HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010_11_02 Board MinutesNovember 2, 2010
7:00 PM
Present from the Board of Trustees
Dave Lent, Chairman
Jerry Wixom, Vice Chair
Ernest Jensen, Treasurer
Lisa Burtenshaw, Member
Deidre Warden, Excused
Dave Lent, Board Chair, called the meeting to order.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Cami Smith.
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY:
a. Emissary of Excellence
Present from the Administration:
George Boland, Superintendent
Guy Wangsgard, Director of Business
Trina Caudle, Director of Secondary Education
Karla, LaOrange, Director of Elementary Education
Camille Wood, Director of Technology
Margaret Wimborne, Communications Specialist
Debbie Wilkie, Recording Clerk
Karla LaOrange introduced Nikki Johnson, a fourth grade teacher at Westside Elementary, as the Emissary
of Excellence for her participation as a Trailblazer. Nikki joined the district in 1997 and last year took on
the additional role of Trailblazer to help implement the new science curriculum at her grade level. Mrs.
Johnson would actively organize her fellow fourth grade colleagues seeking input, ideas and suggestions
and then used the information to develop presentation documents to help teachers engage student in
learning science. Karla stated that Nikki exemplifies what a professional teacher should be, collaborative,
sharing, uses best practices and works really hard to meet the needs of her students. Karla also shared
that as a Trailblazer Nikki put together information to help students be scientists rather that just read
about science. When asked to share her thoughts, regarding Mrs. Johnson's work as an educator,
Principal Terry Miler spoke enthusiastically of Mrs. Johnson's commitment to her students. Westside
Elementary and School District 91 are truly fortunate to have Mrs. Johnson teaching our children.
On behalf of the district, Dave Lent thanked Nikki for her leadership and innovative ideas then presented
her with a certificate and gift card.
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b. Volunteer of the Month
Kelly Coughenour, Hawthorne Elementary Principal, introduced Sherill Kowall as the Volunteer of the
Month. Sherill started as a substitute at Hawthorne Elementary about three years ago in Ms. Ford's first
grade and then began volunteering in the classroom on a regular basis. Sherill has formed a strong
relationship with students at Hawthorne Elementary. Mr. Coughenour shared that one first grade student
was really struggling to learn his letters and letter sounds so Sherill took it upon herself to go to the
Kindergarten teacher and the resource room teachers to gather materials on the Zoo Phonics Program,
taught herself how to use it, then started working with that student so he would learn his letters and
sounds. Mr. Coughenour also stated that when Sherill subbed last week in a fourth grade classroom she
would go back to the first grade classroom to help out whenever she had a break. Mr. Coughenour stated
Sherill is the kind of person that always brings a smile to your face, she is kind, loving, caring and a great
person to have working with children.
Dave Lent thanked Sherill and commended her for serving her community as a volunteer for children then
presented her with a certificate and gift card.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA`:
Jerry Wixom moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Ernest Jensen seconded. Motion carried.
REPORTS/IINPUT/INFORMATION
a. Student Reports
Sierra Baker, Idaho Falls High School Student Body Rep., reported:
• Fall sports are all done
• IFHS students' have raised $700 to date for Breast Cancer Awareness
• Regional Student Leadership Conference is tomorrow, November 3rd, at the Shilo Inn
• Suicide Prevention Benefit Concert will be held at Hillcrest High School this Saturday,
November 6t", for all area schools — the school with the most students in attendance will
receive a discount for the DJ at their next school dance
• End of the first trimester and the Turkey Trot Dance is November 191"
• Student government continues to raise money to purchase an electronic marquee
• Sierra extended an invitation to board members to join Dave Lent in a question and
answer session with the student leadership class this year.
Mallory Murdoch, Skyline High School Student Body Rep., reported:
• Skyline students' participated in Diversity Week this past week - compliment boxes were
available for students' to write meaningful comments to others and then the comments
were given to that individual
• There's been some resistance from parents regarding the Teton Truck Fundraiser but
they will continue to work on it
• FCCLA and Key Club are in charge of the Harvest Dance coming up on November 131"
• Mallory asked the Board for any suggestions they might have for a community service
project that the Skyline Leadership class could help with for the holidays
iii. Emerson High School - no report
Dave Lent asked the student representatives to email the Board ideas or suggestion the leadership classes might
have that could help the district improve transparency, increase accountability and innovation.
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b. Patron Input — No patron input
c. IFEA Report — No report
Education Foundation — Cami Smith reported:
• Teton Toyota Truck Raffle update - If each high school would sell 350 tickets each month, they
could meet the overall goal of $50,000 by the time of the raffle in April
• 23,000 Education Foundation flyers will be mailed in the City of Idaho Falls utility bills over the
next three weeks to help raise awareness for the Support My School website
• A list of recipients for the 2010-11 Mini Teacher Education Foundation Grants was provided to
board members
• A contribution form, for the Combined Federal Campaign, was recently sent home with every
elementary student. This campaign allows Government employees to use payroll deduction to
make contributions to a non-profit organization - the Education Foundation is currently on
the list of eligible recipients.
e. First Reading of Policy 103.2 — Membership of Board of Trustees
Superintendent Boland explained the purpose of this update is to bring D91 Board Policy into compliance
with the new State Statue, regarding election consolidation, that goes into effect on January 1, 2011. The
terms of Board members will become four year terms, with elections being held in odd years. The
timeline has also been updated to reflect this change.
f. First Reading of Policy 603.5.1— Correspondence/Virtual/Online Courses
The policy currently in place puts a maximum of correspondence, virtual or online courses at eight credits,
with the exception of IDLA. The District received notification from the State Department of Education
that placing credit limits on courses from any Northwest Accrediting Commissioned Accredited Institution
is a violation of that agreement which places our accreditation in jeopardy. Eliminating the maximum
number of credits that are allowed will correct our policy to reflect the accreditation standards as set
forth by the Northwest Accrediting Commission.
Board member, Jerry Wixom, asked if it would be possible for a student to take all the required classes
online and still qualify for a diploma from one of the high schools. Superintendent Boland responded
there are other policies in place that stipulates when the credits have to be earned, the sequence and
timing, in order to receive a diploma from Idaho Falls High School or Skyline High School. Superintendent
Boland added, at some point the student would have to be enrolled to receive a diploma from that
school.
g. First Reading of Policy 603.5.2 — Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA)
There are two changes in the language of this policy regarding payment for credits from IDLA. If a student
meets the criteria, stated in policy, the district currently pays the credit tuition. The changes would reflect
after two failed attempts the student would then be responsible for the credit tuition. The financial
liability to the district could become substantial as the policy is currently written.
Dave Lent expressed concern that the "two strikes you're out" approach would negatively affect students.
Jerry Wixom stated it's a good approach, students and parents need to know there are consequences, but
is concerned that for some it's about timing and biting off more than they can chew. Ernest Jensen
commented that it may be more about those who drop the class time after time with no consequences
because they are not willing to put in the time and effort it takes. After some discussion the Board asked
the Administration to add language to include the option of petitioning the Board, for future district paid
tuition, after successfully completing an IDLA course. Superintendent Boland will work on the language
and bring it back for the second reading in December.
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First Reading of Policy 603.5.4 — High School Credits Earned at the Middle Level
Superintendent Boland explained that during the last legislative session a State Board of Education rule
was approved that allows a student, who has completed a high school course with a grade of C or better
and taken from a teacher that has met the highly qualified standards, to receive high school credit if they
took that course prior to entering the 91" grade. For example, a 71" or 81" grade student who completes
Algebra I, equivalent to the Algebra I being taught in grades 9 — 12, is eligible for credit. The purpose of
this policy is to incorporate that state statue into board policy. A student would still be required to
complete six credits of math during high school to meet the current graduation requirements.
First Reading of Policy 603.5.5 — Alternative Credit Option
If a student is pursuing an alternative option it will be the responsibility of the student, and/or parent, to
notify the school if they want that grade posted to their high school transcript. As more and more
students pursue alternative credit options this seems to be the most equitable way to address the issue.
First Reading of Policy 1006.2 — Statement of Policy for Threats or Use
As part of the Zero Tolerance Policy — the current definition of a dangerous weapon is written as a
negative which is confusing. The recommendation would be to adopt the language from 18 United States
Code § 930 where a dangerous weapon is defined as a weapon, device, instrument, material, or
substance, animate or inanimate, that is used for, or is readily capable of, causing death or serious bodily
injury, except that such term does not include a pocket knife with a blade of less that 2 % inches in length.
Jerry Wixom asked if this would allow students' to bring a pocket knife to school. Superintendent Boland
answered yes, one that is less than 2 % inches, but the policy does not allow them to use any instrument
or device in a threatening manner; it will still be an automatic suspension.
The above policy changes will be placed on the December 14, 2010 board meeting agenda for a second
reading and are also posted on the district webpage for public comment until them.
k. Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Boland asked Camille Wood, Director of Technology Services, to give the Board an
overview of the new data collection program, ISEE, required by the State Department of Education. ISEE,
Idaho Systems of Educational Excellence, as defined by the State Department of Education, is a K-12
Longitudinal Data System that will support budgeting processes, streamline data submissions, and deliver
information to educational stakeholders to facilitate data driven decisions. ISEE is funded in part by a
three year federal grant. Idaho must have a K-16 Longitudinal Data System operational by September
2011 that meets America COMPETES Act requirements. ISEE is used statewide and will have significant
implications, regarding school funding, for the district going forward.
Camille stated that the new requirement has consumed a huge amount of time and effort, on the
district's part, in preparing the information to be exported and software problems are making it difficult
to report accurate data at this time. The district is currently required to submit information monthly
moving to a weekly submission in the coming year. Generally this information, student records, human
resource records, transportation, school lunch, etc. is held more privately within the district and only sent
to the State Department in a summary form. Camille commented that this is a massive project which she
feels will take several years to perfect.
Superintendent Boland stated its very complex, over time it could be a very helpful tool but currently we
are spending an extensive amount of time just trying to maintain the data.
CONSENTAGENDA:
Ernest Jensen moved to adopt the consent agenda as presented.
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Lisa Burtenshaw seconded. Motion carried.
Items approved include:
Meeting Minutes October 12 & 26, 2010
Payment of October 2010 Claims *Guy Wangsgard will poll the Board, for approval, on
Tuesday, November 9, 2010 after month -end reports are
completed.
Staff Actions:
Request for
contract reduction: Jill Tate, Special Education
Dora Erickson
1 FTE reduced to .5 FTE
Resignation: Linda Mabe
Intermediate Spectrum Teacher
Sunnyside Elementary
Matching Funds:
Ethel Boyes Elementary
Document Cameras & Projectors $10,674.00
Total Matching Funds requested $10,674.00
ACTION ITEMS
a. 2010 Audit Acceptance
Jerry Wixom moved to accept the 2010 Audit Report as presented. Lisa Burtenshaw seconded. Motion carried.
Jerry Wixom thanked the administration for their budget management skills and congratulated them for a job well
done.
Ernest Jensen moved to enter Executive Session in regards to I. C. Section 67-2345 (C), Negotiations. Dave Lent
seconded. A roll call vote was taken:
Dave Lent —yes
Ernest Jensen — yes
Jerry Wixom — yes
Lisa Burtenshaw —yes
Ernest Jensen moved to return to Open Session. Jerry Wixom seconded. Motion carried.
Ernest Jensen moved to adjourn. Jerry Wixom seconded. Meeting adjourned.
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