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, January 27, 2004, 6:40 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
Constance
Cigliana, Chief Financial Officer
Call to Order and Signing of Visitors’ Register
Ms. Young Wright
called the meeting to order at 6:42 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
1. Motion to Recess Open Meeting and Hold an Executive Session
for:
A.
Discussion and Consultation with Legal Counsel for the
Purpose of Obtaining Legal Advice Regarding Post-retirement Employment Options
with Educational Services, Inc., Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(3)
A motion was made by Dr.
Barrabee, seconded by Mrs. Clymer. The
motion passed 5-0, that the Board recess into executive session. The time was 6:43 p.m.
OPEN SESSION
Reconvening of Open Session and
Signing of Visitors’ Register
Nancy Young Wright
Following executive
session, Ms. Young Wright reconvened the meeting at 7:20 p.m. She invited 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: Tuesday,
February 10, 2004, 7:00 p.m., Wetmore Center, 701 W. Wetmore Road
3.
Recognition
of Tucson Conquistadores for Their Contributions to Amphi Foundation and
Amphitheater District
Board Book Information: For the past several years, the Tucson
Conquistadores, through the Amphitheater Foundation, has provided a grant to
assist students needing financial assistance with athletic fees.
As a result, middle and high school students can be fully
involved in our District’s athletic programs without regard to financial
need. This generous contribution also
allows our high school programs to use their gate receipts to strengthen
programs and increase coaching assistance.
Dr.
Balentine introduced Mrs. Cathy Workman, Past-president, Amphi Foundation. Mrs.
Workman expressed appreciation to the organizations that partner with the
Foundation by participating in fundraising events. She spoke about the Gala celebrating Amphi’s 110th
birthday, which is scheduled for Saturday, February 7th at the
Hilton El Conquistador Hotel.
Mrs.
Workman then introduced Mr. Jeff Ronstadt, representing the Tucson
Conquistadores. Mr. Ronstadt, serving
as funding request Chairperson, presented a check in the amount of $15,000. to
Dr. Barrabee on behalf of Amphi. Mr. Ronstadt stated that the goal of the
Tucson Conquistadores’ organization is
to support youth athletics and other youth-based events. Their annual
fundraiser is a Golf Tournament – held at the Omni Tucson National resort,
Tucson’s PGA stop. He
invited everyone to support the tournament, as it is this event that allows the
group to donate to organizations such as Amphi.
In recognition of the generous contributions made
by the Tucson Conquistadores, Mr. Ronstadt was presented
with a certificate of
commendation on their
behalf.
Ms. Young Wright expressed her appreciation for the
contribution adding that the funds will provide assistance to a great many
needy students.
4.
Recognition
of LensCrafters for Their Contributions to Amphitheater District
Board Book Information:
The Wellness Center has been
coordinating services for students with Ms. Mari Ramirez, store Manager and Dr.
Robert Mulgrew, Optometrist, from the LensCrafters retail store located at 4545
North Oracle Road for the past few years.
This year, as part of
The
Gift of Sight program, Ms. Ramirez brought sixty Amphi students to be seen by Dr.
Mulgrew. As a result, 53 students were
fitted with corrective lenses and one student was diagnosed with cataracts,
requiring further care. This
contribution has a value of approximately $10,600.
Dr.
Balentine introduced Ms. Leah Bergstein, Coordinator of Amphi’s Wellness
Center. Ms. Bergstein explained that
the District has been affiliated with LensCrafters for more than three
years. She also acknowledged the
efforts of the participating schools’ staff, District nurses, and the
Transportation department staff for their assistance in the selection of
participating students and then the transportation of them to their
appointments. Previously, Amphi and
neighboring districts’ students benefited from the Gift of Sight
program. This year, selected Amphi students were the Oracle store’s sole
program beneficiaries. Furthermore, Ms. Bergstein expressed appreciation to
LensCrafters store staff for their welcoming manner with students. She gratefully introduced Ms. Mari Ramirez –
gift and sight coordinator, and Ms. Nancy Pearce, Dr. Mulgrew’s office
manager.
In appreciation for their donated time and services
to Amphi students, Ms. Ramirez and Dr. Mulgrew were presented certificates of
commendation. Each was recognized for
their positive example and contributions to the community. (Ms.
Pearce accepted the certificate on behalf of Dr. Mulgrew).
Ms.
Young Wright and Dr. Barrabee added their expressions of appreciation that
these types of services and resources are available to District students and
its community.
5.
Recognition
of Deanna Day for her Selection as Director – Odyssey of the Mind Statewide
Board
Book Information: Deanna Day will be recognized as the Arizona Association Director for
Odyssey of the Mind. This Association
fields more than 200 teams statewide in regional and state tournaments. As the director of the association, Deanna
is responsible for facilitating tournaments as well as promoting the
program. She began her journey with
Odyssey at Coronado Middle School 17 years ago as a coach.
Dr.
Balentine introduced Ms. Deanna Day and expressed her appreciation for Ms.
Day’s work and efforts with this program.
Additionally, she stated that Ms. Day assumes a major leadership role in
this enterprise and is one of the key forces resulting in Amphi’s continued
successes with student participation and recognition.
Ms.
Day was presented with a certificate of commendation in recognition of her
selection as Director for the Arizona Association for Odyssey of the Mind.
Ms.
Day expressed appreciation to the District for its support of Odyssey of the
Mind. The regional tournament is
scheduled for March 6th at Ironwood Ridge High Schools.
Ms.
Young Wright added that, historically, Amphi fields strong teams. She also expressed appreciation to Ms. Day
for accepting this volunteer position and its responsibilities.
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 December 31, 2003. 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
(previously, $76,335,248.00)
Total Expenditures as of
12/31/03 ….. $33,234,289.26
Total Encumbrances
Outstanding as of 12/31/03 ….. $37,763,578.06
Total Combined Encumbrances
and Expenditures as of 12/31/03 ….. $70,997,867.32
Remaining Budget (unspent and
un-encumbered monies) 12/31/03 ….. $ 6,933,577.68
Totals Comparisons:
Expenditures
as of 12/31/02 ….. $33,664,912.93 M
& O Budget Capacity for 2002-03 ….. $75,249,279.00
Expenditures
as of 12/31/03 ….. $33,234,289.26 M
& O Budget Capacity for 2003-04 ….. $77,931,445.00
Dr. Balentine stated that the
Classroom Site Fund, which is the revenue source for Proposition 301, is based
upon sales taxes. To date, the only monies the District has received are from sales
tax through September 2003.
A bar chart was offered as
comparison with last year’s activity. The September 2003 receipts were slightly
less than that of September 2002.
Although the receipts are slightly below the budgeted amount, the trend
continues to be fairly parallel to last year.
Dr. Balentine is somewhat confident that the District may reach the
budgeted amount.
7.
Review of FY 2004-2005 Budget Development. Review of Projections, Site Staffing, and
Non-Staffing Allocations
Board
Book Information: A continuing discussion of the development of the district’s 2004-05
budget and an update on the status of expenditures versus budget for the
current fiscal year.
In conjunction with the development of
a projected budget, the District develops student projections, by grade,
attending each of the District’s schools.
This 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 in calculating the non-staffing allocations for each
school.
Dr. Balentine stated
that this is the time of year when the District begins the process of staffing
and non-staffing allocations related to projections in preparation for the
2004-2005 budget. A review of the
development of non-staffing allocations would be provided.
Dr. Balentine reviewed charts that were developed, and
visually projected, of sample elementary, middle, and high school levels. Each sample showed factors used for
calculations: student FTE, certified FTE, building square-footage, specific M
& O and Capital Outlay allocations, (per student or certified formulas or
flat rate allocations) etc., resulting in total net allocation. Dr. Balentine added that, except for last
year’s Board approved increases in supplies, postage, and custodial supplies,
the allocations have been mostly static for some time. The allocations are basically the same at
all three levels, although there are some differences; one example is that
library books are purchased centrally at the elementary level, whereas at the
secondary levels, a per student allocation is allotted. At the high school level, examples of some
differences are: typically a larger student and certified FTE, larger square
(building) footage, and increased athletic supply budget allocation.
Mrs. Clymer asked
about the grounds supply line item differences between the elementary and
secondary levels. Dr. Balentine
explained that at the elementary level, this is a centrally funded
function.
Dr. Barrabee asked
about static allocations and what examples might Dr. Balentine offer of
particular areas of need and where there may be potential to use additional
funds received in the event of a budget override. Dr. Balentine responded that there has been significant
discussion in the past year regarding student supplies, postage, and custodial
supplies, which resulted in increased allocations. If the District were to determine an override as viable, then
specific areas of funding would need to be defined; an increase to classroom
supply allocations might be considered, as well as, other important needs.
CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Mrs. Clymer to approve consent agenda, items A – N. The motion was seconded by Mr. Prout and passed unanimously, 5-0. Appointment of personnel is effective, provided all district, state and federal requirements are met.
Minutes of the
January 13, 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
Vouchers Totaling and Not Exceeding Approximately $875,000 (Revised).
The
following vouchers were approved as presented and payment authorized:
Vo. 565 $ 291,235.15
Vo. 566 $ 250,955.27
Vo. 567 $ 84,489.71
Vo. 568 $
9,976.59
Vo. 569 $ 215,280.65
G. Acceptance of Gifts (Revised, 1/26/2004)
Donations were
accepted by the Governing Board, as listed in Exhibit 5.
H.
Renewal of
Amphitheater Unified School District's Designation as a Larger Issuer Under the
Line of Credit Between Pima County and Bank of America.
Board Book
Information: The school districts in Pima County, Amphitheater included, carry a
revolving line of credit (LOC) through the County’s depository bank, Bank of
America, NA. The County selects its
depository bank through a request for proposal (RFP) for a three-year
period. Bank of America, NA was
selected as the County’s depository bank during fiscal year 2001-2002.
The Board approved and signed the agreement
– an annual authorization form – extending the LOC and establishing the issuer
group for the District for calendar 2004, as listed in Exhibit 6.
I.
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, as submitted.
J. Approval of Out-of-State Travel
Out-of-state travel was approved for staff (source of funding indicated): Jay McKenzie from the Equal Opportunity Department to attend the Western Regional Conference for Indian Centers in Reno/Sparks, Nevada, January 27-29, 2004 (Tucson Indian Center); William Walther and Marco Dominguez from Amphitheater High School, to attend the ASCD Conference in New Orleans, LA, March 20-24, 2004 (GEAR UP Grant and Amphitheater High School); Cindy McCoy and Robert Weigand from Holaway Elementary School to attend the ASCD Conference in New Orleans, LA, March 19-22, 2004 (grant funds); Robert Wendel from Canyon del Oro High School to attend the College Board Western Regional Meeting in San Francisco, California, February 2-3, 2004 (CDO and grant funds); Scott Linaker from Canyon del Oro High School to attend the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Committee meeting in Dallas, Texas, January 29-31, 2004 (National Athletic Trainers’ Association); Jamie Arnett, Cindy Elam, Ingrid Jacobs, and Valerie Hollander from Holaway Elementary School to attend the International Reading Association Conference in Reno, Nevada, May 2-6, 2004 (grant funds); Linda Skrentny, Linda Cianciolo, Darlene Mansouri, and Beth Boehne from Keeling Elementary to attend the International Reading Association Conference in Reno Nevada, May 2-6, 2004 (grant funds); Gina Stickle and Annette Orelup from Prince Elementary School to attend the International Reading Association Conference in Reno, Nevada, May 2-6, 2004 (grant funds); Brenda Kreidler, Ethan Beasley, Linda Morris, Margie Hervert, Pat Young Cindy Davis, Lynette Dominguez and Sandra Bigelow from Rio Vista Elementary School to attend the International Reading Association Conference in Reno, Nevada, May 2-6, 2004 (grant funds).
K.
Award of Contract
for Cleaning and Restoration Based Upon Responses to Request for Proposal
03-0010
Board
Book Information: A Request for Proposal (RFP #03-0010) for Cleaning & Restoration
Services was mailed to ten vendors on October 30, 2003. Four vendors responded
to the Bid Opening November 24, 2003:
TM Building Restoration, Purofirst of Tucson, Quality Residential &
Restoration Services & Abracadabra Restoration Company.
The Scope of Work called for water, sewage & smoke remediation,
odor control, vent cleaning, vandalism/graffiti cleanup and removal. Other
requirements include a skilled workforce with the proper equipment to
efficiently complete all work. Response time on site to be sixty (60) minutes
from time of service request, 365 days per year.
Responding Vendors furnished customer references and employee data,
including position title, training received and length of time on the job. Vendors
also provided equipment lists, their fee structure and evidence of local and
state licensing.
Doug Aho, Executive Manager Operational Support, Woody Woodsworth,
Facility Support Services Maintenance Manager and Pete Burgard, Purchasing
Manager evaluated the four vendor responses. The evaluation criteria in order
of importance were Demonstrated Company Ability, Staff Ability & Size,
Equipment Available & Cost. Attached is the evaluation spreadsheet.
A monsoon storm, a deep freeze, a fire, etc. all may require more than
one vendor to complete needed cleaning and restoration services. A Primary and
a Secondary Award will be made to assure the District has adequate services
under contract.
All other information [other than vendor name] contained in
the proposals shall remain confidential so as to avoid disclosure of contents
prejudicial to competing offerors during the process of negotiation. Proposals and modifications shall only be
shown to school district personnel having a legitimate interest in them or
persons assisting the District in evaluation.
The Procurement Code also provides that:
After contract award the proposals shall be made open for
public inspection, except to the extent that the withholding of information is
permitted or required by law.
R7-2-1050(E).
Accordingly, if necessary, the Board may recess the public meeting and
convene an executive session to discuss or consider the confidential proposal
documents, pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(2).
Complete and original proposals
for each organization listed above are available, by appointment only, for
review in the office of the Purchasing Manager.
The Governing Board approved the awards based
upon responses to RFP Number 03-0010,
the Contract for Cleaning and Restoration Services to: Quality
Residential & Restoration Services, as the primary vendor, and a secondary
award to: Abracadabra Restoration Company.
L.
Bid Award for Library Books Based upon Responses to Request for Bid
03-0007 & 03-0008
Board Book Information: Request
for Bid 03-0007 and 03-0008, Library Books for District Elementary & Middle
Schools were mailed October 29, 2003 and Due November 17, 2003. RFB 03-0007 was
for Non-Fiction Books and RFB 03-0008 for Fiction. Responding vendors were
asked to provide a catalog of books available and the discount offered if any
off catalog price. Vendors were also asked to provide no charge shipping and
free
processing on orders over $500.00. Waiving the processing fee can
result in significant savings. Processing to include marc records, spine
labels, bar codes, Mylar book jackets and catalog cards, (main entry, shelf
list, title, subject & series cards, if available).
The wide range of publications required by the different District
libraries does not lend to a, “One Vendor Fits All” award. To complete library
book orders, District librarians must order from multiple vendors. The
evaluation for both bids is based on the discount offered, freight and processing
costs. Provided with the bid
information as per the attached spreadsheet, librarians may select books from
those vendors who not only have the publications they required, but offer best
value in regard to price discounts, free shipping and processing. The award will be for the remainder of
fiscal year 2003/2004 and may be renewed for one additional fiscal year on
mutual agreement of both parties, ending June 30, 2005.
The Governing Board approved bid awards for Library Books as follows: World Almanac & Delaney Educational applicable to Bid Number 03-0007 (only), and Rainbow Book Company, Baker & Taylor, Gumdrop Books, Picture Window Books, Compass Point Books, Davidson Titles, and Capstone Press for Bid Number’s 03-0007 & 03-0008.
M. Bid Award for Instructional Aids &
Materials Based upon Responses to Request for Bid 03-0017
Board Book Information: Request
for Bid 03-0017 for Instructional Aids & Materials was mailed December 16,
2003 and due January 16, 2004. Responding vendors were asked to provide their
catalog of available teaching tools and list the discount offered if any.
Vendors were also asked to provide no charge shipping on orders over $150.00
and 800 number customer service. The wide variety of Instructional Aids &
Materials required by K-12 educators does not lend to a “One Vendor Fits All”
award. To complete their teaching tools inventory District teachers must order
from multiple vendors. The bid evaluation and award is based on the vendor
discount offered off catalog price, freight cost and 800 number customer
service.
District teachers and
administrative staff may purchase teaching tools & materials from vendors
who not only have the require items but offer best value in regard to price
discounts, free shipping and customer service. The bid award will be for the
remainder of fiscal year 2003/2004 and may be renewed for one additional fiscal
year on mutual agreement of both parties, ending June 30, 2005.
The Governing Board
approved the following awards for Instructional Aids and Materials regarding
Bid Number 03-0017: Jonathan’s Educational Resources, Creative
Educational Materials, Nasco, School Specialty Supply, Lakeshore, Highsmith,
U.S. Toy, ABC School Supply, Sax Arts & Crafts, Childcraft Education,
Kaplan Early Learning, and Quill Company.
N.
Approval of Textbooks
for Display
The Governing Board approved to have the following textbooks placed on
display effective January 27, 2004 for a period of sixty days prior to official adoption, this, in accordance with Section 15-721 of the Arizona Revised Statutes.
Publisher: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
Author: Yvone Lenard
Price: $53.49
TEXTBOOK: Bon
Voyage 1
Publisher: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
Author: Schmitt,
Lutz
Price: $54.96
TEXTBOOK: Bon
Voyage 2
Publisher: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
Author: Schmitt,
Lutz
Price: $54.96
8.
Review of Student
Achievement Plan Update
Board
Book Information: The first Student Achievement Plan was presented to the Governing Board
on June 11, 2002. It outlined a
framework for increasing student achievement in the district.
The second “edition” of the Student
Achievement Plan is presented to the Superintendent and Board for their review
and consideration. It provides an
update and a progress report on the first plan and offers new considerations
for increasing student achievement. Mr.
Patrick Nelson will present a brief overview for the Governing Board.
Dr. Balentine introduced Mr. Nelson, who
provided an overview of the plan’s status.
A written progress report, dated January 27, 2004, was made available
and referenced. Mr. Nelson stated that
two recent pieces of legislation have had a significant impact on the
District’s original plan: the federal law No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and
Arizona State’s own accountability system – Arizona Learns. Continual mandated changes are expected;
therefore, it will be necessary to accommodate those considerations to the
District’s plan in areas of curriculum instruction, assessment, and staff
development.
Mr. Nelson did offer highlights of approaches
being considered to accommodate possible changes:
Curriculum – Revising the summer school
structure to focus on students not yet proficient in reading or math;
Literacy Conference – Staff development;
continue with another conference – scheduled for:
June 1-2, 2004;
New
Classes – Career/Technical programs at the high school level;
Relating
assessment – Level testing, now known as Measures of Academic Progress (MAP);
Consistent
K-2 assessment – requiring on-going attention;
Focus
on writing – one of the Literacy Conference strands;
Staff development – continue focus on
literacy and possibly introduce math; also to create a District framework for
staff development to integrate all departments;
School Improvement Plan – identified
instructional needs and staff development plans;
Technology – support system for staff
development; grant funded purchase of EBSCO Host (database software) used for
student research and is in agreement with the Research Paper Project;
Mr. Nelson also directed attention towards
specific challenges, which may require additional consideration: Appendices A – No Child Left Behind (NCLB);
D – Measures of Academic Progress (MAP); and E – Professional Learning
Communities (PLC).
Mr. Nelson responded to some questions from
Board Members. Mrs. Clymer asked what
the affects might be as a result of State Board of Education combining the
Stanford Nine and AIMS assessments. Mr.
Nelson suggested that one of the benefits of an embedded assessment might be
that it will save time allowing for more instructional time.
Dr. Barrabee asked about the status and the
implications to the District of Mr. Horne’s, Arizona’s State Superintendent,
expressed interest in changing testing levels of Special Education students to
conform more with their levels of achievement rather than grade level. Mr. Nelson responded that “out of level
testing” has been highly debated.
Regarding this specific concern, Dr. Balentine stated that Mr. Horne has
discussed this concern with representatives from the Federal Department of
Education. It is expected that other
states will also express disapproval and request waivers. Dr. Barrabee expressed an interest in having
this become a Board-supported issue.
Dr. Balentine added that the Arizona School Administrators Association
is also actively addressing this issue.
Mr. Prout expressed a concern that students
don’t carry full schedules during their senior year and for a rationalization
for not increasing graduation requirements (Amphi currently requires 20 units
for graduation). Mr. Nelson validated
the combined concern about increasing requirements and that the “senior
schedule” issue is endemic to high school education nationally. Mr. Nelson added, however, that it might be
prudent to temporarily delay making any changes to the District’s current
graduation requirements. New (reading
and math) standards are being implemented this next year and new (writing,
science, and some new social studies’) standards are currently under review at
the state level – significant changes are expected in the next few years. The
focus now is to prepare for these changes by considering conceptual scenarios,
awareness of other external influences, and gathering information.
Ms. Young Wright expressed support for a math
resource coordinator, as referenced on page 8, # 3. Additionally, she inquired about why elementary principals judged
the concept of an elementary-level math specialist as “unfeasible at this
time.” She feels that it is important
that the District support this critical area as a means to maintain the
above-average math scores. Mr. Nelson
responded, saying that elementary principals expressed a concern about the
continuity of the school-day schedule; the current structure is not conducive
to accommodate that consideration.
Mr. Prout asked for some additional
information about Amplifying Positive Deviance, Appendix G. Mr. Nelson
explained that the model comes from the Children’s Defense Fund and their work
in third world countries. The model’s
assumption is that it is easier to “act your way into a new way of thinking”
rather than “think your way into a new way of acting.” This addresses the approach that the wisdom
to solve problems exists, and needs to be discovered, at the school/community.
Dr. Barrabee asked if teachers are provided
the opportunity to visit other classrooms.
Mr. Nelson affirmed that this is occurring on a small scale and is
encouraged.
Mr. Prout asked for additional information
about Adaptive Schools, Appendix H. Mr.
Nelson stated that “change” is the only constant in today’s educational
environment. This concept suggests that
if the current system is to continue, then schools need to become more adaptive,
as defined: get the work done, do the right work, work collaboratively, manage
systems, continuously develop groups, and adapt to change. It is the human interaction component that
is critical.
Ms. Young Wright inquired about the status
and the direction of the Research Paper Project (RPP) referenced on page 12, #
9. Mr. Nelson stated that
coincidentally, soon after the District directed its attention to this
Amphi-developed assessment, a national report was published about the status of
writing. A committee was created to
review the program and as a result, some changes were made. It is said to be more teacher-friendly and
its use has been re-emphasized.
Mrs. Clymer asked for a sample of DIBELS
[assessment] questions (Ms. Young Wright echoed that request). Mrs. Clymer also asked about staff
development requirements under NCLB.
Mr. Nelson confirmed that the District is meeting the NCLB requirements.
Ms. Young Wright asked that future reports
include a glossary of acronyms.
Additionally, she recommended considering “Life Skills” as a .5 credit
class.
Board Members expressed appreciation to Mr.
Nelson for the quality of this progress update report. Dr. Balentine and Mr. Nelson invited Board
Members to contact Mr. Nelson and arrange for additional time necessary to
respond to further questions. Mr.
Nelson expressed appreciation to the Board, for their support in moving this
project forward.
9.
Expanded Use of
Educational Services Incorporated (ESI) to Provide Additional Cost Savings and
Post-retirement Employment Opportunities
Board
Book Information: This item is submitted to the Board for its initial study of employment
services provided through Educational Services Incorporated.
ESI is a professional employment
organization, established in March of 1999, to
provide schools throughout Arizona, with temporary
and long-term contract employees. ESI
assists school districts in acquiring and/or retaining master teachers,
administrators and classified employees whose skills would have otherwise been
lost to early retirement. This helps
address teacher shortages and NCLB requirements for highly qualified teachers;
increases the income for employees retired through ASRS; and increases the
budget capacity for districts.
At present,
fifty-three Arizona school districts take advantage of the employee leasing
services offered by this organization.
ESI services are included in the Mohave State contract and ESI is an
active member of AASBO.