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, February 24, 2004, 5:45 p.m.
Board
Members Present
Nancy Young Wright, President
Dr. Kent Barrabee, Vice President/Clerk
Patty Clymer, Member
Jeff Grant, Member (arrived at 6:05 p.m.)
Mike Prout, Member (arrived at 6:30 p.m.)
Central
Administrators Present
Dr. Vicki McLeod
Balentine, Superintendent
Todd A. Jaeger, J.D.,
Associate to Superintendent and General Counsel
Constance Cigliana,
Chief Financial Officer
Ms. Young Wright called the meeting to order at 5:51 p.m.
1. Motion to Recess Open Meeting and Hold an
Executive Session
Ms. Young Wright announced
that the Board would recess open meeting and hold an executive session for:
A.
Discussion or
Consultation with Legal Counsel Regarding Negotiations with Employee
Organizations Regarding Policies, Salaries, Salary Schedules, or Compensation,
Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(5), Regarding Certificated Employees for
2004-2005 Contract Year; and
B.
Consideration and
Decision Upon Expulsion Hearing Officer’s Recommendation, Pursuant to A.R.S.
§15-843(F)(2)
A motion was made by Mrs. Clymer, seconded by Dr. Barrabee and passed unanimously, 3-0 that the Board recess into executive session. The time was 5:52 p.m.
CONTINUATION OF
OPEN MEETING
Reconvening of Open Meeting and Signing of
Visitors’ Register
Following executive session, Ms. Young Wright reconvened the
meeting at 7:02 p.m., and asked members of the audience to sign the visitors’
register. Procedures for addressing the
Board were described.
Pledge
of Allegiance
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no public comments.
2. Announcement of Date and Place of Next
Regular Governing Board Meeting
Ms. Young Wright announced the next regular meeting of the
Governing Board: March 9, 2004, 7:00
p.m., at Wetmore Center.
3.
Recognition
of Ironwood Ridge High School Marching Band – Bowl Game Awards Received
Board Book information: On December 27, 2003 the Ironwood Ridge
High School Marching Band traveled to San Francisco to compete in the First
Annual Diamond Walnut Field Show Competition and half-time show performance at
Pacific Bell Stadium. The IRHS Marching
Band will be recognized for receiving awards for best music, best marching and
maneuvering, best drum majors, best general effect, best percussion, and first
place in the overall competition.
Because the band won first place they were invited to perform at the pre-game
show at the Walnut Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
Dr. Balentine
stated that she attended the Ironwood Ridge end of season banquet and was
impressed with the Marching Band and Boosters and its director, Mr. Mark Hodge
for their achievement. She invited Mr.
Hodge to bring some members of the band with him to provide the Board with a
sample of their talents; the drum major lead the band in two songs.
A certificate of
commendation was presented to Mr. Hodge and The Ironwood Ridge High School
Marching Band.
4.
Read
Across America Program Sponsored by AEA
Board Book
information: March 2, 2004 marks the 100th anniversary of the
birth of Theordor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. The National Education Association (NEA) is sponsoring their 7th
annual Read Across America Program. We
would like Amphitheater to join in the celebration of reading by dropping
everything else at 9:30 am. On March 2nd and read. We would like this to be district-wide
including as many employees and members of the community as possible. It will be our Read Across Amphi. Sites may also choose to extend the
celebrations. This day is meant to
generate excitement for reading and to honor the work and creativity of a very
special man.
Ms. Rhonda Ball,
representing AEA, announced that AEA is sponsoring a district-wide program
honoring the 100th birthday of Dr. Seuss. She invited Board Members and Dr. Balentine to visit Mesa Verde
on March 2nd at 9:30 a.m. to participate in their activities.
5.
Periodic
Legislative Update
Dr. Balentine stated that it is important to
focus on developing positive relationships with legislators. There are no cuts to public education being
proposed at the legislative level at the present time. She, along with Mrs. Clymer and Mr.
Lewandowski and others, are planning to meet with legislators on March 3rd
to forward the Priority Issues approved by the Board (January 14, 2004): 1. Increasing current K-12 levels of funding; 2) Maintaining the
Career Ladder program; 3) Maintaining Desegregation funding;
4) Supporting the State’s trust
land reform process (through Prop 301); 5) Adequate funding for English
Language Learners(ELL); 6) School
Facilities Board issues that identify reliable sources of revenue for the
Student’s First program; and 7) Retaining textbook selection authority
at the District level,
Dr. Balentine said that there is one proposed
bill (SB 1346) being monitored closely; it is related to performance pay
through the Proposition 301 classroom site fund. The intent of the bill is to require additional alignment related
to standards and assessments.
Regarding performance pay plans,
Mr. Prout inquired about the potential for an established protocol for
statewide use. Dr. Balentine stated
that a template may be proposed and could be in place for all districts. A review structure is also proposed.
6.
Monthly
Status Report, Fiscal Year 2003-04, Expenditure Budget and Classroom Site Fund
Inflow
Board Book
Information: A continuing discussion of the status of the district’s 2003-04 monthly
expenditures versus annual expenditure budget and an update on the funding
status of the Classroom Site Fund.
Dr. Balentine reviewed the monthly financial information and the budget spreadsheet charts that were visually projected explaining the District’s expenditures through January 31, 2004. These charts were broken down to report this year’s Budget Capacity, and expenditures for M & O, Dropout Prevention, Desegregation, Transportation, all Special Education, and Excess Utilities. Last year’s to-date activity was shown for comparisons. Additionally, as a result of the approved December budget amendment, the
M & O budget has increased to: $59,900,239.00.
Totals shown for 2003-2004, as of December 31, 2003,
are as follows:
Adopted Budget Capacity (revised 12/9/03) ….. $77,931,445.00
Total Expenditures as of 1/31/04 ….. $ 41,587,
247.56
Total Encumbrances Outstanding as of 1/31/04 …..
$33,082,056.58
Total Combined Encumbrances and Expenditures as of
1/31/04 ….. $74,669,304.14
Remaining Budget (unspent and un-encumbered monies)
1/31/04 ….. $ 3,262,140.86
Totals Comparisons:
Expenditures as of 1/31/03 …..
$41,938,252.79 M & O Budget
Capacity for 2002-03 ….. $75,249,279.00
Expenditures as of 1/31/04 …..
$41,587,247.56 M & O Budget
Capacity for 2003-04 ….. $77,931,445.00
Dr. Barrabee asked about the potential impact to the District regarding
uncontrollable expenditures, such as the rising costs of fuel. Dr. Balentine responded that the District
has a transportation revenue control limit (factored by a mileage/dollar
formula). Under the direction of Mr.
Aho, the Transportation Department staff is exploring methods of cost-saving
efficiencies; one such area is exacting bus routes to reduce fuel and other
costs. Other than attempting to reduce
costs, the District must make accommodations to pay for any costs.
Dr. Balentine stated that regarding the Classroom Site fund,
to date, the District has received monies for sales through November 2003. She also added that given the current
familiarity of the classroom site fund process, there may not be a need to
provide this portion of the monthly comparison report next year.
A bar chart
was offered as comparison with last year’s activity. The November 2003 receipts
were slightly less than that of November 2002.
Ms. Young Wright
concurred with Dr. Balentine’s view regarding abandoning the monthly reporting
of the Classroom Site Fund.
7.
Review
of FY 2004-2005 Budget Development.
Review of Projections and Site Staffing.
Board Book information:
A continuing discussion of the development of the District’s 2004-05
budget. In conjunction with the
development of a projected budget, the District prepares a projection of the
number of students, by grade, attending each of the District’s schools. The projection is based upon current student
cohort information combined with other demographic information such as building
permits issued, etc. Both the
projection and site staffing information are components used in calculating the
non-staffing allocations for each school.
Dr. Balentine stated that this method of projecting student
enrollment has been used for two years.
Dr. Balentine
stated these projections have been reviewed with principals and the charts now
reflect their input, as well. She
provided an overview of those charts, which were
visually-projected.
The
projections are the combination of a formula that involves a cohort of students
by grade, as well as, predicting the percentage of students that will maintain
in the next grade. This is based upon
similar cohorts and other factors, such as, anticipated growth, etc.
The (site) projections are as follows:
AHS
- 1,711 CDO
- 1,818 IRHS
- 1,822
AMS
- 917 Cor - 1,172 Cross - 1,009 La Cima - 813
Wilson - 1,528 Cop
Crk - 869 Don -
423 Harelson - 578 Holaway - 469
Mesa V - 445 Nash - 611 Rio
Vista - 694 Walker - 639
Keeling - 493 P. Sky - 822
Prince - 662
Dr. Balentine stated that projections are conservative,
being careful to not overestimate student enrollment and to limit the need to
re-configure and reduce the number of classes.
It is much easier to add classes/teachers to accommodate higher
enrollment. This year’s projections
were successful in that the district-wide count only varied by approximately 60
students.
Dr. Balentine also provided an overview of charts that were
visually-projected showing samples of elementary, middle, and high school
staffing projections. Dr. Balentine
explained that the “CSR” shown indicates “Class Size Reduction” funds, which
were approved by the Board to further the lowering of class sizes. The initial allocation includes 50% of those
funds to allow for better planning; further allocations are allowed as needed.
Mr. Prout added that it would be helpful to include school
capacity figures when reviewing enrollment-related information.
Dr. Balentine reviewed the enrollment projections again and
provided District and School Facilities Board (SFB) capacity figures. Currently, the SFB does not have a K-8
capacity formula and is thereby defaulting to Amphi figures. The SFB, through Deficiency Corrections, has
funded hard buildings for Nash, Walker, Cross, and Harelson. Once those buildings are complete and have
been released to the District, the District will need to add that square
footage into existing totals.
Dr. Balentine stated that the District is initiating a
district-wide assessment of all square footage and has enlisted the assistance
of Heery International representatives – serving as liaison with the SFB – to
ascertain the square footage issues and discrepancies between the District and
the SFB. It may also be feasible to
re-configure existing space into student space.
Board Members asked questions of Dr. Balentine. In some schools, Title I funds are used to
lower class size. Dr. Balentine
confirmed that the SFB does not make (capacity) allowances at Title I schools
for smaller class sizes or the space necessary to accommodate the greater
number of support staff. Mr. Grant
asked for both SFB and Amphi district-wide capacity totals. K-8 schools are currently configured so that
K-5 classes are in separate wings from the middle school. Administration is hopeful that the
District-wide assessment will address many concerns,
including the capacity formula at K-8 schools.
Dr. Balentine, along with a small group of local
superintendents, is meeting with Mr. Bell, SFB director, in March; she hopes to
address these types of concerns with him.
CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Mrs. Clymer to approve consent agenda items A - N. The motion was seconded by Mr. Grant and passed unanimously, 5-0. Appointment of personnel is effective, provided all district, state and federal requirements are met.
A. Approval of
Minutes from Previous Meeting
Minutes of the
February 10, 2004 Regular Governing Board meeting and Minutes of the February
17, 2004 Special 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.
The following vouchers were approved as presented and payment authorized:
Vo.
579 $ 225,528.72
Vo.
580 $ 87,290.98
Vo.
581 $ 19,178.02
Vo.
582 $ 203,537.39
Vo.
583 $ 174,636.62
G. Acceptance of
Gifts
Donations were
accepted by the Governing Board, as listed in Exhibit 5.
H. Receipt of Monthly Report on School Auxiliary and Club Balances
Board
Book Information: Arizona Revised Statutes §15-1121 and 15-1125 provide for the operation
of Student Activity and Auxiliary Operations funds, respectively. The Uniform System of Financial Records for
Arizona School Districts (USFR) outlines procedures to be followed by school
districts in the disbursements of monies from either of these funds. One requirement for the operational
compliance is to provide a report to the Governing Board summarizing the
transactions for the month.
It is the recommendation of the
Administration that the Governing Board receive the report of School Auxiliary
and Club balances.
The Governing Board received the
Monthly Report on School Auxiliary and Club Balances for month-end December 31,
2003, as submitted.
I.
Approval
of Request for Proposal 03-0020 for a Financial Software Operating System
Board Book Information: Request
for Proposal 03-0020 will be sent to those vendors providing Financial Software
to K-12 Educational Institutions. A Team consisting of School Administrators,
Technology Staff, Human Resources, Finance, Purchasing, Student Services, Title
One, Food Service and Payroll Personnel met over a two-month period. The Team’s
mandate from Senior Staff was to review the District’s current and future
Financial Software requirements. Facilitators Pam Roberts and Bill Walther were
successful in providing a meeting format, which allowed the team to focus on
the needs of the many user groups utilizing this software. No one group had
more input than the next. It was a team effort to provide prospective vendors
with our Software “Requirements and Wish List” items. Attached is Amphitheater
Request for Proposal 03-0020 for Financial Software.
The Governing Board approved the draft version of the Notice of Request for Proposal – Financial Software, as presented in Exhibit 6. (With this approval, Purchasing may issue the RFP inviting vendor proposals.)
J.
Approval
of Out of State Travel
Out-of-state travel
was approved for staff (source of funding indicated): Patricia
Knoll and Nancy Lyon from Nash and Title I, to attend the International Reading
Association Conference in Reno, Nevada, May 2-6, 2004 (grant funds); Ellen
Schartz and Linda Haller from Special Education to attend the Council for
Exceptional Children Annual Conference and Expo in New Orleans, Louisiana,
April 14-17, 2004 (special education funds);
Patrick Nelson, Mike Gemma, Patsy Harris, and Sam McClung to attend the
National Education Service/Professional Learning Communities at Work Institute
in Lincolnshire (Chicago), Illinois, August 2-5, 2004 (grant funds); Sandy
Spiewak and Pat West from Amphitheater High School to attend the Adolescents
& Family Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 22-24, 2004 (grant funds);
Deanna Reynolds from Amphitheater High School to attend the National Business
Education Association Annual Convention in Chicago, Illinois, April 7-10, 2004
(vocational funds).
Out-of-state travel
was approved for students (source of funding indicated): Adrian Hannah, Christian Hill and parent chaperones from Wilson K-8
School to take approximately 60 Wilson students to Anaheim, California, March
15-18, 2004 to perform as studio musicians at Disneyland; Darrell Prochaska and
chaperones from Canyon del Oro High School to take approximately 59 CDO
students to Anaheim, California, March 18-20, 2004 to perform at Disneyland.
K. Award of Contract for Lubricants for the Transportation Department Based upon Responses to Request for Bid 03-0016
Board
Book Information: Request for Bid 03-0016 for Oil Test Kits, Chassis Grease, Gear Oil,
Transmission Fluid and Bulk Oil was mailed to five Vendors, Tucson Fuel
Company, Union Distributing, Pioneer Distributing, Canyon State Oil and Arizona
Petroleum. The bid provided annual usage and asked for per unit prices;
gallons, drums, etc. Three Vendors
responded; Pioneer Distributing, Union Distributing and Canyon State Oil. The
low responding Vendor was Pioneer Distributing with a total annual cost for
lubricants of $11,216.20. Please see
the attached spreadsheet.
This Contract is for the balance
of fiscal year 03/04 ending June 30, 2004 and may be renewed for one additional
fiscal year ending June 30, 2005.
The Governing Board approved the contract to Pioneer Distributing for
Lubricants Based upon Responses to Request for Bid 03-0016, as presented.
L. Award of Contracts for Brake Parts & Labor for the Transportation Department Based upon Responses to Request for Bid 03-0024
Board
Book Information: Request for Bid 03-0024 for Brake Parts & Labor was mailed to seven
Vendors, Auto Safety House, FleetPride, Inland Kenworth, I-10 International,
Rush Truck, Utiltity Trailer Sales, and Arizona Brake & Clutch. The bid
requested unit prices for Nine Categories of Brake Parts. Six vendors responded with priced bids. Auto
Safety House responded with a no bid.
FleetPride was the low responding
vendor for the Stemco Brand seals & kits, the Kelsey Hayes Brand brake
parts, the Bendix Brand brake parts, the Rockwell/Meritor Brand brake parts,
brake drums and drum & rotor labor and Williams Brand air valves. Utility
Trailer Sales was the low responding vendor the combined category of Spring
hardware kits and relined brake shoes. Please see the attached spreadsheet.
This Contract is for the balance
of fiscal year 03/04 ending June 30, 2004 and may be renewed for one additional
fiscal year ending June 30, 2005.
The Governing Board approved contracts to FleetPride and Utility
Trailer Sales for brake parts and labor based upon Responses to Request for Bid
03-0024, as presented.
M. Ratification of Superintendent’s Execution of Agreement with Monterey Home Construction, Inc. Regarding Voluntary School Impact Donation Pursuant to Governing Board Policy KLJA
Board
Book Information: Governing Board policy KLJA permits the district to solicit and
encourage real estate developers to contribute voluntary “educational
donations” to the district to offset the impact on the district’s schools of
their proposed developments. Especially in the growing northern part of the
District’s boundaries, increased enrollment resulting from developments may
result in over-enrollment, exceeding schools’ physical capacity.
Presently, the State School
Facilities Board (SFB) does not provided funding for school construction in
growing neighborhoods if physical enrollment capacity exists elsewhere in a
school district. Instead, the SFB
requires districts to bus children where capacity exists or to redraw school
boundaries to adjust enrollment patterns, both of which substantially interfere
with the neighborhood school philosophy our district and community have long
embraced.
In a proactive effort to avoid
overcrowding and negative impact on the district’s students, the district has
entered into negotiations with real estate developers pursuant to Policy
KLJA. In each case, the district has
sought an educational donation of $1,200.00 per home, due at the close of
escrow of each home, or the donation of land to be used for school
construction.
The district concluded favorable
negotiations with Monterey Home Construction, Inc., related to development of
the former Jack Conrad driving range on River Road. The result of this
negotiation was the developer’s commitment to pay the District $1,200 per
residence built on a platted lot in its proposed development. In addition, the developer has agreed to
permit Walker School to use park and parking facilities within the development
once it is constructed.
An agreement has been executed by
Dr. Balentine and the developer. It is
attached for the Board’s ratification.
The Governing Board ratified the Superintendent’s Execution of
Agreement with Monterey Home Construction, as submitted (Exhibit 7).
N. Approval of Scoreboard for Coronado Little League
Board Book Information: The Coronado Little League wishes to pay for and install an electronic scoreboard on the upper fields of Coronado K-8 School without any advertisement on the scoreboard. This scoreboard is valued at approximately $5,500.00. Installation meets all current codes as well as Facilities Support Services’ specs.
The Governing Board approved the Scoreboard
installation for the Coronado Little League at Coronado K-8 School, as presented
(Exhibit 8).
STUDY
8. Review of Proposed Revisions
to Governing Board Policies Relating to Support Staff (Classified
Employee Group).
Board Book Information:
Over the course of the last
several weeks, representative teams from both the District administration and
the Amphitheater Education Association have met and conferred over employment
related policy matters for district support staff. These discussions resulted in proposed revisions to policies
affecting the Classified employee group.
The reformatting of draft policies were not prepared for initial Board
review at the time this Board item was prepared. Additional information and the revised draft policies will be
provided by Addendum on Friday, February 20, 2004.
Mr. Jaeger was
asked to provide a brief overview of the two classified policies that have been
part of the Meet and Confer process and have been approved by AEA and District
representatives. This item is presented
for the Board’s initial review with approval expected at a future Board
Meeting.
The two policies
reviewed were GDJ and HDB. The
modifications in GDJ will create additional language, not currently defined in
District policy, which may permit individuals seeking a transfer with special
circumstances.
The second policy
modification reviewed in HDB, which provides clarity regarding agenda of
business for Classified groups in negotiations and composition of the committee
(item held over from last year).
Mr. Jaeger responded to Board
Member questions. He confirmed that matters
addressed within the “G” series will be negotiated and any proposed changes are
part of the Meet and Confer process.
Although policies remain policies of the Board and the Board has the
ultimate authority to make changes, every attempt is given for the negotiation
process. Mr. Jaeger confirmed that the
deleted item (HDB) was removed, as it was a duplication of verbiage.
Dr. Balentine recommended that
Board Members should direct questions regarding Meet and Confer matters to
her. Additionally, she believes that in
these past few years, efficiencies have been created in the negotiations
process; discussion and resolution of issues are the focus.
9.
Progress
in the Study of an Override Election/Blue Ribbon Committee Process/Development
of Committee Charge
Board Book information: On
several occasions over the last year-and-a-half, the Governing Board has
studied statutory requirements and restrictions affecting school district
budget override elections, Amphitheater override election history, and statewide
override issues. The Superintendent has
directed that this same sort of information be shared with the school
communities, and staff has been attending several PTO functions for that
purpose. Attendance and participation
in such local school meetings has varied, but such presentations will be
continuing in an effort to provide relevant information to constituents.
As discussed with the Board previously, the next
possible override election dates (in practical terms) are:
The second Tuesday in March: March 8, 2005
The third Tuesday in May: May
17, 2005
Elections on these dates, if successful, would provide
override budget capacity for the 2005-2006 fiscal year.
The preparation required for an override election is
substantial, thus our discussions with school constituents continue to
progress. For an override election to be successful, however, the sharing of
information must be two-way. The Board
needs to hear from the community in order to assess the support – indeed the
desire – for an override election, particularly as the cost to the District for
such an election may be as much as $100,000.
Several parents have spoken at call to the audience and
at PTO meetings attended by staff to support an override initiative. While this support is crucial, a broad and
comprehensive study of the issues is required.
The Administration is therefore recommending the initiation of a special
committee (a “Blue Ribbon Committee”) to study the need for, the support of,
the costs of, and benefits from, an override election. This committee would provide information on
this issues, derived from the community, to the Board. This would aid the Board in making the
decisions required in calling for an override election.
OVERRIDE
STUDY TIMETABLE
Given the next available override election dates, the
following timetable for the operation of a blue ribbon committee is proposed by
the administration, beginning with March 23, 2004:
March 23 Board Approval of Committee and
Charge
April 1 Review of process and Committee
Charge
April 15 Review
of Override Requirements
May 6 Overview of District voting history
and survey results
May 20 Review of required override timeline
June
10 Overview of District Budget
Review of efficiencies and cutbacks over the past five years
June 24 Review
of current staffing district - wide
August 12 Overview
of Tax Base & Assessed Value
August 26 Tax
Increases resulting from Override approval
September
9 Review of staffing needs;
Review of current salary schedules
September 23 Potential
Use for Override Dollars
October
7 Developing a recommendation
to the Board for Action/Inaction
October 21 Finalizing
recommendation to the Board
November
9 Review of Process &
Recommendation to Governing Board; Board Dissolution of Committee
The administration proposes the
foregoing agenda of business for the committee would be conducted in public
meetings, rotated between school sites throughout the District.
This item is presented for the Board’s
approval of the timetable and process.
Recommendations for the charge and composition for the committee will be
forthcoming in March. The Board may wish to direct the Administration to
undertake further investigation of an override and provide further information
to the Board. The Board may not call
for an override election at this time.
Dr. Balentine stated that there have been in-depth discussions regarding
the potential of a successful override election. She would like to formalize a blue ribbon committee process that
would be approved by the Board. It is
important to enlist community participants in the evaluation process. The group will need to develop, and present,
a final recommendation to the Board in November, no later than December, for
action or inaction and whether to request an override election. Upon process completion – recommendation to
the Board – the committee would be dissolved.
Dr. Balentine invited dialogue
with the Board regarding the committee process. She added that the committee would follow all requirements, such
as open-meeting requirements, etc. to develop and support a strong trust with
the community in the dissemination of information.
Dr. Balentine reviewed timeline
information that was visually projected and impressed the importance of the
timeline in achieving a successful evaluation process. She stated that the process should allow for
several months of discussion among committee members and that the committee
should be representative of all of the elements of the District (retirees,
business owners, etc.).
Dr. Balentine stated that if the
Board is interested in pursuing this process, she would like to meet with them
individually to discuss the sectors of the community that would be important to
be represented in the study group.
Board Member comments and
suggestions followed. Dr. Barrabee
suggested including specific rising benefits’ costs with salary schedules. Mrs. Clymer asked how committee costs would
be funded. Dr. Balentine responded that
there are some finite funds in the Election budget-line that could be utilized
for this purpose. Additionally, she
emphasized the awareness that with this process comes an incredible staff
commitment to support public meetings, which would be held at various sites, and
require minutes. Mr. Grant suggested that
there should be a legal review at the beginning of the process. In response to an inquiry regarding when the
Board would need to vote once the committee made its final recommendation, Dr.
Balentine stated that the Board would need to take action no later than the
beginning of January 2005 if the Board decided to hold an election in May
2005. There was some discussion about
how the outcome of Board Member elections later in 2004 may impact the Board’s
vote on the override election.
Ms. Young Wright stated that it is
important to remember that many people are out of town during the summer months
and that it is important to have committee members commit to the scheduled
timetable. She also recommended that
the committee be provided with information such as: tax bases to include
comparisons between Maricopa and Pima counties, current demographics and the
number of registered Amphi voters.
Additionally, it would be helpful if the schedules and locations of
public meetings could be publicized in the newspaper. Dr. Balentine was asked to investigate costs, etc., of a mass
mailing to all District households. It
was suggested that all meeting times and locations be posted on the District’s
website. The Override Election Process
and History (presented by Mr. Jaeger at a previous meeting) is available on the
website.
Dr. Balentine added that in her
conversations with other district representatives experienced with override
elections, have told her that an important component of the (approximately a
15-person group) committee is that it should be comprised of a wide
cross-section of people who have credibility, can make a commitment to the
process and timeline, and who are open-minded and grounded in what the
community wants. Dr. Balentine invited
Board Members to forward any further suggestions or ideas concerning this
process to her. Additionally, she will
set up appointments to discuss the committee-member concept. Once the committee is listed and commitments
received, she will bring back for formal Board approval of the process.
There were no requests for future agenda
items.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no public comments.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Mr. Prout seconded by Mr. Grant and
passed unanimously, that the meeting be adjourned. The time was 8:40 p.m.
_________________________________
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Harris
_________________________________ __________
Ms. Nancy Young Wright, President
Date