for Meridian

Board Meeting Minutes
December 19, 2001

CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE/INTRODUCTIONS

Vice Chair Judy Boxx called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

Board members present were Judy Boxx, Sheri Folsom, and Charlie Crabtree. Rob Olson arrived later.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

ADOPT AGENDA

Charlie Crabtree made a motion to adopt the agenda. Sheri Folsom seconded the motion and the motion passed.

CONSENT AGENDA

The following items on the consent agenda were approved on a motion by Charlie Crabtree and seconded by Sheri Folsom.

A. Minutes for November 28, 2001, December 3, 2001, and December 5, 2001
B. Accounts Payable/Payroll
C. Budget Status Reports

ANNUAL ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

Superintendent Dickerson administered the Oath of Office to recently reelected board member Charlie Crabtree. Vice Chair Judy Boxx called for nominations for chairperson for the coming year. Sheri Folsom nominated Mary Mattison. There were no further nominations. Charlie Crabtree seconded the motion. Mary Mattison was elected chairperson by unanimous vote. Judy Boxx called for nominations for vice chair. Sheri Folsom nominated Judy Boxx. There were no further nominations. Charlie Crabtree seconded the motion. Judy Boxx was elected vice chair by unanimous vote.

REPORTS

A. Principals' Reports
The administrators reported on the various activities in their buildings. All principals said that the Christmas Programs were impressive and well attended by the parents. Mr. Giller was especially pleased with the MHS concert and praised Lori Adamson and Karen Mack for their work with the music groups. January will also be a busy month with activities such as family night at IRPS and various student trips. Mrs. Hossner invited interested individuals to stop by the middle school to see the progress on the gym construction.

B. Special Programs
Dr. Holt reported that the special education count exceeded the state allocation percent by about 1%. He indicated that, in a number of instances, special services to students have made it possible to exit students from special education when learning goals have been met. It was also reported that the Early Childhood Program continues to plan and is working on collaborations with community agencies to enhance the program's effectiveness and desire not to duplicate services.

C. Superintendent's Report
Mr. Dickerson reported that Phillips 66 Company had awarded Meridian School District an Indoor Air Quality Grant in the amount of $15,000. He thanked Steve Burton, a representative of Phillips 66, for the generous gift. The funds will be used to enhance and improve the indoor air quality throughout the district.

1. Enrollment Update
   Mr. Dickerson reported that enrollment had dropped nine FTE's and Running Start one and a half FTE's since the November report.
   
   
2. Highly Capable Learners Program
   IRPS Principal Lynne Jermunson and 3rd grade teacher Glenn DePeralta reported on the Highly Capable Learners Program for grades K-5. Mrs. Jermunson explained how the children will be identified in grades 3-5, and gave information about the mentorship program for students in grades K-2. Mr. DePeralta gave an overview of a five-day workshop he had attended outlining Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS). He said Saturday School would start toward the end of January for grades 3-5. Mrs. Jermunson said the WWU Enrichment Program will be established for grades 3-5 and will include both the top 2-3% of the students, as well as the accelerated learners. This will include approximately 3 to 4 students per classroom.
   
   
3. I-728 Extended Learning Program
   Mr. Dickerson reported on the components of the Extended Learning Program. The components are academic support in each school, enrichment, which includes classroom opportunities as well as after school programs, and a summer school program that will offer both academic support and enrichment. The Academic Support Program will begin in January with a K-3 program that will help children achieve grade level in reading and math. The summer school will begin in 2002 on a limited scale for grades K-6. Mr. Dickerson said there are plans to hire a person to coordinate the Extended Learning Program.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Charlie Crabtree reported that MHS alumnus, Katie Van Kooten, had performed a benefit concert for the Meridian Public Schools Foundation December 15th. He said Katie is studying vocal music in London, and her performance raised $2985 for the foundation. He thanked Katie, Paul Kratzig and the members of the foundation for their contribution to Meridian High School.

RECESS

The board recessed at 7:47 p.m and returned to regular session at 7:54 p.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

A. Levy Advisory Committee Report
Steve Burton, chair of the Citizens Advisory Committee, reported the committee had met several times in November and December to discuss and plan for the 2003 and 2004 Maintenance and Operating Levy. He said because of the current economic climate in the county the committee recommended the rate of $3.46 per $1000 of assessed value for both years. This will amount to $1,625,000 for 2003 and $1,675,000 for 2004.

B. Resolution No. 14-01 Levy
Charlie Crabtree made a motion to approve Resolution No. 14-01 - Levy, and Sheri Folsom seconded the motion. Motion passed.

C. Reading and Math Goals
Superintendent Dickerson reported that school districts are required to establish reading and math goals. He said the goal is to reduce the percentage of students not meeting the WASL reading and mathematics standard by at least 25% over the 2001 baseline by the end of the 2003-2004 school year. Rob Olson made a motion to accept the Reading and Math Goals. Charlie Crabtree seconded the motion and the motion passed.

D. Second Reading and Adoption - Policy Revision
There was second reading of board policy revision. Charlie Crabtree made a motion to accept board policy revision. Rob Olson seconded the motion and the motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS

A. Grade 8 Science Trip/NASA Trip
Meridian Middle School Principal Judy Hossner reported that the Grade 8 Science Trip and the NASA Trip that take place in the late spring need board approval because they are overnight trips. She said the Science Trip is scheduled for May 9-11, and includes all eighth graders. Mrs. Hossner said plans are not complete at this time, but the topic is on glaciers, and the destination will likely be the North Cascade Highway. The NASA Trip is another annual trip taken by eighth graders. Students interested in this trip apply a year in advance for the trip to California and must meet certain criteria. The NASA Trip is scheduled for May 16-19. Rob Olson made a motion to approve the Grade 8 Science Trip and the NASA Trip. Charlie Crabtree seconded the motion and the motion passed.

B. Agreement with Laurel Cooperative Preschool
Mr. Dickerson explained that the agreement with the Laurel Cooperative Preschool is a step in the right direction. They will provide staffing and share facilities with Meridian's preschool. Charlie Crabtree moved to approve the Agreement with Laurel Cooperative Preschool and Sheri Folsom seconded the motion. Motion passed.

C. Personnel Report
Charlie Crabtree made a motion to accept the personnel report and Sheri Folsom seconded the motion. Motion passed. (See attached list)

D. District Head Lice Protocol
Superintendent Dickerson presented a handout, which explains Head Lice Protocol for the district. He said it is important to standardize the approach to dealing with this common problem.

E. First Reading - Policy Revisions
There was first reading and discussion of board policy revisions. (see attachment) .

OATH OF OFFICE

Superintendent Dickerson administered the Oath of Office to recently reelected board member Rob Olson.

ADJOURNMENT

Vice Chair Judy Boxx adjourned the meeting at 8:26 p.m.