Douglas County School District Regular Meeting Douglas County Public Library Lake Tahoe Branch Minden, Nevada Tuesday, January 12, :30 p.m.

Transcription

1 Douglas County School District Regular Meeting Douglas County Public Library Lake Tahoe Branch Minden, Nevada Tuesday, January 12, :30 p.m. Present: MINUTES Trustees: Cynthia Trigg, President Thomas Moore, Vice President Keith Roman, Clerk Sharla Hales, Member, Member Karen Chessell, Member Randy Green, Member Personnel: John Soderman, Superintendent Lyn Gorrindo, Assistant Superintendent, Education Services Rich Alexander, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources Holly Luna, Chief Financial Officer Others Present: Rick Hsu, Legal Counsel Mrs. Trigg called the meeting to order at 3:39 p.m. 1. Call to Order A. Mr. Hsu led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. B. Mr. Moore moved to adopt the agenda, seconded by Ms. Jamin. Motion carried, 6/0. 2. Election of Officers for 2010 (Action) A. Mr. Moore stated typically the officer positions followed upwards within the rank. Due to work obligations, Mr. Moore stated he would not be entertaining the option of the position of President. Nominations were opened for Mr. Moore nominated Ms. Jamin for President, seconded by Mr. Roman. A vote was taken, 6/0 for Ms. Jamin to hold the position of President. Mrs. Trigg was presented a plaque for her work and dedication as the 2009 Board President. Board members showed appreciation for her leadership in the past year. At 3:46 p.m., Ms. Jamin began as the President by heading the meeting. B. Regarding the position of Vice President, Mrs. Trigg nominated Mr. Moore for Vice President, seconded by Mrs. Hales. Regular Meeting Page 1 January 12, 2010

2 C. Mrs. Jamin called for a nomination of Clerk of the Board. Mr. Moore nominated Mr. Roman to remain in the position if he was willing, seconded by Mrs. Hales. Mr. Roman agreed to hold the position. 3. Annual Organization (Action) A. A motion was made by Mr. Moore to designate the Record Courier as the newspaper to be utilized for all legally required notices, seconded by Mrs. Trigg. B. The Regular Meeting Schedule was reviewed for approval. Mrs. Hales suggested a location change for one of the meetings scheduled for the Lake location due to the current number of meetings equating to one third scheduled at the Lake, for 8% of the student population. Travel and set up necessary for these meetings was discussed. Mrs. Chessell arrived at 3:51 p.m. Discussion surrounded whether or not one Lake meeting location should be changed, and if so, which date would be the best to change. Ms. Jamin asked if anyone from the public wished to comment. No comments were offered. A motion was made by Mrs. Hales to adopt the meetings as set forth in the agenda with the exception of a location change for the July 2010 meeting, to be held at Douglas High School, seconded by Mr. Roman Mr. Moore abstained due to Mrs. Moore s involvement in meeting set up. The meetings of the Board of Trustees for 2010 are as follows: Date Location Time Friday, January 29, 2010 Genoa Lakes Golf Club Strategic Planning Tuesday, February 9, 2010 Douglas High School 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2010 Douglas High School 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 13, 2010 Lake Tahoe Public Library 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, 2010 Douglas High School 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 8, 2010 Douglas High School 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 13, 2010 Douglas High School 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 10, 2010 Douglas High School 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 14, 2010 Douglas High School 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 12, 2010 Lake Tahoe Public Library 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 9, 2010 Douglas High School 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 14, 2010 Douglas High School 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 11, 2011 Lake Tahoe Public Library 3:30 p.m. Regular Meeting Page 2 January 12, 2010

3 4. Appointment of Board Representatives (Action) Ms. Jamin asked if any of the Trustees wished to change their committee representation. It was agreed everyone would remain in their current assignments. The following appointments and reappointments of Board members were made for as follows: A. Debt Management Commission Keith Roman B. Board of Directors Nevada Association of School Boards Cynthia Trigg C. Legislative Committee Nevada Association of School Boards Sharla Hales Cynthia Trigg D. Douglas County Parks and Recreation Board Thomas Moore E. Liaison Between Board of Trustees, County Commission, and Douglas County Planning Commission F. Liaison to Douglas County Education Foundation Randy Green Karen Chessell Cynthia Trigg G. School Safety Task Force Randy Green H. Expulsion Hearings Subcommittee I. Employee Relations Communications Committee J. Liaison to Parent Teacher Organizations Randy Green Keith Roman Thomas Moore Cindy Trigg Sharla Hales Karen Chessell Karen Chessell Thomas Moore Alternates: Cynthia Trigg Randy Green K. Liaison to Tahoe Douglas Chamber of Commerce Cynthia Trigg L. Liaison to Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce Randy Green M. Career and Technical Committee Karen Chessell Keith Roman Thomas Moore N. NIAA Region II Board of Control Representative Keith Roman Ms. Jamin called for public comment. There was none. Mrs. Chessell moved to approve the Board Committee appointments, seconded by Mr. Roman. Motion carried, 7/0. Regular Meeting Page 3 January 12, 2010

4 5. Consent Items (Action) Mrs. Gorrindo, Assistant Superintendent for Education Services, stated Item 5-E, Family Life, Sex Education, AIDS Advisory Council Members, would need to be pulled from Consent. Participants would be more closely reviewed to include a new membership of students and parents. Mrs. Chessell requested Item 5-B, Minutes of the Special Committee Meeting of December 15, 2009, be pulled for a change in wording. Mr. Moore moved to adopt the Consent Items with the exception of Items 5-E and 5-B, seconded by Mrs. Trigg. Motion carried 7/0. A. Approve the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of December 15, B. Approve the Minutes of the Special Committee Meeting of December 15, 2009 C. Approve payments contained in Voucher Numbers 1117, 1118, 1119, and 1120 for FY D. Approve personnel actions described in Personnel Report No E. Approve the composition of the Family Life, Sex Education, AIDS (FLSEA) Advisory Council. F. Authorize the District to apply for entitlement and competitive grant funds listed above, as well as, other grant opportunities that may arise during G. Approve the dual credit course addition to the master list as submitted. H. Approve amendments to the Interim Superintendent s contract. I. Approve continuation of Stop Loss Reinsurance for the Self-funded Health Insurance Program with RBS re for annual premium of $481,385, and increase the stop-loss provision from $125,000 to $150,000. Mrs. Chessell offered a change to Item 5-B, Minutes of the Special Committee Meeting of December 15, 2009, to clarify she had participated by providing answers to the questionnaire, although she was not physically present. Mrs. Trigg moved to accept Item 5-B with the modification to the second paragraph that Mrs. Chessell, who was not present, had provided in advance, answers to the questionnaire. Motion carried, 7/0. Mrs. Gorrindo further explained the need to update members within the Family Life, Sex Education, AIDS Advisory Council Member list. The Nevada Revised Statute involving appointment of committee members was reviewed. Mr. Moore requested a copy of the corresponding NRS. Mrs. Trigg moved to continue Consent Item 5-E, until further notice, seconded by Mr. Moore. Motion carried, 7/0. 6. Principal s Report George Whittell High School Administrative Report/Program Review Sue Shannon, Principal, George Whittell High School, stated advantages of the recent reorganization of Lake schools. The close proximity of the two schools was noted as an advantage Regular Meeting Page 4 January 12, 2010

5 for staff and students. A culture of excellence was the essence of the GWHS School Improvement Plan. This included student ownership and pride in the school. A more recent challenge of increased transiency, student s incoming 60 70% credit deficient, was being addressed through development of individual student plans. School priorities included student engagement, increasing rigor within the curriculum, planning of the four day week, the accreditation review, and development of the 7-12th grade environment. Older students were reported to be assisting younger students with adjustments necessary to the new grade reconfiguration. The High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE) and Criterion Reference Test (CRT) scores were presented, as well as, Advanced Placement (AP) test results. Mrs. Shannon reported Writing Proficiency scores were not yet available from the November assessments taken by 11 th graders. School Improvement goals were stated as increasing rigor across the curriculum with a focus in improving writing and oral grammar across the content areas, incorporating Thinking Maps for 7 th and 8 th grade students, strengthening of the math program, and increasing the number of nonresident students. With regard to course changes, Mrs. Shannon reported pre-engineering was added as an elective, science was expanded to add 4 th year courses, and a 7/8 wheel of courses had been created. Additional information included ten new students had enrolled as non-residents on a variance for the school year. Collaboration days were used to align course work and incorporate writing across the curriculum. 7. Financial Literacy Report Administrative Report Mrs. Trigg left the meeting at the beginning of this presentation. Kerry Pope, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, presented the District s status on implementation of Senate Bill 317 requiring instruction on financial literacy in high school. Financial Literacy was included in Economics at Whittell High School. The State was reported to have an optional unit for inclusion at high schools available. Currently two units were infused into the Douglas High School curriculum for seniors regarding personal finance and the stock market. The required topics in finance and placement within the classroom were reviewed during a recent Collaboration Day through inclusion of a speaker brought in to address the social studies department. Economics standards were included in U.S. and World History courses. The District was reported to be ahead of the curve with respect to having included financial literacy prior to the legislative mandate. Mr. Moore suggested the District could develop high level, rigorous standards, apart from the State that might be included in curriculum at an earlier age. Discussion surrounded support for best integration of finance into the curriculum. The importance of learning basics of finance, through a variety of course opportunities, such as math or P.E. prior to the senior year, was supported by the Board. The pieces of finance currently taught, and forthcoming across the curriculum, were noted to need review to assure a comprehensive approach. 8. Intervention Funding Brian Frazier, Director of Assessments and Grants, presented a report on financial needs necessary for sites to increase interventions for at risk students, as requested by the Board. Site administrators had been asked to evaluate previously offered programs, as well as, School Improvement Plan needs to determine how funding might best be incorporated for interventions. Up to $30,000 of possible intervention additions were submitted by principals for review. Measurement of Academic Progress (MAP) and Criterion Reference Test data was reviewed to determine student needs. The time frame for sites to use this funding was reported to be spring This service to students would assist with increasing results for spring CRT assessments. Regular Meeting Page 5 January 12, 2010

6 Funding approved this evening would supplement the interventions currently underway. Funding would be provided through a reduction in 88 or Maintenance Funds utilized by Holly Luna for District-wide projects outside the scope of general maintenance. Appreciation for the work necessary to compile this data and implement this assistance to students was shown. Ms. Jamin called for public comment. There was none. Mrs. Chessell moved to approve up to $30,000 in intervention funds as recommended, seconded by Mr. Moore. 9. Post-Employment Benefits Discussion Holly Luna, Chief Financial Officer, and Bob Anderson, former Carson City School District Director of Fiscal Services and temporary, hourly paid Business Services resource, explained Other Post- Employment Benefits (OPEB). The Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) required implementation of an accrual accounting wherein the costs are recognized during the period they occur, rather than when paid. The GASB 45 mandate was explained as a written requirement for the OPEB payroll burden, beginning FY It was explained that had this mandate been realized years earlier, funds could have been set aside on an annual basis in order to make the required current payments. This expense would be included in the April and May budget process, included as an internally imposed tax, with the burden spread across all revenue streams. Retirees would continue to receive benefits unless they exited the Public Employees Benefits Program (PEBP). In the last year, a reduction of six retired program members had occurred. The PEBP sliding scale of subsidy payments was explained, as well as, the fact that the PEBP retirement system was currently frozen with respect to new participants and subsidies. The expense for the District was approximately $1 million a year, paid from the general fund as line item expenditure. Approval by the Board would allow the new accounting methodology explained to go into effect on July 15 th with the first payroll of the new fiscal year. Mrs. Luna stated the implementation of the payroll burden as discussed addressed one portion of changes mandated by GASB 45 and AB286. Ms. Jamin called for public input. There was none. Mrs. Chessell moved to approve Business Services implementation of the Post Retirement Insurance Subsidy payroll burden to begin Fiscal FY 10-11, July 1, 2010, seconded by Mr. Roman. Mr. Green disclosed he was a beneficiary of these benefits, but didn t believe there was a conflict with him being a Board member when voting on a change of methodology. 10. Administrative Regulation No. 523(a), Drug/Alcohol Abuse Lyn Gorrindo, Assistant Superintendent for Education Services, stated changes incorporated into Items 10, 11, and 12, were similar. Changes made to the Regulations and Policy dealt with procedures for students found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at school. Updates to Administrative Regulation No. 523(a) included a new phone number listing and reference to Tahoe Youth and Family Services, the agency involved to perform drug and alcohol assistance. Services were explained, along with the financial assistance offered to help families in need. Regular Meeting Page 6 January 12, 2010

7 Mr. Moore moved to approve Administrative Regulation No. 523(a), Drug/Alcohol Abuse, seconded by Mr. Green. 11. Administrative Regulation No. 544, Random Drug and Alcohol Testing of Students in Cocurricular and Extracurricular Activities The changes requested included student athletes receiving a first positive result of drug testing would be required to participate in random drug testing and in a drug/alcohol assistance program, rather than being given an option. Students receiving a first positive result would also be required to forfeit one competition or performance. Through discussion the Board learned a report of the newly implemented drug testing policy would be presented following a full year of implementation. Also, a reduction of student participation in Skills USA, a Career and Technical Education program, had been realized. Mr. Moore moved to approve Administrative Regulation No. 544, Random Drug and Alcohol Testing of Students in Cocurricular and Extracurricular Activities, seconded by Mr. Green. 12. First Reading of Board Policy No. 216, Cocurricular and Extracurricular Activities The major change presented was to delineate the difference between extracurricular, cocurricular, and club activities. A more clear definition of students who could be randomly selected for drug/alcohol testing was inserted. Cocurricular was explained as activities associated with class, competition oriented. Club involvement was separated due to funding and was noted to not be included currently for random drug testing. In the past, a separation was made for activities paid by stipends, defined as clubs. Mrs. Hales moved to approve for first reading, Board Policy No. 216, Cocurricular and Extracurricular Activities, seconded by Mrs. Chessell. Ms. Jamin called for public input on Items 10, 11, and 12 prior to entertaining the motions listed above. There was none. Additionally, prior to voting, some discussion surrounded the need for review of Administrative Regulations by the Board. Mr. Soderman clarified, in high profile circumstances staff preferred to provide a public explanation for changes incurred. A break was taken at 5:37 p.m. Public Comment At 6:00 p.m., Ms. Jamin called for public comment. There was none. 13. Superintendent s Report Mr. Soderman thanked the Whittell Culinary Arts class for providing dinner to the Board and administration this evening. A focus of receiving information from administration, bargaining group leaders, department heads, and Board members was noted with regard to topics of priority seen to Regular Meeting Page 7 January 12, 2010

8 be of highest need currently. Mr. Soderman reported he had obtained many thoughts for strengths to be built on in these individual conferences. The Board Workshop, scheduled for January 28 th would help to reaffirm how the Board and Superintendent work together during and apart from meetings as the Board and Superintendent relationship was unique. A schedule of Superintendent Search, staff and public Input Meetings, was reported to be available on the District Web site. Ads for the Superintendent position were posted with good responses being received. The search included persons living in nearby states. A survey would also be placed on the District Web site in order to receive input. Board members were asked to inform the Superintendent s office of input meetings they desired to attend. The upcoming Strategic Plan Meeting would be different than the previous annual meetings. The Strategic Plan was noted to have become similar to the District Improvement Plan (DIP) in that over time, strategies had been narrowed down to focus on instruction. The DIP included strategies of focus during a current year. This year, broad goals would be reaffirmed, although word smithing of strategies within the Strategic Plan would not be the focus. The Strategic Plan Meeting would also be used as an avenue to determine what was desired in a new instructional leader, and what that individual might look like. Mr. Soderman explained realignment of the timing for the implementation process involving the Strategic Plan, District Improvement Plan, and School Improvement Plans was necessary to align all efforts in the District. 14. Nevada Association of School Boards (NASB) Report The Governor s education proposal was reported to be a focus for NASB. Letters were sent to the Governor and legislators in support of data driven research, the removal of prohibition on test scores, and changes to hold harmless. Board members asked that any major proposal received by staff or other Board members be forwarded to each of them when received. There was none presented. 15. Correspondence 16. Possible Agenda Items for Future Board Meetings The idea of including a student representative at Board meetings was suggested by Mrs. Hales. Another idea was to allow time at Board meetings for principals to recognize teachers who were observed providing excellent instruction. Mr. Moore requested a list of future agenda items for review. Mrs. Hales inquired about the status of incorporating student feedback forms, in all classes, in order to obtain student input. Mrs. Gorrindo responded that a pilot had been performed and the taskforce involved would be meeting to discuss the results. Mrs. Chessell asked that at the time the Policy regarding drug testing was presented, data on students involved in the various activities be provided to the Board. She welcomed any recommendations for improving the process. 17. Executive Session At 6:25 p.m., Mr. Moore moved to recess to Executive Session in order to discuss matters pertaining to negotiations pursuant to NRS (4), seconded by Mrs. Chessell. 13. Adjournment Regular Meeting Page 8 January 12, 2010

9 At 8:00 p.m., Mrs. Chessell moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Moore. Submitted by, Approved: Carolyn Moore Secretary to the Board of Trustees Clerk of the Board Note: Upon approval by the Board of Trustees in a public meeting, these minutes become the official minutes of the meeting held on the above date. Board minutes are kept on a permanent basis and are available for public review in the office of the Superintendent. Regular Meeting Page 9 January 12, 2010