BOARD MINUTES FOR
Highland School District #203
Regular Board Meeting
Highland High School
May 15, 2007
The May 15, 2007, Regular Board Meeting was called to order at 7:20 pm by Chair Julie Smith. Others present: Board Members Bruce Allen, DeeDee Trepanier, Nikki Keller and Becky Laughery; Superintendent Gary Masten; Principals Greg George, Andy Woehler, Trevor Greene, and Janice Sauve; Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Mike Lewis, Student Services Director Barb Gilbert; Director of Business and Operations Dean Schlenker; Principal Interns Eric Diener and James Heinle; HEA Co-Presidents Teresa Long and Tara Wyckoff; Teachers Linda Evans and Brook Braden; District Secretary Sharon Fisher; Recording Secretary Lynette Hammarstrom; and some patrons of the district.
Julie announced she would like to call an Executive Session following this evening’s meeting to discuss a complaint against an employee.
Bruce Allen led the flag salute.
It was moved by DeeDee and 2 nd by Nikki they approve the Minutes of the
April 17, 2007 Regular Board Meeting; motion passed.
COMMUNICATIONS
Julie presented Scottie Pride Awards to Linda Evans, Brook Braden, James Heinle, and Eric Diener. Those recipients unable to attend: HS Counselor Marvin Stewart and student Kim Catlin. Janice also acknowledged parent Cindy Reed and MWC teacher Margo Gonzalez for their work in putting on a successful Community Fiesta.
Andy read a letter from Ian Grabenhorst, ESD 105 Assist. Superintendent, thanking Andy for hosting the Upper Valley Superintendent’s Network at Tieton Intermediate School on March 28 th.
The Annual WSSDA Conference next November was discussed.
OLD BUSINESS
Gary reviewed the two policies being considered for second readings. It was moved by DeeDee and 2 nd by Becky they approve the adoption of Policy 3419 Self-Administration of Asthma and Anaphylaxis Medications and the revision of Policy 3421 Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention; motion passed.
The District Technology Plan for 2006-07 was reviewed by Dean. He reported each building’s Technology Plans was included in their School Improvement Plans previously presented to the board for their approval. It was moved by DeeDee and 2 nd by Bruce they approve the District Technology Plan for 2006-07; motion passed.
NEW BUSINESS
It was moved by DeeDee and 2 nd by Nikki they adopt Resolution #06-06 Delegating Authority to W.I.A.A. for 2007-08 athletics; motion passed.
Dean reviewed the plan to transfer funds from the General Fund to the Capital Projects Fund. He reported he expects to receive the Energy Retro-fit Engineering Plan from Klingele and Associates soon and plans are to go to bid after that to complete the project at the High School-Jr. High facility. It was moved by DeeDee and 2 nd by Bruce they adopt Resolution #07-06 Transfer of Funds: General Fund to Capital Projects Fund; motion passed.
Proposed Resolution #08-06 Transfer of Funds: General Fund to Debt Service Fund was reviewed by Dean. He explained the funds will be used for payment of the QZAB Bonds when due in 15 years. It was moved by DeeDee and 2 nd by Becky they adopt Resolution #08-06; motion passed.
Gary reviewed a request by High School Teacher Jennifer Coleman to take a group of her students on an overnight trip to WSU to participate in a Future Scientists program. The Gear Up Program will reimburse the district for travel expenses for the trip. It was moved by Bruce and 2 nd by Nikki they approve the trip; motion passed.
Administrator Reports: James Heinle reported plans are underway for the 6 th graders to begin their transition with a visit to the Jr. High. He gave an update on ASB elections and scheduling for 2007-08. Trevor reported the K-12 Math Committee is going to recommend adoption of the Connected Math Program (CMP2) for 7 th grade and several sections of 6 th grade. It is hoped the 8 th grade curriculum can be phased in the following year. They are also going to recommend several sections of Algebra be offered at the 9 th grade level and reduce the Pre-Algebra offering to one section. Janice reported the Marcus Whitman staff is continuing to review their math program.
Mike Lewis gave an update on Jr. High and High School spring sports. The need for fund raisers to help cover costs for district and state competitions was discussed.
Greg reported seniors are finishing up their graduation requirements. The Education Talent Search Grant provided a motivational speaker on goals and also will provide one-on-one contact with up to 90 students to assist them with their individual goals. He reported scheduling plans are under way for the 2007-08 school year. Gary reported the
High School will be changing to a six period day to align with the Jr. High School, allowing for sharing of staff. Eric reported on the HS ASB elections.
Andy reported the 3 rd graders will be coming to visit Tieton Intermediate School to assist them in their transition. Other spring TIS activities were reviewed.
Upcoming field trips by Marcus Whitman students were reviewed by Janice.
Barb reported the Parapros in her programs had the opportunity for a Sequence of Literacy Trainings provided by ESD 105 and a representative will return in the fall for another presentation. She has submitted an application to the Yakima Valley Community Foundation for a grant to help support the PCHP Program. She reported Summer School plans are progressing and there are 51 Kindergarten students registered so far for Kinder Camp.
Dean thanked three patrons for donations they have made to the district: Joe Trepanier, for moving playground equipment at Marcus Whitman; Bruce Allen, for providing the grass seed and labor to replant the lawn at MWC; and Roger Strand, for providing the use of his forklifts when needed by the maintenance department.
Dean gave the Current Enrollment and Budget Status reports and explained how the district’s staffing is affected by the decline in enrollment.
It was moved by Bruce and 2 nd by Becky they approve the Addendum to the Superintendent’s Contract; motion passed.
Gary reviewed the Personnel Report. It was moved by Bruce and 2 nd by Becky they approve the Personnel Report as presented; motion passed.
Legislature Report: Nikki reported the Session has closed and the Governor has until May 20 th to sign legislation into action. Gary reviewed some of the bills affecting schools, including the delay of the math/science WASL requirement and new SPI Special Education funding formulas. Dean reviewed a proposed change in transportation funding for 2009-2010 which be based on actual miles traveled rather than the current “as the crow flies” funding.
It was moved by Bruce and 2 nd by Nikki they pay the General Fund bills for $114,137.45 with warrants 45143 through 45250; the ASB Fund bills for $8,052.10 with warrants 4020 through 4036; and the payroll for $247,813.62 with warrants 45251 through 45331 and $401,680.03 by direct deposit; motion passed.
At 8:50 pm the Board went into Executive Session to discuss a complaint against an employee. Only the Board Members and Superintendent were present. Julie announced she expected the Session to last approximately one to 1 ½ hours.
At 10:55 pm HEA Co-President Tara Wyckoff returned and asked to address the Board about some concerns. The Regular Board Meeting was reconvened and following Ms. Wyckoff’s visit with the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:30 pm.