for Meridian

Board Meeting Minutes
October 16, 2002

CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE/INTRODUCTIONS

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

Students Janel Blake, Chase Bergeron, Jason Bromet, Dillon Jones and Sully Kuoppola from Ten Mile Creek Elementary led the flag salute. Everyone present introduced themselves.

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

ADOPT AGENDA

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

CONSENT AGENDA

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

1. Minutes for September 18, 2002
2. Accounts Payable/Payroll
3. Budget Status Reports

REPORTS

1. Special Programs - Gil Holt
   Dr. Holt reported that there are 214 students in special services, which brings the total to 14.5 percent of the basic education FTE enrollment. He explained that the state funds 13 percent only, so that the district is obligated to fund the additional 1.5 percent. He reported that a .5 FTE teaching position has been added due to the increase in special needs students. Dr. Holt said English as a Second Language enrollment has also increased this year. Last year Irene Reither Primary School had approximately 30 ELL students compared to 62 ELL students this year. A .6 FTE teaching position has been added to that program. Dr. Holt reported that Jeanne Brotherton has been hired as school nurse. He spoke briefly on the No Child Left Behind law and how it affects the paraeducators. He said that 48 percent of the paraeducators have either a two-year or four-year degree. Dr. Holt said that the number of students requiring Title 1 assistance has decreased this year. He attributed this decrease to the Open Court Reading Program and the commitment of the teachers.
   
2. Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment - Bruce Burpee
   Bruce Burpee reported on the work of the Instructional Materials Committee. He said the committee is recommending the use of the Bedford Reader for the Advanced Placement English class. He said there are 26 students in the Advanced Placement English class. When asked, Mr. Giller explained that staff development funds were used so Mike Protzeller and Bob Mathews could receive necessary training to teach the AP classes. There was further discussion regarding Honors Biology and the extra work outside of classroom that is required for the class. Mr. Burpee reported that Judy McCourt, Extended Learning Coordinator, recently surveyed students, teachers and parents on ideas for after-school enrichment. She is also coordinating after-school activities for students at Ten Mile Creek Elementary and Meridian Middle School. Mr. Burpee gave information on the recent MAP testing and said results of the test should be available by the end of October. He said he would survey staff to find out what went well and what needs to be changed. Mr. Burpee summarized his report by handing out sample grade reports from the 4th grade and explained how it can be used with the Learning Continuum and the Lexile Framework. Charlie Crabtree commended Mr. Burpee and the committee on the work involved to complete the 21st Century Community Learning Grant.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Burton Dickerson and Gil Holt both commented on the School Board sponsored salmon barbeque held at Meridian Middle School. Mr. Dickerson thanked the board for the nice dinner, which is a gesture to show appreciation to staff.

RECESS

The board recessed at 8:00 p.m. and returned to regular session at 8:10 p.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1. Second Reading and Adoption - Policy 6881 Surplus Property
   There was second reading of board policy number 6881. Rob Olson moved to adopt the board policy. Sheri Folsom seconded the motion and the motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Summer Sabbatical Grants
   Mr. Dickerson said several grant recipients had submitted final reports. Nita Wright’s report on art education will be available at the November meeting. He explained that Shawn Cunningham is developing a student activity handbook for advisors that will require work throughout the school year to complete. Mr. Dickerson said Mark Van Dyke is role-playing a student completing a Senior Project, so his final report will be submitted at a later date also.
   
2. Four Ps in Whatcom County Schools
   Superintendent Dickerson introduced and welcomed newly hired Career Center Specialist Grant Meidal. Mr. Meidal shared a video titled, “The Four Ps in Whatcom County Schools.” The video gave information about the School-to-Work/Tech Prep Consortium of Whatcom County. It outlined the four Ps -- plan, pathways, portfolio, and projects in detail by interviewing area high school students.
   
3. Resolutions No. 9-02 and No. 10-02 - Transfer Fund to DSF
   On a motion by Charlie Crabtree and a second by Sheri Folsom, Resolutions No. 9-02 and 10-02 were approved.
   
4. Personnel Report
   The personnel report was approved on a motion by Sheri Folsom and seconded by Rob Olson.
   
5. First Reading - Policy Revisions
   There was first reading on revisions to policy number 2161 regarding changes in regulations and policies in the 6000 series regarding student transportation and use of private vehicles.
   
6. School District Real Property
   Superintendent Dickerson said that the north side of the high school campus adjoins property owned by Herb Krause. When the Guide Meridian is widened in the future, Mr. Krause will be losing his parking area. Mr. Dickerson said that a representative from the Department of Transportation has contacted him about possibly selling Mr. Krause a strip of land 25 feet wide and 600 feet in length. Aside from accommodating a neighbor, Mr. Dickerson explained that it might be beneficial for the district to sell Mr. Krause the property with the understanding from the DOT that the district would be guaranteed a driveway entry from the Guide Meridian at some future date. After discussion there was board consensus for Mr. Dickerson to continue negotiating with representatives from DOT. The future of the Smith Road property was also discussed. Mr. Dickerson said a representative from Timber Ridge contacted him regarding Meridian’s plans for the property. He said Timber Ridge is looking for an alternate site for their school and that there is a possibility that they might be interested in buying part or all of the property. Mr. Dickerson suggested establishing a citizen committee to look at long-range facility plans for future schools. Discussion followed.

ADJOURNMENT

Chair Mary Mattison adjourned the meeting at 9:23 p.m.