WEBER SCHOOL DISTRICT 5320 Adams Avenue Parkway Ogden, Utah General Board Meeting May 1, 2013 The Board of Education of the Weber School District held a Board Meeting in the Board Room at 5320 Adams Avenue Parkway, Washington Terrace, Utah. The meeting convened at 6:02 p.m. The following s and Superintendency were present: Jon Ritchie Richard H. Favero Scott Hansen Douglas Hurst Dean Oborn Jeff Stephens Linda Carver Lex Puffer Robert Petersen Vice President Superintendent Assistant Superintendent Assistant Superintendent Business Administrator Board Vice President, Jon Ritchie, welcomed all present and noted that agendas are posted on either side of the room. He excused Board President, Brent Richardson and, Sharilyn Gerber, as they are both out of town. He also welcomed students from Bonneville High School who were in attendance. Musical Presentation: Sammy Thornbrue, student at Uintah Elementary School. Pledge of Allegiance: Kathleen Nye, Curriculum Supervisor Weber School District 1. Consent Calendar A. Minutes B. Warrant Register C. Budget Update D. New Hires E. Bid/Purchase Approvals F. Leave of Absence Requests G. Approval of School LAND Trust Plans F. Approval of Student Travel 2013-2014 2. Recognitions A. CJ Saulsgiver, student at Lakeview Elementary School Special Recognition B. Tanya Tremea, Riverdale Elementary School WSD Teacher of the Year 2013 C. Clair Widdison, Country View Elementary School WSD Classified Employee of the Year 2013 3. Discussion/Action Items A. Land Transaction IRS Building on 12th Street B. Administrative Changes 2013-2014 4. Closed Session Closed Meeting according to provisions of Utah Code 52-4-204,205. (This meeting is a strategy session to discuss collective bargaining.)
AGENDUM ITEM #1 Consent Calendar A. Minutes That the minutes for the Study Session, General Board Meeting Session and Closed Session dated April 3, 2013 and the minutes for the Special Board Meeting Study Session and Closed Session dated April 5, 2013 be approved. B. Warrant Register That check numbers 00000714, 00000715, 00000716, 00000717, 00000718, 00000719, 00000720, 00000721, 00000722, 00000723, 00000724, 00000725, 00000726, 00000727, 00000728, 00000729, 00000730, 00000731, and 00000732, and 00411752 through 00412681 totaling $6,014,539.46 dated April 22, 2013 be approved. C. Budget Update D. New Hires That the budget update dated April 22, 2013 be approved. That the list of personnel changes and additions dated April 22, 2013 be approved. E. Bid/Purchase Approvals That the purchase of four cars at a cost of $18,264.20 per car, totaling $73,056.80 be approved. These cars will replace obsolete cars in the high school Driver Education program. F. Leave of Absence Requests That Sara Mortenson, a teacher at Valley View Elementary, be granted a oneyear leave of absence for the 2013-2014 school year as per her request be approved. G. Approval of School LAND Trust Plans That the School LAND Trust Plans be approved as submitted. F. Approval of Student Travel 2013-2014 submitted. That the Student Travel requests for the 2013-2014 school year be approved as Board Vice President, Jon Ritchie, called for a motion to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion: Douglas Hurst Seconded: Richard H. Favero That the above consent calendar be approved. Voting was unanimous in support of this motion.
AGENDUM ITEM #2 Recognitions A. CJ Saulsgiver, student at Lakeview Elementary School Special Recognition Board Vice President, Jon Ritchie, stated he was honored to introduce CJ Saulsgiver, a 6th grade student at Lakeview Elementary School in Roy. He explained that last year, CJ and his family took a CPR class and learned proper CPR administration. Last December, CJ and his friend, Carter, were at CJ s home when CJ s mother experienced significant chest pains, and later was diagnosed as being in full cardiac arrest. CJ called 911 and the two boys placed CJ s mother on the floor. The dispatcher taking the emergency call began to instruct CJ in the procedure of administering CPR when CJ informed the dispatcher he already knew how to do it. CJ continued with CPR until emergency personnel arrived. CJ s mom was taken to the hospital and survived the ordeal all because of CJ s quick actions. Vice President Ritchie explained he is a former fireman and was Fire Chief of Roy City for many years. During his career, he has experienced only five saves when an individual was in full cardiac arrest. This point was to illustrate the knowledge and skill CJ demonstrated while administering CPR. Vice President Ritchie commended CJ s retention of what he learned and his ability to use that knowledge in a time of crisis. Vice President Ritchie acknowledged that it is important for youth and adults to learn this life-saving skill. He concluded that it is an honor to present CJ Saulsgiver with this Special Recognition for administration of CPR skills used in saving his mother s life. B. Tanya Tremea, Riverdale Elementary School WSD Teacher of the Year -2013. Linda Carver, Assistant Superintendent, introduced this outstanding teacher to the Board of Education and described her as amazing. Mrs. Tremea has taught First Grade at Riverdale Elementary School for twenty-six years. Assistant Superintendent Carver explained that serving on the Teacher of the Year interview and selection committee is a highlight of the year for her and when she and others went to Riverdale Elementary to inform Mrs. Tremea she was chosen for this honor, her First Grade team, co-workers and students were all genuinely happy for her. During Mrs. Tremea s interview process, Assistant Superintendent Carver noted that she continually gave thanks and credited her success to her team, consisting of Karen Dinsdale and Gina Buckway. Assistant Superintendent Carver turned time to fellow-teachers, Karen Dinsdale and Gina Buckway, to express their sentiments about Mrs. Tremea. Mrs. Dinsdale remarked that the selection committee couldn t have picked a more deserving teacher than Mrs. Tremea. Her teaching skills are stellar; she is an excellent planner and organizer and involves parents throughout the year as part of the education team. Mrs. Tremea willingly serves on school committees and volunteers her time to better the school and help other staff members. Mrs. Tremea s biggest quality is her heart. Everyone - students, staff and community - have been positively touched by Tanya Tremea s goodness. Gina Buckway recalled when she was first hired as a teacher at Riverdale; the First Grade was a large open classroom without walls. At that time, the principal told her if things didn t work well for her, he could have a wall installed. How grateful she was that no walls were put up! She has been lucky to work with two master teachers. She noted that Mrs. Tremea inspires her and teaches her daily. She really cares for her students and her peers. Arian Sears, a mother of a current and a former student of Mrs. Tremea, paid tribute to her, as a former co-worker and now as a parent. She described Mrs. Tremea s classroom as brightly decorated with student work hanging on the walls and shelves full of learning materials. She spoke of Mrs. Tremea s energy and enthusiasm, and how she allows her students to become independent learners. She keeps parents involved with weekly letters and the most important
concept she teaches to children are to be kind, loving, and caring people. She truly loves her students. The highest compliment paid to Mrs. Tremea is that she is the kind of teacher who loves what she s doing and loves her students. Mrs. Sears daughters paid tribute by reading a card that they had made and telling what they liked about Mrs. Tremea. Assistant Superintendent Carver concluded by commenting there is no doubt why Tanya Tremea was chosen as Weber School District Teacher of the Year 2013. She congratulated her in receiving this honor. C. Clair Widdison, Country View Elementary School WSD Classified Employee of the Year 2013 Lex Puffer, Assistant Superintendent, stated it was an honor to recognize Clair Widdison, custodian at Country View Elementary School, as Weber School District s Classified Employee of the Year 2013. Mr. Widdison is a product of Weber School District as he was born and raised in Hooper, Utah. He attended Weber District schools and graduated from Roy High School. He has had a successful fourteen-year career as a firefighter/emt for Roy City and Weber County. His expertise in this field makes him invaluable in school emergencies and as a member of the school safety committee. Mr. Widdison has been at Country View Elementary for the past ten years. He takes great pride in the school both inside and out. He goes the extra mile in making sure each teacher has what they need to effectively teach students. Boyd Harris, district custodian supervisor, has allowed new custodians to job-shadow Clair, as he knows they will be successfully mentored and will receive proper training on the responsibilities of a school custodian. When Assistant Superintendent Puffer asked Mr. Widdison what the best part of his job was, Mr. Widdison responded, helping special needs kids. Mr. Puffer shared a story included in Principal Melissa Copeland s nomination. Clair has a soft spot for our students with disabilities. Last year, there was a first grade student who had Cerebral Palsy and used a walker. Clair would take her lunch tray to the table and also take it to be dumped. He then would walk her to her classroom for the aide to then assist her. Mr. Widdison also enjoyed the school Etiquette Dinner. This is where students dress up and bring their parents to the school for dinner. Mr. Widdison frequently substitutes for parents who are unable to attend. To Clair Widdison, people come first in life. Principal Copeland also recalls, The other day I was in my office with the door closed. When I got up to go out to do afterschool walker duty, Clair was sitting in the office listening to a 2nd grade student read his book. He was taking his personal time, off the clock, to listen to a student read. This is typical of Clair. He loves our kids! Mr. Widdison is also a great cook and owns a big grill where he spends time cooking for staff activities at his school as well as other schools in the area. Principal Copeland also shared that Mr. Widdison works above and beyond his normal duties. One day he came in at 4:30 a.m. to scrub the gym floor because he knew that we were having parents and pastries and the students would be sitting on the floor. Clair Widdison takes great pride in all that he does. It is an honor to present him to the Board of Education as Weber School District s Classified Employee of the Year 2013. Vice President, Jon Ritchie, congratulated the recipients of these awards and commented that Weber School District has the best employees in the state. AGENDUM ITEM #3 Discussion/Action Items A. Land Transaction IRS Building on 12th Street Drew Wilson, Executive Director of Facilities and Operations, explained that the district has been in negotiations for several months with those representing the owner of the property at 1007 West 12th Street in Ogden, Utah, regarding the purchase of that property. It is located just west of our Two Rivers High School property. The final offer from Weber School District of $2,750,000.00 was accepted. The Capital Improvement Committee recommends that the Board of Education approve the purchase of this building.
Motion: Dean Oborn Seconded: Scott Hansen That the purchase of the building located at 1007 West 12th Street, Ogden, Utah, be approved. Voting was unanimous in favor of the motion. B. Administrative Changes 2013-2014 School Year Superintendent Stephens explained with the retirement of three administrators at the end of this school year, the following advancements are proposed: Rebecca Okey from Elementary Reading Specialist to Curriculum Specialist Sheri Heiter from Assessment Specialist/Math Specialist to Curriculum Specialist Matt Patterson from junior high assistant principal to Curriculum Specialist Mary Jo Williams from elementary intern to elementary principal Laura Wright from elementary intern to elementary principal Mike Skeen from elementary teacher to elementary principal Diane Rockwood from elementary teacher to elementary intern Katie Amsden from elementary teacher to elementary intern Riko Reese from elementary teacher to.5 elementary teacher;.5 elementary intern Michele Parry from junior high assistant principal to high school assistant principal Matt Williams from junior high assistant principal to high school assistant principal Rob Lake from high school intern to junior high assistant principal Rich Murray from high school intern to junior high assistant principal Sherry Patton from junior high teacher to secondary intern Alicia Mitchell from high school teacher to secondary intern It is recommended the Board approve these proposed advancements. Motion: Dean Oborn Seconded: Douglas Hurst That the recommended advancements effective July 1, 2013 be approved. Voting was unanimous in favor of the motion. Superintendent Stephens noted in addition to the advancements the Board just approved, there are several individuals who will receive a change in assignment. Prior to announcing the new assignments, Superintendent Stephens recognized Kathleen Nye, district Curriculum Supervisor, who is retiring at the end of this school year. He praised Mrs. Nye as an outstanding educator, serving 30 years in the district. She has served as a history teacher at North Ogden Junior High; counselor at Rocky Mountain Junior High; secondary intern at Fremont High; assistant principal at Rocky Mountain Junior High; principal at Rocky Mountain Junior High and currently as district Curriculum Supervisor. She has done a tremendous job working with history, social studies and science areas; Teaching American History grants; dual immersion programs (two elementary schools teaching Chinese and two elementary schools teaching Spanish) and World Language programs. Superintendent Stephens thanked Kathleen Nye for her service with the district. Superintendent Stephens then outlined the following placements: Rebecca Okey Curriculum Specialist (K-6 Literacy) Sheri Heiter Curriculum Specialist (Testing & Assessment; Secondary Math) Matt Patterson Curriculum Specialist (K-12 Science) Mary Jo Williams Principal at Midland Elementary School Laura Wright Principal at Farr West Elementary School Mike Skeen Principal at Pioneer Elementary School
Dave Wallace Principal at Majestic Elementary School Shelly Roberts Principal at Roy Elementary School Lori Jo Rasmussen Principal at Washington Terrace Elementary School Michele Parry Assistant Principal at Fremont High School Matt Williams Assistant Principal at Roy High School Rob Lake Assistant Principal at Rocky Mountain Junior High School Rich Murray Assistant Principal at South Ogden Junior High School Lenn Ward Assistant Principal at T.H. Bell Junior High School Sherry Patton Secondary Intern at Bonneville High School Alicia Mitchell Secondary Intern at Roy High School Diane Rockwood Elementary Intern Katie Amsden Elementary Intern Riko Reese -.5 Elementary Intern;.5 teacher After announcing the placements, Superintendent Stephens provided a synopsis of the educational background and work experience of each new appointee. Each new appointee was given the opportunity to address the Board and introduce family members in the audience. Board Vice President, Jon Ritchie, thanked Superintendent Stephens for the introductions and congratulated the administrators on their new assignments. Vice President Ritchie noted that a Closed Meeting is necessary according to provisions of Utah Code 52-4-204,205. (This meeting is a strategy session to discuss collective bargaining.) He called for a motion to adjourn the General Session of Board Meeting and have the Board reconvene into Closed Session. Motion: Richard H. Favero Seconded: Dean Oborn That the General Session of Board Meeting be adjourned and the Board reconvenes in to Closed Session. Voting was unanimous in favor of the motion. Meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m. 5. AGENDUM ITEM #4 Closed Session Closed Meeting according to provisions of Utah Code 52-4-204,205. (This meeting is a strategy session to discuss collective bargaining.) Board reconvened into General Session: 8:27 p.m. After determining no further business need be conducted, Vice President Ritchie called for a motion to adjourn the General Session of Board Meeting. Motion: Dean Oborn Seconded: Richard H. Favero That the General Session of Board Meeting be adjourned. Voting was unanimous in favor of the motion. Meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m.