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, May 14, 2002, 5:30
p.m.
Board Members Present
Dr. Kenneth Smith,
President
Mary Schuh, Vice President/Clerk
Dr. Kent Barrabee, Member
Mike Prout, Member (entered at 5:42 p.m.)
Nancy Young Wright, 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.
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 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, classified and administrative negotiations for the 2002-2003 contract year.
A motion was made by Mrs. Schuh, seconded by Ms. Young Wright and passed unanimously, that the Board recess into executive session. The time was 5:31 p.m.
CONTINUATION OF OPEN MEETING
Reconvening of Meeting and Signing of
Visitors Register
Following the executive session, Dr. Smith reconvened the
meeting at 7:10 p.m., and asked members of the audience to sign the visitors
register. Procedures for addressing the
Board were described.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Margaret Harris presented a letter related to negotiations
signed by thirteen members of the classified exempt group of employees.
2. Announcement of Date and Place of Next
Regular Governing Board Meeting
Dr. Smith announced the next regular meeting of the
Governing Board: June 11, 2002,
approximately 7:00 p.m., at Coronado K-8 School, 3401 East Wilds Road.
3. Recognition of Odyssey of the Mind/Future
Problem Solving/MESA Participants
The Board recognized
participants and coaches: Odyssey of
the Mind teams that will represent Arizona at World Finals; Future Problem
Solving teams that will represent Arizona at the FPS International Conference
at the University of Connecticut; and Math, Engineering & Science
Achievement (MESA) students who placed in state competition.
4. Periodic Legislative Review
Dr. Smith provided a
legislative review, noting cuts in building renewal funds and excess
utilities. Mr. Prout expressed
appreciation for Dr. Smith’s diligence in working to influence legislation at
the state level in support of school districts. Dr. Balentine recognized the efforts of Deanna Day, Career Ladder
Manager, for influencing legislators to support programs.
5. Review of 2002-2003 Budget Development and
Monthly Budget Status Report
Ms. Cigliana presented the monthly budget status report, through April 30, 2002; and provided an update on Proposition 301 funds received through May 1, 2002. There was discussion of the costs of lobbying efforts, and Arizona School Boards Association membership dues (based on enrollment) and the benefits received. Mr. Prout suggested that the Board review all memberships to determine if they are worthwhile.
PUBLIC HEARING
6. Public Hearing on 2001-2002 Budget Revision
#2
The President declared a public hearing concerning the 2001-2002 revised budget and invited citizen participation. Bill Thomas, David Bromley and Shawn Volk addressed the Board. To make the budget more available, a link will be added to the District’s web site, amphi.com. Mr. Prout requested that the previous year’s budget also be posted, and that these budgets be accumulated on a yearly basis.
Dr. Smith closed the public hearing.
ACTION
7. Adoption of 2001-2002 Budget Revision #2
Mrs. Schuh moved the adoption of 2001-2002 budget revision #2. The motion was seconded by Ms. Young Wright and passed unanimously, 5-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Mrs. Schuh, seconded by Dr. Barrabee
and passed unanimously, to approve the consent agenda. Mr. Prout requested that items G and R be
pulled for discussion.
Mr. Lewandowski, Amphitheater Education Association
President, questioned, if the Early Retirement Phase-Out Program is supposed to
be part of the negotiated agreement and part of benefits, why it was a
component of the agenda, not part of salary and fringe benefits. Mr. Jaeger responded that the item applies
to 23 specific individuals; being employee-related, it was on the consent
agenda.
Ms. Young Wright requested that items N and P be removed
from the consent agenda for discussion.
The maker and seconder of the motion accepted the removal of items G, N,
P and R for discussion. Mrs. Schuh
called for the question, to approve the consent agenda items, with the
exception of G, N, P and R. The motion
passed unanimously, 5-0. Appointment of
personnel is effective, provided all district, state and federal requirements
are met.
Item G, Approval of Participation of Eligible Employees in Early Retirement Phase-Out Program Beginning in the 2002-2003 Fiscal Year:
Mr. Prout stated that
in light of the current budget situation, the funds proposed for the Early
Retirement Phase-Out Program should be spent elsewhere, such as for
remuneration for staff. In discussion
that followed, Dr. Smith noted that this was a negotiated item. Mr. Lewandowski stated it was his
understanding that this is part of the negotiated package, the plan had already
been agreed upon for this year and for future years unless through negotiations
it was agreed to change the program.
Ms. Young Wright
moved to approve the Early Retirement Phase-Out Program as presented, for the
23 persons listed. Dr. Smith seconded
the motion.
The motion passed
3-2, with Mrs. Schuh and Mr. Prout voting no.
Item N, Request for Proposal for a Vendor-Managed Disposal Program for Surplus Computer Equipment:
Ms. Young Wright
emphasized the importance of proper disposal of computers, of not exacerbating
the problem of pollution of landfills.
Ms. Young moved
approval of Item N. The motion was
seconded by Dr. Barrabee and passed unanimously, 5-0.
Item P, Approval of Out-of-State Travel:
Ms.
Young Wright noted that travel to the Catalina Island Marine Institute for
Cross Middle School students would be funded by tax credit moneys and student
contributions. There was discussion of
tax credit moneys possibly not being available in the future. This information will be passed on to those
who could be affected.
Ms.
Young Wright stated that, with the understanding that those affected would be
provided with the tax credit
information, she would move approval of out-of-state travel. The motion was seconded by Dr. Barrabee and
passed unanimously, 5-0.
Item R, Approval of
Vouchers:
Mr. Prout questioned the membership fee for Arizona School Boards Association and expenditures for middle school referees. Administration noted that referee use is seasonal, with many teams participating and no gate fees to defray costs; Dr. Hooley will provide further information.
Mr. Prout moved to
approve the vouchers. The motion was
seconded by Ms. Young Wright and passed unanimously, 5-0.
A. Approval of
Minutes of Previous Meeting
Minutes of the April
23 and April 29, 2002 Governing Board meetings 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.
On August 14, 2001,
the Governing Board approved the request of Stephanie Duisberg, Career Ladder
Evaluator/Facilitator, for early retirement with special benefits, to be
effective at the end of the 2001-2002 school year. The Board approved the request of Ms. Duisberg to rescind her
early retirement prior to the effective date at the end of the 2001-2002 school
year.
G.
Approval of Participation of Eligible Employees in Early Retirement
Phase-Out Program Beginning in the 2002-2003 Fiscal Year
Board book information:
Last year, the Governing Board
studied a plan to phase out the District’s early retirement program due to its
substantial cost to the District and the consequential limitations which it
placed upon other District compensation programs. This plan was met with a great deal of opposition and the
Governing Board directed that a special meet and confer (“negotiations”)
process be established to immediately address the situation and jointly develop
a solution.
Members
of the District administration and the Amphitheater Education Association met
over the course of several weeks to develop the Early Retirement Phase-Out
Program that is attached. The Governing
Board has approved this program.
Although the Phase-Out program contains the key components of cash
benefits, health benefits and service requirements, each of these aspects of
participation was revised in various ways.
One
of the key changes was that the new program has three options. Option A allows personnel to begin receiving
cash benefits five years prior to their anticipated retirement date. Option B pays benefits following retirement,
much like the previous early retirement plan.
Option C pays a stipend based upon years of service.
Also
revised was the limitation of the number of participants allowed into the
program each given year: no more than
1.5% of the total number of full-time employees. This winter, the first application window under the new Phase-Out
program concluded with the District receiving 117 applications from individuals
seeking to begin participation next year.
This number represents just over five times the maximum number of
participants permitted by the new program next year (22.275). Consequently, applications were reviewed in
accordance with the program’s priority rating system, based upon an applicant's
age and years of service in the District.
In
applying the priority rules specified under the negotiated plan, every person
prioritized through space 21 could be accepted without the need to draw names
from a lottery where ties occur, as also specified by the plan. At space 22, however, there were two
individuals tied for that position.
Rather than drawing lots between two people, the administration is
proposing both individuals be considered.
A
confidential list is attached which sets forth the applicants by name, position,
current salary, age/ years of service, and projected cost for the next fiscal
year, if approved. (The Phase-Out
Program, like the Early Retirement Program before it, always remains an
optional benefit to be awarded or canceled at the Board’s discretion based upon
budgetary and programmatic considerations.)
This list will remain confidential until action is taken by the Board;
until then, it is a draft personnel document.
It also contains confidential information relating to individual
employees.
Attached for public review at this time, however, is a
“blind” listing of the 23 individuals under consideration, showing only
position, Amphitheater years of service, option requested, and cost next
year. The administration recommends
that the Governing Board approve participation of the 1.5% of eligible
employees in the Early Retirement Phase-Out Program for fiscal year 2002-2003.
The Board approved
participation of 1.5% of eligible employees in the Early Retirement Phase-Out
Program for fiscal year 2002-2003, as listed in Exhibit 5. See discussion/vote under Consent
Agenda.
H.
Approval of Request for Waiver of Graduation Requirement
The Board approved a
request for waiver of a graduation requirement, 1.0 physical education credit,
for student No. 28201182, Canyon del
Oro High School.
I. Approval of Textbook for Adoption
The Board approved the following textbook, which had been on display to the public for 60 days, in accordance with Section §15-721 of Arizona Revised Statutes:
Textbook: En
Espanol 3
Publisher: McDougal Littell
Author: Gahala, Carlin, Heining-Boynton, Otheguy, Rupert
Price: $47.97
(Ironwood Ridge High School will purchase 150 textbooks for the 2002-2003 school year, totaling $7,195. Canyon del Oro High School will purchase 125 textbooks for the 2003-2004 school year, totaling $5,996.)
Board Book
Information: In an effort to keep the Governing Board abreast of supplemental tests
used in District classrooms, School Operations will prepare periodic reviews
for the Governing Board’s information.
Attached is a list of supplemental texts at this point.
K. Approval of
Tax-Deferred Compensation Programs
The Board approved
the recommendation of the administration and the Insurance Committee that the
following marketing companies/agents be approved to market payroll-deducted
tax-deferred compensation programs to District employees:
Roland Brown
James W. Hall, CFP,
True Financial Advisory Firm
Peggy A. Klein, IR,
Edward Jones
L. Sole Source Purchase
for Software Interface to Support/Upgrade District Datacard Installations
Board book
information: The
District currently has four Datacard Photo Identification Systems, located at
Ironwood Ridge High School, Amphitheater High School, Amphitheater Middle
School and Canyon Del Oro High School.
A software interface is now available from Authentic Data Solutions, the
Arizona distributor for Datacard products at a cost of $1,495.00 per location.
The interface, called Event Handler, will download to the SAXIxp Student
Management Software. This upgrade will
eliminate errors such as typos and name misspellings, and also eliminates the
necessity of updating and maintaining two separate databases. The interface will also allow posting of a
current photo in the proper SAXIxp-size format back to the SASIxp Student
Software. It is the recommendation of
the Administration that the Governing Board approve the sole source procurement
request for the Event Handler Software Interface for District Datacard
installations.
The
board approved the sole source procurement request as presented.
M. Request for Proposals for a Parts
Distribution Program for the Transportation Department, to Include Both the
Gasoline and Diesel Fleet
Board book information:
Request for Proposal: The
Transportation Department intends to award to one vendor a contract to provide
all the replacement parts required for the diesel fleet, with the exception of
tires, batteries and window glass.
Major component rebuilds such as transmissions and engines would not be
a part of this award. A second award
will cover the gasoline fleet. Vendors
are currently very interested in securing long-term, multi-year awards with
high-volume potential. The benefits to the District are deeply discounted prices,
improved customer service, software to track individual vehicle expenses, fewer
purchase orders written, invoices paid and warrants issued. The reduced man hours spent obtaining
multiple-price quotes hourly will allow a better allocation of personnel resources
within the Transportation Department.
The Canyon del Oro Auto Shop would be able to purchase from either of
these two awards. The awards will be
for one year, ending June 20, 2003.
There will be an option to renew for four additional one-year periods.
It is the recommendation of the administration that the
Governing Board approve the issuance of a Request for Proposals for a Parts
Distribution Program for the Transportation Department gasoline and diesel
fleet.
The Board approved the issuance of an RFP as outlined.
N. Request for Proposal for a Vendor Managed
Disposal Program for Surplus Computer Equipment.
Board book information:
Request for Proposal: The recent surplus sale had over 60 pallets
of computer monitors, CPUs, keyboards & printers, the majority of which had
been stored outside, as storage space is limited in the warehouse. We received an average of $2.50 per
pallet. Purchasers then picked over
each pallet, leaving the less valuable material. It was necessary to go back to the Board and request approval to
dispose of the abandoned items. Outside
storage had decreased the value of the surplus computer equipment, making
disposal difficult.
With Governing Board approval, Purchasing will write a
Proposal for the disposal of computer hardware. Six vendors have been identified who recycle and/or salvage
computer equipment. A requirement of
the successful vendor would be for a warehouse pickup monthly of surplus
computer hardware. The award would be
on a per piece price. We would identify
four items, the CPU, printer, monitor and keyboard, and ask for a price
each. This award will be for one year,
ending June 30, 2003. There will be
option to renew for two additional one-year periods.
It
is the recommendation of the Administration that the Governing Board approve
the issuance of a Request for Proposal for a Vendor Managed Disposal Program of
District Surplus Computer Equipment.
The Board approved the issuance of the Request for Proposal
for a vendor managed disposal program for surplus computer equipment. See discussion under Consent Agenda.
O. Request for Proposal to
Obtain the Services of a Public Accounting Firm to Perform Financial Audit
Services
Board book
information: Request for
Proposal: To obtain the services of a
public accounting firm whose principal officers are independent certified
public accountants or independent licensed public accountants, certified or
licensed by the State of Arizona, to perform those financial audit services. The contractor shall perform an independent
GAAS/GAAP audit of the District for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002. This award may be expanded to include the
years ending June 30, 2003, 2004. The
report must include the independent auditor’s report, a complete presentation of
the financial statements, disclosures (footnotes), and the issuance of an
applicable management letter and Single Audit Report package. Reports must be issued in accordance with
the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide, Audits of State and Local Governmental
Units (ASLGU), 1995 edition. In
addition, the contractor must perform a review for determining the District’s
compliance with the USFR. The audit
shall commence upon notification of award and must be completed by December
31. It is the recommendation of the
administration that the Governing Board approve the issuance of a Request for
Proposal to obtain the services of a public accounting firm to perform
financial audit services.
The Board approved the issuance of the Request for Proposal to obtain the services of a public accounting firm to perform financial audit services
P. Approval of
Out-of-State Travel
Out-of-state travel
was approved for staff (source of funding indicated): Jim Truitt and Tommy Steele, Canyon del Oro High School, to
attend the National Strength and Conditioning Association Workshop in Nevada in
July (registration fee, CDO; additional expenses assumed by Messrs. Truitt and
Steele); Michelle Barcanic, Canyon del Oro High School, to attend Keeping the
Options Open – A College Counseling Workshop for High School Counselors in
Colorado in June (registration fee, which includes room, meals and fees, CDO;
additional expenses, Ms. Barcanic.)
Out-of-state travel
was approved for students (source of funding indicated): Dennis Williams, Cross Middle School, to
take eighty-five 7th and 8th grade CMS science students
to the Catalina Island Marine Institute in April 2003 (tax credit money and
student contributions). On March 26,
2002, the Governing Board approved travel to Academic Challenges Competitions
for qualifying teams. Deanna Day,
Wetmore Center, will attend as a District representative and to gather
information for curriculum development in critical thinking skills (Title VI
funds).
See discussion and
motion under Consent Agenda.
Q. Acceptance of
Gifts
Donations were
accepted by the Governing Board, as listed in Exhibit 6.
R. Approval of
Vouchers (See discussion at the beginning of Consent Agenda.)
The following vouchers were approved as presented and
payment authorized. See discussion
under Consent Agenda.
Vo. 235 59,189.63
Vo.
236 85,173.16
Vo.
237 171,321.79
Vo.
238 18,892.59
Vo.
239 94,410.71
Vo.
241 226,932.08
Vo.
244 423,427.85
Vo.
245 196,164.85
Vo.
246 $157,690.61
8. Approval of Employment Contract Forms for 2002-2003 for Administrative, Certificated, and
Other Professional Non-Teaching Employee Groups, Including Career Ladder, Part-time and Short-term Personnel
Board book information: Changes in Arizona school law last year required
changes to the District’s contracts for its employees receiving them. The changes of last year involved the
implementation of Proposition 301, the Arizona initiative that brought sales
tax revenues into public schools.
Recognizing that the funds projected by the State of Arizona to be due
to schools under the sales tax were only a projection, Amphitheater and other
districts modified the language in their employment contracts to make 301-based
terms of compensation subject to modification, should sales tax revenue be less
than anticipated.
As the events of the last year have
unfolded, the District experienced a substantial deficit in 301 revenues. As yet, however, it has not been necessary
to modify salary of personnel, as the Governing Board planned for this
possibility by not allocating or spending all of the classroom site funds
received from Proposition 301. The
reality of the budgetary shortfall, however, has made it clearer than ever that
language added to the contracts to address the problem should remain. Consequently, the contracts presented this
evening for approval continue to include the contingency clauses.
New Arizona law will require that every Governing
Board member sign an affidavit that instruction within his/her school district is
in accordance with Arizona State standards.
Failure to comply, either by signing or carrying out the instructional
obligation, may result in removal of the Board member from office. Of course, the District’s curriculum
framework meets the requirements of the State standards, but assurance to the
Board by individual teachers and administrators that instruction at the site
level is in accordance with State standards would better enable Board members
to make the affirmation required by law.
Consequently, we are recommending the inclusion of a new sentence in
each applicable contract by which the professional employee certifies that
his/her instruction (or that which he/she supervises) meets the
requirement. Forms of contract for each
affected group are attached for the Board’s review. The administration recommends approval of the attached forms of
contract for 2002-2003.
Mr. Prout moved to
accept the seven contract forms as presented.
Dr. Barrabee seconded the motion.
Mr. Lewandowski stated
he did not object to the 301 clause being in the contracts, but would request
that the words “in addition to base salary” be struck from the sentence, “This
reduction would apply to compensation earned pursuant to the District’s
performance pay plan, in addition to base salary.” Dr. Balentine responded that this language was to protect from
the eventuality that the 2% inflation increase that is built into Proposition
301 does not occur.
The motion passed
unanimously, 5-0.
9. Approval of Negotiated Salary and Fringe Benefits Package for Certificated and Other Professional, Non-Teaching Group for 2002-2003 Fiscal Year
Board book
information: Attached is
correspondence that the Superintendent recently sent to District staff. The letter describes the negotiated offer
made by the District to the Certificated and Other Professional Non-Teaching
employees. (See Exhibit 7.) The
administration recommends approval of the negotiated salary and fringe benefits
package for the Certificated and Professional Non-teaching employee
groups.
Dr. Balentine reviewed
recent communication with District employees, providing a brief history of
increases given the previous year, health insurance, and other related
issues. From ASHIP’s assessment of the
District’s first-year use of its program, an approximately 28% increase for
health coverage is anticipated. The
administration is investigating every avenue to identify another insurance
carrier that may better serve our employees at a lower rate.
Mr. Lewandowski
addressed the Board regarding the District’s financial situation and the state
of public education in Arizona, and asked the Board to consider an override
election. He presented the results of a
survey conducted by Amphi E.A. Dave
Hayden spoke of the negotiations process; David Bromley, health benefits. Administrators elaborated on ASHIP and the
pooling process, and the requirements of the bidding process. Joann Benoit requested a clarification. Claudia Gary spoke of District programs and
retirement issues.
Mr. Prout moved to
approve the negotiated salary and fringe benefits package for the Certificated
and other Professional Non-Teaching groups for the 2002-2003 fiscal year,
specifically one step movement, including federal benefits and state
retirement, funding the phase-out program proportionate for certificated
employees, and continuing funding of the old early retirement program for
certificated employees (for existing participants only). Dr. Barrabee seconded the motion. It was clarified that the motion specifically
did not include health benefits. The
administration will continue to explore health benefit providers. Mrs. Schuh stated that because of the cost
she would not support a motion that included early retirement.
The motion passed 4-1,
with Mrs. Schuh voting no.
10. Approval of Negotiated Compensation and Fringe Benefits Package for Classified Group for 2002-2003 Fiscal Year
Board book information: Attached
is correspondence that the Superintendent recently sent to District staff. The letter describes the negotiated offer
made by the District to the Classified employee group. (See Exhibit 7.) The administration recommends approval of
the negotiated salary and fringe benefits package for the classified employee
group.
Mr. Prout moved to approve the negotiated compensation and
fringe benefits package for the Classified group for the 2002-2003 fiscal year,
specifically one step movement, including federal benefits and state
retirement, funding the phase-out program portion for classified employees,
continuing funding of the old early retirement program for classified employees
(for existing participants
only). Ms. Young Wright
seconded the motion.
There was discussion with Mr. Lewandowski as to whether this was a negotiated agreement. There was further discussion of the negotiations process and of equity/fringe benefits. Ms. Young Wright pointed out that the basic request to not cut more classified positions was being honored. Voting on everything except those benefits.
The motion passed 4-1, with Mrs. Schuh voting no.
11. Approval of Salary and Fringe Benefits Package for Classified Exempt Group for 2002-2003
Fiscal Year
Board book information: The
Classified Exempt employee group consists mainly of confidential personnel for
whom the Amphitheater Education Association does not negotiate. Rather, the administration meets with this
group directly to discuss compensation.
This year, given the financial realities of the District, the
administration is recommending the following proposal to the Board for this
group for the 2002-2003 fiscal year:
(1) All covered employees hired on or before March 15 shall receive
movement of one step on the salary schedule; (2) All covered employees shall
receive $2,660.00 in total District contributions for the 2002-2003 fiscal year
to be used toward defraying the cost of health, dental and life insurance. The administration recommends approval of
the negotiated salary and fringe benefits package for the Classified Exempt
employee group.
Mr. Prout moved approval of the salary and fringe benefits package for the Classified Exempt group for the 2002-2003 fiscal year, with one step movement, including federal benefits and state retirement, funding of the phase-out program for classified employees, and continuing funding of the old early retirement program for classified exempt group employees (for existing participants only). Ms. Young Wright seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-1, with Mrs. Schuh voting no.
12. Approval of Salary and Fringe Benefits
Package for Administrative Employee Group for 2002-
2003
Fiscal Year
Board book information: This
group of employees is not represented by an association. (The Amphitheater Leadership Association has
disbanded.) The Superintendent
recommends the following proposal to the Board for this group for the 2002-2003
fiscal year: (1) All covered employees
hired on or before March 15 shall receive movement of one step on the salary
schedule; (2) All eligible and covered employees shall receive $2,660.00 in total
District contributions for the 2002-2003 fiscal year to be used toward
defraying the cost of health, dental and life insurance. This amount shall be prorated by the
employee’s full-time contract percentage, in accordance with the existing
pro-rated schedule. The administration
recommends approval of the negotiated salary and fringe benefits package for
the Administrative employee group.
Mr. Prout moved approval of the salary and fringe benefits package for the Administrative employee group for the 2002-2003 fiscal year, with one step movement, including medical benefits and state retirement, and continuing funding of the old early retirement program for administrators (for existing participants only). Ms. Young Wright seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-1, with Mrs. Schuh voting no.
13. Approval of Salary and Fringe Benefits
Package for Administrative Exempt Employee Group
for
the 2002-2003 Fiscal Year
Board book information: This
group of employees is not eligible to by represented by any third party. The Superintendent recommends the following
proposal to the Board for this group for the 2002-2003 fiscal year: (1) All covered employees hired on or before
March 15 shall receive movement of one step on the salary schedule. For employees not on a step schedule, they
shall receive the equivalent of one step:
a 2% increase in base salary;
(2) All eligible and covered employees shall receive $2,660.00 in total
District contributions for the 2002-2003 fiscal year to be used toward defraying
the cost of health, dental and life insurance.
This amount shall be prorated by the employee’s full-time contract
percentage, in accordance with the existing pro-rated schedule. The administration recommends approval of
the negotiated salary and fringe benefits package for the Administrative Exempt
employee group.
Mr. Prout moved approval of the salary and fringe benefits package for the Administrative Exempt employee group for the 2002-2003 fiscal year, with one step movement, including federal benefits and state retirement, and continued funding of the old early retirement program for the administrators (for existing participants only). Employees not on the step schedule shall receive the equivalent of one step. Dr. Barrabee seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-1, with Mrs. Schuh voting no.
14. Approval of High School AIMS Incentives
Board book information: After consulting with high school principals, the administration would like to recommend two incentives: First, students will be required to take all three sections of the AIMS test in order to graduate from Amphitheater School District. Second, the scores for the test will be placed on the transcript for all students as soon as this is possible by the Student Information Services Department.
Mrs. Schuh moved approval of the high school AIMS incentives. Mr. Prout seconded the motion.
In discussion, Dr. Balentine confirmed that this issue would
come back to the Board in the future for further discussion. At this time the Board was considering the
matter in order to begin the next school year with these items in place. She would not recommend changing in
mid-year, but the Board should look at this matter every year to see where the
success realities are with the AIMS test.
Mr. Prout moved an amendment, to add a third item to the
list of incentives: that parking
permits for eleventh- and twelfth-grade students be denied until passing the
AIMS test. Mrs. Schuh seconded the
amendment.
Board members expressed concern regarding this proposed
incentive, as well as concerns regarding the content/reliability of the AIMS
test. Canyon del Oro High School
Principal Mike Gemma addressed the Board, noting the need to continue to look
seriously at incentives for students, and taking note that the AIMS test is
designed to be an exit exam.
Mrs. Schuh withdrew her second to the amendment.
The vote was unanimous, 5-0, in support of the original
motion.
BOARD MEMBER REQUESTS
FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mr. Prout: (1) Review of meet and confer process; (2) review of amount of Arizona School Boards Association dues; whether there is a requirement for membership in ASBA.
Ms. Young
Wright: Board to be kept abreast of
insurance, with Mr. Lewandowski being kept informed and providing input.
No audience member addressed the Board.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Mrs. Schuh, seconded by Dr. Barrabee
and passed unanimously, 5-0, that the meeting be adjourned. The time was 10:32 p.m.