AMPHITHEATER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Tucson, Arizona

 

MINUTES OF REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE GOVERNING BOARD

 

Place, Date and Time of Meeting    

Wetmore Center, 701 West Wetmore Road, August 26, 2003, 6:00 p.m.

 

Board Members Present

Nancy Young Wright, President

Dr. Kent Barrabee, Vice President/Clerk

Patty Clymer, Member

Jeff Grant, Member

Mike Prout, Member

 

Central Administrators Present           

Dr. Vicki McLeod Balentine, Superintendent

Todd A. Jaeger, J.D., Associate to Superintendent and General Counsel

Patrick Nelson, Associate Superintendent

 

 

OPENING OF MEETING

Call to Order and Signing of Visitors Register          

Ms. Young Wright called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m.  Mrs. Clymer made a motion to convene into Executive Session.  Mr. Grant seconded the motion and passed unanimously, 5-0.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

1.       Motion to Recess Open Meeting and Hold an Executive Session for:

 

  1. Consideration and Decision Upon Expulsion Hearing Officer’s Recommendation, Pursuant to A.R.S. §15-843(F)(2).

 

CONTINUATION OF OPEN MEETING

 

Reconvening of Open Session and Signing of Visitors’ Register

Ms. Young Wright reconvened the meeting at 6:47 p.m. and invited members of the audience to sign the visitors’ register.  Procedures for addressing the Board were described.

 

Pledge of Allegiance      

Rusty Farley, Principal, Nash Elementary School introduced the Kindergarten Team:  Mr. Michael McConnell, Ms. Julia Gates, Ms. Molly Garcia, and Mrs. Marisa McConnell, who in turn each introduced their students: Kalli Goodwin, Fantasia Cruz, Cristian Osuna, Hana Obregon, Victor Mendez-Durazo.

 

They led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and were presented with certificates of commendation.

 

INFORMATION

2.       Review of the Nash Kinder Desert Garden Program

Board Book Information:  Kindergarten teachers had requested a Kinder desert garden in a specially designated area of the school – partly to support their grade level curriculum.  In a collaborative community effort, members from St. Mark’s United Methodist Church have offered their talents and services to make this garden a reality.

 

Together with a team of school staff and students, members from the church’s men’s group developed a desert garden design.  Landscape artists contributed a design and this blueprint will be presented for the Governing Board’s review.

 

These blueprints and plans have been submitted to Mr. Doug Aho, Executive Director of Facilities Support Services, for District-level review and approval.

 

A grant totaling $500 has been secured for this project and hopes are to soon be awarded additional grant monies.

 

School staff, students, and community members are eager to begin this project.

 

Dr. Balentine introduced Ms. Rusty Farley.  Ms. Farley asked Mr. Mike McConnell, who serves as team leader, to provide some history surrounding the development of this project and answered Board Member questions. Clay Thompson, landscape architect, contributed the design blueprint, which was presented for review. The desert study unit is taught in February each year and the team is hopeful to have the project completed in time.

  

Board members extended best wishes and expressed interest in being invited to the school once the project is completed.

 

RECEPTION FOR NEWLY APPOIONTED ADMINISTRATORS

 

Reception for Newly Appointed Administrators:

            Ms. Nancy Harden, Executive Director of Student Services

            Dr. Patricia Lopez, Director, Title I

            Ms. Ellen Schartz, Coordinator of Special Education

            Mr. Mike Szolowicz, Assistant Principal, Ironwood Ridge High School

 

Dr. Balentine introduced and welcomed each of the newly-appointed administrators.  She stated that the District is fortunate to have recruited these talented educators.

 

Ms. Young Wright announced a short recess to give audience members and staff the opportunity to meet and welcome new staff. The time was 7:15 p.m. 

 

Ms. Young Wright reconvened the meeting at 7:31 p.m.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

There were no public comments.

INFORMATION

 

3.   Announcement of Date and Place of Next Regular Governing Board Meeting            

Ms. Young Wright announced the next regular meeting of the Governing Board:  September 9, 2003, 7:00 p.m., at Wetmore Center, 701 West Wetmore.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Mr. Prout stated that he would like to consider Item K (Extracurricular Fee Schedule) separately.  A motion was made by Mrs. Clymer to approve consent agenda items A-J and L-M.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Grant and passed unanimously, 5-0.  See Item K (below) for discussion and vote taken.  Appointment of personnel is effective, provided all district, state, and federal requirements are met.

 

A.  Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting      

Minutes of the August 12, 2003 Governing Board meeting were approved.

 

B.  Appointment of Personnel           

Certified and classified personnel were appointed, as listed in Exhibit 1.

 

C.  Personnel Changes

Certified and classified personnel changes were approved, as listed in Exhibit 2.

 

D.  Leave(s) of Absence 

Leave of absence requests were approved for certified and classified personnel, as listed in Exhibit 3.

 

E.  Separation(s) and Termination(s)   

Certified and classified personnel separations were approved, as listed in Exhibit 4.

 

F.      Approval of Out-of-State Travel

Out-of-state travel was approved for students (source of funding indicated):  Brenda Wilson and five chaperones from Coronado K-8 School, to take 45 seventh grade students to attend a 3-day marine biology camp offered at the Catalina Island Marine Institute in California; March 14-17, 2004 (student fundraising and tax dollars); John Saintignon, Dwayne Williams, and Edmond Fisher from Canyon del Oro High School to take approximately 16 basketball players to the Kreul Classic National High School Basketball Tournament in Florida, December 19-23, 2003 (club funds and fundraising).

 

Out-of-state travel was approved for staff (source of funding indicated): Safi Hemdani from Amphitheater Middle School attended the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (CTM) Conference in Florida, June 16-21, 2003 (Amphitheater Middle School).

 

G.     Review and Approval of Supplemental Texts

     Below is a list of supplemental texts that will be used at District high schools: 

 

Supplemental books to be used at Amphitheater High School in the S.E.I. Department

Title:  Fundamentals of English Grammar Workbook

Author:  Betty Schrampfer Azar and Donald A. Azar

Publisher:  Prentice Hall Regents; ISBN:  0-13-347097-0; Price:  17.60

 

Title:  Fundamentals of English Grammar

Author:  Betty Schrampfer Azar and Donald A. Azar

Publisher:  Prentice Hall Regents; ISBN:  0-13-38278-8; Price:  26.71

 

Title:  Composition Practice Book 4

Author:      Linda Lonon Blanton

Publisher:  Heinle and Heinle; ISBN:  0838420001; Price:  20.58

 

Title:  Fundamentals of English Grammar Teacher's Guide

Author:  Betty Schrampfer Azar and Donald A. Azar

Publisher:  Prentice Hall Regents; ISBN:  0-13-347105-5; Price:  28.33

 

Title:  Mosaic One:  A Reading Skills Book

Author:  Weggman and Knezevic

Publisher:  McGraw Hill

ISBN:  0-07-2329793; Quantity:  65; Price:  18.75

 

Title:  Mosaic One:  Instructor's Manual

Author:  Weggman and Knezevic

Publisher:  McGraw Hill; ISBN:  0072481463; Price:  10.50 

 

 

 

Supplemental books to be used at Ironwood Ridge High School

Title:  Studies in Arizona History

Author:  Campbell, Gregonis, Palmquist, Polzer

Publisher:  Arizona Historical Society; ISBN:  0910037-38-8; Price:  23.00

 

The Governing Board approved the supplemental textbooks as presented.

 

H.        Acceptance of Gifts
D
onation received by the District:

Recipient:            Walker Elementary School;

Donor:                          Holmes Tuttle Ford/Stan Newton, Tucson, AZ

Item Donated:              $500.00 for stage and sound system.

 

I. Approval of Vouchers Totaling and Not Exceeding Approximately $2,450,000. (Revised)

The following vouchers for goods and services received by the Amphitheater Schools were approved by the Governing Board as presented and payment authorized.

 

2002-2003 Fiscal Year Encumbrances        2003-2004 Fiscal Year Encumbrances

Vo. 445      $          67,482.57                            Vo. 512       $   73,739.14

Vo. 446**           1,196,793.32                            Vo. 513         2,823.27

**(This voucher was signed on an earlier date.)                Vo. 514           296,027.05

                                                                         Vo. 515           562,520.19

                                                                         Vo. 516           224,297.95

       

J.          Approval of Easement to Nextel Communications for Construction and Operation of Cellular Base Station at Ironwood Ridge High School and Authorization of Administration to Negotiate Execute Necessary Documents

 

Board Book Information:  On January 23, 2002, the Governing Board studied the issue of leasing space on school grounds to third parties for the purpose of constructing and operating cellular phone antennae.  Other local school districts already permit such leases, providing significant rental income to those Districts.  One local school in fact has four antennae on its football field light poles, bringing an estimated $48,000 in annual rent to that District.

 

On April 23, 2002, the Governing Board authorized the administration to invite proposals from interested carriers who wanted to operate such antennae on District property.  The District has received a proposal from Nextel Communications.

 

The proposal would place an antennae array high on the north wall of the Fine Arts Building at Ironwood Ridge High School.  This array will be affixed to the building itself, eliminating the need for the typical pole.  The array would consist of four rectangular box-like structures, painted to match the exterior of the building.  Below the antennae, on the ground, would be a small structure built by the vendor to house equipment necessary to operate the array.  The structure will be constructed of material equivalent to the existing building façade, so that it blends aesthetically.  Access to the equipment will be restricted by wrought iron fencing that also mirrors existing site design.

 

Nextel’s proposal calls for dedication of a utility easement across and upon the school site and provides for an initial “signing bonus of $5,000” to compensate for initial disruption which construction may cause.  Rent of $1200 per month will also be paid the first year, with that amount increasing annually by 15%. 

 

As required by the Board’s previous direction, an electromagnetic environmental impact study has been completed, at Nextel’s expense, to determine whether any risk of harm is presented by a proposed project.  The conclusion of the report, a copy of which is attached, is that the emissions are actually thousands of times less than FCC acceptable limits.

A site plan and schematics for the equipment and structure will be provided to the Board shortly by addendum to this item.

 

The Governing Board approved an easement on the terms and agreement with Nextel as presented, to include authorization of the Administration to negotiate and execute necessary documentation to effect the easement.

K.   Approval of Extracurricular Fee Schedule Prepared Pursuant to Governing Board Policy JQ, A.R.S. §15-342 (24), and A.R.S. §15-1142 (Exhibit 5)

Board Book Information:  Arizona Revised Statutes 15-342 sets forth the permissive powers of the Governing Board.  Among other things, the provision allows the Governing Board to assess reasonable fees for optional extracurricular activities and programs conducted when schools are not in session. For the purposes of this provision, "extracurricular activity" means any optional, noncredit, educational or recreational activity which supplements the education program of the school, whether offered before, during or after regular school hours.

 

For high schools, the law also allows governing boards to assess fees for fine arts and vocational education courses and for optional services, equipment and materials offered to students beyond those required to successfully complete the basic requirements of any other course.  No fees may ever be charged for access to or use of computers or related materials.

 

As required by Governing Board policy JQ and state law, notice of the proposed fees has been provided to all parents of students enrolled at schools in the District before submission of this item to the Governing Board. That notice is attached for the Board’s information. 

 

Fees must be adopted at a public meeting.  The proposed fees cannot exceed the actual costs of the activities, programs, services, equipment or materials. The Governing Board must also authorize principals to waive the assessment of all or part of a fee assessed pursuant to this provision of law if it creates an economic hardship for a pupil.

 

A proposed list of District fees is set forth in the attachments that follow this agenda item.  These fees will be imposed only for extracurricular activities which are not fully funded by other local, state or federal government sources.  Several activities (i.e., band and sports activities) are listed with a “range” of fee charges to accommodate the diversity between elementary, middle school and high school activities.

 

Listed Science Course fees are only charged for upper level science courses taken by students who go beyond the two credits of science required by the State Board of Education for graduation eligibility.

 

Dr. Balentine stated that approval is being requested for the extracurricular fee schedule, as presented, pursuant to policy JQ, A.R.S. §15-342 (24), and A.R.S. §15-1142.  The District is required to communicate any proposed fee-schedule increases to parents and community; this has been accomplished (week of August 18th).

 

Mr. Prout inquired about the model used in determining the assessed fee structure being proposed.  He expressed concern about recovering the costs incurred by the District for activities and courses that are above and beyond the fees paid by program participants. 

 

Dr. Balentine explained that the goal in recent years has been to establish a consistent district-wide fee structure by school level, i.e. elementary, middle, and high school.  Attempting to fully recover costs can be challenging – in maintaining a balance of costs and the ability of what the community can support.  There are no fee-based courses required for graduation.  Full-cost recovery has been attempted with the Community School’s Behind the Wheel program ($180.00).

 

Mr. Prout expressed concern about diverting M & O monies to fund extracurricular activities when they do not benefit all students and wondered whether those kinds of costs should be borne by the students partaking in these courses/activities. 

 

Dr. Balentine stated that the District’s philosophy has been to offer students a comprehensive educational program, to include: electives, various fine arts, advanced sciences, and vocational programs.

 

Mr. Prout asked to address the issue of developing a policy for the Extracurricular Fee Schedule at a future meeting.

 

Mr. Jaeger stated that the current policy referenced, JQ (JQ, A.R.S. §15-342 (24)), provides the Governing Board the authorization to charge extracurricular fees. 

 

Ms. Young Wright pointed out that there are resources available (waiver or scholarship sources) to assist special student-needs’ circumstances.  Additionally, Ms. Young Wright offered that the higher-fee courses (such as jewelry design, culinary arts, and woodworking were cited) appear to recover the costs of materials necessary to accomplish the class whereas classes such as introductory business classes, with lower fees, perhaps need only fund supplemental materials, etc.

 

Dr. Barrabee supports the commitment of providing diversity of programs, which are offered to all students.

 

Mrs. Clymer is concerned that if the District raises fees fewer students will be able to take part of the opportunities and not all families will, or can, take advantage of the waivers.  Mr. Grant and Ms. Young Wright conquered. 

 

Mr. Prout moved approval of Item K as presented.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Grant and passed unanimously, 5-0.

 

L.       Approval to Lease-Purchase Two (2) Busses

Board Book Information:  Several of the busses from the fleet within the department are in need of replacement.  We are focusing on replacing busses that are between 23 and 25 years old (1978-1980) and have mileage in excess of 290,000.  Also to be considered is that these older busses will require major repairs, such as engines and transmissions.  It often takes longer to return these busses into operation due to the nature of the repair and the difficulty in locating spare parts.

 

Leased vehicles are covered under full warranty for the length of the five-year agreement, thereby eliminating any additional maintenance costs during that time.  This five-year agreement would allow us that length of time to fully pay for the new busses; ownership of these busses would be transferred to the District at the end of that five-year period.

 

This five-year lease-purchase agreement is with Auto Safety House, authorized supplier of Blue Bird Busses.  The agreement is for two (2) Blue Bird, rear engine, 84 passenger, air conditioned year 2004 busses.  The total cost, including all taxes, etc., for two (2) busses is $209,818.73; yearly payments would amount to $23,081.12 for one bus and $23,035.43 for the other.

 

The Governing Board approved the lease-purchase contract with Auto Safety House, as presented.

 

M.   Approval to Purchase Two (2) Used Special Needs Busses

Board Book Information:  Due to increased demand from the District’s Special Services Department, the Transportation Department requires two (2) used special needs busses.  Increased special needs preschool enrollment as well as the desire to transport more students on Amphitheater busses as opposed to contract carriers necessitate this addition to the Amphitheater bus fleet.  The two 1992 air conditioned, wheelchair-accessible busses will be purchased through Auto Safety House, authorized supplier of Blue Bird Busses, at a price of $17,456.00 each (for a total of $34,912.00)

 

The Governing Board approved the purchase of two 1992 air conditioned, wheelchair-accessible busses from Auto Safety House, as presented.

 

STUDY/ACTION

 

4.       Approval of Revisions to Governing Board Policy JHB Regarding Student Truancy

Board Book Information:  Governing Board Policy JHB was studied at the Governing Board meeting of August 12, 2003 and, as instructed, policy revisions are submitted at this time.

 

Policy JHB provides guidance to schools on the enforcement of truancy standards in coordination with the Pima County Attorney’s Office.  It sets specific criteria for student attendance violations that warrant reporting for action under the ACT NOW truancy program.  The ACT NOW program is a very successful program, which subjects both students and parents to responsibility for excessive absences.

 

One of the most serious attendance problems facing schools, however, cannot presently be addressed by the ACT NOW program – tardiness.  Tardies have a significant impact not only on the student who is late to class, but also upon the other students in the class whose instruction is interrupted.

 

As discussed on August 12th, Governing Board policy JHB has been revised to specify that three (3) unexcused tardies will constitute, and be reported as, the equivalent of one (1) unexcused absence.  A draft revision is attached for the Board’s consideration.

 

Dr. Balentine reviewed the circumstances by which this proposal was introduced.  She and Mr. Nelson participate in an annual review with the ACT NOW truancy personnel from the Pima County Attorney’s office.  They provide an update on school attendance issues.  The recent trend has been increased incidences of tardiness.  The program’s goal this year is to improve tardiness. In order for that agency to handle this through an ACT NOW truancy policy perspective, the District must first incorporate this into current policy.  Therefore the policy amendment submitted identifies that the Governing Board does recognize tardiness as negatively impacting the student learning of both the tardy student and also of the other students in the class whose learning has been interrupted.  This verbiage change is only to affect the enforcement of the ACT NOW truancy program but does not impact Average Daily Membership (ADM) or enrollment figures that affect state aid.

 

Dr. Balentine provided a summary of the District’s participation with the ACT NOW truancy program.  The District has been associated with the program and the office of the Pima County Attorney’s for approximately 8-10 years.  School districts have had the authority to send letters to parents informing them that information has been forwarded the County attorney’s office regarding their children’s excessive absences for truancy.  Often, the letters were not enforced and considered meaningless.  Barbara LaWall (current Pima County Attorney) is now charged with the ACT NOW truancy program, which has become a national model in working with school districts.  Someone is identified at the school site as the contact person and works with county attorney office personnel about correcting specific truancy issues.  The county attorney’s office is now coordinating effective consequences for excessive absences.

 

Dr. Balentine assured Board Members that a referral of this type is only initiated following extreme cases.

 

Mr. Prout moved to approve the proposed revisions to Governing Board Policy JHB, as presented. Mrs. Clymer seconded the motion and passed unanimously, 5-0.

 

STUDY4

5.   Discussion of Governing Board Policies Regarding Homeless Students; Study of Policy EEAA Regarding Walkers and Riders; Study of Policy JFAA Regarding Admission of Resident Students; Study of Policy JFAB Regarding Tuition/Admission of Nonresident Students; Study of Policy JFABD Regarding Admission of Homeless Students; and Study of Regulation JLCB-R Regarding Immunization of Students.

Board Book Information:  A review of Governing Board policies by legal counsel suggest the need for revisions to bring specific Governing Board policies into compliance with the requirements of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 2001 (“Homeless Act”), which was part of the federal No Child Left Behind Act.  The Arizona Department of Education applied for funding under the Homeless Act and, by its application agreed to the requirements of the Homeless Act on behalf of all schools in the State of Arizona.  The Homeless Act (in part) indicates the following as a statement of intent:

 

“ …in any State that has a compulsory residency requirement as a component of the State’s compulsory school attendance laws or other laws, regulations, practices, or policies that may act as a barrier to the enrollment, attendance, or success in school of homeless children and youths, the State will review and undertake steps to revise such laws, regulations, practices, or policies to ensure that homeless children and youths are afforded the same free, appropriate public education as provided to other children and youths.”

 

The physical residence requirements for student enrollment is often a cause of confusion and administrative difficulties in trying to reconcile the Homeless Act with Arizona statutes.  Our Arizona system of attendance, even with open enrollment, has been based upon residential preference.  There is, in fact, some tension between the Homeless Act and A.R.S. §§15-824 and 15-825, the statutes which guide Arizona schools in enrollment issues. 

 

The definition of a homeless student is expanded in the Homeless Act.  Under the Homeless Act there are several entitlements provided for homeless students of school age that essentially act to exempt homeless students from compliance with ordinary enrollment requirements.  There are more benign impacts under the law as well, including the requirement that the District appoint a liaison for the homeless students and parents.

 

Revisions to Amphitheater’s Governing Board policies have been prepared which will better comply with the Homeless Act as provided below:

 

Policy EEAA: Walkers and Riders has been modified to include a provision for homeless students who are attending the school they were attending at the time they became homeless, known as “the school of origin”.  Also proposed to be added is language specifically applicable to Title 1 students who may choose to enroll in a school other than their “home school”.

 

Policy JFAA: Admission of Resident Students would be revised to more accurately reflect the distinction of admission requirements for a homeless student.

 

Policy JFAB: Tuition/Admission of Nonresident Students would be modified to provide a more complete statement of the statutory pronouncements. These statements are intended to provide a distinction between admission without tuition of nonresident students and admission of homeless students without established residency.

 

            In addition, there was a revision of A.R.S. 15-824 in the last legislative session that could have an impact on schools.  Districts must now accept students that used to be tuition students up to a certain number before charging tuition.  This revision has the potential to create some distinctions within categories of students for purposes of determining the tuition receipts by a school.

 

Policy JFABD: Admission of Homeless Students would be an entirely new policy with a corresponding regulation and exhibit.  The draft policy sets out definitions important to understanding the intent of the Homeless Act; delegates to the Superintendent the assignment of a liaison for homeless students; assigns duties to the liaison; and establishes the “best interest” factors in determining placement or enrollment.  The regulation indicates procedures necessary to the implementation of the policy.  The exhibit is essentially a job description for the liaison position.  These closely parallel the Homeless Act.  Under this policy, the placement/enrollment of a homeless child is based upon the parent’s request and the last attendance area before becoming homeless unless “permanent housing” is found by the homeless.  (The law does not provide when permanent housing may be inferred.)  Thus, it is recommended that the district consider factors such a payment of rent, or the like, along with length of time in location in order to determine the appropriate school enrollment/placement of the student.

 

Regulation JLCB-R: Immunization of Students has been revised to establish the statutory five (5) day period the homeless student has to comply with immunization requirements and directs referral to the liaison for assistance.  The five (5) day grace period for homeless students has been in law for about two (2) years and is appropriate to include at this time.

 

Dr. Balentine stated that Governing Board Policies shown: EEAA, JFAA, JFAB, and JFABD are presented for the Board’s study only at this time with the intent of Board approval at the next meeting.  She asked Mr. Jaeger to review the policy changes being submitted.

Mr. Jaeger explained that there were changes that occurred in the McKinney-Vento Act in association with the No Child Left Behind Act.  Pursuant to the requirements stated above these recommendations are being submitted to align District policies accordingly.  He then reviewed each of the policies listed.

The District is adding a new comprehensive policy, Policy JFABD, which contains a Governing Board policy statement and corresponding administrative regulation regarding designating a District homeless liaison for homeless student issues.  Duties have been established and required through District policy and regulation to support this liaison position.  Dr. Patricia Lopez, Director, Title I, has been designated as this District’s homeless liaison.  Also included are definitions and criteria explaining home origin and homelessness.

Mr. Prout asked about having a contact person at each site. 

Mr. Jaeger stated the law mandates that one central person be dedicated for each Local Educational Agency (LEA).  There are District-level criteria, evaluations, and appropriate information-collection that is best served by one, dedicated person.  This might include accessing outside resources and services, in-district transportation needs, and other support mechanisms associated with the District.  Additionally, the nature of the situation often leaves the student/family unable to determine the appropriate contact person/entity. 

Dr. Balentine explained that self-identification is more customary at the high school levels.  Younger students are often identified during the enrollment process and at that time, families are referred to the District’s liaison.  Additionally, support personnel at the schools are sensitive and alert to these kinds of circumstances. Through dedicated grant monies, Title I support, and specific programs such as Youth on Their Own, some resources are available at the school-level.

The purpose is to align the District with the law.  The liaison is responsible for ensuring that the services are provided and this is achieved through centralized management. 

Mrs. Clymer posed questions concerning the funding of the liaison position, Title I student services, and the final authority regarding dispute resolution.  Mr. Jaeger responded that there are no designated monies funding this liaison position.  Dr. Balentine responded that Title I students choosing to attend a non-designated Title I school, would be offered the same Title I options.  Mr. Jaeger stated that regarding disputes over school selection or enrollment, the Liaison will develop a dispute resolution process; it has as yet not currently been specified.

Ms. Young Wright inquired about public notice dissemination.  Mr. Jaeger stated that those listed were examples and not limited to just those listed.  Ms. Young Wright also asked for clarification about charging tuition.  Dr. Balentine explained that tuition will not be collected from the family, the reference to tuition is an inter-district issue.  Mr. Jaeger added that at this time, he is unsure of the interplay between this and existing statues in our ability to collect tuition from other districts.  There was some confusion (JFAB; J-0800.1) about the verbiage following “The District shall admit the following students, charging tuition as prescribed in statute:” within the first bulleted paragraph.  Mr. Jaeger stated that he will revise the verbiage prior to the next board meeting.

Ms. Young Wright confirmed that the verbiage shown does not indicate the District’s intent to determine a legal resident status.  Mr. Jaeger responded that much of this language is taken from legislative statute.  Dr. Balentine stated that there might be the rare occasion when it is necessary to investigate questionable residency issues related to open enrollment applications, but not “legal” residency.

Dr. Balentine clarified Dr. Barrabee’s inquiry about the verbiage addressing the requirement to provide transportation to students for “up to 20 miles” by stating that a bus pass would satisfy that requirement; it is not necessary to dispatch a District bus.

BOARD MEMBER REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

 

Dr. Barrabee: none

Ms. Clymer: none

Mr. Grant: none

Mr. Prout: Review of the Extra Curricular Fee Policy, via Friday memo.

Ms. Young Wright: - Update on programs such as Youth on Their Own, via Friday memo.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT1

There were no public comments.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Mrs. Clymer, seconded by Mr. Grant and passed unanimously, that the meeting be adjourned.  The time was 8:09 p.m.

 

 

 

_________________________________

Respectfully submitted,

Margaret Harris

 

_________________________________            __________

Ms. Nancy Young Wright, President                            Date