for Meridian

Board Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2002

CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE/INTRODUCTIONS

Chair Mary Mattison called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Board members present were Rob Olson, Judy Boxx, Mary Mattison, Charlie Crabtree, and Sheri Folsom.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

ADOPT AGENDA

A motion to adopt the agenda was made by Sheri Folsom and seconded by Charlie Crabtree. Motion passed.

CONSENT AGENDA

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

1. Minutes for February 20, 2002, March 6, 2002 and March 13, 2002
   
   
2. Accounts Payable/Payroll
   
   
3. Budget Status Reports
   
   
4. WIAA Resolution-Delegating Authority to WIAA

REPORTS

1. Principals' Reports
   
   Due to inclement weather there were no principal or special program director reports.
   
   
2. Superintendent's Report
   
   
1. Classified Employee Appreciation
   Superintendent Dickerson had planned to give special recognition and acknowledgement to the classified employees for the special role they play, hoping to do it in conjunction with the emphasis on "Classified Public School Employee Week". He had appreciation certificates to give to each classified employee. Charlie Crabtree suggested doing it at the next education board meeting.
   
   
2. Teacher Recognition
   Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction representative planned to be at the meeting to present Patrick Preisinger with an award. It was postponed for a later date.
   
   
3. Enrollment for March
   Superintendent Dickerson reported that enrollment is on a slight downhill roll that will affect apportionment.
   
   
4. Class Size
   Report Board members thought this was a very helpful and encouraging report. The primary and middle school were showing especially good class sizes.
   
   
5. School Construction Update - John Stewart Architect
   John Stewart was present to give an update on the progress of the building projects. Good news is that the projects are still within the budgeted amount. Some bids have come in low enabling the district to add to the projects. Mr. Stewart said the district is getting a lot of facility for the dollar. He reported the contractor for the gymnasium is doing a good job. The gymnasium will likely be finished by end of April or beginning of May. When the weather improves Mr. Dickerson will arrange a walk through for the Board Members and Citizens Advisory Committee to get a good look at the project. Mr. Stewart also said he was pleased with how the middle school staff and students have worked with this project going on around them, and had even helped with some suggestions on certain details. Mr. Stewart also reported on the progress of other projects still pending.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no public comment.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1. Deer Creek Water Association
   Superintendent Dickerson shared a letter received from Deer Creek Water Association with an offer of agreement. He stated it looked like a standard agreement. If we were to add another connection, we would pay the connection cost. Discussion followed. A motion was made by Rob Olson and seconded by Judy Boxx to accept the Deer Creek Water Association agreement. Motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Technology Coaching
   Jack Johnson was present to share and answer questions regarding the idea of mentoring teachers in the technology world. He suggested hiring a substitute teacher for a half day so a teacher could be mentored. Superintendent Dickerson was hoping to have some of the TLP participants share what they have learned. Some have been teaching outside school hours with classes on different software programs. Classified staff has also taken advantage of more classes. Charlie Crabtree said how pleased he was with the significant improvement to our web site. The board expressed great appreciation for Jack and his work.
   
   
2. Surplus Grounds Equipment
   Keith Shelly has two pieces of equipment he would like to put into surplus mode. He suggested possibly selling them at a Meridian Equipment auction. A motion was made by Judy Boxx to accept the equipment as surplus. Charlie Crabtree seconded the motion and the motion passed.
   
   
3. School Bus Purchase
   Mr. Dickerson explained that it has been the district's practice to purchase a new bus every other year. Small and large buses are purchased on a rotating schedule utilizing state depreciation funds received and systematic transfers from the General Fund. Old buses are cycled out as new ones are cycled in. A motion was made by Charlie Crabtree to purchase a new large school bus. The motion was seconded by Sheri Folsom and passed.
   
   
4. Set Annual Board/Superintendent Retreat
   There was discussion about setting the date for the annual Board/Superintendent retreat. A tentative date is set for Friday evening, April 19.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The board went into executive session at 8:12 p.m. to discuss real estate transaction and personnel performance and returned to regular session at 8:47 p.m..

NEW BUSINESS (continued)

5. Personnel Report
   The personnel report was approved on a motion by Charlie Crabtree that was seconded by Sheri Folsom.
   
   
6. Real Estate
   A motion was made by Rob Olson to authorize the superintendent to negotiate with the Washington State Department of Transportation on their offer to purchase Meridian School District property fronting the Guide Meridian. The motion was seconded by Sheri Folsom and passed.

ADJOURNMENT

Chair Mary Mattison adjourned the meeting at 8:52 p.m.