BOARD MINUTES FOR
Highland School District #203
Regular Board Meeting
Highland High School
July 17, 2007
Following the Community Forum, Chair Julie Smith opened the Public Hearing to review the Capital Projects Budget Extension for 2006-07 at 8:30 pm. Others in attendance: Board Members Bruce Allen, DeeDee Trepanier, Nikki Keller and Becky Laughery; Superintendent Gary Masten; Director of Business and Operations Dean Schlenker; Director of Student Services Barb Gilbert; Outgoing Asst Principal/AD Mike Lewis; Principal Interns Eric Diener and James Heinle; Payroll/Personnel Officer Roberta Harris; Accounts Payable/Purchasing Agent Staci Fordahl; Recording Secretary Sharon Fisher; and some patrons of the district.
Dean reviewed the background behind the Capital Projects Budget Extension. There were no questions and the hearing was adjourned at 8:32 pm.
At 8:33 pm, Julie called the Regular Board Meeting to order. She announced an amendment to the agenda under New Business - add item C1. Review of proposals for new security cameras/system.
DeeDee led the flag salute.
It was moved by Nikki and 2 nd by DeeDee they approve the Minutes of the June 19, 2007 Regular Board Meeting; motion passed.
COMMUNICATIONS
Gary read the letter from OSPI and WSP regarding the “Exceptional” rating results of the annual bus inspection which was done on June 29, 2007. This is the second year in a row we have had an “Exceptional” rating.
OLD BUSINESS
Julie gave a report on the Board Retreat and reviewed the Board Goals for 2007-08. Following a discussion, DeeDee moved with 2 nd by Becky that they approve the Board Goals for 2007-08; motion passed.
There was discussion on the revised School Board Protocols. Bruce made a motion they adopt the revised School Board Protocols; Nikki second; motion passed.
NEW BUSINESS
James Heinle presented the 6 th -8 th Grade Connected Math Project (CMP2) Curriculum for adoption by the Board. The K-12 math committee reviewed a variety of curriculum materials and compared them before recommending CMP2. He stated that the current elementary curriculum is appropriate for those grades and flows right into the concepts of the Connected Math Project for 6-8 th grades. James said the committee felt the CMP2 is broad-based with regard to genders and ethnicity, the parent materials are excellent and there is software with on-line access for parents. The committee tested some of the modules and found them very user-friendly. It was determined by the committee that this curriculum meets the criteria outlined in the Policy 2020 Form for the Curriculum Development and Adoption of Instructional Materials. A copy of this form is attached to these minutes. Gary recommended the Board adopt this curriculum. He said the projected total expense is approximately $40,000 including support. After further discussion it was moved by Nikki and 2 nd by DeeDee they approve the adoption of the Connected Math Curriculum for grades 6-8; motion passed.
Dean presented the Dairy and Bakery bids. There was only one bid for each: Inland Northwest Dairy and Snyders/Franz Bakeries. Bruce moved with 2 nd by Nikki that the Board approve the Dairy and Bakery bids; motion passed.
Dean presented information on a new security/camera system. In addition he presented bid information on swipe cards for building entry. We have received two proposals so far, one from E3 Solutions and one from ADT. The wiring for the existing security camera system is already in place and can be used for the new system. There will be added coverage with more cameras that have domes and cannot be moved so easily as the existing cameras. The system uses digital imaging and will store data on a hard drive. The cameras have very good resolution. They do not have a zoom feature, but Dean said this is not necessary due to the increased number of cameras and coverage. He feels this is the best type of system we can afford at this time. The District is reviewing its financial status to determine if it can proceed with one or both of the security proposals.
The 2007-08 Budget was presented by Dean. He stated again that the decline in enrollment influenced the Budget projection. There was some discussion on funding ratios. Bruce moved that they adopt the 2007-08 Budget as presented, Becky 2 nd; motion passed.
Administrator reports: Mike said he is working this month to clear up year-end athletic items and assure a smooth transition to the new Athletic Director.
Eric said since sports practices start before school starts, we need to get the word out about the parent meeting on August 9.
Barb said Summer School is up and running after a challenging start with the pump at MWC being out there was no water and having to move to TIS the first day. Dean explained the broken pump problem at MWC – the pump was 50-years old and very deteriorated. Barb reported that she has 3 students taking WASL reading or math tests this summer. She also got the Bilingual tests back and has some concerns about the number of students exiting the program based on the tests. The tests are in English and cover reading, writing, listening and speaking. She should receive the preliminary WASL scores in early August and the individual scores in September.
Dean said the MWC playground equipment is being put back in place and should be ready for the start of school.
Budget Status Report: Dean reported that we froze and cut some expenses during the school year to align with the budget for 2006-07. He stated we should end the year with a 4-5% reserve.
Personnel Report: Gary reviewed the Personnel Report . There were amendments to Staff Section 4 and Extracurricular Section 3. It was moved by DeeDee and 2 nd by Becky they approve the Personnel Report as amended; motion passed.
Legislature Report: Nikki reported the legislature is not in session, so there is really no news to report. She said the Board members will be attending the annual WSSDA Conference in November and they need to go online and to see what classes they would like to take.
It was moved by DeeDee and 2 nd by Nikki they approve the General Fund bills for
$111,983.33 with warrants 45549 through 45667; and the Payroll for $229,749.65 with warrants 45668 through 45731 and $392,339.86 by direct deposit; motion passed. There were no ASB bills this month.
Julie adjourned the Regular meeting at 10:20 pm.