AMPHITHEATER
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Tucson,
Arizona
MINUTES OF
REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF GOVERNING BOARD
Place, Date and Time
of Meeting
Cross Middle School, 1000 West Chapala Drive, June 26, 2001,
5:07 p.m.
Board Members Present
Dr. Kenneth Smith,
President
Mike Prout, Member
Mary Schuh, Member
Board Members Absent
Nancy Young Wright, Vice President/Clerk
Dr. Kent Barrabee, Member
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
OPENING OF MEETING
Dr. Kenneth Smith called the meeting to order and asked
members of the audience to sign the visitors register.
Dr. Balentine led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
1. Public Workshop on 2001-2002 Budget
Ms. Constance Cigliana, Director of Finance, presented a comprehensive explanation of how the budget figures were derived for the proposed revenue control limit for fiscal year 2001-02. She emphasized that these figures were only a projection based on calculations and formulas required by the State and adjustments to the budget can be made in December and next May when more accurate information is available. She also noted that there had been some errors in coding and input in the previous year which caused some of the comparisons between last year and the coming year to be excessive. Assuming a student count of approximately 15,827 and using formulas provided by the State, the Maintenance & Operation Budget is projected to be $70,987,426, Classroom Site (301 Funds) at $4,986,278, Unrestricted Capital Outlay at $835,454 and Soft Capital Allocation at $4,213,209. The Maintenance & Operation budget includes Special Education funds projected at $11,620,732, Desegregation funds of $4,025,000, and Dropout Prevention Program funds of $129,412. The total General Budget Limit is $76,373,704. This includes $400,000 in Unrestricted Capital Outlay.
Audience member Jenni Pagano asked if the transportation
budget included anticipated increases in gasoline costs. Dr. Balentine replied that this budget, per
State statute, was based on the number of students and the miles traveled, not
any anticipated increases which might occur.
Ms. Cigliana noted that the Transportation Department does file reports
during the year and based on those reports, the budget can be amended.
Mrs. Schuh asked if a figure had been established for the
amount of money each student would provide in revenue, the amount the District
would charge in tuition. Dr. Balentine
stated that a figure had not been calculated at this time.
Ms. Cigliana noted that all the excess utilities fund had
been expended in the present fiscal year which may create some budgetary
concerns as the utilities are expected to rise in the coming year. Mr. Prout suggested that maybe some form of
energy conservation might be implemented to help reduce anticipated costs.
Mr. Prout questioned the increase in the numbers in Special
Education, to which Dr. Balentine replied that many coding errors had occurred
earlier and these were being corrected, but that only about 12 new Special
Education teachers had been hired.
The Truth in Taxation Worksheet showed that there would be
approximately a $23.00 increase in taxes based on $100,000 assessed value. The proposed primary tax rate is 5.2650 per
$1,000 valuation and a proposed secondary tax rate is $2.2079 per $1,000.
Audience member Larry Evans questioned the 301 funds and how
they would be distributed. Dr.
Balentine explained that the funds are divided into 3 portions, 20% that is
required to go to base pay, 40% that is performance pay and 40% that can be
used for different purposes.
Dr. Smith announced that the Board would recess open meeting and hold and executive session for the purpose of:
A. Discussing and Considering 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. Smith, seconded by Mrs. Schuh and
passed unanimously, 3-0, that the Board recess into executive session. The time was 7:00 p.m.
Dr. Smith reconvened the open meeting at 7:50 p.m.
Dr. Smith invited attendees to join in the reception for
newly appointed administrative staff.
Dr. Balentine introduced Rob Vinyard, Principal of Cross Middle School;
Gail Gault, Principal of La Cima Middle School; and Patricia Asch, Senior
Accountant. Adrian Hannah, Principal of
Wilson K-8 School, was out of town and unable to attend.
Dr. Smith continued the open meeting at 8:03 p.m. and
reminded members of the audience to sign the visitors register. Procedures for addressing the Board were
described.
There was no comment from the audience.
Having been thoroughly presented in the workshop session,
additional presentation of the budget was not required. Dr. Balentine stated that the administration
recommended approval so that the budget could be published as required by law
and then brought back to the Board for adoption at the July 9, 2001
meeting. (See Attachment A for details
of the budget.)
A motion was made by Mrs. Schuh, seconded by Mr. Prout and
passed unanimously, 3-0, that the proposed 2001-2002 budget be approved.
3. Announcement of Date and Place of
Next Meeting
Dr. Smith announced the next regular meeting of the
Governing Board: Monday, July 9, 2001,
7:00 p.m., at Wetmore Center, 701 West Wetmore Road: Open Portion of Meeting:
7:00 p.m.
A motion was made by Mrs. Schuh to approve consent agenda
items A -R, concluding with Vouchers, with the exception that item I be removed
from consideration. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Prout and passed unanimously, 3-0. Appointment of personnel is effective, provided all district,
state and federal requirements are met.
A. Approval of
Minutes
Minutes of the May
14, 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
Certified and
classified personnel were granted leaves of absence, as listed in Exhibit 3.
E. Separation(s) and
Termination(s)
Certified and
classified personnel separations were approved, as listed in Exhibit 4.
The sub pay rate for classified employees is tied to Range 1, Step 1, of the classified salary schedule, which has recently been increased through the negotiations process. The hourly rate for classified substitutes will now be $6.76.
The substitute rate for certificated teachers is $75.00 a day.
The district does not presently have a sub rate for administrative employees. The administration recommended a flat daily rate of $200.00 for administrative positions which require a substitute, or the daily rate of pay for the position, whichever is less.
The Governing Board approved these pay rates.
Last year, administrative employees in the District
formed the Amphitheater Leadership Association, to represent administrative
employees in negotiations with the Governing Board regarding salaries, fringe
benefits and working condition policies.
Certain classifications of these employees are excluded from
representation or participation in employee organizations to avoid conflicts of
interest and any appearance of unfair advantage. The following would be excluded from representation:
1. Superintendent; 2. Associate Superintendent for School Operations; 3.
Associate to the Superintendent; 4. Chief Financial Officer; 5. Executive
Director of Human Resources; 6. Executive Director of Student Services; 7.
Executive Director of Curriculum/Instruction; 8. Executive Director of
Information and Technology; 9. Senior Accountant; 10. Equal Opportunity
Specialist.
The Governing Board approved these classifications as exempt from representation by Amphitheater Leadership Association.
I. Consideration of and Decision Upon Proposals Submitted for
Extended Learning and Child Care Programs; Authorization of District Administration
to Negotiate a Contract with Approved Vendor
This item was removed from the agenda.
J. Request for Waiver of Graduation Requirement
Student 5536, a 12th
grader from Amphitheater High School, requested a waiver of .5 physical
education credit due to reasons specified in a letter. The Governing Board approved the request.
K. Approval of Student Insurance – 2001-2002
The District affords
families the opportunity to participate in group accident insurance. This is at no cost to the District, nor does
the insurance provide funds to the District.
Families who wish may purchase the insurance according to group
rates. The programs offered for the
2001-2002 school year are the same as last year: Myers-Stevens, Mission Viejo, California, and Summit/America,
Glendale, Arizona. The Governing Board
approved the insurance plans for voluntary use of students in the District.
L. Approval of High School Parking Fees
School Operations
recommended a parking fee at the three high schools of $10.00 per year, with a
replacement fee of $5.00. This will
help offset the costs of maintaining, supervising, and managing parking lots
and permits. The Governing Board
approved the parking fees at the District’s high schools for the 2001-2002
school year.
M. Review and Approval of the Heritage – Environmental Education Grant
Amphitheater High
School, in concert with the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum, proposed developing
and implementing a progressive sequence of grade-appropriate curricula,
lessons, and hands-on activities.
Amphitheater High School’s Academy School-to-Work model is structured to
engage students in classroom curriculum, relevant connecting activities, and
significant work-based learning.
The Governing Board
approved this Grant.
N. Approval of
Project ACHIEVE – 21st Century Learning Center Grant
Amphitheater Public
Schools applied to the 21st Century Learning Center’s federal grants
competition to support programs for increased academic achievement. All programs included in the proposal that
involve face-to-face will be provided after school hours, during intercession
and summers and/or on weekends. There
are materials available in the form of computer-based support for math, reading
and English language acquisition that could be incorporated into current
programs. The proposal also includes
support for parent and community involvement and the opportunity for parents to
learn basic literacy skills, including English language. The Governing Board approved this Federal
Grant Award of $850,104.00.
O. Revision of Governing Board Meeting Schedule for 2001-2002 Fiscal Year: Change of the
The Governing Board
approved the change of the July 2, 2001 Board Meeting to July 9, 2001, to allow
for publication and distribution of the budget.
P. Approval of Out-of-State Travel
Out-of-state travel was approved (source of funding indicated): Four Title I teachers (to be determined) to attend the Montrose Summer Literacy Institute in Colorado in August (Title I funds); Gail, Bornfield, Special Services, to attend the 21st Century Grants Management Workshop in Washington, D.C. in July (21st Century Grant funds).
Q. Acceptance of Gifts
Donations were
accepted by the Governing Board, as listed in Exhibit 5.
R. Approval of Vouchers
The following vouchers were
approved as presented and payment authorized:
Vo. 1047 $196,674.59
Vo. 1048
103,601.54
Vo. 1049
416,984.75
Vo. 1050
45,592.48
Vo.
1051
350,643.42
4. Approval of Organizational Chart
Dr. Balentine presented the new organizational chart for 2001-2002. She explained the changes which have created an Executive Director for Information and Technology, an Executive Manager for Operational Support, an Executive Director of Student Services, an Executive Director of Curriculum/Instruction, an Interscholastic Activities Director, an Executive Director for Human Resources and a Chief Financial Officer. By reorganizing and changing some of the supervisory duties as well as adding three necessary positions, there will be a savings of $27,444. The reorganization from last year accomplished a savings of $308,588, which gives a two-year total savings of $336,032. The entire chart is shown in Exhibit 6.
A motion was made by Mrs. Schuh, seconded by Mr. Prout and passed unanimously, 3-0, that the organizational chart for the Amphitheater School District be approved as presented.
STUDY
Mr. John Lewandowski commended the District for negotiating with the Amphi Education Association in forming the proposed policy revisions, and in Policy GDI questioned the review by the Associate to the Superintendent for dismissal during probation. Mr. Jaeger explained that the provision is to assure that there is legal review before a termination is presented to the Board for action. Dr. Smith asked that the point be clarified in the policy before final presentation.
Mr. Jaeger noted that there were several changes proposed. The Board agreed that they needed more time to review the changes and that they be allowed to pursue the review on their own.
Dr. Hooley stated that high school graduation requirements are not set by statute. The state charges that local governing boards set the requirements based on state regulations (R-7-2-302). A chart comparing the state’s minimum graduation requirements with the District’s and with the admission requirements of the State Universities was presented. Also included were proposed recommendations of a high school
committee, the additional requirement of another math credit and 1.5 elective credits. The cost for the additional requirements would be approximately $300,000, assuming the need for 10 additional teachers to facilitate these requirements.
Dr. Smith questioned requiring students to take courses in which they are not interested and noted that many of the students are not going to attend the university. He noted that providing the courses necessary for university entrance was essential, but not everyone should be forced to adhere to those requirements. Mr. Prout felt that increased requirements in science and math would be as important for those students who are not college bound as those who do plan to attend college. It provides for a more rounded education and the focus should be on education of the students regardless of their chosen path. Dr. Hooley commented that not all the courses recommended were college prep courses, but classes that might benefit those who did not plan to attend college and this would afford students the opportunity to take course in areas of study that were of interest to them. Mrs. Schuh felt that the whole education process should be reviewed before more courses are offered, making sure that students are able to read first.
Mr. Mike Gemma, Principal of Canyon del Oro High School, noted that elective selection of courses was up during the past year for those students who are successful in completing all of the requirements. However, students who have not successfully passed all their courses need to be considered when increasing graduation requirements. He agreed that there is no simple solution and many dynamics prevail in deciding the direction to take. Looking at the needs of the individual student should be the first concern before sweeping changes are made.
Mr. Jaeger noted that many of the changes proposed in each of the policies and regulations involved two principal issues: the requirement imposed by law that the district take serious action against any student who threatens the safety and security of the educational institution; and the requirement that readmittance procedures for students be in place for expulsion and suspension. For readmission after expulsion, the requirement is that a student may not apply for readmittance until nine months have expired and may not be readmitted until two semesters following expulsion. Another change is for students with disabilities, because the law is clear that expulsion is not an option since all educational services must be continued even during suspension. Long-term suspension and expulsion hearings have been amended to reflect that only the Governing Board can expel a student or readmit a student after expulsion.
Dr. Smith clarified that the changes being made were to bring the district into compliance with the federal and state laws.
Mrs. Schuh requested information on salaries paid by grants
and what happens to the personnel after grant money runs out, how much in
matching funds the district is paying for grants and personnel, and how much
time is being spent by teachers in the classroom for curriculum.
Mr. Prout requested a study on utilities reduction, an item
on parking fees and the open campus perspective as it relates to students
driving to school, and graduation requirements and the standards by which
assessment is made for these requirements.
Dr. Smith requested an update on the Desert Sky property to
be included in a Friday report.
Audience member Joann Benoit questioned the time line for
awarding a contract under consideration for the child care proposals and
emphasized the need for before-school child care.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Mrs. Schuh, seconded by Mr. Prout and
passed unanimously, that the meeting be adjourned. The time was 9:05 p.m.