april_2011_board

MINUTES
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Washington County School District
121 W Tabernacle, St. George, Utah 84770
May 10, 2011
4:00 p.m.

A regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Washington County School District was held after due, legal, and timely notice being given to all members and interested parties. Board President Laura Hesson called the meeting to order and welcomed all visitors. Board members present were Wendell Gubler, Craig Seegmiller, Carole Morris, Kelly Blake, Cal Durfey, and Wes Christiansen. Staff members present were Superintendent Max H. Rose and Business Administrator Brent Bills.

OPEN MEETING – 4:00 p.m.
     Board President Welcome – Laura Hesson
     Pledge of Allegiance – Member Blake
     Reverence – Member Seegmiller

CONSENT AGENDA
     A. Minutes:
          1. April 5, 2011
     B. Purchases over $10,000
     C. Personnel Items
Member Blake presented a motion to approve the Consent Agenda items A through C including the two additional early retirement requests under personnel. Member Durfey seconded the motion that passed unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON BOARD ACTION ITEMS
No comments were given.

BOARD ACTION ITEMS
Comprehensive Guidance Program – Terry Moore
Terry Moore presented information about the Comprehensive Guidance program. Each school is required to complete a large and small group project. Data drives the focus of the Comprehensive Guidance curriculum.

Heidi Tasso, Millcreek High, reported on their small group project.   It included building career pathway plans with every student. All students were enrolled at DSC or DXATC. Peer mentors were assigned to work with students. 80% of students with a peer mentor enrolled in college.

Richelle Nelson, Snow Canyon High School, reported on their large group project. An SEOP video was done to use during the SEOP. This year counselors were able to meet with every student for an SEOP. Four years ago only 54% of the parents attended, this year 72% of parents attended their student’s SEOP (19% increase). They also did other projects to help increase the importance of SEOP.

Terry Moore said Comprehensive Guidance programs are in all of the secondary schools. Counselors share ideas across the district. The Comprehensive Guidance programs help to close the gap. He asked for the continued support of the Board.
Member Gubler presented a motion to approve continued support for the Comprehensive Guidance program. Member Seegmiller seconded the motion that passed unanimously.

Fee Schedule – Marshall Topham
Marshall Topham reported that there were very few changes to the Fee Schedule policy. Proposed changes included adding clarification of semester or trimester to the visual art fee under 3.7.2, increasing the elementary school lunch cost by five cents under 3.7.6, and including the dance team members under 3.7.1.5. Members of the Board said that parents are concerned about the expenses being higher. Marshall Topham said he would deal with complaints of those who come and talk with him.
Member Durfey presented a motion to approve the Fee Schedule as explained. Member Blake seconded the motion that passed unanimously.

K-3 Reading Program
Brent Bills said the state requires the Board approval to show intent of continuing the K-3 Reading Program.
Member Seegmiller presented a motion to approve continuation of the K-3 Reading program. Member Morris seconded the motion that passed unanimously.

Policy 1120 Teacher on Special Assignment
Lyle Cox explained that the policy change is intended to make sure staff developers have training and qualifications expected. The following modifications have been suggested over the past 30 days:
3.1.2. – modify to say staff developer must pass Praxis II examination unless already passed. This is more effective and consistent with PLC Resolution. It also clarifies the partnership with principal.
3.1.3. – responsibility to report violations. Lyle said teachers, association, and principals have all had discussions on it. Staff developers have really made a difference.
Member Morris presented a motion to approve Policy 1120 Teacher on Special Assignment with the modifications. Member Blake seconded the motion that passed unanimously.

Policy 0002 Board Meetings
The policy change is to implement reasonable limitations for open meetings if discussions begin to focus on individuals. The form to address the Board would be available on board meeting day. It could also be available on website to complete prior to a board meeting.
Member Christiansen presented a motion to approve Policy 0002 Board Meetings as presented. Member Gubler seconded the motion that passed unanimously.

2010-11 School LAND Trust Progress Report and 2011-12 School LAND Trust School Plans
Laura Hesson said there have been modifications to some of the plans and some of the schools still need to make modifications. Brent Bills said it must be sent back in writing why they did not pass. Laura Hesson said we have until the end of June to approve them. Kajsia Boyer will follow through with the school not completed for next month.
Member Durfey presented a motion to approve the 2010-2011 School LAND Trust Progress Report and 2011-2012 School LAND Trust School Plans of the schools that have been completed. Member Seegmiller seconded the motion that passed unanimously.

SEDC Interlocal Agreement
The legislation change requires an agreement for involvement.
Member Blake presented a motion to approve the SEDC Interlocal Agreement. Member Gubler seconded the motion that passed unanimously.

Educator Evaluation and RIF Committee
Member Seegmiller presented a motion to approve the list submitted by the administration for the Educator Evaluation and RIF Committee. Member Morris seconded the motion that passed unanimously.

DISCUSSION ITEMS
Preliminary 2010-2011 Final Budget
The Board was given a copy of the budget to review for 30-days before holding a budget hearing in June. Brent Bills reported that 2% was lost in 2011-12 per student.

INFORMATION AND REPORTS
District Recognitions and Awards:
     Superintendent’s Award for Excellence
     Sharon May, Teacher, Desert Hills High School
     Fran Black, Special Education Paraprofessional, Desert Hills High School
     Robin Whitworth, Teacher, Little Valley Elementary
     Natalie Turner, Secretary, Little Valley Elementary
     Volunteer of the Month
     Deanna Nielson, Desert Hills High School
     Melesa Kohler, Little Valley Elementary
     Burke Staheli – 2011 Huntsman Award for Excellence in Education
     Years-of-Service Recognitions
     Retirement Recognitions
Superintendent Max Rose reported on the award presentations in the schools. He also mentioned that
Burke Staheli received the Huntsman Award for Excellence.

Employees who reached 20 years-of-service and 30 years-of-service in Washington County School District during the past school year were recognized.

The Board recognized those retiring and presented them with a retirement bell.

Reports:
Superintendent

Board
Board Member Gubler, Seegmiller, Blake and Durfey noted that each of their spouses had earned a college degree.

Association
Kathleen Wagner, WCEA, thanked the district for allowing the association to help with decisions and committees. She said she would be looking to schedule dates for meeting with Superintendent Rose next year. She mentioned that the association elections held and she will continue as president. Peri Edwards will be serving as the vice president. She also mentioned several changes in board members. She said they appreciate the Board’s time and support for teachers.

Doug Drake, AFT, said they appreciate all the Board does and are looking forward to negotiations.

PTA/PTO/Community Council
Jerry Olsen, PTA representative at Dixie Sun Elementary, mentioned the Dixie Sun Open House scheduled May 11th from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. to show the public how the dual immersion program works. That same evening, community leaders, principals, District administration, religious leaders, etc. have been invited for a dinner presentation to show what the school does with the dual immersion program. The School Board members were invited to attend and should have received invitations.   He said that the PTA would like to see the “pilot” tag taken off as other schools participate. The events will provide a chance to meet the staff at the school and evaluate the program. Copies of the invitation, information card, and Spectrum newspaper article were given to the Board.

PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE BOARD – 3 min. each
Julianna Hummel, Desert Hills High student, was a National Forensics League winner. She took 1st place in the Golden District League and will be competing in Texas at the national competition. She is the first in Southern Utah to compete in nationals. Superintendent Max Rose mentioned that the district has not provided a way to help these students fund trips to national competitions. A coach/judge must also attend with her to help with the judging. She plans to take her coach who knows about the program. She is hoping to encourage the District to provide financial help to students participating in competitions like this.

ADJOURNMENT - 5:26 p.m.