Secondary Education Karla, LaOrange, Director of Elementary Education Gail Rochelle, Director of Student Achievement & Staff Dev. Camille Wood, Director of Technology Debbie Wilkie, Recording Clerk The recipients were unable to attend tonight. This item will carry forward to the next meeting. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA: Jerry Wixom moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Deidre Warden seconded the motion. Motion carried. REPORTS/INPUT/INFORMATION a. Student Reports Mallory Murdoch, Skyline High School Student Body Rep., reported: • Student Government is looking into getting benches to put in the hallways so students have a place to sit instead of on the floor • Later this month is Diversity Week with the focus being on individuality • Building Administrators have asked students to help recognize staff members who go the extra mile. Students can fill out a form, so that Mr. Miller can recognize that individual during a faculty meeting, to let teachers know they are appreciated • The Skyline Booster Club Craft Fair is scheduled for November 61"; several students' are planning to help so they can earn service hours • Requests for new clubs recently have included guitar club, video game club and a "political action" club 10/12/2010 District 91 Board Minutes Page 1 of 5 Morgan Thornberry, Idaho Falls High School, reported: • IFHS had successful Emotion Bowl and Homecoming Weeks • Club Week is planned for October 18-22nd fun activities are planned for each day of the week • A Tailgate Party prior to the IFHS—Hillcrest football game on Thursday, Oct. 21" will be held in the student parking lot • Student Government participants will be attending the Idaho Association of Student Councils Fall Conference, at the Shilo in Idaho Falls on November 3rd, they will spend the day working on leadership skills • Business manager, Kyle Roach, has been selling banners, for advertising, to hang at Raysten Stadium as Student Government continues to raise money to purchase an electronic marquee. iii. Shaena Walker, Emerson High School Student Body Rep., could not be here tonight but sent an email reporting: • Second block started this week with 134 students enrolled in day school and 15 at night. • EHS had their first back to school night barbeque, on Thursday, Sept 16t", it was a huge success. • Art Club was formed, making it the first student club at Emerson High School Patron Input James Winkler — on September 14, 2010 his son, James Michael Winkler, was hit by a car while crossing, in the crosswalk, Pancheri Drive. James Michael, a student at Eagle Rock Junior High, is recovering from the accident. Mr. Winkler stated he was here tonight to get the district to make some changes for students walking to and from school each day. Mr. Winkler asked the Board to consider the following recommendations, adding an overhead traffic light above the crosswalk, extending the school zone time to run 7:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m., provide a school crossing guard and most importantly law enforcement in the school zones. Donna Constantino — a patron, who moved to the area five years ago, also shared her feelings about student safety in school zone. She stated that school zones in other places they have lived have school zones speed limits for the entire day. She stated another problem with the Pancheri Drive school zone is the flashing lights are too far apart, there are several side streets that enter in the middle of the school zone and drivers can't always see the flashing lights. She also stated more kids are going to school early or staying after to get help from teachers or participate in school clubs so the times they are walking are not when the lights are on. The sun is another factor and if a flashing light were on all day it would help remind drivers to watch out for pedestrians. Robin Piet — with Idaho Falls Community Pathways, an organization geared towards making it safer and more possible for people to walk and ride bicycles in Idaho Falls, shared a handout with information of seven area accidents involving pedestrians or bicyclists. Robin shared information about Safe Routes to School, a National organization, which provides resources to help school districts make walking or biking to school safer. Robin stated she would like to see local school districts become more active in planning safe school routes with the Bonneville Metropolitan Planning Program. She suggested the district should encourage more law enforcement in school zones and also get involved in the planning of complete streets, the concept that roads should not be built just for automobiles. Mr. Gandhi — shared his comments regarding the proposed Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. He stated he would like to see the district open the textbook evaluation process to the interested public at the outset rather than seeking comments at the end, minutes before the midnight hour. He went on to say that credible evaluation of the Math Core Standards requires that each issue raised be thoroughly understood, every question be answered and all constraints be clearly identified. 10/12/2010 District 91 Board Minutes Page 2 of 5 Jeff Forbes — Vice President of Idaho Falls Community Pathways stated that his organization would like to see the district work more closely with the city and county to try to increase enforcement in all school zones. Jeff stated the education component is very important and informed the board that there are public service comments, prepared by the Idaho Transportation Department, which should be used to help to raise awareness. Jeff mentioned infrastructures are also a concern; no sidewalks currently exist in front of Skyline High School. Dave Lent, Board Chair, proposed that the district continue the safe school zone dialogue, at another time, and asked board members Deidre Warden and Lisa Burtenshaw follow-up with Mr. Forbes and Robin Piet. Vince Howard, Eagle Rock Junior High School Principal, also volunteered to attend a meeting to discuss what can be done to make all school zones safer. IFEA Report — Michelle Sakota reported: • The Association is conducting an independent campaign for candidate Stan Olson in hopes to get more recognition for him in this area. Yard and window signs are being posted and will read "Educators for Stan Olson." Notes will also be sent out to non -educators in their attempt to raise awareness. A mock vote, by a phone poll, was held with IFEA members and the results showed overwhelming support for Mr. Olson. Dave Lent asked Michelle to remind everyone of the rules for campaigning, which she did. Education Foundation —Terri Frickey reported: • Terri provided a handout showing the distribution of the Maeck Foundation 2010 Funds. Eleven elementary schools, two junior high schools and two high schools received funding they had asked for. The $5900.00 left over after filling school request was used to purchase science consumables. In addition, the Chess Club was formed, the operating and transportation costs for Fourth Grade Rendezvous was also able to be funded by the Maeck Foundation donations. • Teton Toyota truck donation update, Terry reported that Idaho Falls High School clubs have sold 360 tickets and Skyline High School clubs have sold 270. Each ticket sold generates $10 of which $9 goes to the individual club and the other dollar going to the Ed Foundation. The Foundation continues to work with building principals to get more clubs involved in this exciting fundraising opportunity. • The Foundation will be giving out ten $500 Teacher mini -grants the first part of November; the application deadline is October 14th. Superintendent's Report Superintendent Boland and board member Lisa Burtenshaw recently attended a vendor sponsored Blackboard Conference, in San Diego, to see first-hand an e-learning delivery model. The conference included a visit to Poway High School to observe how technology has been integrated in the classroom. The Superintendent reported that District 91 has access to a state supported, nationally recognized service provider right here in Idaho, The Idaho Digital Learning Academy, if the Board would like to pursue expanding the classroom walls to include an e- learning center. Superintendent Boland stated they felt the time in San Diego was well spent. Dave Lent, Board Chair, stated as a board he would like to see District 91 move forward in that direction. 10/12/2010 District 91 Board Minutes Page 3 of 5 CONSENT AGENDA: Jerry Wixom moved to adopt the consent agenda as written. Ernest Jensen seconded the motion. Five aye votes. Motion carried. Items approved include: Meeting Minutes September 7, 14 & 28, 2010 Payment of September 2010 Claims $2,074,338.76 Staff Actions: Resignation: Michael Corbett Eagle Rock Junior High Spanish New Hire: Jhanyce Acosta Eagle Rock Junior High Spanish Emergency Hires: A hiring emergency exists, as delcared by the Board of Trustees, for the following positions: Amy Keck - Provisional Contract Ryan Bryson — Provisional Contract Eagle Rock Junior High Taylorview Junior High Special Education Science Brett Buzard — Provisional Contract Elementary P.E. Specialist Matching Funds: Longfellow Elementary Smart Boards with mounting accessories $14,364.00 Longfellow Elementary iPad with accessories & warranty Fox Hollow Elementary Mobile Lab — approve new amount Total Matching Funds requested Early Graduation Requests: Student 2010-2011D $ 636.00 $14,547.00 $ 29,547.00 Dusty Johnson — Teacher to New Clair E Gale Junior High Drama 10/12/2010 District 91 Board Minutes Page 4 of 5 ACTION ITEMS Micron STEM Education Project Resolution Superintendent Boland stated the district has been invited by Dr. Jerry McMurtry, Project Director for the U of I Micron STEM Education Project, to take part in a study designed to reveal and respond to the underlying causes of declining interest and competency in STEM fields in the State of Idaho. There are 11 other districts that have tentatively agreed to participate in the study. Ernest Jensen asked if this will require additional time for teachers and staff to which the superintendent replied no. Jerry Wixom stated it sounds like a win, win situation for the district if they are going to provide recommendations from the data collected. Ernest Jensen moved to accept the resolution and authorize the Superintendent and the Board Chair to sign the MOU with the University of Idaho. Jerry Wixom seconded the motion. Five aye votes. Motion carried. Jerry Wixom moved to adjourn. Ernest Jensen seconded. Meeting adjourned. 10/12/2010 District 91 Board Minutes Page 5 of 5 r.AAO oy-1 LOIIA'-b�z) PLEASE ATTEND SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING ON OCTOBER 12, 2010 My son was hit in the school cross walk in front of Eagle Rock Jr. High on September 14, 2010 at 7:51 a.m., children can be on school grounds at 7:45 a.m. for assistance from teachers or breakfast. The school zone lights don't come on until 8:00 a.m. THIS WAS WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR SON, DO NOT LET IT BE YOUR CHILD Please attend the School Board meeting to show your support and voice your opinion. LOCATION: 690 John Adams Parkway TIME: 7:00 p.m. I am asking for the following changes: School Crossing Guard, Over head lighting, and have the school zone flashing lights time changed from 8:00 a.m. — 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. For more information please call 208-520-0756. pu Plc, Seven bike/pedestrian accidents in SE Idaho in a Week 9-13-10, #1 Idaho Falls, Broadway and Buckboard — On Monday, September 13th, a twelve year old boy was hit while riding his bike home from school. He was in the crosswalk and a car in one lane had stopped for him, while another car approaching kept going and hit the bicycle and threw him from his bike. He was wearing a helmet and only received minor injuries. The bike was destroyed in the accident. 9-14-10, #2 IDAHO FALLS, Idaho -- A student was taken to the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center after being hit by a driver on his way to school, Tuesday. The 9th grader was walking in the crosswalk on Pancheri Drive in front of Eagle Rock Junior High School when a driver hit him while he was walking in. The student rolled onto the hood of the car and hit the windshield before being thrown 60 feet and out of both his shoes, Sgt. Dave Frei said. The student was holding an orange caution flag while he was crossing the street, Frei said. The victim suffered a broken leg, Frei said. He is also undergoing an MRI to test for internal injuries as a precaution. 9-14-10, #3 Sugar City, Idaho -- Another student was also hit by a car Tuesday morning on their way to school in Sugar City. The Sugar -Salem Junior High student was crossing Center St. at the Cutler Rd. intersection when a car struck her. The student was not seriously hurt and did not need medical attention. 9-14-10, #4 Rigby, Idaho — Also Tuesday morning, a school bus hit a 15-year-old Rigby boy. It happened at the intersection of 300 North and 3823 East at 8:26 a.m., according to Idaho State Police. The 15-year-old rode his bike in front of a school bus and was hit. He was transported to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center by ambulance with non- life threatening injuries. 9-15-10, #5 UPDATED: 11:57 am MDT September 15, 2010POCATELLO, Idaho -- A handicapped man was taken to Portneuf Medical Center on Wednesday after being hit while crossing a street in Pocatello.According to police, the man was in a wheelchair crossing the street at the intersection of East Carter St. and South 5th Ave. in the crosswalk. Police told Local News 8 the driver of the car came to a stop at the stop sign and looked both ways before attempting to make a right turn. However, police said as the driver was turning, the man in the wheelchair was entering the crosswalk.The victim did not leave the wheelchair when he was hit, but the chair did tip over, police said. He was complaining of neck pain, police said, but he didn't appear to be injured.Police believe the victim is about 50 years old. No citations have been issued so far. Police said the investigation is ongoing.It is the same location another pedestrian was hit while crossing the road two weeks ago. 9-21-10, #6 Kindergarten student hit by car AMMON - For the 4th time in less than a week, a student has been hit by a car on their way to school. According to Guy Bliesner from District 93, on Tuesday morning, a 5-year-old kindergarten student from Hillview Elementary was hit by a car on Avocet Drive. The boy was walking in a group when they passed a driveway. A driver pulling out of the driveway then hit the 5-year-old. The child was knocked down, went under the bumper, but was not completely run over. Witnesses on scene say the child went into the fetal position after being hit. The student was transported to the hospital by ambulance. He's believed to have scratches and bruises but no broken bones. The name of the student and the name of the driver have not been released. 10-11-10, #7 Lincoln High School student hit by car By Tammy Harmer BONNEVILLE COUNTY - A Lincoln High School student was hit by a car Monday morning around 9:00am near the school. According to police, the student's head broke the windshield. The male student has road rash and cuts to his arm. The victim was taken to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for observation and the driver was cited for inattentive driving. We will bring you more updates as they become available. Information about Complete Streets: http://www.completestreets.org/ Safe Routes to School: http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/ Idaho's Safe Routes to School: http://itd.idaho.gov/bike ped/sr2s/links.html, Click on SR2S Idaho's Safe Routes to School Coordinator with Idaho Transportation Dept: Jo O'Connor Phone 208-334-4475 (Boise) Jo.oconnor@itd.idaho.gov Suketu Gandhi October 12, 2010 Comments on the proposed Common Core State Standards for Mathematics In the words of the first president Bush, "the way to prosperity in America is not by earning the minimum wages". Necessary access to the economic prosperity requires strong education. Students become highly proficient in math and science when schools provide rigorous mathematics curriculum and excellent textbooks. The proposed Common Core State Standards for Mathematics is meant to address this concern in the realm of the curriculum. Careful dissection of the document reveals that a number of topics that can be easily taught at opportune times are missing. The document calls to teach many topics, and need to derive equations or procedures. For other topics, it only calls for presentation, but no derivation of simple relationship is required. This is no different from the case in the current textbooks in use, where derivations of various mathematical relationships are missing. It is for the local school districts to implement Math Curriculum Standards, and workout the details. Before any decision can be made on the suitability of adopting the proposed Math Core Standards, the decision makers must have the full knowledge on its strengths & weakness. They must formulate a vision of mathematics curriculum, and develop a strategy that brings it into practical reality in classrooms. The evaluators need to learn in intricate details of each topic, including those excluded from the Core Standards, and determine their suitability in classrooms. They need to match various topics with specific grade levels or subject, and connect with specific science courses. Furthermore, they need to identify topics that may deprive students from learning in schools, despite their capabilities to master the materials. Decisions made at this juncture impacts the future of the students in a profound way, and cannot be underestimated. When making such important decision, one must bare in mind that relationships in mathematics are based on derivations, proofs or theorems. Derivation of compact equations provides both understanding a path to solve difficult problems quickly. This instills intuition on formulating strategy to obtain answers. When students are taught to plug & chug without derivation of the underlying equations, it is akin in making students believe in Santa Claus, Astrology, or teaching them to accept the contents of National Enquirer as factual! In view of this, it is important for the Board to deviate from the prevailing practice when it evaluates the proposed Math Core Standards. It should open up the evaluation process to the interested public at the outset. Seeking comment at the end is like seeking comments a few minutes before the midnight hour. It may be appropriate to fine tune policies, but it is inadequate for making gross changes, as is the case for the proposed Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Accepting public comments through e-mail without the direct participation of the public assures that submitted documents will make it efficiently into the blackhole of the cyber space, where it will not see the light of the day to make a meaningful impact. In other words, the evaluators will not provide point -by -point response, nor seek further details or clarifications of complex statement contained in the comments. Credible evaluation of the Math Core Standards requires that each issues raised be thoroughly understood, every questions be answered, and all constraints be clearly identified. The evaluators must realize that there are multiple approaches in teaching complex topics. Not all of the easy derivations may have made it into the prevailing textbooks, but they are available to the public. Denying or depriving our selves to access such important knowledge, like Sergeant Schultz of Stalag 13, does not benefit anyone, except for those who wants to maintain the status quo. Thus, there are bona fide reasons to open up the evaluation process of the proposed Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. It is hoped that the Board will agree to this.