Douglas County School District

Regular Meeting Page 1 May 16, 2007

Regular Meeting Douglas High School

Minden, Nevada

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 3:30 p.m.

MINUTES

Present were:

Trustees: John Louritt, President Teri Jamin, Vice President Cynthia Trigg, Clerk Karen Chessell, Member Sharla Hales, Member Absent: Keith Roman, Member Personnel: Carol Lark, Superintendent Nancy Bryant, Assistant Superintendent, Education Services Rich Alexander, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources Holly Luna, Director of Business Services

Others Present: Mike Malloy, Legal Counsel

1. Call to Order

Mr. Louritt called the meeting to order at 3:32 p.m. A. Mrs. Lark led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. B. Mrs. Chessell adopted the Agenda, seconded by Mrs. Trigg.

2. Consent Items (Action) Mr. Louritt asked for any discussion or public comment on the Consent agenda. There was none. Motion carried unanimously, 5/0. Mr. Louritt asked if any items were to be pulled from the Consent Agenda, or if there were any comments. There were none. A. Approve the Minutes of the Regular Board meeting held on April 10, 2007. B. Accept the recommendation of the Superintendent and appoint Keith Lewis as

Principal at Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School for the 2007-2008 school year. C. Accept the recommendation of the Superintendent and appoint Paula Zona as principal of

C.C. Meneley Elementary School D. Approve personnel actions described in Personnel Report No. 07-05.

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E. Approve payments contained in Voucher No. 1035 for the 2006-2007 fiscal year. F. Excuse from compulsory attendance the students described in the Home School Report for

May 2007. G. Approve the request submitted by Jessica Wagner to take the GED examination.

3. Board Report 3-A. Board Report – Student Career Opportunities Mrs. Trigg reported on her recent trip to a forum at UCLA. The topic of discussion was a break out session she attended on Nuclear Weapons in a New Century. She reported that educators were discussing new jobs that would come available in the areas of math and science, embracing this as a new field. Mrs. Trigg stated that a Peace Corp representative made the presentation, supplied brochures, and encouraged participation in the Peace Corps overseas. General Wesley Clark at the UCLA Center hosted this for purposes of International Relations. 3-B. Board Report – Douglas County Parks and Recreation Board Report Mrs. Jamin reported on a recent meeting of the Douglas County Parks and Recreation Department as a representative from the School Board. The topic was the budget with respect to Douglas County wherein they proposed new sources of revenue. A 1% utility fund was reviewed to offer assistance to both the Parks and Recreation Department and a Senior Center. This would affect the District in the amount of $30,000. She added that they are currently going through a fee study. The District though, would be able to help support the Parks and Recreation Department through joint programs, separately from this financial means. Mrs. Jamin stated she would like to support and pass the utility tax, but would want the District to be exempted.

4. Administrative Reports and Program Reviews 4-A. Principals’ Report – Jan Keith, Director of Special Services Jan Keith presented information pertaining to the new State Performance Plan Indicators for special education in regards to Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). During the review she discussed determination criteria, statewide baseline data, as well as, DCSD baseline data, and changes made to forms for tracking the data for compliance. Mrs. Keith gave a PowerPoint presentation that reflected the new AYP tracking process for students on IEP’s, now reported independently; the six critical indicators that lead to the AYP determination; the determination labels; and timeframes for districts falling in categories other than “Meets Requirements.” Additionally, Mrs. Keith reviewed current data for DCSD as compared to State target percentages. Discussion ensued as to IEP tracking and software possibilities. Mrs. Keith reported that her office had developed an IEP paperwork monitoring system that was effective in assuring accurate reporting. Software for IEP tracking had been reviewed but was not individualized and therefore, not currently being used.

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4-B. Cris Etchegoyhen Principal, Gardnerville Elementary School Mrs. Etchegoyhen presented a PowerPoint encompassing goals and achievements of both the current and previous year’s School Improvement Plan. First, reviewing the site goals, she reported on the first goal of increasing student achievement in reading and language. Overall, school progress in Reading and Language had increased from 41% in the previous year, to 53% this year. Reviewing subpopulation data, the AYP designation for GES was stated as “off the watch list.” Efforts utilized to obtain this progress included interventions incorporating specialists; instructional grouping in 5th and 6th grades; tutoring; disaggregation of data, prioritizing areas of greatest need that included reading and math; implementation of a K-6 writing plan for higher quality writing; and early warning attendance notifications to parents. Through focusing staff committees on School Improvement goals, GES increased achievement in math, the second SIP goal, through an incentive program, put emphasis on measurement, and increased student practice in math problem solving. Their third goal of increasing parent involvement, had been achieved by sending positive post cards to parents, translation of newsletters and other notices, and continued regular family evenings. Professional Development offerings afforded through SB404 grant funding included, training provided by the Western Nevada Regional Training Program, Teach For Success (T4S) implementation, writing workshops, and time allotted for collaboration. Additionally, SB404 money was reported to have been used for PLATO software, online MAP testing, listening centers, and take home materials. In conclusion, Mrs. Etchegoyhen reported that 80% of students invited to tutoring, attended; T4S strategies had improved student learning over a four year period in six of eight categories of the protocol; 4th grade writing test results were above the target level, with some subpopulations still needing improvement; and students reported as tardy had significantly decreased. Future site goals included focusing on one or two of the most important projects, prioritizing needs for the new SB404 grant, refining the tutoring program, and implementing a volunteer program. Board members discussed future efforts towards maximizing instructional time through T4S efforts and ongoing professional development incorporating higher level thinking strategies. The emphasis by staff on remediation and efforts toward acceleration were commended.

5. Administrative Reports and Program Reviews 5-A. Legislative Update Mrs. Lark reported on current legislative Bills. They were noted as not having been passed, but were currently in the legislative process. Among education issues reviewed were the following: 1) Moving violations would be given to persons passing a school bus stopped to pick up

passengers, even if not on a major thoroughfare. 2) School Board members’ salaries were being reviewed for an increase. Mrs. Hales

stated that the NASB was not supporting the increase, as it would be an unfunded mandate.

3 ) Career and Technical Education (CTE) requirements may be increased. 4) Grant funding for Kindergarten. Mrs. Chessell stated this Bill has a lot of pieces,

including CTE.

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5 ) The birth date for enrollment of kindergarten students - NRS possibly changing 6) Possible increased medical reporting in the area of student information obtained by

school nurses for student physical records. 7 ) NIAA requirements for cheer leading coaching 8) Restrictions on teacher rights with respect to communication that could ultimately affect

constructive collaboration 9 ) Charter School initiatives 1 0) Expanding of the scope of CTE in high schools – no funds were offered to support this. 1 1) Special Education issues 12) Code of Honor - policy requiring signature of parent and student regarding cheating -

requirement changes 13) Changing of standards/content requirements for graduation – the Gateway curriculum

was an example. 1 4) Tracking of dropout students through a State database – has financial issues. 1 5) Empowerment Schools and funding for the program 1 6) P16 Advisory Council/Changes to Governor’s committee structure 1 7) Rules regarding disruptive students – parents could be fined. 18) Length of retention for middle school students. Expands age of compulsory attendance

to age 18. 1 9) Changes to designation of firearms and knives 20) Possible DSA allotment of funds being returned to education, rather than the State

General Fund when there are overages 5-B. Douglas High School Accreditation Report Mrs. Bryant reported that the process of approval for high school accreditation spanned eighteen months. Credit was given to Marty Swisher, DHS Principal and his team for an outstanding job as the Accreditation team commented they would use the DHS document as a model for other districts. Mrs. Bryant stated that Mr. Swisher had held several presentations throughout the process, beginning last year that included data collected for review, reiteration of the high school Mission Statement and Beliefs. Credit deficiency came out in the study at a rate of 15% of the population. Work to be addressed in the future would include plans to address this problem beginning with the sophomore and junior classes. Another area of focus that came to light was the connection of students to their school. Leadership classes would be addressing this issue. Additionally, parent communication was an area to be addressed. With the institution of the new database, PowerSchool, this would increase parent communication through providing more up to date information for parents. The Douglas High School staff was complimented for all of their efforts throughout the process. 5-C. Superintendent’s Report Mrs. Lark gave a brief report of major recent happenings and upcoming important events. Reviewing the lockdown at DHS, she commended Mr. Swisher, his staff, and District Office Administration for smooth operations surrounding the event. The District auto dialer was used to communicate with parents and proved to be a powerful notification tool that produced a report showing 87% of all DHS households had been notified regarding the status of the situation. Next, Mrs. Lark reviewed information regarding the Aspen Institute, a document reviewing the

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first five years of NCLB and passed it around for Board members to review. The new principal hires were reviewed as being Keith Lewis for Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School, and Paula Zona for C. C. Meneley Elementary School. A presentation was given to the Masonic lodge the evening prior to this meeting, and Mrs. Lark noted she had spoken with many groups in the Carson Valley. She recognized Douglas High School for their accomplishment of the Accreditation process. The Breaking Ranks meeting was mentioned, and explained as a group of administrators that met to assist middle school students in many areas including credit deficiency, starting at the middle level. Acknowledgement was given to the District administrative staff for creating a solution to the pay structure relating to changes of the District calendar for the next school year. 5-D. NASB Report – Sharla Hales Mrs. Hales announced that Mr. Louritt is the Director for NASB and would be giving the reports beginning with the next regular meeting. Reporting on the May meeting, Mrs. Hales stated the main item of discussion was reversion, relating to DSA money allocations. Dotty Merrill was reported to be working on the legislative pieces of the proposals including language changes and would be providing a summary as items were passed to the Districts. The annual NASB conference would be held October 11 – 14, at the Airport Plaza Hotel in Reno. Mr. Louritt called for a break from 5:20 – 5:30 p.m.

6. Information and Discussion 6-A. Public Hearing on the District’s 2007-2008 Tentative Budget and Adoption of 2007-08 Final Budget Holly Luna presented the 2007-2008 Tentative Budget, noting that it would not be final until declared as the final budget at this meeting. Reporting that the confirmation had been received from the Department of Taxation that changes requested were approved, Mrs. Luna reviewed key information regarding changes made:

1) The final review in April had not been appropriated for DSA or property taxes. 2) A conservative approach was taken. 3) The Department of Taxation had requested a 25% adjustment to reflect assessed

valuation. 4) Final audit numbers were clarified that were included in the external auditor

information, due to a missing page. 5) Per request of the Department of Taxation, Workers Compensation and self-

insurance fund pages were removed. 6) Revisions to the tentative budget were posted and approved by the Department.

Due to having received timely information, Mrs. Luna reviewed a side-by-side comparison of general fund changes. She reported a change in reduction of teachers from 8 to 7.5 due to kindergarten estimates; health insurance would increase 5%, rather than 8% as previously projected; a portion of the student assistance program would be increased due to drug free school funding; an accommodation was made to the maintenance fund; transportation costs were changed to reflect 5.9% rather than 4%, an actual amount, rather than estimated; both federal and state grant funds had been reviewed and grants not being received for 2007-2008 were eliminated.

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Mrs. Hales stated she had discussed the alignment of the budget as it related to the Strategic Plan top five priorities prior to this meeting. Mr. Louritt expressed a concern of rising health insurance expense. Mrs. Luna stated several Health Committee Meetings had been held with all necessary parties present and felt confident with the projected 5% increase. She added that the only consideration yet to be finalized was the reinsurance costs that would be available in mid June. Correspondence would be sent to all benefit members at that time reflecting any stop-loss changes, as two months data was needed for verification.

Mrs. Jamin moved to adopt the final budget for 2007-2008, seconded by Mrs. Hales. Motion carried, 5/0. At 5:47 p.m., Item numbers 7 and 8 were noted as being addressed early.

7. Correspondence

Mr. Louritt verified that all Trustees received one piece of correspondence from teachers.

8. Possible Agenda Items for Future Board Meetings There were none.

Public Comment Mr. Louritt inquired if there were any individuals who would like to address the Board a few minutes prior to the scheduled time of 6:00 p.m. Diane Graham, a Douglas High School parent, commented regarding the current cell phone policy and asked that it be reviewed and changed, believing it to be ineffective. Mr. Louritt referred Ms. Graham to Mrs. Bryant who offered to meet and discussed this with her. Mr. Morgan, Douglas High School Assistant Principal, read a statement written by DHS Principal Marty Swisher, regarding the motion made at the April 2007 meeting on the item of personal recognition through attire worn at graduation. He noted that academically won medals were allowed to be worn outside graduation gowns. A random survey had been conducted among DHS staff that was reported by Mr. Morgan. He stated a survey of seniors would be conducted Friday of the current week. Addressing an e-mail received from Mrs. Miyashiro, Mr. Morgan dispelled her claim of staff having intimidated students regarding this issue. Mrs. Lacey, President of DCPEA, approached the Board to thank both the Board and District staff for the allowance of payroll considerations granted to teachers due to the changing District calendar. She reported the payroll changes had increased morale and that the open door policy was appreciated, as well. Additionally, several elementary teachers stood up in the audience to show their appreciation. Salley Lee and Davelyn Miyashiro made statements of support for changing of the procedures

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at Douglas High School to include the wearing of leis over graduation gowns. Mrs. Miyashiro expressed her thoughts of how polls taken could be skewed and the fact that she was not included in a DHS parent poll was evidence of improper polling. 6-B. Interview of Candidates and Selection for District No. 6 Board Vacancy Mr. Louritt stated there would be one candidate reviewed for selection to fill the Board vacancy. At 6:18 p.m., Mrs. Hales stated she needed to leave, but voiced that she felt good about Mr. Moore’s qualifications and was grateful he was willing to serve. Mr. Louritt invited Mr. Moore to present his profile and comments for consideration. Mr. Moore gave an overview of his professional and personal information, including having two children that had gone through the Douglas County School District, one of which was currently enrolled. Through the interview, he stated that his experience, while not in the field of education, rather in civil engineering, would be a different avenue of valuable assistance to the Board. Board members questioned the time Mr. Moore would be able to commit to Board activities, as well as, his dedication to ongoing commitment through the election process. Mr. Moore responded that he had an ability to flex some time as a State employee, and would be willing to run in the next election. Mr. Louritt clarified the current appointment would expire in December 2008. Mr. Louritt called for public comment. There was none.

Mrs. Trigg moved to approve Thomas Moore as a new Trustee for the Douglas County School District, in area 6, seconded by Mrs. Jamin.

Mr. Louritt called for comments from Board members. There were none. Motion carried, 4/0. Mr. Louritt congratulated Mr. Moore on his appointment. Mrs. Trigg, Clerk, administered the Oath of Office.

9. Executive Session

There was none.

10. Adjournment Mr. Moore made a motion to adjourn at 6:35 p.m., seconded by Mrs. Chessell. Motion carried, 5/0.

Submitted by:

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_____________________________ Carolyn Moore Secretary to the Superintendent and Board of Trustees

A

pproved:

________________________________ Clerk of the Board Note: Upon approval by the Board of Trustees in a public meeting, these minutes become the official minutes of the meeting held on the above date. Board minutes are kept on a permanent basis and are available for public review in the office of the Superintendent.