Place, Date and Time of Meeting
701 W. Wetmore Road, August 19, 2000, 8:35 a.m.

Board Members Present
Dr. Ken Smith, President (entered the meeting at 10:01 a.m.)
Nancy Young Wright, Vice President/Clerk (entered the meeting at 11:30 a.m.)
Dr. Kent Barrabee, Member
Mike Prout, Member
Mary Schuh, Member

Central Administrators Present
Dr. Vicki M. Balentine, Superintendent
Dr. Katie M. Frey, Associate Superintendent
Dr. Richard Hooley, Associate Superintendent
John E. Rose, Associate Superintendent
Todd A. Jaeger, J.D., Associate to Superintendent and General Counsel

Call to Order and Signing of Visitors Register

Ms. Mary Schuh, acting President, called the meeting to order and asked members of the audience to sign the visitors register.

Pledge of Allegiance
Dr. Balentine led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

1. Discussion of Overview of Amphitheater District Functions and Operations
A. Review of District Organizational Structure
B. Review of General Structure and Operations of Department and Schools
C. Review of Role and Operations of Governing Board
1) Discussion of Board Member Duties and Responsibilities

Dr. Balentine presented a booklet to the newly elected members of the Board. This included information on the Arizona Open Meeting Law, Becoming a Better Board Member and district organization. Included was information on revenue, personnel profiles, enrollments by school and grades within the school, special programs by school and grades, enrollment stability, educational progress assessments, organizational chart and additional information of interest to the Board. Staff answered questions asking for clarification from the Board. Each of the central administrators provided a brief review of his/her department's responsibilities.

The Board asked that they be provided with the following information: cost per child for Special Education, a larger map which showed more clearly the feeder schools throughout the district, and figures on mobility in the district.

A recess was called at 10:35 a.m.

Dr. Smith reconvened the meeting at 10:55 a.m.

Reordering of the Agenda
Dr. Smith asked, if there were no objections, that the executive session be brought forward before beginning the Retreat. There were no objections.

4. Motion to Recess Open Meeting and Hold Executive Session, Pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03A(1)
Dr. Smith announced that the Board would recess the open meeting and hold an executive session pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03A(1) for discussion and development of criteria and format for Superintendent's evaluation.

A motion was made by Ms. Schuh, seconded by Dr. Barrabee and passed unanimously, that the Board recess into executive session. The time was 11:02 a.m.

The Board reconvened into open session at 1:05 p.m.

2. Discussion of Amphitheater Mission and Beliefs and Governing Board Goals
Discussion by the Board members centered on the formulation of a new mission statement and beliefs for the Amphitheater School District. Many suggestions were offered as to how the statement should be composed and what input from the community was desired. It was agreed that a draft for submission to the community for comment could be realized. Discussion continued, resulting in this proposal as the draft mission statement:

To be the model of educational and career opportunity in order to graduate citizens who can successfully think and work in today's society.

After much discussion and revision, the following beliefs were proposed:

We believe:

• All children according to their ability are entitled to standards of excellence in education.
• Education is the shared responsibility of the child, the school, the parents, and the community.
• All children can and should learn.
• Students should serve others in the school and community.
• Everyone should treat others as they wish to be treated.
• Students should develop self discipline and assume responsibility for their actions.
• Amphi adults and students should demonstrate respectfulness, caring, enthusiasm and honesty.

Goals of the Board were discussed, with opinions being expressed that some concrete goals be established. As one of the first goals, the Board asked staff to prepare a marketing campaign for the tax credit that is available to the citizens of Arizona who contribute to the schools. Other goals discussed were a lobbying network for the legislature and closer unity of the entire district. It was also recommended that the ASBA (Arizona School Boards Association) list of Board goals be reviewed and any additions or revisions that more closely reflect the philosophy of the Amphitheater District be included.

3. Discussion of Governing Board Meeting Protocol and Procedures

A. Review of Procedures for Agenda Preparation The Board agreed that they were satisfied with the timetable that is now in place; it allows time for review and questions to be answered by staff. They also felt that the Friday packet that includes additional material for review was a good idea. B. Review of Staff Participation in Meetings Dr. Balentine stated that she has said that principals are not required to be at the Board meetings. She asked for input from the Board on this issue. Discussion followed, with no objection to Dr. Balentine's recommendation. Board support of administration and staff was also discussed.

Views and options were discussed regarding the Attorney General's two-year-old opinion that the Amphitheater School Board should have a study session on the Open Meeting Law. Dr. Smith will coordinate with the Attorney General's office on this issue.

Discussion ensued concerning the necessity and purpose of executive sessions. Regulations were read and explanations provided. It was suggested that the sessions could be shorter. The Board also recommended that staff schedule executive sessions only when absolutely necessary. Staff was also asked to review if reporting out of executive session by the District's General Counsel was a requirement or could be done.

A motion was made by Ms. Schuh, seconded Dr. Barrabee and passed unanimously, that the meeting be adjourned. The time was 4:58 p.m.

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