REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
February 9, 2004
Page 6
COOS BAY PUBLIC SCHOOLS FEBRUARY 9, 2004
COOS BAY, OREGON
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
The Board of Directors of Coos Bay Public Schools met on February 9, 2004 in the Coos Bay City Council Chambers, 500 Central, Coos Bay, Oregon, in regular session. Chairman Caddy McKeown called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. The Board and guests joined in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Millicoma 6th grader Andy Otton.
Board members present: Tom Bennett Richard Sebesta
Don Blom Charlie Sharps
Wally Hazen Sue Walberg
Caddy McKeown
Board members absent: None
Others present included: Superintendent Jeremy Lyon, Attorney David Dorsey, Rod Danielson, Duella Scott-Hull, Mary Bjornerud, Nancy Tedder, Dave Laird, Gina Sutherland, Nancy Zeck, Arlene Roblan, Travis Howard, Ben Hammer, Susan Anderson, Lynda Sanders, Greg Stambaugh, Linda Smith, Luke Parrish, Mark Klee, Cindy Lusby, Dee Nelson, Alan Henrickson, Judy Driscoll, Roger Trail, Holly Yovino, Brenda Hodges, Jack G. B. Christian, Kelly Thompson-Poore, Vicki Goodrich, Joe Slack, Cheri Allison, Tyana Plinski, several Millicoma Intermediate School students and parents, and some Bunker Hill constituents.
CONSENT AGENDA
Wally Hazen moved, Don Blom seconded, and Board members unanimously approved the following items on the Consent Agenda:
· Minutes of the Board’s January 12, 2004 Executive Session.
· Minutes of the Board’s January 12, 2004 Regular Meeting.
· Minutes of the Budget Committee’s January 13, 2004 Workshop.
· The retirement of certified staff member Joy Selthon.
SCHOOL PRESENTATION
Nancy Tedder, principal of Millicoma Intermediate School, spoke about their end-of-the month assemblies – a fun way to honor students for their accomplishments in reading, running laps, attendance, etc. They have drawings from High Five coupons for rewards. They had put Board members’ names on High Five coupons and drew one out for a free lunch. Charlie Sharps won the privilege of having lunch with the principal. Mrs. Tedder said one class or pod makes a presentation at each assembly. The group of students in attendance tonight was organized by teacher Dee Nelson, who introduced their work on the celebration of the 100th birthday of the airplane. The students and Mrs. Nelson spoke and shared their drawings from this project. The presentation ended with many paper airplanes flying through the air. The Board thanked Millicoma staff and students for the enjoyable presentation and for coming to the Board meeting to share their work.
PUBLIC INPUT
Sheri Allison, who has children at Millicoma and at Bunker Hill, addressed the Board about parents’ concerns not having a full-time principal. Although Mr. Laird is very much appreciated for what he does, they feel they are “getting the short end of the stick” when other schools have a full-time principal, a half-time assistant principal, and a counselor. Cheri said that, although they understand funds have been and will be running short, for kids’ sake and for safety sake, they advocate for a full-time administrator at Bunker Hill.
Caddy McKeown asked Superintendent Lyon to address school sizes, etc., which he did. Mrs. Allison said she understood the size difference but expressed concern about who would take charge when the principal is not there. She provided a recent situation with a child in a classroom when the principal was not at the school. Superintendent Lyon said the other elementary schools made a decision to fund their counselors with Title I money.
Tyana Plinski, also a Bunker Hill parent, said she respects and honors Mr. Laird. Tyana spends a lot of time in the school and said she sees the number of people asking for or needing the principal when he’s not there.
Tom Bennett said it had been a long time since folks advocated for more administrators. Many times we’ve heard there are too many. Don Blom remarked that Port Orford has no principal; the district superintendent is the principal at schools. That is the case in many smaller districts.
Chairman McKeown asked the Bunker Hill group to attend the Budget Committee meetings starting in April when financial issues will be discussed in depth.
BOARD ITEMS
· Board Member Activity/Committee Reports:
Don Blom reported he continues to be a reading mentor at Bunker Hill on Thursdays. He commented on the number of parents who volunteer at Bunker Hill. Don also attended the first annual Fine Arts Fair at Marshfield and said it was a real eye opener. The students did a tremendous job of decorating, the radio station took care of broadcasting, the drama lab and art department had work displayed, and the music department provided music. Don said the fair was extremely well done and hopes it will continue next year. The fair was followed by a Jazz Band fundraiser offering swing dancing lessons.
Charlie Sharps visited Marshfield and Millicoma schools and also spent time with Ben at Maintenance. He also participated in the professional services evaluations.
Richard Sebesta reported he listened to the New Horizons choir at Marshfield during Fine Arts Week, watched part of the excavation of a tank at Charleston, attend the Confederated Tribe’s career day, and also took part in the professional services evaluations. He met with Dr. Lyon to talk about issues with vending machines on campuses – a topic he said he would like to see explored more. Caddy asked if there was interest from other Board members. Don Blom said he had an interest and would serve on a committee. The District has contracts with vendors that need to be honored. Wally said vending machines are not available until after school at Sunset Middle School, and granola bars have been reduced to make them more attractive. Caddy suggested that Don and Richard pursue the matter further and bring information to the Board. Dr. Lyon explained that the American Pediatric Association recently released a new set of policies to adopt regarding this issue and said they are definitely worth reviewing. Caddy said the APA addressed this issue because of the obesity of students these days. Dr. Sharps reminded them that “schools survive on money from vending machines.” Tom Bennett said he would not discourage a study but said the issue wouldn’t stay as long as child obesity will. Kids will buy these products one way or another. Caddy suggested that Don and Richard research the issue, prepare some information, and come back to the Board with a recommendation. Arnie Roblan commented that, “More to the heart of the issue is the lack of physical education.” Only one year is required in high school. When they are exposed to more physical education, they learn more about food and how it affects them.
Sue Walberg reported she attended a Site Council meeting at Milllicoma the day the new school sign went up and was at Marshfield for the meth task force assembly.
Wally Hazen also participated in the review of professional services contracts. During the month, he was at Marshfield and in the District Office several times.
Caddy McKeown admitted she spent much of January not feeling well, but she did spend time at the District Office working on several matters.
· Caddy asked Board members to consider attending the OSBA Spring Regional meeting May 6. Respond to Mary Bjornerud for reservations.
BUILDING STAFF PRESENTATIONS
· CBEA Business: CBEA President Lynda Sanders reminded everyone that March 2 is Read Across America in the schools. May 4 will be their annual celebration for licensed employees, honoring retirees and those with significant accomplishments. Lynda said rumors about Measure 30 are running rampant. People want to know if school days will be cut this year, and she encouraged an early decision and public announcement. In recognition of Classified Employees Week, she extended thanks to the classified staff for their tremendous help.
· OSEA Business: OSEA President Greg Stambaugh said we need to address the defeat of BM 30 – not through blame but through fixing the problem. Linda Smith handed out OSEA’s “Fund Oregon’s Schools Initiative” which seeks an amendment to Section 8, Article VIII of the Constitution of the State of Oregon by omitting certain language. Last, they announced they are ready to discuss negotiations, specifically insurance, and listed their members who would serve on the insurance committee.
· MHS Activities Report: Dave Bennett updated the Board on activities and events at Marshfield, including athletics and forensics competitions, the upcoming youth and government event, drama, parent conference night, Link Crew activities, and assemblies. Mr. MHS activities are underway, and some may have noticed donation buckets around town. Dave said students are concerned about the outcome of Measure 30. The Board Chair asked Dave to pass on congratulations to all the students who are representing the District so well.
· Marshfield High School Accreditation Report: Gina Sutherland reported on the accreditation received from the Northwest Association of Schools and of Colleges and Universities. The rating for the 2003-04 school year was “Approved.” Although Marshfield reported five teachers over the limit of 160 contacts per day, the NASCU said that, over the past five years, an increasing number of schools have been dealing with the number of teachers over the limit. Marshfield also had not done a thorough self-study they had recommended, but NASCU exercised leniency due to comments included in the report sent in. Don Blom noticed the report from NASCU commented on Marshfield’s impressive school improvement plan, and he commended them on the excellent effort.
· Destinations Charter School Accreditation Report: Nancy Zeck reported Destinations also received its accreditation report. Destinations furnished their own school improvement plan for the first time. Their rating was “Approved with Comment.” The comment was that the first goal, “somewhat meets standard though specificity is lacking and the format needs work.” Nancy said she was scheduled to attend an SIP workshop, but it was cancelled due to lack of registrants. Instead NASCU’s Dick Darst came to Destinations last October and worked with Nancy. She and Gary Martin plan to attend the SIP workshop this year. Destinations will be providing the student presentation to the Board In April.
ACTION ITEMS
· The Board had been given copies of the 2004-05 Resolution Programs that will be provided by South Coast ESD. Superintendent Lyon said that, as last year, the ESD will provide services for the Adaptive Life Skills Program and the Mild and Moderate Orthopedic Program. Charlie Sharps made a motion the Board approve the resolution. Sue Walberg seconded the motion. Dr. Lyon explained that the ESD pays for about 4/5 of these programs out of their budget, and our district pays the balance, which is projected at $327,000. The District must do this as “Maintenance of Effort” in this area. He said the ESD does an excellent job in this area. A vote was taken, and the motion passed unanimously.
· Chairman Caddy McKeown read the Governor’s Proclamation declaring March 1-5, 2004 to be Classified School Employees Week. On behalf of the Board, she congratulated the classified staff and commented, “You are the nuts and bolts of what we do.” Tom Bennett moved, Charlie Sharps seconded, and the Board unanimously adopted the Governor’s Proclamation.
· Rod Danielson provided a proposed 2004-05 Budget Calendar. After review, Tom Bennett moved and Wally Hazen seconded the Board approve the Budget Calendar as presented. The vote in favor was unanimous.
· Resolution 2004-08 Designating Depositories and Custodians for the District was presented for approval. Charlie Sharps moved, Richard Sebesta seconded, and the Board unanimously approved Resolution 2004-08.
· The Board’s professional services sub-committee made up of Wally Hazen, Richard Sebesta, and Charlie Sharps, along with the superintendent, business manager, and maintenance supervisor, had met to review evaluations of professional services contracted by the District. This includes the architect, attorney of record, auditor, and doctor of record. Don Blom moved the Board renew the professional services agreements as recommended by the committee. Tom Bennett seconded the motion. Dr. Lyon made a clarification regarding the auditing contract. The current contract has one more year. The District will request bids in 2004-05 for a new contract. Also, when the group discussed the architectural services, they expressed a desire to be able to get a second look at plans, as there is quite a bit of discretion used in engineering plans. Our consultants from HGE have done excellent work for the school district. A vote was taken on the motion, and it was unanimously favorable.
DISTRICT STAFF PRESENTATIONS
· Curriculum Director Duella Scott-Hull:
· Duella announced the 2002-03 State Report Cards were released the end of January. Madison and Marshfield were the only two schools that received ratings; other Coos Bay schools were not rated because they had received major reconfigurations. The reports cards look somewhat different because they include Annual Yearly Progress data. She explained the difference between some state and federal reporting requirements. Madison received a high Satisfactory rating, and Marshfield received a Strong rating. Duella said the OSBA web site has some excellent tools for reviewing and understanding report cards.
· Duella shared an exciting piece of news regarding a collaborative project with Oregon Institute of Marine Biology. OIMB approached Coos Bay School District and North Bend School District last spring to collaborate on a National Science Foundation grant. We did some research and provided information for OIMB to write the grant. The National Science Foundation awarded the grant which will place nine graduate and three undergraduate fellows in our schools to enhance MARE curriculum and science inquiry. We provide the lead teachers, who receive close to $4,000 stipend for working with the fellows on the pedagogy. The graduate and undergraduate teaching fellows will receive a wage living in our community doing work in our schools. This two-year project will start next fall. We are excited about having these us experts in science inquiry and marine biology in our classrooms. One of the goals was to provide elementary kids with another positive role model and good science inquiry. Duella said one of the reasons we received the grant was because of our strong science inquiry program. North Bend is just starting with this curriculum; this is our third year in the K-6 program.