North Kitsap School District #400 Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors March 22, 2012 Student Support Services 18360 Caldart Avenue Northeast Poulsbo, WA MINUTES Consent Agenda 7.4.4 Board Members Kathleen Dassel, President Dan Weedin, Vice President/Legislative Representative Tom Anderson, Director Scott Henden, Director Bill Webb, Director Dr. Richard Jones, Superintendent Therese Caldwell, Recording Secretary 1. Call to Order 5:00 p.m. 2. Executive Session The Board of Directors immediately recessed into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters and contract negotiations. No action was taken. The regular meeting reconvened at 6:00 p.m. 3. Pledge of Allegiance Kingston High School (KHS) student Chelsea Klinkert led the Pledge of Allegiance using American Sign Language. 4. Agenda Changes 5. Communications 5.1 Recognitions The Board recognized accomplishments of North Kitsap High School (NKHS) teams, including swim, gymnastics and wrestling and debate, as well as awards received by coaches. KHS achievements in debate, basketball, swim and wrestling were then acknowledged, along with awards received by coaches. 5.2 Public Comments Katie Gregerson, NKSD para-educator and parent of two Breidablik Elementary students, addressed the Board, citing the many positive experiences her children have had at that school. She asked that the Board remember its responsibilities to balance the fiscal needs of the district with the needs of the students. North Kitsap Education Association (NKEA) President Chris Fraser addressed the Board about limiting the reduction in force of certificated staff and the impact on class size that would occur with the proposed reduction. Ms. Fraser cited her personal experiences as an instructor with a large class and noted some large class sizes at KHS. Breidablik Elementary teacher Brittane Hendricks addressed the Board about the possibility of closing a school, emphasizing that such a decision will have potentially negative repercussions and asking the Board to take the time to make a responsible decision. Page 1 of 9
5.3 Legislative Report Director Weedin noted that the Legislature adjourned without finalizing the budget. They will go into extended session. He read from Senator Christine Rolfes newsletter which stated that it will not be necessary for the Legislature to further cut education funding for this year. Director Weedin is confident that K-12 Basic Education funding will not be cut any further, noting that the outlook is better than it was last year at this time. 5.4 Student Representatives NKHS Student Representative to the Board Connor McCorkle shared details about Spirit Week, students who are running for ASB positions and plans for waffle breakfasts. Tennis, softball and baseball have been rained out frequently at the beginning of the season. Boys track is doing well. Freshman Greer Gates won the Jefferson Award, one of five awarded by the State of Washington for charitable accomplishments. Plans for Prom and graduation are underway. KHS Student Representative to the Board Chelsea Klinkert noted that Alex Cowan will come to the next Board meeting to share information about Prom and graduation. Last week was HSPE testing and Classified Staff Appreciation Week. ASB provided a breakfast and decorated the school. Next Thursday is parent conferences and seniors will present their portfolios. Spring sports are underway, with the first home meet for track this week. The girls tennis team has 35 members this year, more than South Kitsap High School. The KHS Athletic Boosters Auction was held last Saturday and was very successful. 5.5 Board Comments Bill Webb Director Webb is looking forward to meeting with the KHS debate team this week. Director Webb thanked the speakers who addressed the Board about their concerns regarding a potential school closure. He explained that he would rather close a school and retain more teachers. Director Webb asked that people with concerns not remain anonymous, referring to letters that he has received. Scott Henden Director Henden discussed the budget, stating that the Board will take the time to make responsible decisions. As a North Kitsap student, he went to three different schools due to redistricting. He noted that the March 15 Budget Study Session provided limited time for presentations and he is looking forward to receiving more detailed information. Director Henden cited the importance of coaches in students lives and the unique bond they are able to form with athletes. Director Henden feels that the state budget is not cut to the bone and responsible decisions need to be made. He is concerned that our elected officials may not be making responsible decisions. Tom Anderson Page 2 of 9
Director Anderson noted that, as a former teacher, he can understand the challenges created by large class sizes. Director Anderson will attend the WSSDA Regional meeting on March 24. He is looking forward to getting data from them. The State Board of Education recently met, and among many other items, addressed the next generation of K-12 science standards, evaluating the waiver requests from many districts on the 180-day issue, and the proposal to reduce the math remediation needed at the college level. Director Anderson was unable to attend the NCCE conference, so he watched conference videos such as Leveraging OER (Open Educational Resources). Common Course standards may be the new American boondoggle. The Montana Teacher of the Year did a presentation titled Reflections on the Flipped Classroom. Director Anderson would like to see the successes of NKSD students who participated in History Day shared at a future Board meeting. Dan Weedin Director Weedin highlighted the importance of great coaches who are teaching leadership, sportsmanship and thanked them, noting that sports play a very important role for many students. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Budget Study Session on March 15. Director Weedin thanked the School Closure Committee for its work to date. He is concerned about the short time frame and is anxious to see the data. It is a very powerful, positive thing to have Student Representatives to the Board. This provides a great opportunity for our students to further develop leadership skills. It is important for the Board to hear from the public. Anonymous communication is not as helpful. Comments are taken seriously. Kathleen Dassel Congratulations to Greer Gates on winning the Jefferson Award. President Dassel will be attending the debate event at KHS on Friday. Thank you to the March 15 Board Study Session participants. President Dassell shares Director Weedin s concern about the tight timeline for a decision on school closure for 2012-13. 6. Management 6.1 Reports 6.1.1 Poulsbo Elementary School - Promising Practices Assistant Superintendent Shawn Woodward addressed the Board, noting the great things happening across the district and his pride in district staff. Excellent leadership at schools is important and Principal Tim Garrison is passionate, resultsdriven and compassionate. Dedicated staff is another important element and Poulsbo Elementary staff has an effective focus on a systems approach to student learning. Strong family support is the third important piece. Mr. Garrison highlighted practices that are showing results, such as Roving Readers. Professional development plays an Page 3 of 9
important part in this focus on literacy. Since 1999, Poulsbo Elementary has had about 40 volunteers annually in this program. Volunteers and all available staff spend 30 minutes each day working strategically with all Poulsbo elementary students in grades 1, 2 and 3. Students needing additional assistance receive that when the other students are getting their 30 minutes of daily time so that they are not missing instruction that their classmates are receiving. Every five weeks, the PLC (professional learning community) looks at student achievement in this area, focusing on students that are stagnating or falling behind. They continually work to improve achievement for every student We value every student. All students can learn. The Board expressed support, with Director Anderson noting his initial skepticism about Professional Learning Communities and the very positive impression he received attending PLC meetings at Poulsbo Elementary. 6.1.2 Exploration of Uniforms at Poulsbo Elementary Mr. Garrison shared the results of a quick anonymous survey of certificated staff about adopting uniforms at Poulsbo Elementary; 5 - no, 11 - yes, 15 - need more information. While he is supportive of this initiative, the move in this direction is being led by interested parents. Poulsbo Elementary parent Melissa Rogers shared information about how the committee was formed. A volunteer established the Trading Post which provides appropriate clothing for students free of charge. She found many parents and staff members in favor of having uniforms at Poulsbo Elementary. The group continued their presentation to the Board, citing benefits such as increased readiness for learning, making disparities in income less obvious and potential reduction in behavior problems. Dr. Jones explained that the Board has the authority to designate a uniform dress code for a school and asked the Board to express any concerns and indicate whether the committee should move forward in its work. Director Webb suggested that the committee consider offering a dress code as an interim option. He feels that, overall, the pros outweigh the cons. Director Henden concurred, citing personal experiences with peer pressure in this area when he was a student. Director Anderson felt that it would be a positive move but noted that there is not any data showing improved grades or lessened behavioral problems. He stated that it would be good to continue on this path while getting more input from the community. Director Weedin agreed that the committee should move forward. President Dassel concurred, stating that uniforms can serve as a great equalizer. Page 4 of 9
6.1.3 All Day Kindergarten Report Director of Elementary Education Patricia Moore explained that all-day kindergarten has been a topic of discussion for several years with staff, CBRC, parents and principals. There is interest in offering this program across the district at no charge. Director Anderson inquired about grants as a funding source. Director Henden liked the idea but does not see how it can be done at this time. Director Webb is supportive of expanding the program but does not see the funding for it at this time. When budget issues ease, he would like this to be a top priority. Ms. Moore asked if the Board wants the district to look at any models. President Dassel would like to see models and more information. Director Weedin clarified that the cost of the proposed models would be between (the current cost of) $219,000 and $500,000. He feels that more information would be helpful. Dr. Jones explained that adopting all-day kindergarten would be part of the continual improvement sought by the district and it is the only recommendation that the Citizens Budget Review Committee (CBRC) has voted on to bring to the Board. Dr. Jones highlighted the possibility of phasing this program across the district gradually over multiple years. Director Webb asked why only some schools offer this at no charge. Due to its proximity to Central Kitsap School District (CKSD), which has no-charge all-day kindergarten, Pearson Elementary has the program. A few other schools such as Suquamish Elementary offer it because of their high free-andreduced-lunch population. Ms. Moore noted the concerns expressed by elementary principals, a group that strongly supports this idea. Director Henden stated that the unequal offering creates strife, but he will not support any action that increases cost. 6.1.4 Budget Status Report, February Director of Finance Chris Hatch noted that it currently appears that the district will finish the year with a 3% reserve. 6.1.5 Secondary Course Proposals (Drawing 1 and 2), 1 st Reading CTE Director Patrick Olsen reviewed the proposed courses which will provide Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) credits. He highlighted some of the art offerings currently available at the high schools. Director Henden inquired about budget impacts. The cost to the district is $200.00, which is more than covered by student materials fees. 6.1.6 New Policy 3412, Automated External Defibrillators (AED), 1 st Reading Mr. Olsen reviewed the policy which will help the district to have immunity from civil liability and move toward having the Page 5 of 9
units available across all buildings in the district. Currently the district has them at high schools, middle schools, at the pool and with athletic trainers. Generally, AEDs are kept in alarmed cases in office areas. Director Weedin emphasized the life-saving potential of having these units available across the district. Mr. Olsen explained that there are already staff members in place who are trained to use them. Director Anderson asked why a policy is necessary when there is already a state law in place offering immunity. Mr. Olsen explained that a policy will assist the district in moving forward. Director Weedin noted that there is a higher level of expertise and training expected of staff members. Dr. Jones noted that a policy will provide protection for the district by making a formal statement. President Dassel feels that it is an appropriate policy to establish. Director Henden inquired about cost. Mr. Olsen noted that there are grants available. Director Henden asked about getting the equipment first and then putting a policy in place. Director Weedin recommended approaching service clubs. President Dassel emphasized the immunity issue. Mr. Olsen reviewed the common language addressing liability in the policy. 6.1.7 Resolution 05-11-12, Proposed Educational Program, 1 st Reading Assistant Superintendent Chris Willits explained that this is the point at which conversations around staffing for next year begin. The resolution provides authorization for the district to reduce staffing due to budgetary issues. All of the information presented at this meeting, some of which was only available for prior viewing by the Board, will be made public. Contracts, or notice of non-renewal, must be issued by May 15. Typically, districts do not have enough information about budget and future student enrollment to know with complete accuracy how many certificated staff members will be needed for the next meeting. Mr. Willits reviewed the information and the rationale. At this point, it is not completely determined from which buildings the 15 certificated FTE should come. Between the May 15 notice and the beginning of school, additional budget information may come to light that will allow the district to hire more staff back. Usable attrition could decrease the number of reduction in force notices that will need to be issued. In order to achieve the maximum potential savings in the event of the closure of an elementary school, the reduction of 15.00 FTE would need to include approximately 4.00 FTE Elementary Specialist staffing (Counselor, Librarian, PE, Music). Director Webb stated that the only justification for closing a school is to keep more certificated FTE. Page 6 of 9
If the school closure decision is made after May 15, the district will need to be authorized to reduce enough staff to achieve the full savings if a school is closed. Last year, the district was able to re-hire all reduced staff (except for two who moved out of the area) due to increased attrition throughout the summer. Director Anderson expressed his concern about class size compensation. Mr. Willits explained that the cost of hiring enough teachers to eliminate all overages far exceeds the cost of paying compensation. The amount dedicated to the overload budget item will be increased for next year. Director Weedin stated that the school closure decision should be made by May 15. He feels that the reduction needed for this year is less painful than the reduction made last year. Mr. Willits explained that it is important for the district to have the ability to reduce more FTE if needed while working to minimize the number of reductions needed. The Board will have to make the decision by April 26 or add an additional meeting to consider the matter. Mr. Willits also noted that lower enrollment will lead to classified staffing reductions that will have a significant impact on office and campus security staffing. Those decisions will be made on a different timeline. 6.1.8 Board Goal 2 (Improve trust and confidence by means of open and improved communication between the board, administration, staff and the community) Update Director Weedin interviewed administration, staff and the community people to get the public perception of Board achievement in this area. Administration felt that trust has improved and that overall, things are getting better. The communication between Board members is constrained by the Open Public Meetings Act and can lead to Board reactions that can be misunderstood. Staff had the same kind of comments, that things are improving and communication is getting more positive. Having Dr. Jones included in the Board email group is helpful. The use of social media is increasingly important. Director Weedin highlighted the idea of having regular communication, perhaps a monthly newsletter, from the Board president on the website. He introduced the idea of planning school visits by Board members at the beginning of each year. Visits to schools by Board members are important. Director Weedin explained that the public perception of a single Board mind is inaccurate. Overall, there is improvement in this area. Working more closely with Director of Communications Robyn Chastain, perhaps by having a Board liaison, could assist in this area. Director Anderson talked about having an open study session once a quarter with no set topic which could be held at different places. He also feels that it is very important to visit schools. Page 7 of 9
The next Board retreat could address these issues. The Board needs to understand the important work that Ms. Chastain does and work more closely with her. Director Henden highlighted the Board practice of having a single member respond to emails. Individual Board members can respond to emails while emphasizing that they are speaking on their own behalf. 7. Action 7.1 Board Budget Parameters, 2012-13 Dr. Jones gave an overview of previous parameters used by the Board and asked for input. Director Henden stated that the Board needs to continue to review programs for effectiveness. The Board will retain these parameters and vote on them at the next Board meeting. 7.2 Consent Agenda M/S (Dan Weedin/Bill Webb) to approve items 7.2.1 through 7.2.6. The motion carried. 7.2.1 Special Meeting Minutes of March 5, 2012 7.2.2 Special Meeting Minutes of March 6, 2012 7.2.3 Special Meeting Minutes of March 7, 2012 7.2.4 Regular Meeting Minutes of March 8, 2012 7.2.5 Fiscal Recommendations 7.2.6 Personnel Recommendations Retirement: Vivian Miksch-Youngquist, 1.0 FTE English/Language Arts Instructor, Kingston Middle School (effective end of 2011/12 school year). Leave of Absence: Adam Campagna, 0.7 FTE Music Instructor, Kingston High School (effective for 2012/13 school year only). Robert Fronk, 1.0 FTE Counselor, North Kitsap High School (effective for 2012/13 school year only) Kimberly Keever, 0.2 FTE Speech Language Pathologist, Special Services (effective for 2012/13 school year only) Townley Slack-Stevens, 1.0 FTE Math Coach (effective for 2012/13 school year only). Lorraine Thoroughman, 10.5 hrs/week, Special Education Paraeducator (effective for remainder of 2011/12 school year only). Employment: Kingston High School: Ralph Milleson, Assistant Baseball Coach (replacing resignation of Jeffrey Tapp). North Kitsap High School: Steven Frease, Assistant Girls Tennis Coach (replacing resignation of Kellie Yeowell-Crabtree). 8. Public Comments NKEA President Chris Fraser asked the Board to take a balanced approach to reducing staff. Page 8 of 9
9. Superintendent Comments Dr. Jones had no comments for this meeting. 10. Agenda Planning The Board reviewed the April 12 agenda. The regular meeting recessed into Executive Session at 8:50, after a ten-minute break, to further address contract negotiations. The regular meeting reconvened at 9:20 p.m. 11. Adjournment M/S (Dan Weedin /Tom Anderson) to adjourn. The motion passed and the meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m. Secretary to the Board of Directors Board President Page 9 of 9