AMPHITHEATER
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Tucson,
Arizona
MINUTES OF
REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE GOVERNING BOARD
Place, Date and Time
of Meeting
La Cima Middle School, 5600 N. La Canada Drive, February 12,
2002, 6:00 p.m.
Board Members Present
Mary Schuh, Vice President/Clerk -- Presiding
Dr. Kent Barrabee, Member – Acting Clerk
Mike Prout, Member
Nancy Young Wright, Member (entered at 6:02 p.m.)
Board Member Absent
Dr. Kenneth Smith,
President
Central
Administrators Present
Dr. Vicki M.
Balentine, Superintendent
Dr. Richard Hooley,
Associate Superintendent
Todd A. Jaeger, J.D.,
Associate to Superintendent and General Counsel
Constance Cigliana,
Director of Finance
Mrs. Schuh called the meeting to order.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
1. Motion to Recess Open Meeting and Hold an
Executive Session
Mrs. Schuh announced
that the Board would recess open meeting and hold an executive session for
discussion and consultation with representatives of the Governing Board
regarding negotiations with employee organizations regarding salaries, salary
schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits of classified,
certificated, professional/non-teaching, and administrative employees, pursuant
to A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(5).
A motion was made by Dr. Barrabee, seconded by Mr. Prout and passed unanimously, that the Board recess into executive session. The time was 6:02 p.m.
OPEN SESSION
Reconvening of Meeting and Signing of
Visitors Register
Following the executive session, Mrs. Schuh reconvened the
meeting at 7:33 p.m., and asked members of the audience to sign the visitors
register. Procedures for addressing the
Board were described.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Phillip Ozdemir requested that the Board consider reopening
the competitive bid process for the property located at 200 Desert Sky
Road. Mrs. Schuh referred Mr. Ozdemir
to Mr. Jaeger for more information.
INFORMATION
2. Announcement of Date and Place of Next
Regular Governing Board Meeting
Mrs. Schuh announced the next regular meeting of the
Governing Board: February 26, 2002,
7:00 p.m., at Wetmore Center, 701 West Wetmore Road.
3. Recognition of Sock-It-To-Me Campaign
Jeff Lowery, Journeyman Carpenter, was recognized for
overseeing this year’s Sock-It-To-Me Campaign and presented with a
certification of commendation. The
campaign had another successful year, netting 6,708 pairs of socks, which
benefit the Amphitheater Foundation Clothing Bank. District schools were recognized for donating the greatest number
of socks in their division: Ironwood
Ridge High School, 1,100 pairs; Amphitheater Middle School, 1,632; Coronado
K-8, 303; Copper Creek Elementary, 1,418.
CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Ms. Young Wright and seconded by Dr. Barrabee to approve the consent agenda. Mr. Prout asked to remove item I, Out-of-State Travel, for discussion.
Mr. Prout suggested the Board defer approval of some of the travel as presented until the Board concluded any changes in travel policy. Discussion followed. Dr. Balentine stated that grant moneys cannot be transferred and utilized in any other area. She also noted that the District travel budget was dramatically cut in July of 2000. The budget, including student costs, is being carefully tracked, and the District has maintained that cutback in terms of M&O money.
In voting on consent agenda items A-L, the motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
Appointment of personnel is effective, provided all
district, state and federal requirements are met.
A. Approval of
Minutes
Minutes of the
January 22, 2002, 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 Textbook for Display
Textbook: En
Espanol! 3
Publisher: McDougal Littell
Author: Gahala, Carlin, Heining-Boynton, Otheguy,
Rupert
Price: $47.97
(Ironwood Ridge High School will purchase 150 textbooks for the
2002-2003 school year, totaling $7,195; Canyon del Oro High School will
purchase 125 textbooks for the 2003-2004 school year, totaling $5,996.)
G. Textbook for Adoption
The Board approved the following textbook, which had been on display to the public for 60 days, in accordance with Section §15-721 of Arizona Revised Statutes:
Textbook: Culinary Essentials
Publisher: Glencoe/McGraw Hill
Author: Johnson & Wales University
Price: $38.97 (Thirty books, totaling $1,169.10, will be purchased at Amphitheater High School.)
H. Board-Designated
Evaluator
In accordance with
A.R.S. §15-537 and District Regulation GCO, the Governing Board authorizes individuals
to evaluate certified staff. Each year
the Career Ladder Department trains evaluators in the Amphitheater Teacher
Performance Evaluation System (ATPES).
The Board approved Ernie Galaz, Interim Assistant Principal at
Amphitheater Middle School, who had been trained to evaluate certified staff
within Amphitheater School District, as an evaluator for the 2001-2002 academic
year.
I. Approval of
Out-of-State Travel
(See beginning of
consent agenda for discussion.)
Out-of-state travel was approved for staff (source of funding
indicated): Jennine Jackson, Cross
Middle School REACH, to attend the Center for Creative Learning Conference in
Florida in April (registration fee, Gifted grant; expenses, Arizona Future
Problem Solving; substitute costs, District); Debbie Arechiga, Painted Sky
Elementary, to attend the International Reading Convention in California in
April/May (Title I and Title 6 funds); Linda Haller, Rillito Center, to attend
the Contemporary Forum – Young Children With Special Needs, in Washington,
D.C., in May (Special Education funds); Gail Bornfield and Catherine Land,
Student Services, to attend the 21st CCLC Project Spring Midsouth D
Regional Training in Texas in March (21st Century Grant funds); José
Bernal, Amphitheater High, to attend the National FFA Workshop in Indiana in
February (expenses, National FFA Organization; substitute costs, District);
Patricia Greenleaf and Peggy Steffens, Technology, to attend the National
Education Computing Association Workshop in Texas in June (Technology
Department); Gerri Beth Borga, Amphitheater Middle, to attend the Lindamood
Bell 10th Annual Conference in California in March (Ms. Borga);
Cindy McCoy, Jean Slaney, Sandy Czachor, and Amy Gosla, Holaway Elementary, to
attend the International Reading Association Conference in California in April
(Title I funds, including substitute costs); Patrick Nelson, School Operations,
to attend the International Reading Association Annual Conference in California
in April/May (Title 6 funds).
The Board approved travel for individuals to attend the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Workshop in Nevada in April. For the following, all expenses and the cost of substitutes will be paid from Title 2 funds: Rosemary Beck, Wetmore; Violet A. Faulkner, Isabel Santos-O’Driscoll, Amphitheater High; Bryce Linkvis, Ironwood Ridge High; Safi Hemdani, Amphitheater Middle; Polly Kimminau, La Cima Middle; Bonnie Abril, Jeanine Kingsolver, Frank Vaccar, Coronado K-8; Judy Shambo, Shannon Smith, Wilson K-8; Viv McCarthy, Copper Creek Elementary; Pat Leonardo, Skyler Rodolph, Donaldson Elementary, Brenda Mignon, Harelson Elementary; Katrina Lantz, Mesa Verde Elementary; Janet Castles, Painted Sky Elementary; Stacey S. Gist, Prince Elementary; Diane Boyd, Rio Vista Elementary. For the following, all expenses and substitute costs will be paid by the U of A Mentoring Program: Deanna Lansa, William Pike, Margaret Pietsch, Nancy Smorra, Amphitheater High.
Out-of-state travel
was approved for students (source of funding indicated): Frank Pones, Cross Middle, to take
approximately 75 band and choir students to California in May for competition
(all expenses, students; substitute costs, District); Christian Hill and
Shannon Smith, Wilson K-8, to take approximately 56 students to the Band
Academy Workshop in California in February (student fundraisers and tax-credit
contributions).
Board book information: From time to time the District accumulates surplus property that is no longer needed for use in the District. All District sites are notified that the surplus items are available and are given time to see if any of the items can be used. Disposal of such equipment requires obtaining of bids for purchase, which may be accomplished through a public auction. A detailed list of items to be sold through the auction was presented.
It was the recommendation of the administration that the Governing Board approve the disposal of surplus property through an auction on March 9, 2002, or another similar time as could be scheduled and advertised. The Board approved this recommendation.
K. Acceptance of
Gifts
Donations were
accepted by the Governing Board, as listed in Exhibit 5.
L. Approval of
Vouchers
The following vouchers were approved as presented and payment authorized:
Vo.
188 $104,075.62
Vo.
189 383,856.66
Vo.
190 145,509.73
Vo.
191 119,392.31
Vo.
192 72,768.24
Vo.
193 131,731.73
Vo.
194 184,467.18
Vo.
195 418,924.52
Vo.
196 292,480.34
4. Approval of District Modified and Traditional Calendars for School Years 2002-2003 and 2003-2004; Approval of Revisions to District Policies IC and ICA Regarding School Year/Calendar Requirements
Board book information: This item was previously brought to the Board for review on January 22, 2002. In February 2000 the Governing Board approved a formula for setting the District calendar, which was intended to specify all important dates for Amphitheater Public Schools calendars, both modified and traditional. Significantly, the formula was approved prior to changes in state law regarding the minimum number of school days per year.
Arizona law had long prescribed that the public school year had to be no less than 175 days. Among its many provisions, Proposition 301 mandates that in the current school year of 2001-2002, one additional day be added to the minimum number of school days, resulting in a new minimum of 176 days. In each year thereafter, an additional school day is to be added under Proposition 301 until, in 2005-2006, five days will have been added to create a minimum requirement of 180 days. Even prior to Proposition 301, both Amphitheater calendars specified 176 school days. The extra day beyond the state minimum in our calendar allowed for any unforeseen emergency that might require the closing of schools; if school were cancelled for one day, the District could still meet the previous 175-day minimum. This fiscal year, rather than adding another day to the District’s 176-day school calendars, the additional day required by Proposition 301 was simply absorbed into our existing calendars, leaving no “cushion day.”
Next fiscal year, 2002-2003, the minimum number of school days under the new state law will be 177. To comply with this, in the proposed calendar, one school day had been added to the second semester, to avoid conflicts with employee or student vacation plans for this coming summer that might result from applying the date to the fall semester. The addition of one school day next year will provide for a total of 177 school days. However, an extra day to address an unforeseen emergency that might require the closing of school was not included in the calendar.
In fiscal year 2003-2004, the school year must be no less than 178 school days. The proposed calendars for that year comply with the requirement by adding one day to the fall semester.
The changes required for the school calendar in future years presented a need to modify District Policies IC and ICA. This agenda item included revisions to both policies so that they could be approved in conjunction with the calendar forms. The draft revision reflected the state minimums.
The Superintendent and a representative of the administration met with Amphi EA President John Lewandowski to discuss options for dealing with unforeseen emergencies. He noted that if an emergency did arise next year or any other year that required closing school for one day, the Association would agree that certified employees would simply work an additional day without additional pay. He therefore suggested adding one day for each of the next two years, modifying policy or contract language to provide for this arrangement. In the case of classified staff, if they did not work the cancelled day, they would not be paid, but would be furloughed for the day work was cancelled; they would make up the day later.
The administration recommended that the Board approve the proposed calendars, for both the modified and traditional schools, for fiscal years 2002-2003 and 2003-2004; and approve the revisions to policies IC and ICA, as presented.
Mr. Lewandowski spoke in support of the proposed calendars.
Mr. Jaeger noted that the following changes had been made to reflect requirements of Proposition 301: Policy IC specifies that, “The school year shall not be less than the minimum number of days required by Arizona law.” Policy ICA specifies, “The school year shall be considered to include a specified number of teaching days, to be not less than specified by state statute.” The District will thus ensure compliance with the law without having to change the policy each year. Mr. Jaeger stated that in terms of holiday leaves, everything essentially remains the same.
To provide for the eventuality of cancellation of more than one day of school, Board members suggested that Policy ICA reflect that if an emergency requires the closing of school for more than one day, certified employees would work an equivalent number of days without additional pay.
Ms. Young Wright moved approval of the 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 calendars and Policies IC and ICA as presented, with the following change: “If an emergency requires the closing of school(s) for one or more days, certificated employees will work an equivalent number of days without additional pay, making up the cancelled day(s).”
The motion was seconded by Mr. Prout and passed unanimously, 4-0. Administration will communicate with District staff to fully inform them of the provisions made for one or more missed days of school.
5. Approval of Revisions to
Governing Board Policy KBE and Its Corresponding Regulation Relating to Parent
Teacher Organizations and Fundraising Activities
Board book information: This item was studied at the December 11, 2001 Governing Board meeting. Policy KBE relates to Parent Teacher Organizations. The regulation for the policy requires that all funds raised by an organization be deposited into the school’s auxiliary account. This is intended to provide a safeguard for these funds, particularly since some organizations utilize the District’s taxpayer identification number to raise funds. Many organizations, however, have their own federal tax number, non-profit organizations for example, and such a restriction would not appear to be necessary in such a case. Accordingly, an appropriate modification of the regulation was proposed. Although revisions to regulations do not normally require Board approval, this item was brought forward for review and comment based upon previous Board member interest. The administration recommended approval of the revisions as presented.
Dr. Balentine stated that at this time the focus was specifically on establishing procedures for District oversight of PTO’s that use the District’s tax ID number; those PTO’s will need to comply with these regulations specifically. Administration had met with representatives of all school PTO’s, making very specific recommendations that parallel those included in the regulation.
Ms. Young Wright suggested that the treasurer’s books should be available upon reasonable notice or that a treasurer’s report be made on a regular and recurring basis.
The student activity policy will be brought to the Board, for cross-referencing with Policy KBE.
Ms. Young Wright moved acceptance of Policy KBE and its corresponding regulation relating to Parent Teacher Organizations and fundraising activities. The motion was seconded by Dr. Barrabee and passed unanimously.
6. Study/Approval of Student
Code of Conduct and Related District Policies and Regulations
Board book information:
This item was previously studied by the Board at its January 22, 2002
meeting. The item was presented to
permit Governing Board discussion and direction regarding current policies and
regulations relating to student discipline, including the Student Code of
Conduct, well prior to publication deadlines.
Suggestions of Board members for changes were solicited; given none,
approval was also requested.
Ms. Young Wright moved approval of the Student Code of Conduct and related District Policies and Regulations. The motion was seconded by Mr. Prout and passed unanimously.
STUDY
7. Review of Pay for
Performance Plan
Deanna Day reviewed the work of the 301 Oversight Committee. The committee had reviewed the 301 site plans submitted by all District schools, and presented the 301 Core Subject Areas and School Engagement for each school. The committee is continually evaluating the plan, addressing how it might be improved, discussing how to involve staff in the interpretation of the data, keeping the District in compliance with the state, and following pending legislation. She stated that all schools believe they can meet their goals.
A recess was taken from 8:54 to 9:04 p.m.
8. Study of Draft Revision to District Policy JJH and Draft Regulation JJH-R Regarding Student Travel
Board book information: Current District policy reflects the value that travel events, including those of an extracurricular nature, can have in the educational setting. As recent events have taught us, however, current policy provides insufficient direction to staff regarding the significant issues that may affect the determination of whether travel events will be sponsored by the District. In addition, student travel events involve issues that impact legal and business functions of the District. At the Board’s last meeting, several Board members expressed the need for the District to revise policy accordingly. While a travel policy cannot and should not include a complete recitation of every law or other policy applicable to travel, the travel policy should, at a minimum, provide sufficient information to staff involved in travel preparations so they will understand the types of issues presented and know how to proceed further. The draft revision to existing Policy JJH incorporated language designed to address the broader concerns raised by the Board, the administration, and parents. In addition, a new regulation had been prepared to address specific issues in greater detail. The item was presented for discussion and direction from the Board during this initial study. Both documents, with appropriate revisions, would be returned to the Governing Board for approval on February 26, 2002.
Mr. Jaeger noted the inclusion in the policy of cross-references related to field trips. The draft policy provides that no fundraising activities for a trip shall occur until the Governing Board has first approved the trip. The regulation includes a general philosophy and sections relating to pre-travel planning, submission of travel requests, compliance with policies and law, parental participation, and fundraising. Mr. Jaeger described the process for submission of travel requests, noting that no student travel would occur unless approved in advance by the Superintendent or Governing Board, as applicable. Assistance of parental volunteers is encouraged. The Mission of the District is to serve all students; as a result, fundraising efforts may be undertaken to defray the cost of travel for all students equally.
Board members suggested inclusions in the travel policy: cross-referencing of areas such as advertising policy, flyers; higher standards for academic achievement for trip eligibility; clear statements of risk/liability; provision for review of travel plans as these plans might change following Board approval; and delineation of how tax credits may be applied to trips. The development of a travel check-list for schools was suggested.
Mr. Jaeger will
incorporate these suggestions in the policy/regulation, which will be brought
back for further discussion. Dr.
Balentine stated that to address concerns, a tax-credit policy would be
developed for presentation to the Board; this would be cross-referenced in the
travel policy.
BOARD MEMBER REQUESTS
FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mr. Prout: Increase
employee awareness of important policies, on a recurring basis.
Ms. Young Wright:
Legislative update.
Mrs. Schuh: Input for Board members attending the American School Boards Association Legislative
Conference.
Dr. Barrabee expressed appreciation to La Cima Middle School
Principal Gail Gault and her staff for their hospitality at the meeting. No audience members addressed the
Board.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Ms. Young Wright, seconded by Dr.
Barrabee and passed unanimously, that the meeting be adjourned. The time was 9:40 p.m.