for Meridian

Board Meeting Minutes
June 19, 2002

CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE/INTRODUCTIONS

Chair Mary Mattison called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Meridian Middle School Library.

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

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and introductions were made.

ADOPT AGENDA

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

CONSENT AGENDA

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

1. Minutes for May 15, 2002
2. Accounts Payable/Payroll
3. Budget Status Reports
4. Resolution 5-02 Canceling Warrants

PUBLIC HEARING
I-728 PLAN

A public hearing on Initiative 728 Plan was held. Superintendent Dickerson provided copies of the plan and reviewed the four major components. Mr. Dickerson reviewed the numerous activities of the extended learning opportunities for all students K-12, and early assistance for children who need pre-kindergarten support. He said the purpose of the hearing is to provide an opportunity for suggestions or comments. Discussion followed.

REPORTS

1. Principals' Reports
   Due to the end of the school year most of the reports focused on a summary of the year’s activities. IRPS and MMS principals provided PowerPoint presentations highlighting their schools. Carol Evans, computer teacher at IRPS, assisted in a PowerPoint presentation showing memorable moments from IRPS. Mrs. Hossner narrated a PowerPoint program on students at MMS and their activities, as well as the construction project. Mrs. Colson shared closing activities that have occurred at TMCE. The last week was a time to reward students for outstanding performance. A major contributor to the success of students was attributed to the use of the “Open Court Reading Program” throughout the school. One highlight from TMCE was the ASB officers’ tour of the aircraft carrier, Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Giller’s report started with a thank you for the staff and community support in helping the recent graduates to reach their final year. He also reported that the school was looking to the future with planning for additional computers to enhance the classrooms and courses to offer students that will lead to initial college credits.
   
2. Special Programs
   Dr. Holt recapped the special programs for 2001-2002 by sharing positive happenings from each of the programs monitored and/or carried out in special programs. For example, the Title/LAP teachers reported great gains in reading scores for this year. The gains were attributed to the program supporting the “Open Court Reading” in the basic education classrooms. Dr. Holt was pleased to report that “Meridian Matters” was published each quarter. He noted all of the success is the direct result of a fantastic special programs staff.
   
3. Superintendent's Report
   
   1. Commission Against Domestic Violence Presentation
      Mr. Dickerson reported that he serves on the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission Against Domestic Violence representing Whatcom County Superintendents. He explained the functions of the commission and provided written materials. He said he has been assigned to the Education/Outreach Committee and is involved in arranging presentations to school boards, county and city governments and various medical service providers. Mr. Dickerson introduced Sue Parrott, the Commission Director. Ms. Parrott gave a brief history of the Commission. She gave statistical information on domestic violence in the county and briefly described how violence affects children. She also gave information on results of a survey recently conducted. She said the commission will be setting priorities for next year and that the organization would like to partner with schools. She closed by saying domestic violence is a community problem.
      
   2. Update Regarding Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
      Superintendent Dickerson reviewed a report from Bruce Burpee in his absence. In the area of student assessment Mr. Burpee recommends implementing Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) starting in the fall of 2002, testing all students in grades 2-10 in Reading, Mathematics, and Language Usage, starting with the focus on mathematics. Also recommended is a data management system service putting all of the assessment data on a database. The service consists of putting assessment information in the database so administrators and teachers would have access to WASL, ITBS, District Writing Assessment and Second Grade Reading Assessment both by classroom and by individual student. There are also a variety of reports and tools available.
      
   3. School Construction
      Mr. Dickerson said that although not every detail of the gymnasium construction was complete, the 8th grade promotion is scheduled to be held in the new gymnasium on June 20. He said Keith Shelly is contacting contractors to get price quotes for the improvements at the bus garage and parking lot improvements at IRPS and TMCE.
      
   4. Plans for Traffic Safety Education
      Superintendent Dickerson said plans have been finalized to have Nelson Driving School, a private school, conduct Traffic Safety Education for Meridian students. He said students will be bused to Nelson’s school at Hinotes Corner for the classroom portion of TSE, and the trainers will come to the high school and pick up students for the driving portion. He explained that this was the best solution to support the program since the state has eliminated the funding for TSE.
      
   5. Budget Preparation
      Mr. Dickerson presented a first draft of the General Fund budget. He explained the many challenges the district is facing due to reduction in funding by the legislature and the reduction in student enrollment. He said the budget has deficits that need to be addressed to bring it into balance. Jean Calman was present to answer questions.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Staff member Kathy Ableman stated she has concerns that children at TMCE are not getting a large enough lunch. Mr. Dickerson said he would look in to the matter.

RECESS

The board recessed at 8:50 p.m. and returned to regular session at 9:00 p.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1. Second Reading and Adoption - Policy 3110 Admission and Qualifications
   There was second reading and discussion of board policy 3110 - Admission and Qualifications. Charlie Crabtree made a motion to adopt the revisions to board policy 3110. Judy Boxx seconded the motion and motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Report Card Revisions - K-5
   Members of the Report Card Committee, Lynne Jermunson, Sarah Updike, Anne Post, Nita Wright, Terri Keyes and Glenn DePeralta were present to report on the revisions to the report card. Committee member Jim Lissner was unable to attend. The purpose of revising the report cards was to reflect requirements, alignment with the curriculum and state EALRS, and to be a standards-based approach that would support student achievement in grades K-5. The committee met over a two-year period and sampled report cards from 13 other districts. The committee will meet again next school year to discuss feedback from staff members at IRPS and TMCE. Rob Olson made a motion to approve the report card revisions; Judy Boxx seconded the motion and the motion passed.
   
2. Accept Donation of Funds - “Artist in Schools”
   Judy Boxx made a motion to accept the anonymous donation of funds for “Artists in Schools” program at the primary school. Lynne Jermunson said the funds would be used to enhance the fine arts and performing arts programs. Charlie Crabtree seconded the motion and motion passed.
   
3. First Reading - Policy/Procedure 2410 Graduation Requirements
   There was first reading and discussion of policy and procedure 2410 – Graduation Requirements. Several high school staff members were present to give information on the new “senior project” requirements.
   
4. Curriculum Adoption - High School Spanish I & II
   High School Spanish I and II curriculum adoption was passed on a motion by Sheri Folsom that was seconded by Judy Boxx.
   
5. Personnel Report
   The personnel report was approved on a motion by Rob Olson and seconded by Charlie Crabtree.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Superintendent Evaluation

The board went into executive session at 10:05 p.m. to complete the annual Superintendent evaluation and returned to regular session at 10:40 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

Chair Mary Mattison adjourned the meeting at 10:40 p.m.