MINUTES OF REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF GOVERNING BOARD
Place, Date and Time of Meeting
701 West Wetmore Road, May 8, 2001, 5:45 p.m.
Board Members Present
Dr. Kenneth Smith, President
Nancy Young Wright, Vice President/Clerk
Kent Barrabee, Member
Mike Prout, Member
Mary Schuh, 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
Call to Order and Signing of Visitors Register
Dr. Kenneth Smith called the meeting to order.
Change of Agenda
Agenda item No. 11, Review of Governing Board Policy IJOA and its Accompanying Regulation
Regarding Student Field Trips, was postponed to a subsequent meeting. There were no
objections.
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:
| Discussion and Consultation with Representatives of the Governing Board Regarding Negotiations with Employee Organizations Regarding Salaries, Salary Schedules, or Compensation, Pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(5) Regarding Certificated and Classified Employee Negotiations for 2001-2002 Contract Year. |
A motion was made by Mrs. Schuh, seconded by Dr. Barrabee and passed unanimously, that the Board recess into executive session pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(5); and pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(3), for the purpose of consultation with legal counsel. The time was 5:46 p.m.
Reconvening of Meeting and Signing of Visitors Register
Following the executive session, Dr. Smith reconvened the meeting at 6:34 p.m. and asked members of the audience to sign the visitors register. Procedures for addressing the Board were described.
2. Recognition of Odyssey of the Mind/Future Problem Solving
The Governing Board recognized Future Problem Solving and Odyssey of the Mind teams and
coaches from the following schools who will be representing Amphitheater in national
competitions: Walker Elementary School, Cross Middle School, Canyon del Oro High School,
Amphitheater High School, Donaldson Elementary School, and Wilson Elementary School.
Pledge of Allegiance
Principal Arthur DeFilippo introduced Keeling Elementary School students: Marisa Zuniga, Isamar Valdivia, Danielle Bravo, Griffin St Clair, Emelio Veramontes, Sierra Stilchen, Dominic Lopez, Ashley Hunt, Cyrus Felix, and Diana Williams. They led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and were presented with certificates of commendation.
Reception for Newly Appointed Administrator
A reception was held to welcome Doug Weber, Purchasing Manager.
3. La Cima Middle School Recognition
The Board recognized La Cima Middle School Principal Phil Woodall and the La Cima staff,
commending them for their handling of an unfortunate and difficult incident at the school in
April of 2000. Michael Cooper addressed the Board, in appreciation of Phil Woodall and his
staff at La Cima Middle School.
There were no public comments.
4. Approval of Negotiated Salary and Fringe Benefits Package for Certificated Employee
Group and Other Professional, Non-Teaching Group
Board book information: For the past several months, the District and the Amphitheater
Education Association (AEA) had been working, through the meet and confer process, to come to
agreement on a salary and fringe benefits compensation package for the District's Certificated
Employee Group (composed of teachers, nurses, and speech pathologists). The Other Professional
Non-Teaching Group, composed of social workers, occupational and physical therapists,
psychologists, audiologists and prevention coordinators, was also represented by AEA during
this process. The District and Amphi E.A. had reached a tentative settlement for the
2001-2002 fiscal year, which required final approval by the Governing Board.
The certificated employee package includes adoption of a new salary schedule, with base pay starting at $26,500 and 2% advancement levels. Salary differentials for advanced educational units and degrees are also provided. Placement of existing employees on the new salary schedule will address the salary disparity commonly referred to as the "syndrome," and will allow for salary advancement of teachers previously "frozen" at a step on the current schedule. Minimum raises are also built into the package. The package for the Other Professional Non-Teaching Group also provides for a new salary schedule, based upon current starting pay levels, with 2% advancement levels. Also included are minimum raises and increased amounts for degree differentials, together with "step correction" to address personnel in this group affected by the "syndrome." Both groups will receive substantial fringe benefit packages as well.
The administration recommended approval of the 2001-2002 Certificated/Other Professional Non-Teaching Group salary and fringe benefit compensation packages tentatively approved through the meet and confer process.
John Lewandowski, Amphi E.A. President, recognized the efforts of all of the negotiators involved in the negotiations process. He announced that negotiation packages were ratified by the Teacher and Non-Teaching Certified Groups, and requested approval by the Governing Board. The following persons addressed the Board: Karyn Vick, reviewing the highlights of the package, including item No. 10 (override election); Joann Benoit, salary package/301 monies.
Mrs. Schuh moved the adoption of the negotiated salary and fringe benefit package for the Certificated Employee Group and Other Professional Non-Teaching Group, with the caveat that No. 10 be deleted. Ms. Young Wright seconded the motion. Dr. Smith noted that item No. 10 would commit the Board to call for an override, which is not legal for the Board to do through the negotiations process. He stated that this did not mean the Board was unwilling to call for an override. Mrs. Schuh added that the Board, being governed by the Open Meeting Law, would need to conduct an override discussion in public; it could not be part of the meet and confer process. Karyn Vick spoke of this matter having been included in the negotiations process; Dr. Smith responded, noting need for change in the negotiations process.
The motion passed unanimously.
5. 2001-2002 Budget Study
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Review of Budget Reductions for 2000-2001 Budget Reductions M&O Budget Food Service – Lunch Cost Increases |
Constance Cigliana, Director of Budget and Finance, reviewed cost reductions in the past fiscal year, including the areas of administrative support, legal fees, travel and overtime; and presented projected savings.
Ms. Cigliana presented calculations for the estimated revenue control limit. Discussion followed regarding unknowns and their possible affects: increase in gasoline prices; Proposition 301 monies; decreased tuition from Oracle students.
Karen Martin, Food Service Director, reviewed food service costs, stating that prices for student meals have not been increased over the past four years. Factors affecting Food Service's ability to remain solvent include increasing labor and food costs, as well as the opening of new schools, coupled with customer/government expectations for meal content. In conjunction with this is the lack of student population growth that was anticipated to help offset these additional departmental costs. Ms. Martin stated that in order for the Food Service Department to remain financially solvent, she anticipated making a recommendation in June 2001 for an increase in meal prices. Included in the Board packet was Background of Amphitheater School Meal Pricing/Projection of Meal Price Increase.
There was discussion of various areas that impact Food Service operations: policy regarding closed/ open campuses; culture within schools/competitive operations that compete with meals provided by Food Service. Ms. Young Wright spoke of the importance of the culinary arts program, of keeping this a vital program. Dr. Balentine noted that these areas are continually being discussed, especially at the high school level. The goal of the Food Services Department is to be completely self-supporting. Price comparisons with other school districts will be provided for Board members.
6. Review of Procedures and Legal Requirements for School District Budget Override
Elections
Arizona law allows school district governing boards to call for an override election where the
proposed budget of the school district exceeds the aggregate budget limit for a given budget
year (A.R.S. §15-481). Mr. Jaeger presented an overview of the legal requirements and
procedures for an override election. He reported that overrides may be sought for both
capital and maintenance operations budgets.
Mr. Jaeger described the logistics of an override election and presented a current checklist for the November 6 override, indicating the steps the county school superintendent and a school district jointly must go through to get an issue to the voters. He elaborated on the permitted use of district resources, and clarified the role of staff and Board members with respect to an override election. Mr. Jaeger spoke of the need for the preparation of two budgets – one for if the override is successful and the other in the event the override is not successful. He reviewed the costs of an override election (special election, generally $90- to $100,000), and efforts necessary by staff/community. There was discussion of these matters and of the grass-roots work necessary to prepare for a successful override election. Ms. Young Wright spoke of the commitment needed to go for an override election, and whether the District at this time is ready for the commitment.
Discussion included whether there is sufficient staff/sufficient time to work toward a successful override election; whether community members are willing to work for this; and whether there is sufficient voter interest. It was felt that more discussion is needed. The administration will prepare a report indicating which county districts have been successful in override elections.
7. Public Hearing on 2000-2001 Budget Revision #2
Board book information: Since the adoption of the 2000-2001 budget, fiscal year 1999-2000 has
been audited, and amounts available for carryover into the new fiscal year are now known. Per
A.R.S. § 15-905E, it is necessary for the Governing Board to adopt a revised budget for the
current year that incorporates these adjustments into the District's budget capacity. This
revision does not change planned expenditures for District programs and services as provided
in the original adopted budget approved by the Governing Board. The District's general budget
limit has increased over the December amended general budget limit by $74,665.00 to
$67,458,693.00. A copy of the revised budget, indicating changes from the original budget, had
been distributed.
It was the recommendation of the administration that the Governing Board declare at this time a public hearing concerning the 2000-2001 revised budget and invite citizens who indicated an intent to ask questions or make comments.
Dr. Smith declared a public hearing on the 2000-2001 Budget Revision #2.
Dr. Balentine noted that there had been a budget revision in December 2000. This was now the legal statutory time to review any additional revisions. Ms. Cigliana reviewed the budget amendment process and reports from the Arizona Department of Education, which incorporated suggested changes the District is to make, including an adjustment to the revenue control limits. Joanne Benoit put forth her perception of remedies.
Dr. Smith closed the public hearing.
8. Adoption of 2000-2001 Budget Revision #2
It was the recommendation of the administration that the Governing Board approve and adopt the
May revision of the 2000-2001 budget.
A motion was made by Mrs. Schuh to adopt 2000-2001 Budget Revision #2. The motion was seconded by Ms. Young Wright and passed unanimously.
9. Announcement of Date and Place of Next Meeting
Dr. Kenneth Smith announced the next regular meeting of the Governing Board: June 12, 2001,
7:00 p.m., at Wetmore Center, 701 West Wetmore. A special meeting of the Board will be held
Thursday, May 10, 2001, at Wetmore Center.
Recess
A ten-minute recess was taken.
10. Monthly Ironwood Ridge High School Update
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A. Construction Update Doug Aho, Construction Manager, presented an update on construction of Ironwood Ridge High School. He reported that of the original contract price of $29,857,000.00, total paid out to date was $28,654,790.70; amount certified for this payout, $1,117,184.50; balance to finish, plus retainage, $1,202,209.30. The project was on schedule, within budget, with 96% complete. Mr. Aho reviewed the gym floor process, time factors/costs, stage curtains, rigging and drapery work, and bleachers. He invited Board members to tour the high school in June. In discussion, Mr. Aho stated that most plants on the site are native to the area; all salvage plants are being included. The keys will be in hand the first of June; it is anticipated the keys will be turned over to the District completely in early July. Dr. Smith provided an update on working with the county on road improvements for the area. There was discussion of being environmentally conscious, creating an awareness of animal life in the area, maintaining litter control and not leaving food around (specifically, in the area of the foot bridge, keeping litter out of the wash as people leave the stadium and proceed to their cars). Dr. Hooley will ask that this be included in the orientation for teachers, staff and students.
B. Program Update Canyon del Oro High School Principal Mike Gemma commended the CDO staff for doing an outstanding job of handling the significant growth at CDO over the past seven years – going from a campus of less than 2,000 students to over 3,000. This being the time for downsizing CDO, the staff and site council have been spending this year looking at how they are doing things, coming up with answers to problems that CDO has faced over the last few years. Mr. Gemma described the new schedule for next year, and spoke of renewed emphasis on success for all freshmen and of greater collaboration with feeder schools. The fall semester will focus on curriculum issues across all disciplines. Physical plant issues will be addressed this summer. He stated that CDO looks forward to presenting more updates to the Governing Board as they make additional progress toward these goals for its students. There was discussion of remediation efforts being made at all levels in the District.
A motion was made by Dr. Barrabee, seconded by Mr. Prout and passed unanimously, to approve consent agenda items A -Q, concluding with Vouchers. Appointment of personnel is effective, provided all district, state and federal requirements are met. Ms. Young Wright, on behalf of the Governing Board, welcomed Rob Vinyard, newly-appointed Principal of Cross Middle School.
11. Review of Governing Board Policy IJOA and its Accompanying Regulation Regarding
Student Field Trips
Ms. Young Wright: Referring to the Canyon del Oro High School update, requested an update from Amphitheater High School.
John Lewandowski spoke regarding negotiated item No. 10 and the negotiations process, pledging to move forward. Mr. Jaeger clarified that a Board member may respond to a public comment that relates to an agendized item, provided that item had not yet been discussed at the meeting.
A motion was made by Dr. Barrabee, seconded by Mrs. Schuh and passed unanimously, that the meeting be adjourned. The time was 10:17 p.m.
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