for Meridian

Board Meeting Minutes
February 19, 2003

CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE/INTRODUCTIONS

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

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

ADOPT AGENDA

A motion to adopt the agenda was made by Sheri Folsom and seconded by Judy Boxx. 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 January 15, 2003
2. Accounts Payable/Payroll
3. Budget Status Reports

REPORTS

1. Superintendent’s Report
   Mr. Dickerson reported that Carolyn Hill, a valued teacher at Meridian High School, has announced her retirement at the end of the current school year. He thanked her for her strong contribution and commitment to the district. Mrs. Hill read a letter stating that after 25 years in education (23 years in the Meridian district) it was time for her to retire. She expressed her appreciation to the school board for their personal commitment to education, to the staff for their professionalism, to the parents for their loyal support, and to the students whom she has treasured over the years. Superintendent Dickerson and members of the board thanked Mrs. Hill and wished her well.
   
2. Progress on Strategic Plan
   Superintendent Dickerson reported on progress on the Strategic Plan. He stated the five main goals – Academic, Community, Facilities, Administrative and Staff, and outlined the progress attained toward each of the goals. He said the plan is to give quarterly reports to the board as well as an annual review and updates to the committee regarding the plan and implementation.

   There was lengthy discussion regarding assessment, differentiation, and staff development offerings. Mr. Burpee said the spring MAP scores would be important to teachers so they can compare results from the tests taken in the fall. Mr. Dickerson said improvement is not a one-year proposition. He said it is all about leadership, staying focused, continuity and moving together.

   Superintendent Dickerson and Bruce Burpee, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, reported on progress in the early childhood education program that is supported by I-728 dollars. A short video of the Nooksack Valley Center for Children and Families was viewed. Mr. Burpee said Nooksack’s program is a model for the county and the state. He said Vicki Hubner, director of Nooksack’s program, has been helpful in sharing information on how their program works and also in giving ideas for Meridian’s program. Ideas for future direction for Meridian Center for Children and Families are to look at what types of barriers keep children from learning, to increase the list of partners so additional family support is available to the community, and to continue to apply for additional funding sources to support the goals of MCCF. Mr. Burpee said the program, through the leadership of Lynne Jermunson, Jeanne Claire Saucer, Jeannie Fitzsimmons and others involved, is making great strides. He commented that one of the limitations is available space.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no public comment.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1. Second Reading and Adoption - Board Procedure No. 3240
   There was second reading of Board Procedure No. 3240 - Student Conduct. Mr. Dickerson reported briefly on the recent meeting held for parents, community and staff members to provide input regarding the policy development. He said the proposed revisions added sections regarding Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying. Rob Olson made a motion to approve Board Procedure No. 3240 and Charlie Crabtree seconded the motion. Motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Site Council Plan Approval - MMS
   Mr. Dickerson presented Meridian Middle School’s Site Council Plan. He said the plan was completed according to the Site Council Guidelines. Rob Olson made a motion to approve the Site Council Plan for Meridian Middle School and Judy Boxx seconded the motion. Motion passed.
   
2. Personnel Report
   The personnel report was approved on a motion by Sheri Folsom and seconded by Rob Olson.
   
3. School Bus Purchase Authority
   Superintendent Dickerson reported on the need to purchase a new school bus. He said finances are available in the Transportation Vehicle Fund, and if the district orders now, the new bus will be delivered near the beginning of the 2003-2004 school year. Transportation Supervisor Gaylen Visser reported that a new bus route would need to be added to the south end of the district because of crowding conditions. He also reported that ridership would increase in the same area due to the addition of over a hundred new homes being built. Charlie Crabtree made a motion to approve the purchase of a new school bus. Rob Olson seconded the motion and the motion passed.
   
4. First Reading - Board Procedure No. 3241
   There was first reading of Board Procedure No. 3241 - Classroom Management, Corrective Actions or Punishment.
   
5. Budget Planning - Review/Establish Priorities
   Mr. Dickerson prepared a draft list of General Fund Budget Parameters and Priorities for the 2003-2004 fiscal year. Discussion followed in regard to staff development, anticipated reduction in state funding, and the reserve fund. There was agreement about the importance of maintaining existing programs

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The board went into executive session at 8:43 p.m. to review personnel performance and real estate matters and returned to regular session at 9:35 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

Chair Mary Mattison adjourned the meeting at 9:35 p.m.