HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013_03_12 Board MinutesBOARD OF TRUSTEES -- SPECIAL WORK SESSION & BUSINESS MEETING
DISTRICT OFFICE BOARD ROOM -- 5:00 P.M.
690 JOHN ADAMS PARKWAY
MARCH 12, 2013
Present from D91 Board of Trustees
Dave Lent, Chairman
Lisa Burtenshaw, Vice Chair
Deidre Warden, Treasurer
Larry Haws, Clerk
Brian Hillman, Trustee
Present from the Administration:
George Boland, Superintendent
Lisa Sherick, Assistant Superintendent
Trina Caudle, Assistant Superintendent
Carrie Smith, Director of HR & Finance
Gail Rochelle, Director of Student Achievement &
School Improvement
Camille Wood, Director of Technology Services
Margaret Wimborne, Communications & Community
Engagement Coordinator
Debbie Wilkie, Recording Clerk
Chairman Lent called the meeting to order at 5:18 p.m.
ADOPT AGENDA
Trustee Lisa Burtenshaw made a motion to amend the agenda to include Idaho Code §67-2345 (1)(b),
Personnel, for discussion during the scheduled Executive Session regarding an issue that came about
earlier today. Trustee Warden provided the second. Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nays.
WORK SESSION
Superintendent Boland stated that JFAC, the State Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee, set the
2014 appropriations last week and are waiting for approval from the House, Senate and the Governor.
He felt it would be helpful to review how district revenue is generated and asked Carrie Smith, Director
of HR & Finance, to give an overview of the process. Carrie shared a PowerPoint presentation reviewing
public school finance, including State and Federal revenue and district expenditures, before planning
gets underway to set the 2014 budget. Carrie provided handouts detailing district organization, general
fund balance and extra -curricular and co -curricular stipend schedules that are currently in place. A
discussion was held.
BUSINESS MEETING
Chairman Lent called the business meeting to order at 7:00 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by
Trustee Brian Hillman.
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SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
a. Emissary of Excellence
Heidi Crouch, Skyline High School Asst. Principal, introduced Gregg Baczuk, Skyline government
teacher, Student Leadership Advisor and Assistant Football and Track coach, as the Emissary of
Excellence this month. Mrs. Crouch shared that Mr. Baczuk has a way of bringing out the best in
his students. Mrs. Crouch read a couple of letters written by students in Mr. Bacsuk's Leadership
class. The students stated that Mr. Baczuk is an incredible man who is very well respected and a
perfect example of what a leader should be like. Mr. Baczuk's peers stated that Gregg leads by
example and is truly helping to build a culture that empowers at Skyline High School.
Chairman Lent thanked Mr. Baczuk on behalf the District and the Board for the great work he is
doing. He stated he has been in Gregg's classroom and witnessed firsthand his leading by
example. He is very well respected in the district, and in the community, we are very lucky to
have him in the district. Chairman Lent presented Gregg with a certificate and token of
appreciation. Gregg introduced his wife and children and thanked them for supporting him in a
job he loves.
b. Volunteer of the Month
Aaron Jarnagan, Idaho Falls High School Assistant Principal, introduced John Lund, a parent and
patron of the district, as the Volunteer of the Month. Mr. Jarnagan stated that John is an
outstanding citizen, great father, husband and person. John has volunteered to be a Senior
Project Mentor for numerous students at IFHS and SHS this year with the desire and intent to
help them be the best students and leaders they can be. Mr. Jarnagan thanked John for his
support and willingness to serve.
Trustee Deidre Warden thanked John on behalf of the District and the Board for his services and
presented him with a certificate and token of appreciation. John stated that he really values
education and thanked everyone for the recognition.
c. Business Partner of the Month
Mitzi Ellingson, IFHS Science teacher & IFEA President, stated tonight we are pleased to honor
Portage, Inc. as our Business Partner of the Month. Portage was established in Idaho Falls more
than 20 years ago, and provides engineering and environmental remediation services around
the world.
We are recognizing Portage for its efforts to inspire middle and high school students' interest in
science. Four years ago, Portage's Michel Hall invited our freshmen science teachers to
participate in the Phenomenal Physics program. The program offers science -related articles,
activities and other resources to help students get excited about real-world processes and
express their interest through ideas and experiments. Phenomenal Physics also provides
teachers with a network of physics and science professionals to assist with science activities that
enrich the district's existing science curriculum.
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A few students competed in local science contests that first year, and a lucky few won a trip to
Lagoon to take part in the regional competition. This year, more than 250 students will take part
in the Phenomenal Physics Fair on April 191h at ISU's Bennion Student Union Building in Idaho
Falls. These participants will compete for the 35 spots available for this year's trip to Physics Day
at Lagoon.
Michel Hall at Portage has worked tirelessly to grow the program. When the district was faced
with budget cuts, the employees at Portage set about raising the money to pay for
transportation so students could take part in the local and regional competitions. This year, two
additional major sponsors have been secured — INL and Teton Stage Lines — but it needs
additional money to keep up with the program's growth.
Mitzi introduce Bret, representing Portage tonight, and thanked him for their help in the
classroom and with the Phenomenal Physics Fair.
Trustee Burtenshaw thanked Bret and Portage for their willingness to help students in the
community and presented him with a certificate of appreciation.
REPORTS/INPUT/INFORMATION
a. Student Reports —Written summaries, if provided, are attached.
i. Emerson High School - no report.
ii. Skyline High School — Student Representative Paige Herrmann reported.
iii. Idaho Falls High School - Student Representative Caitlin McNamara reported.
iv. Compass Academy - Student Representative Sydney Borek and Andrew Guadarrama
reported.
b. Patron Input —Written summaries, if provided, are attached.
Mr. Suketu Gandhi shared comments regarding the district's science textbook selection process.
c. IFEA Reports —Written summaries, if provided, are attached.
Mitzi Ellingson, IFEA President, and Angela Gillman, IFEA President -Elect, reported.
d. Education Foundation Report —A written summary, if provided, is attached.
Marge Foster, Executive Board Chair reported.
e. First Reading— Board Policy Revisions, Section 600 Curriculum & Instruction
Assistant Superintendent Trina Caudle shared a PowerPoint and reviewed recommendations the
committee is proposing to bring BP, Section 600 up to date. Trina explained that some items in
Section 600 are 10 years old and with implementation of the Common Core and Smarter
Balance Assessment, by the State Department of Education, they need to be revised. A copy of
the proposed changes will be posted on the district website for patron review. A second reading
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is scheduled for the April 16th. Trina asked the Board for input regarding targets for
achievement and measurable goals to add in the procedures for Section 600. A discussion was
held. Section 600 discussion will added to the agenda for the work session on March 261h
f. Superintendent's Report
Supt. Boland shared a letter he received from Russell Spain, Executive Director for Eastern Idaho
Community Action Partnership, thanking the students of Idaho Falls and Skyline high schools for
their generosity as it relates it to the recent canned food drive. There were 14 food banks in
Eastern Idaho, including the community food bank and the soup kitchen, that were recipients of
the donations.
The superintendent also reviewed third trimester enrollment numbers, attendance rates and
what that means in regards to funding. At the secondary level, both Idaho Falls and Skyline high
schools are currently under 1300 students and with the addition of a the Junior class at Compass
Academy next year enrollment should be around 1200 students at each high school as
projected.
g. Other Items
Trustees Lisa Burtenshaw and Deidre Warden along with Supt. Boland will leave tomorrow to
attend the National School Board Association's Technology Site Visit in Chicago. They will share
a report from their experience at the work session on March 261h
CONSENT AGENDA
Trustee Warden made a motion to accept the Consent Agenda as presented. Trustee Haws provided the
second. Motion carried 5 ayes, 0 nays.
Items approved include:
Meeting Minutes
February 2013
Payment of Claims:
Matching Funds:
February 13, 2013 Business Meeting
February 26, 2013 Work Session
$5,179,921.87
Eagle Rock Middle School
Technology & Library Books
Total Matching Funds requested
$ 4,720.39
$ 4,720.39
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Student Travel: Idaho Falls High School — Wrestling
Reno Tournament of Champions
Reno, NV
December 19-22, 2013
Idaho Falls High School — Wrestling
North Idaho Rumble at Coeur d'Alene High School
Coeur d'Alene, ID
January 24-26, 2014
Early Graduations: Student 2012-2013F
Student 2012-2013G
Student 2012-2013H
ACTION ITEMS
Adopt Reading Intervention (IRI & ERI) Resolution
Supt. Boland stated as part of being in compliance for reading intervention funding from the
State Department of Education the board would need to take action on the proposed
resolution. He read the following resolution and stated the meeting minutes will be submitted
in order to be eligible for any extra funding. A discussion was held.
Extended Reading Intervention (ERI) Resolution
It is the intent of the School Board to comply with the Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI)
and the Extended Reading Intervention (ERI) programs required by the State of Idaho
and sponsored by the State Department of Education. Each school shall administer
the IRI test to all available students in Kindergarten and grades 1, 2 and 3 during the
Fall and Spring testing windows. Prior to the first Friday in May each year, each
Elementary School shall adopt an ERI program consisting of an extra 40 hours of
reading instruction and submit it to the State Department of Education The ERI will be
available to students scoring below the twenty-fifth percentile on the IRI.
Trustee Burtenshaw made a motion to adopt the IRI and ERI Resolution as read. Trustee
Hillman provided the second. Motion carried, 5 ayes, 0 nays.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Trustee Burtenshaw made a motion to go into Executive Session. Trustee Hillman provided the second.
A roll call vote was taken:
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Chairman Lent—yes
Lisa Burtenshaw— yes
Deidre Warden — yes
Larry Haws —yes
Brian Hillman—yes
The Board of Trustees and Superintendent Boland met in Executive Session pursuant to Idaho Code §67-
2345 (1), (b) Personnel and (c) Negotiations.
Trustee Warden made a motion to return to Open Session. Trustee Haws provided the second. Motion
carried 5 ayes, 0 nays.
Trustee Burtenshaw made a motion to adjourn. Trustee Warden provided the second. Meeting
adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
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Sydney Borek — Compass Academy
School Board Meeting Information — 3/12/13
1. Information about the A/P Human Geography current Project
2. Information on moving to the new hallway
Wilkie, Debbie -D91
From: Gillman, Angela -D91
Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 8:27 PM
To: Wilkie, Debbie -D91
Subject: IFEA board report
IFEA board report
Delegate Assembly set for April 11, 12, 13; delegates attending will be excused from classrooms 1/2 day on 11th and a day
on the 12th and will be returning late afternoon/evening Saturday
Negotiations team has been meeting and planning to begin negotiations with the district 2nd week in April. We have
continue to hear from our exec board how they appreciated what Lisa Burtenshaw had to share. Talking about budget
impacts, explaining where legislation originated from, and other discussions. In believe you would agree that we all left that
meeting with a clearer understanding on both sides. Thank you.
Surveys:
safety survey to be sent out as representative meeting has expressed they still wish to have happen
Negotiations survey this month to prepare for first meeting
Senior project/advisory survey to teachers who are doing those activities
Rise and Dine
We had a very successful membership event yesterday morning at Perkins restaurant. We met one on one with potential
members sharing the benefits of joining the association. Our membership drive continues through the end of March
including a give away of a nook to one of our new members. Our membership is very excited about this!
Angela Gillman
IFEA President Elect
Suketu Gandhi's Comments on Science Textbooks March 12, 2012
When students learn science, it must be about science. Unfortunately, FOSS Science
textbooks for a certain elementary grade have significant space devoted to biographies of
scientists and engineers. The plausible justification for this may be to inspire students to study
science or engineering in the post -secondary education. However, reading biographies diverts
attention from science and wastes time. In other words, this denies them from learning science in
depth, and prevents them from becoming a critical thinker.
The expositions in FOSS lead readers to believe that science experiments occurs on a
single try, and fails to provide information on relevant past scientific developments. In reality,
mathematics, science and engineering are evolutionary. First an idea is conceived, it builds upon
them, or reexamines them when questions are raised, or new ideas or techniques are introduced.
One such example is discussions on light bulbs. The book gives credit to Thomas Edison, but
neglects to discuss the evolution of the idea from its conception in 1809 by Sir Humphrey Davy,
and the advancements made from 1809 to 1879. Once the idea was demonstrated, the goal was to
improve the operational lifetime to a longer duration. Edison advanced the goal by evacuating
the air in a bulb to prevent oxygen from burning up the filament.
This is one of many examples on the serious problems pervasive in the textbooks. The
underlying reason for this is the adoption process. When the elementary school science
curriculum was brought up for adoption in 2009, the public did not comment. Why? The public
did not know that the District seeks their input. The available information was buried in
webpages to ensure its secrecy. In other words, the public was available to evaluate it, but did not
know about it. When it was brought to the attention of the Board, via e-mail (dated April 27,
2009), the response from the then Chair was that it is too late. The practice may have improved
since then, but still denies the public the right to participate in the textbook selection process
when merits are discussed among the selection committee.
We note that State of Idaho allows the public to participate in the textbook selection
process, but the District 91 has been evasive on its statutory obligations. The Board is strongly
urged to implement the provision of the curricular selection process under Idaho statues, 33-
512A. The text is simple. The provision exits with a goal to infuse the committee with the
knowledge and the views that does not possess. This should result in the selection of textbooks
that imparts the students with knowledge.
If the Board feels the goal is to motivate students to study science seriously, the proven
strategy requires in depth discussions and to challenge them. In the case of the light bulb, discuss
the factors that impact its operation, or ask students the ways they could conceive to improve its
operational lifetime. This would provoke them to think, ask the right questions and stimulate
their mind. Once the topic is well understood, then move to another topic, like what conducts
electricity. This way, rigorous science becomes accessible to every student.
Why give the comments several years after the adoption of FOSS Science textbooks? The
public learned about the contents of a science textbook when it was recently brought home.
Thus, it is appropriate to enlighten the decision makers on the consequences of the flawed
textbook selection process results in their undesirable contents and deleterious impact on the
student's learning. When quality textbooks are selected for classroom use, it will go a long way
to deliver superior education. This is the reachable goal that we must strive. The past mistakes
cannot be corrected, but the future actions can prevent mistakes from recurrence.