AMPHITHEATER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Tucson, Arizona

 

MINUTES OF REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF GOVERNING BOARD

 

Place, Date and Time of Meeting       

701 West Wetmore Road, July 9, 2001, 6:00 p.m.

 

Board Members Present

Dr. Kenneth Smith, President

Dr. Kent Barrabee, Member

Mike Prout, Member

Mary Schuh, Member – Acting Clerk

 

Board Member Absent

Nancy Young Wright, Vice President/Clerk

 

Central Administrators Present           

Dr. Vicki M. Balentine, Superintendent

Dr. Richard Hooley, Associate Superintendent

Constance Cigliana, Director of Finance

OPENING OF MEETING

Call to Order and Signing of Visitors Register

Dr. Kenneth Smith called the meeting to order.

 

Change of Agenda

Items 8 and 9 were reversed.  There were no objections. 

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

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

Dr. Smith announced that the Board would recess open meeting and hold an executive session for:

A.  Discussion of Employment and Salary of the Superintendent, Pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(1);

B.  Discussion and Consideration of Confidential Vendor Proposals Submitted for Extended Learning and Child Care Programs and Administrative Summaries of the Same, Pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(2) and A.C.C. R7-2-1045(B). 

A motion was made by Dr. Barrabee, seconded by Mrs. Schuh and passed unanimously, 4-0, that the Board recess into executive session.  The time was 6:01 p.m.

 

OPEN SESSION

Reconvening of Meeting and Signing of Visitors Register

Following the executive session, Dr. Smith 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

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

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

Gary Benoit addressed the Board regarding the timeliness of the acceptance of bid for contract for learning and child care programs.  Tom Moser spoke regarding teacher compensation. 

 

INFORMATION

2.  Announcement of Date and Place of Next Meeting           

Dr. Smith announced the next regular meeting of the Governing Board:  Tuesday, August 14, 2001,

6:30 p.m., at Wetmore Center, 701 West Wetmore. 

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Mrs. Schuh moved to approve the consent agenda, with the exception of items F and K, to be considered separately.  The motion was seconded by Dr. Barrabee and passed unanimously, 4-0.  Appointment of personnel is effective, provided all district, state and federal requirements are met.

 

Item F:  A motion was made by Dr. Barrabee to accept item F, authorizing the District administration to negotiate a contract with the approved vendor, Community Extension Programs.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Schuh and passed unanimously, 4-0. 

 

Item K:  Dr. Smith moved that the contract for the Superintendent be approved as printed.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Prout and passed unanimously, 4-0.

 

A.  Approval of Minutes      

Minutes of the June 26, 2001 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      

A classified leave of absence was approved, as listed in Exhibit 3.

 

E.  Separation(s) and Termination(s)          

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

 

F.  Acceptance of Bid for Contract for Extended Learning and Child Care Programs; Authorization of District Administration to Negotiate a Contract with Approved Vendor

Amphitheater School District had sought proposals from third-party organizations to provide before- and after-school services to students and their families.  These services include supervised child care, play/learning programs, preschool programs, intersession classes, and summer school classes.  A notice of Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued on April 23, 2001, and a pre-proposal meeting was held May 8, 2001.  Vendors raised issues and concerns that they had via correspondence.  The following organizations submitted proposals:  Community Extension Programs, Inc.; Extended School Programs, Inc.; Medallion School Partnerships, Inc.; and the YMCA of Metropolitan Tucson.

 

The RFP provides that the district will contract with the qualified organization whose proposals are deemed to be most advantageous to the district.  Selection is based primarily on information submitted regarding the provider organization, their staff experience, the organization’s capability to provide services to the District’s populace, their program descriptions, the fees proposed to be charged by the provider, and the cost impact to the District.

 

The Board approved the acceptance of the bid of Community Extension Program, Inc. for contract for extended learning and child care programs and authorized the District administration to negotiate a contract with same.  (See motion at beginning of consent agenda.)

 

G.  Textbooks for Adoption

The Board approved the following textbooks, which had been on display to the public for 60 days, in accordance with Section 15-721 of Arizona Revised Statutes: 

Textbook                                               Publisher

        Into English                                           Hampton Brown

        High Point                                             Hampton Brown

        The Heinle & Heinle ESL Program           Heinle & Heinle

Voices in Literature

Making Connections

                                                           

H.  Approval of Out-of-State Travel

Out-of-state travel was approved (source of funding indicated):  Judith LeWinter, Amphitheater Middle School, to attend the Gear Up Grant Conference in Washington, D.C. in October (Gear Up Grant).

 

I.  Acceptance of Gifts        

Donations were accepted by the Governing Board, as listed in Exhibit 5.

 

J.  Approval of Vouchers    

The following vouchers were approved as presented and payment authorized:

Fiscal Year Encumbrances

Vo. 1052      $ 130,586.92

Vo. 1053         274,244.12

Vo. 1054          15,266.77

Vo. 1055          42,164.96

Vo. 1056        221,923.43

 

2001-2002 Fiscal Year

Vo. 100          $15,791.70

 

K.  Approval of Contract for Employment of Superintendent

The Superintendent’s First Amended Contract was approved.  (See motion at beginning of consent agenda.)

 

L.  Approval of Determination of Sole Source Vendors for Student Identification Cards and Bookstore Inventory-tracking System for Ironwood Ridge High School

The following vendors were proposed as sole source providers for student identification cards and  for the bookstore inventory-tracking system at Ironwood Ridge High School: 

Authentic Data Solutions – Student I.D. Cards (hardware, software, training)

Cost:  $9,730.62

 

Data Systems of Arizona – Bookstore Inventory Tracking (software, licenses, scanners, installation and training)

Cost:  $11,065.50

 

The above vendors were chosen for the following reasons:

·         Both services were bid in the past, were selected for and are in use at the other two District high schools.

·         Use of the same program provides District standardization.

·         Common systems permit the transfer of information across schools.

·         Both products are only available for purchase from the respective vendors.

 

The Board approved these two vendors as sole source providers as outlined. 

 

M.  Determination of Whether to Participate in School Construction Insurance Pool, Inc. (SCIP); Approval of Resolution to Participate; Approval of and Authorization to Execute SCIP Membership Agreement  

A.R.S. § 15-341(A)(31) requires school districts to secure insurance coverage for all construction projects for purposes of general liability, property damage and Workers’ Compensation.  The Arizona School Risk Retention Trust, a general liability insurance pool in which the District currently participates, has established the School Construction Insurance Pool, Inc. (“SCIP”), a non-profit corporation, for the purpose of allowing school districts to jointly purchase construction insurance. 

The Arizona State School Facilities Board requires that the District become a member of SCIP. 

There is a minimal fee schedule for participation in SCIP, which allows for general administrative overhead of the pool; this fee will be forever waived for districts that join SCIP prior to December 31, 2001.  After a district joins SCIP, it can purchase insurance for construction projects.  SCIP would then design the perfect insurance program for the construction projects before bids are finalized and approved.

 

It was the recommendation of the administration that the Governing Board approve the Resolution and Membership Agreement, thereby authorizing execution of the agreement.  The Board approved the recommendation.

PUBLIC HEARING
3.  Truth in Taxation Hearing and Public Hearing on the 2001-2002 Proposed Budget, Capital Outlay Fund Reserve Plan
At its June 26, 2001 meeting, the Governing Board proposed a budget for the 2001-2002 school year.  Prior to formal adoption of the budget, the Board is required to hold a public Truth in Taxation hearing as well as a hearing on the proposed budget.
 
The recommended budget was identical in dollars to the one proposed by the Board on June 26, except for an increase in the Proposition 301 classroom site funds moneys.  In addition, the distribution of salaries and benefits by function code had been redistributed to better reflect district operations.  The budget provides for the expenditures necessary for student programs and services as established and directed by the Governing Board.  The revenue control limit is $61,094,948.  This is augmented by an additional $4,025,000 for desegregation, $129,412 for dropout prevention, $759,000 in expected tuition, and $952,095 for excess utilities.  The budget also provides for a soft capital allocation limit of $4,213,209 and an unrestricted capital budget limit of $435,454. 

 

It was the recommendation of the administration that the Governing Board declare a public hearing concerning truth in taxation and the 2001-2002 proposed budget, and invite citizens who indicated an intent to ask questions or make comments. 

 

Ms. Cigliana reviewed the FY 2001-02 Truth in Taxation Worksheet, which included FY 2000-01 budgeted expenditures, FY 2001-02 budgeted expenditures, and calculations for the percentage change formula and increase. 

 

Audience member Tom Moser addressed the Board regarding projections and the reasons for a tax increase.  Dr. Balentine clarified that the proposed budget would mean an annual $23 property tax increase on a $100,000 home. 

 

Dr. Smith closed the public hearing.

STUDY/ACTION

4.  Adoption of 2001-2002 Budget

A motion was made by Mrs. Schuh to adopt the 2001-2002 Amphitheater Unified School District budget as presented.  The motion was seconded by Dr. Barrabee and passed unanimously, 4-0. 

 

5.  Approval of Increased Levy of Property Taxes
The State of Arizona requires governing boards to consider a motion to levy increased property taxes as estimated in the Truth in Taxation Notice by a roll-call vote.  It was the recommendation of the administra-tion that the Governing Board approve the levy of the increased property taxes as estimated in the Truth in Taxation Notice with a roll-call vote.

 

Dr. Barrabee moved to approve the levy of increased property taxes as estimated in the Truth in Taxation Notice.  Mrs. Schuh seconded the motion.  In a roll-call vote, the motion passed unanimously, 4-0:  Dr. Barrabee, aye; Mr. Prout, aye; Mrs. Schuh, aye; Dr. Smith, aye. 

 

6.  Approval of District Mission and Beliefs
During the 2000-2001 school year, the Superintendent requested suggestions from the Governing Board, employees, students, parents and community members for a revised Mission Statement and Beliefs to be adopted by the District.  The information received had been reviewed, a draft Mission Statement and Beliefs developed, and was ready for review and adoption:

 

Mission

To provide educational opportunities that encourage students to learn and succeed.

 

We believe

v      all students and staff should be dedicated to educational excellence.

v      education requires cooperation among the students, parents, school, and community.

v      the school community deserves a safe environment.

 

Dr. Balentine noted that the Board is in the process of compiling Governing Board Goals for the 2001-2002 school year.  Those goals will be finalized at an August Board meeting, and the district will work to meet those goals through its Mission and Beliefs.  Approval of the District Mission and Beliefs was recommended. 

 

A motion was made by Dr. Barrabee to approve the revised Mission Statement and Beliefs.  Mrs. Schuh seconded the motion.  Board members noted that the Mission Statement and Belief encompassed numerous matters that had been expressed by Board members, staff, and members of the community.  The motion passed unanimously, 4-0. 

 

7.  Acceptance of State of Arizona School Facilities Board Funding for Deficiency Corrections Projects
Under Students First legislation, the State of Arizona School Facilities Board (SFB) is now responsible for construction and renovation of public school facilities.  To identify deficiencies requiring correction, the SFB contracts with private building inspectors to complete initial assessments of school facilities and equipment.  The SFB then funds corrections to deficiencies identified through the assessment.  Under the legislation, existing deficiencies of all schools in Arizona are to be corrected by June 30, 2003. 

 

The SFB retained inspectors to examine Amphitheater facilities and had identified a number of deficiencies eligible for correction.  At the March 1, 2001 meeting of the SFB, a number of Amphitheater projects were approved for funding; these corrections total $5,273,106.  The district is required to accept or reject the improvements offered by SFB.  Acceptance of funding requires the District to agree to the terms and conditions set by the SFB; those terms and conditions are set forth in an agreement dated May 6, 1999, which had been prepared for acceptance.

It was the recommendation of the Administration that the Governing Board authorize submission of the acceptance of the SFB deficiency correction funding in accordance with the terms and conditions set by the SFB, as described in the documents presented. 

 

Larry Hansman, Building Systems Manager, provided an overview of the process, reporting that the District now has a management company that has been assigned to it.  Staff reviewed the $5,273,106 figure, met with the SFB staff, and came up with a supplemental list of $1,400,000, bringing the total to approximately $7 million that Amphitheater School District is to receive from the State, managed by the State, to correct deficiencies that have been identified.  At this time, RFP’s for architects were being developed.  Mr. Hansman reviewed the original and supplemental lists of projects, estimating that 75-80% of the work is heating/ventilating/air conditioning replacement and roof replacement. 

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Schuh to approve the schools deficiencies lists.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Prout and passed unanimously, 4-0.

 

9.  Approval of Governing Board Policies and District Regulations Relating to Student Discipline and Proposed Revisions
Revisions to Board policies and regulations regarding student discipline were studied by the Board on June 26, 2001.  The following policies were presented and revisions considered:  JIC, JIC-RA, JIC-RB, JK, JK-RA, JKA, JKB, JKD, JKE, JKE-E.  Dr. Balentine noted that in general the policy changes are legislatively required, in particular related to specific expulsion length and readmission procedures.  Approval was recommended, based upon this second reading. 

 

There was extensive discussion of the policies.  Board members will provide further suggestions in writing; Mr. Jaeger, Dr. Hooley and Dr. Bornfield will provide reports on various issues as requested by Board members.  

 

A motion was made by Dr. Barrabee to continue the item until the next Board meeting (August 14, 2001).  The motion was seconded by Mr. Prout and passed unanimously, 4-0. 

 

8.  Approval of Policy Revisions as Approved by Classified Employees of the Amphitheater Education Association
This item was presented at the June 26, 2001 Board meeting for study.  Board members directed that additional revisions be made; the policy as presented incorporated those revisions.  The administration recommended approval of the policy revisions as presented. 

 

A motion was made by Dr. Barrabee to approve the policy revisions as presented.  Mr. Prout seconded the motion. 

 

In discussion, Dr. Balentine noted that this is a negotiated document through the meet and confer process.  Board members will make any further suggestions to the administration, for consideration in next year’s meet and confer policy negotiations.  The motion passed 3-1, with Mrs. Schuh voting nay.

 

BOARD MEMBER REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Mr. Prout:  Discussion of budget priorities; utilities-use conservation plan.

Dr. Smith:  Consideration of a resolution regarding IDEA, limitations placed on Board action by those laws. 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

Rhonda Ball spoke regarding the timely appointment of a principal at Mesa Verde Elementary School. 

 

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Mr. Prout, seconded by Dr. Barrabee and passed unanimously, 4-0, that the meeting be adjourned.  The time was 9:24 p.m.