February 9, 2006

Minutes of the Governing Board Study Session of Thursday, February 9, 2005, beginning at 5:30 p.m. held in the District Office Board Room.

Governing Board Members Present:

President Joan Fleming

Mrs. Dee Navarro

Dr. Andy Newton

Mr. Tom Staley (arrived at 5:47 p.m.)

Absent: Mr. Steve Campbell

Also Present:

Mr. Kevin J. Kapp, Superintendent

Dr. Chris Reynolds, Assistant Superintendent

Mrs. Renee Raskin, Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Spencer Johnson (arrived at 5:40 p.m.)

Mrs. Andi Mayer, Assistant to the Governing Board

Others Present:

Gerry Janssen David Martin Scott Blair

Mike LaVallee Susan Clark Donna Norris

Barbara Van Fossen Mary Anne Kapp Allie Wiener

Mike Harlan Jim Cowan Bill Munson

Ed Yeager Frank Lawhead Totsy McCraley

CALL TO ORDER

President Joan Fleming called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

OPENING CEREMONY AND WELCOME

President Navarro welcomed everyone and thanked those present for attending. Dr. Andy Newton led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

President Fleming asked Mr. Kevin Kapp if the agenda was in order. Mr. Kapp responded that it was, but requested that presentation number two precede presentation number one, since the presenters had to drive back down to Phoenix that evening.

Mrs. Dee Navarro moved that the Governing Board approve the agenda as amended. Dr. Andy Newton seconded the motion.

Mrs. Dee Navarro voted aye, Dr. Andy Newton voted aye, and President Fleming voted aye. The motion carried 3-0.

PRESENTATIONS

Mrs. Mary Anne Kapp and Ms. Allie Wiener were in attendance to present information on AIMS Web.

Mrs. Kapp reported that AIMS Web is a curriculum-based measurement of student progress and is a valuable tool for teachers. She noted that regarding student learning, this program allows the teacher to look at instruction, coaching and assessment and that prior to this program, the district used Stanford 9 and AIMS as the measurement of student learning, but not in as timely a manner. She reported that this is an on-going process that calls for benchmark assessments three times a year for every student.

She noted that of the many programs the Arizona Department of Education offered through RFP’s, this program was chosen because it complied with the law, it tested the five components of writing, it had a management system, the data is received back very quickly, and is a very user friendly program allowing the user to instantly measure their teaching effectiveness.

Mrs. Kapp introduced Ms. Allie Wiener, a representative from Best Practices in Education, who was hired to help implement this curriculum-based measurement program. She commended the district on the huge amount of research that had taken place to assure compliance of the law when choosing this program. She reviewed the timeline and approximate number of hours it has taken to implement this program within the district and noted that it is an on-going and continuous process. She reviewed several graphs regarding student assessment and how the program worked. She reported that every student is monitored three times a year and any student that falls below the target area is monitored and assessed more frequently, and that may only be two to three students per class.

Mrs. Kapp noted that the funding source for this program was blended from Title I (Reading), Title II (Professional Development), Title III (ELL), and 301 monies from the schools.

Mr. Kapp noted that this was a major shift for this school district in that we have never monitored students on such a frequent basis, which is good for kids.

President Fleming thanked both Mrs. Kapp and Ms. Wiener for the informative presentation.

Mr. Kevin Kapp introduced Ms. Sara Owens and her students, Ryan Risinger and Nicole Paladino and noted that the topic for their presentation was high school graduation requirements. He noted that the students had written letters as part of their class instruction and had requested to present this information to the Governing Board. He reported that the rule regarding AIMS was that students had to pass all three AIMS tests in order to graduate, but that the Arizona Department of Education had softened that rule last year and that the class of 2006 is the first class that must meet those new state requirements. He noted that current graduation requirements are that students must meet both the state and high school requirements.

Mr. Ryan Risinger reported that 4% of the Class of 2006 (15 of 396 students) have not yet met the AIMS requirements. He noted that he started taking the AIMS tests in his sophomore year and continued taking them in his junior year. He stated that during his senior year the high school started the math and English classes to help those students having problems meeting the AIMS standards and that the AIMS Standards class was the best thing that happened for those students and that he wished it had been available during their junior year. He noted that they would like the Governing Board to consider allowing these 15 students to be allowed to walk with their class at graduation, but not receive their diploma until they have re-tested and met the AIMS standards. He clarified that he was talking about those students who have received all of their credits and passed their classes at PHS, but who have not met the AIMS requirement on one or more of the three tests. He also noted that these students would have one more opportunity to pass those tests prior to graduation.

Mr. Staley commented that if those students were allowed to be tested one more time, perhaps they were panicking a little.

President Fleming clarified that they were asking if the Board would approve allowing those students to walk, but not receive their diploma. Mr. Risinger noted that those students who are having trouble passing the AIMS tests are very concerned.

Mr. Staley stated that the letters the students had sent to Board members were very compelling and almost made him think about changing his mind. He noted that 96% of this class did pass the test and asked if it would lessen what they have accomplished by allowing the 4% who didn’t pass the test to walk at graduation. He noted that in the past, if you didn’t receive your 22 credits, you weren’t allowed to walk, even though you could make up the credits you were lacking. He noted that if the Board made exceptions this year, they would be expected to make exceptions in following years. He commended the students on their letters and noted that they were very well written.

President Fleming noted that this is the first class that has been mandated to pass the AIMS tests and that if the AIMS Standards class had been offered earlier it would have helped. She noted that she would not mind allowing the kids to walk.

Mrs. Dee Navarro remarked that she had read all of the student’s letters, that they were very well written, and that she appreciated the fact that they were concerned for their fellow students.

Ms. Nicole Paladino noted that she was one of the students that have not passed the math portion of the AIMS test and that it has been very hard for her, but that the AIMS Standards class has helped her very much. She noted that because of the class, her scores have gotten higher, but that she still has not met the standards. She stated that allowing these students to walk and letting them be recognized during the ceremony would mean a lot. She noted that they had done surveys and that the majority of students had trouble with the math portion of the test. She added that hopefully these students would all pass the test in February.

President Fleming asked if any of these students met the requirements for augmentation. Ms. Paladino responded yes.

Mrs. Totsy McCraley reported that the high school advisors were looking at these students and feel that most will be able to pass based on augmentation requirements. She added that she was proud these students had come tonight to make this presentation to the Board.

Mr. Staley pointed out that the students were asking for something that hasn’t happened year and may not happen.

Mrs. Navarro stated that she felt the students were bringing it to the Board’s attention “just in case.” The students agreed.

Mr. Kapp noted that the high school’s tradition for 102 years has been that a student does not participate in the graduation ceremony unless they meet all high school and state requirements. The high school requires 22 credits and the state requires 20 credits. He pointed out that if the Board needed to change that, the item would have to be brought back as an agenda item.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Mr. Kapp reported that the DLT Calendar of Events for February 2006 was out and that there were lots of activities taking place this month.

He reported that six district staff members (Bill Munson, Jim Wells, Susan Clark, Marianne Brooks, Mary Anne Kapp, and Kevin Kapp) were in Phoenix Tuesday and Wednesday attending a leadership conference on professional development. He noted that there is strong interest in AIMS Web, but that the key factor is leadership support.

Dr. Chris Reynolds gave an update on the Granite Mountain Principal Search. He reported that the committee had met five times, that Steve Campbell and Joan Fleming were representing the Board on the committee, that the committee had developed 18-19 questions for the interview process, and that the deadline for submitting applications was February 13^th at 4:30 p.m. He noted that the committee would meet next Thursday to paper screen the applications and that 5-6 candidates would be interviewed by the committee a week later, with 2-3 being recommended to the superintendent for interviews.

Mr. Kapp announced that on Friday, March 31^st the ASBA would be holding a one-day Spring Legal Seminar in Sedona, and that Board members interested in attending should let Andi Mayer know as soon as possible.

Mr. Kapp distributed a School Fair flyer and reported that the School Fair would be held on Saturday, February 25^th at the Gateway Mall. He noted that this was the seventh annual school fair, the fifth to be held at Gateway Mall. Mr. Kapp noted that Janice Snyder was the coordinator for the School Fair and that she was doing a wonderful job.

Mrs. Dee Navarro gave a brief report regarding her trip to Washington, D.C. for the Federal Network Conference. She distributed two handouts from the conference to Board members. One was regarding the education budget being cut 28% and the other was regarding the NSBA’s position on No Child Left Behind.

Mr. Staley stated that regarding the education budget handout, he was not of the same affiliation, that he did not agree with the politics, and that he felt it should not have been distributed at a public meeting.

STUDY SESSION:

CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE PRELIMINARY MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS BUDGET LIMIT, THE CAPITAL OUTLAY BUDGET LIMIT, AND THE SOFT CAPITAL BUDGET LIMIT

Mrs. Renee Raskin reported that this is the first step in the budget process for this year. She noted that the 100^th day numbers would be brought to the Board next Tuesday. She reported that the Maintenance and Operations figures were based on a 2% inflation rate and that this was the first time in five years the district has used 2% instead of 2.5%. She reviewed the estimates with the Board and the budget calendar.

CONSIDER AND, IF DEEMED APPROPRIATE, ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF BONDS OF THE DISTRICT AND THE ANCILLARY DOCUMENTS CONNECTED THEREWITH

Mrs. Raskin reported that in November of 2004 the community had approved an $18.7 million bond for the district and that last May the district had approved the issue of the first sale of bonds for approximately $3.7 million. She noted that it was now time for the Board to consider the second issuance and sale of bonds. She introduced Mr. Mike LaVallee from Stone & Youngberg, who distributed a handout on Class ‘B’ Bond Information and reviewed the handout with the Board, which included a Summary of Upcoming Class B Bond Issue, a Summary of Bonds Outstanding, the Proposed Phased Bonding Program, Tax Exempt Interest Rate Trends, and a Tentative Financing Calendar. (A copy of this document is available in the Superintendent’s Office.)

CONSIDER APPROVING THE UTILIZATION OF THE DEXTER FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER AS THE LOCATION FOR THE NEW NORTHPOINT EXPEDITIONARY LEARNING ACADEMY FOR THE 2006-2007 AND 2007-2008 SCHOOL YEARS

Mr. Kapp reported that the district administration is formally asking the Board to approve the Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy to be located at Dexter Family Resource Center for a period of no longer than two years. He noted that NAU will be moving to Yavapai College this summer, which would free up the space they currently occupy. He noted that the cost of renovating the building across from the high school was too expensive. He added that it would only be necessary to relocate one of the childcare programs this first year and that the district would be taking precautions to keep the two programs (high school and preschool) separate and that sharing common areas, such as the cafeteria, would be accomplished through scheduling. He noted that the two programs being located in the same facility could provide some interesting benefits. He reported that currently some of our honor students read to Miller Valley students, which is a very positive activity and provides the elementary school children with positive role models. He noted that there is a similar situation at Prescott High School currently, where students with small children place them in the childcare at the high school. He noted that also in the past, the Child Development Class at the high school would bring 30-40 preschool children on campus for their class. He stated that this would not be a permanent location for this program, that the goal of 100 students for the first year has almost been met with 72 students already enrolled.

President Fleming noted that unlike NAU students who drive cars to the site, the freshmen students would not be driving cars to the facility.

Mrs. Navarro suggested that students not be allowed to drive to that campus the second year of the program.

Mr. Staley asked what the costs would be for opening the program at that site. Mr. Kapp responded that the building is ready and that other costs for furniture and equipment have been estimated to be approximately $50,000. He added that in terms of running the school, we know that we will need four fulltime teachers, one fulltime director/principal (1/3 from the grant), as well as a part-time art teacher, a part-time music teacher, a half-time custodian, and a half-time secretary, with the total cost being approximately $177,000, which we feel would be paid for through student tuition. He stated that we are already aware of about 20 of the 72 students who are new students from outside the district. He also added that those students who have enrolled from within our district that would have attended PHS would relieve some of the overcrowding issues at PHS.

Mr. Staley shared that he has had several parents contact him with concerns and that the district needed to verify to parents that we are deeply concerned about the safety of all of our students and that the administration would stay on top of and handle immediately any issues that may arise.

Dr. Andy Newton asked how many students attended Dexter when it was an elementary school? Mr. Kapp responded 500 K-6. He noted that the administration would continue looking for a permanent location for Northpoint and that it was hoped the preschool would grow into the facility with the way their numbers have continually grown.

CONSIDER APPROVING AUTHORIZATION FOR THE DISTRICT TO INITIATE AN APPRAISAL AND SURVEY FOR DISTRICT-OWNED PROPERTY (THE NATURE CENTER ADJACENT TO GRANITE MOUNTAIN MIDDLE SCHOOL)

Mr. Arn Lavington noted that the Governing Board has expressed its desire to have an accurate appraisal made of the property adjacent to Granite Mountain Middle School (the Nature Center – approximately 15-20 acres). He added that the purpose of the appraisal was not to necessarily consider the sale of this property, but to give the Governing Board accurate information as to the value of the property. He reported that an accurate survey must be completed before the appraisal and that Kelly-Wise, a previously RFP approved company, has estimated that the cost for a survey would be approximately $10,000-$12,000. He reported that Huck Appraisal Office has estimated the cost for an appraisal to be approximately $3,200.

Mr. Staley stated that he felt the estimate for the survey seemed high to him and suggested obtaining other survey bids. Mr. Lavington replied that the cost is due to the extreme amount of research that will have to be done, since the Nature Center is not broken out on the old survey, the entire property will need to be surveyed in order to separate and survey the Nature Center property.

CONSIDER APPROVING A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SEALED BIDS (#PUSD-05-THAJ-BLDG-P1) FOR ADDITIONAL CLASSROOMS AT ABIA JUDD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND THE MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING AND ADDITIONAL CLASSROOMS AT TAYLOR HICKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AS PART OF THE PHASE I BOND PROJECTS

(See below.)

CONSIDER APPROVING A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SEALED BIDS (#PUSD-05-THAJ-PAV-PH1) FOR THE ABIA JUDD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND TAYLOR HICKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEW PAVING AND SITE IMPROVEMENTS AS PART OF PHASE I OF BOND PROJECTS

Mr. Arn Lavington distributed a handout regarding these two bids and requested that he be allowed to talk about Agenda Items 5 & 6 at the same time, since the handout addresses both.

Mr. Lavington reviewed the budget for Phase I Architect Projects:

TH Bus Drop-off $75K

AJ Parking/Playground $200K

TH Multi-Purpose Building $1,500K

AJ Classrooms (4) $450K

Contingency $222K

Total Funds Available $2,447,000

He then reviewed the proposed use of the budget:

Contractor – Low Bidder:

TH Multi-Purpose Building $1,300,000 B’s Contracting

Art/Music Room Alt.) $ 317,000

TH Bus Drop-off $ 98,651 Asphalt Paving

AJ Classrooms (3) $ 547,000 B’s Contracting

AJ Field/Parking $ 199,987 Asphalt Paving

AJ 4^th Classroom – Alt. $ 192,500 B’s Contracting

$2,642,213

Total Funds Available -$2,447,000 (includes budgets and10%)

Savings from Projects to -$ 209,000

this point (non arch. projects)

_____________

Contingency $ 14,000 (plus remaining 690 funds?)

Cancel Project – AJ Artificial Turf for $108,820

CONSIDER REVIEWING AND ADOPTING A CHANGE TO GOVERNING BOARD POLICY IJNDB – USE OF TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES IN INSTRUCTION

Mr. Kapp reported that a number of years ago when the Internet was fairly new to our district parents, students, and employees signed a use agreement. He noted that the Technology Committee doesn’t want to change the rules for the use of technology, but is asking to change how the district informs people about expected use and to eliminate all of the paper involved.

Mr. Staley stated that he had a concern, more where employees are concerned, and felt that an employee’s agreement needed to be documented. He suggested a form on the computer screen, similar to program use agreements, where the employee would read the policy and either accept or decline. He noted that this form could be put on the website. Mr. Kapp stated that he would investigate whether the district could do that or not.

CONSIDER REVIEWING AND ADOPTING POLICY SERVICES ADVISORY, VOLUME 18, NUMBER 1, FOR JANUARY 2006, REGARDING POLICY ADVISORY NUMBERS 261-264

Mr. Kapp pointed out the Attorney General’s opinion that ASBA had provided regarding the duty to report law, which now includes volunteers. He reviewed the other proposed policies or revisions:

Policy EFDA – Collection of Money/Food Tickets deals with setting a standard of how many times a student can get a free lunch when they forget their lunch money.

Policy EFE – Competitive Food Sales/Vending Machines deals with new legislation regarding providing healthier food in our schools, getting rid of candy, pop, etc. in K-8 schools.

Policy IKF – Graduation Requirements deals with alternative graduation requirements for students (2006 and 2007) not successfully passing the AIMS test, allowing students to graduate with a recognized diploma if the student meets the alternative graduation requirements.

CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA:

CONSIDER THE APPROVAL OF CERTIFIED AND CLASSIFIED PERSONNEL ACTIONS AS REQUESTED

Mr. Staley noted that another 8 or 9 resignations were on this report and asked Dr. Reynolds if he had noticed any trends from the exit interviews now being sent out. Dr. Reynolds responded that they have been sending the exit interviews out with self-addressed, stamped envelopes, but to date have not received any back.

CONSIDER ACCEPTING THE DONATIONS AS PRESENTED

Mr. Staley recognized the generous donations to the district from several different people and organizations.

CONSIDER RATIFYING THE VOUCHERS AS PRESENTED

CONSIDER THE APPROVAL OF THE AUXILIARY OPERATIONS AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES FUND STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2005

Mr. Staley requested that a line item be provided that shows the total tax credit monies from each school. Mrs. Raskin stated that she thought she could do that.

Mr. Kapp noted that a summary of tax credit donations for 2005 will be presented to the Board very shortly.

CONSIDER THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES FROM THE GOVERNING BOARD EXECUTIVE SESSION AND STUDY SESSION OF JANUARY 10, 2006, AND THE EXECUTIVE SESSION AND VOTING SESSION OF JANUARY 17, 2006

ADJOURNMENT

Mrs. Dee Navarro moved that the Governing Board meeting be adjourned. Dr. Andy Newton seconded the motion.

Hearing no objection, President Fleming adjourned the meeting at 7:42 p.m.

___________________________________

Governing Board Member