PRESCOTT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT #1

GOVERNING BOARD

 

BOARD BRIEFING

NUMBER 239

May 1, 2001

 

 

Item No. 1                    

Date:    05/01/01

 

Consideration of:  Approving the revision to the 2000-2001 budget limits for M & O and Capital.

 

Submitted by:  Ms. Renee Raskin, Director of Business Services

 

Administrative Recommendation:  The administration recommends approval of the revised budget limits for 2000-2001.

 

Rationale:  In accordance with A.R.S. 15-905, a district is allowed or is required to revise its budget limits by May 15th.

 

Relevant Data and Exhibits:  The total increase for M & O is $29,502.  this includes a decrease in audit expenditures of $679, a decrease in transportation of $13, 288, an increase for growth in Group B funding of $65,693, an increase for composite score of $31,271, tuition revenues are down $39,540 and a decrease in our carryover of $13,951.  The increase for Unrestricted Capital Outlay is $5,058.

 

Upon approval of the revised budget limits, the Department of Education will review and approve.  (Please refer to Enclosure #1.)

 

Item No. 2                    

Date:    05/01/01

 

Consideration of:  Approving the 2001-2002 Maintenance and Operations (M & O) Budget for supplies and services.

 

Submitted by:  Ms. Renee Raskin, Director of Business Services

 

Administrative Recommendation:  The administration recommends approval of this item as presented or amended.

 

Rationale:  The requests for supplies and services represent the needs of teachers and staff at each school or site.  The requests for the schools are limited by a per student dollar allocation.

 

Relevant Data and Exhibits:  The elementary schools receive $44.10 per student, the middle schools receive $66.60 per student and the high school receives $81.00 per student.  Site requests (non-school) for supplies and services were reviewed by Ms. Raskin and Mr. Kapp.  The budget may be compared to the current year budget.

 

Ms. Raskin will be making a short presentation on the supply and services budget at the Board meeting.  (Please refer to Enclosure #2.)

 

Item No. 3 

Date:  05/01/01

 

Consideration of:  Approving a four-section school facility plan for Abia Judd Elementary School

 

Submitted by:  Dr. Roger Short, Superintendent

 

Administrative Recommendation:  The Governing Board review all five options presented and consider a course of action for allowing Abia Judd to be a four-section school.

 

Rationale:  Open Enrollment and an expanding attendance area necessitates reviewing these options.

 

Relevant Data and Exhibits:  A recommendation for options for facility usage is attached.  Please refer to Enclosure #3.

 

Item No. 4 

Date:  05/01/01

 

Consideration of:  The approval of a 60-day preview for new textbooks to be used in the following classes at Prescott High School:  Child Development, Fashion Design and Food Science.

 

Submitted by:  Ms. Linda Ryan, Curriculum and Testing Coordinator

 

Administrative Recommendation:  It is recommended that the Governing Board approve a 60-day preview of the textbooks listed below.

 

Rationale:  Child Development textbooks have not been replaced since 1989, Fashion design books since 1987, and the textbook for Foods was published in 1992.

 

Relevant Data and Exhibits:   Prescott High School teachers Birdie Ferra and Patti Stevens examined books from three different publishers and selected the following based on their alignment with state Vocational Education Standards as well as format, content and readability.

 

Textbooks Recommended:

 

Title Publisher Copyright PHS Class
Parents and Their Children Goodheart-Wilcox 2000  Child Development
Fashion!  Goodheart-Wilcox 2000 Fashion Design
Guide to Good Food Goodheart-Wilcox 2000 Food I and II

Item No. 5 

Date:  05/01/01

 

Consideration of:  Approving a tuition-based preschool program for Prescott Unified School District No. 1.

 

Submitted by:  Mr. Kevin Kapp, Assistant Superintendent

 

Administrative Recommendation:  The administration recommends approval of this item.

 

Rationale:  A tuition-based preschool could be self-supporting and attract younger students to our school district.

 

Relevant Data and Exhibits:  There is a need for quality preschool programs in Prescott and many of the local preschools have waiting lists.  The concept of a tuition-based preschool program within Prescott Unified School District No. 1 has been discussed in general terms for several years.  There is one room at the Dexter Family Resource Center available for a preschool classroom if the current residents (New Horizons and the Math/Science Consortium) move to different locations within the district.  Possible new locations for these programs have been discussed and these moves could occur quickly following approval of the preschool program.

 

Mrs. Mary Aker has been instrumental in the design of this potential preschool program and will be available at the May 1st Study Session to discuss the program and answer questions.  Mr. Kapp and Ms. Raskin will also be available to answer questions with regard to financial implications. Please refer to Enclosure #4.

 

Item No. 6 

Date:  05/01/01

 

Consideration of:  Approving the certified contracts for the 2001-2002 school year.

 

Submitted by:  Mr. Kevin Kapp, Assistant Superintendent

 

Administrative Recommendation: 

 

Rationale:  Meet and Confer activities have been in progress since November of last year and have been very productive.  The next Meet and Confer session is scheduled for Thursday, April 26th with the goal of finalizing recommendations to the Governing Board for the May 1st Study Session.  Mr. Kapp and Ms. Raskin will present these recommendations to the Governing Board on May 1st.  Leadership from both the Prescott Education Association and the Prescott Classified Employee Association will also be present to discuss recommendations.

 

Relevant Data and Exhibits:  Financial and budget information will be presented to the Governing Board at the May 1st Study Session by Mr. Kapp and Ms. Raskin.

 

Item No. 7                   Date:  05/01/01

 

Consideration of:  Approving the classified contracts for the 2001-2002 school year.

 

Submitted by:  Mr. Kevin Kapp, Assistant Superintendent

 

Administrative Recommendation:

 

Rationale:  Meet and Confer activities have been in progress since November of last year and have been very productive.  The next Meet and Confer session is scheduled for Thursday, April 26th with the goal of finalizing recommendations to the Governing Board for the May 1st Study Session.  Mr. Kapp and Ms. Raskin will present these recommendations to the Governing Board on May 1st.  Leadership from both the Prescott Education Association and the Prescott Classified Employee Association will also be present to discuss recommendations.

 

Relevant Data and Exhibits:  Financial and budget information will be presented to the Governing Board at the May 1st Study Session by Mr. Kapp and Ms. Raskin.

 

Item No. 8 

Date:  05/01/01

 

Consideration of:  Approving the classified-auxiliary contracts for the 2001-2002 school year.

 

Submitted by:  Mr. Kevin Kapp, Assistant Superintendent

 

Administrative Recommendation:

 

Rationale:  Meet and Confer activities have been in progress since November of last year and have been very productive.  The next Meet and Confer session is scheduled for Thursday, April 26th with the goal of finalizing recommendations to the Governing Board for the May 1st Study Session.  Mr. Kapp and Ms. Raskin will present these recommendations to the Governing Board on May 1st.  Leadership from both the Prescott Education Association and the Prescott Classified Employee Association will also be present to discuss recommendations.

 

Relevant Data and Exhibits:  Financial and budget information will be presented to the Governing Board at the May 1st Study Session by Mr. Kapp and Ms. Raskin.

 

Item No. 9 

Date:  05/01/01

 

In Consideration of:  Approving the administrative contracts for the 2001-2002 school year.

 

Submitted by:  Mr. Kevin Kapp, Assistant Superintendent

 

Administrative Recommendation:

 

Rationale:  Meet and Confer activities have been in progress since November of last year and have been very productive.  The next Meet and Confer session is scheduled for Thursday, April 26th with the goal of finalizing recommendations to the Governing Board for the May 1st Study Session.  Mr. Kapp and Ms. Raskin will present these recommendations to the Governing Board on May 1st.  Leadership from both the Prescott Education Association and the Prescott Classified Employee Association will also be present to discuss recommendations.

 

Relevant Data and Exhibits:  Financial and budget information will be presented to the Governing Board at the May 1st Study Session by Mr. Kapp and Ms. Raskin.

 

Item No. 10                   Date:  05/01/01

 

Consideration of:  Approving an offer for the sale of the district office property.

 

Submitted by:  Dr. Roger Short, Superintendent

 

Administration Recommendation:  The Governing Board review the attached offer as presented.

 

Rationale:  The facility was approved for sale by the voters in 1998.

 

Relevant Data and Exhibits:  The property is no longer being actively marketed and has not had a current commercial appraisal in over two years.  Please refer to Enclosure #5.

 

Item No. 11                  

Date:  05/01/01

 

Consideration of:  Approving a certified contract for Mr. Kevin Kapp for the position of Superintendent.

 

Submitted by:  Dr. Roger Short, Superintendent

 

Administrative Recommendation:  A contract for the superintendent position will be reviewed by legal counsel for final vote by the Governing Board on May 8, 2001.

 

Rationale:  A new contract needs to be approved as a new superintendent begins July 1, 2001.

 

Relevant Data and Exhibits:  The final document will be completed with all provisions after legal counsel approval and agreement by both parties involved.

 

Item No. 12                  

Date:  05/01/01

 

Consideration of:  Approving a proposal for a land trade involving the Dexter property.

 

Submitted by:  Dr. Roger Short, Superintendent

 

Administrative Recommendation:  The administration recommends approval of this item.

 

Rationale:  The owner of the Dexter land property wishes to exchange parcel (A) for parcel (B) at no cost to the district.

 

Relevant Data and Exhibits:  The exchange would allow the district to keep the three parking spaces noted in parcel (A) available for use and awarding parcel (B) would allow the land owner better access to the Dexter land at no expense to the district.  Please refer to Enclosure #6.

 

Item No. 13                  

Date:  05/01/01

 

Consideration of:  Approving an alternative or modified testing of 75 students from the Stanford 9 Achievement Testing, due to limited English proficiency.

 

Submitted by:  Ms. Linda Ryan, Coordinator of Curriculum and Testing

and Mrs. Karin Ward, Coordinator for ESL

 

Administrative Recommendation:  It is recommended that the Governing Board approve alternative or modified testing of 75 students from the Stanford 9 Achievement Test due to limited English proficiency.

Rationale:  The Stanford 9 was given to grades 1-9 in April 2001.  The State Board of Education Rule R7-2-306 allows for exemption of limited English proficient students for up to three years if the district meets the following guidelines:

 

1.  The exempted pupil has been determined to be limited English proficient (LEP) by following proper identification and assessment procedures pursuant to R7-2-306, which include listening, speaking, reading and writing.

 

2.  The LEP pupil is enrolled in an instructional program as prescribed in A.R.S. 15-754.

 

3.  The district is maintaining records of exempted LEP pupils.  Limited English proficient pupils may be exempted from the testing requirement if the pupils have been enrolled in a school district in this state for less than three academic years beginning with the second grade.

 

4.  The district provides for accommodations on the Stanford 9 or an Alternative Assessment for all students with exempt status.

 

Relevant Data and Exhibits:  A copy of the resolution approval must be signed.  Please refer to Enclosure #7.

 

Item No. 14                  

Date:  05/01/01

 

Consideration of:  The review and approval of the School Safety Grant for the 2001-2002 school year.

 

Submitted by:   Dr. Roger Short, Superintendent

 

Administrative Recommendation:  The administration recommends approval of this item.

 

Rationale: 

 

Relevant Date and Exhibits:  This is a grant coming through the County Juvenile Office regarding expansion of the School Resource/Probation Officer Program at Prescott High School and both middle schools.  A copy of the grant cover pages is attached.  Please refer to Enclosure #8.

 

Item No. 15                  

Date:  05/01/01

 

Consideration of:  Approving the Annual General Statement of Assurances for the Arizona Department of Education.

 

Submitted by:  Dr. Roger Short, Superintendent

 

Administrative Recommendation:  The administration recommends approval of this item.

 

Rationale:  This is an annual “housekeeping” item to assure compliance with federal and state regulations.

 

Relevant Data and Exhibits:  A copy of the form is attached.  Please refer to Enclosure #9.

 

Item No. 16                  

Date:  05/01/01

 

Consideration of:  Approving a request from Mrs. Julie Rockwell for a Sabbatical Leave for the 2001-2002 school year, to pursue her Ph.D. from the University of Arizona.

 

Submitted by:  Mr. Kevin Kapp, Assistant Superintendent

 

Administrative Recommendation:   The administration recommends approval of this request providing:  1) A suitable replacement can be found for Mrs. Rockwell; 2) Mrs. Rockwell follows and completes the approved plan as outlined in Policy GCCF; and 3) that Mrs. Rockwell agrees to return to work in the district for a minimum of one complete school year immediately following the Sabbatical Leave.

 

Rationale:  Current Governing Board of Education policy could grant up to ½ (one-half) the requesting employee’s salary if approved.  Mrs. Rockwell, however, will be paid the difference between her pay and that of the teacher who replaces her.  This request, therefore, would not impact the district monetarily.

 

Relevant Data and Exhibits:  Please refer to Enclosure #10.

 

Item No. 17                  

Date:  05/01/01

 

Consideration of:  Approving Carolyn Johnson as Assistant Principal/Dean of Students at Prescott High School.

 

Submitted by:  Mr. Kevin Kapp, Assistant Superintendent

 

Administrative Recommendation:

 

Rationale:  Finding a replacement for the position of Assistant Principal/Dean of Students at Prescott High School was determined to be necessary and the position was posted both internally and externally.

 

Relevant Data and Exhibits:  A screening committee consisting of certified personnel, classified personnel, a parent and a student screened applicants and conducted interviews.  This committee then recommended three finalists to the Prescott High School principal for further interviews and consideration.  The recommended individual for the position meets all criteria for the position and is thus being recommended to the Governing Board for Approval.

 

Item No. 18                  

Date:  05/01/01

 

Consideration of:  Approving the certified and classified personnel actions as presented.

 

Submitted by:  Mr. Kevin Kapp, Assistant Superintendent

 

Administrative Recommendation:  The administration recommends approval of this item.

 

Relevant Data and Exhibits:  Please refer to Enclosure #11.

 

Item No. 19                  

Date:  05/01/01

 

Consideration of:  The acceptance of donations as presented.

 

Submitted by:  Ms. Renee Raskin, Director of Business

 

Administrative Recommendation:   The administration recommends approval of this item.

 

Rationale:  Board Policy requires acceptance by the Governing Board of all donations.

 

Relevant Data and Exhibits: 

 

Four hundred dollars from the Prescott Macintosh Users, for the computer fund at Taylor Hicks Elementary School.

 

Four hundred dollars from the Prescott Macintosh Users, for the technology department at Miller Valley Elementary School.

 

The following businesses donated giveaway items for the School Fair.

(Please refer to Enclosure #12.)

 

Four hundred dollars from the Prescott Macintosh Users, for the computer lab at Lincoln Elementary School.

 

Frames and mat board valued at $300, from Ms. Joanne Frerking, to the Prescott High School Fine Arts Program.

 

A Konica 1112 copier and toner valued at $695, from Prescott Dermatology, to the Prescott High School Math Department.

 

Fifty dollars from Mr. and Mrs. Van O’Steen to the Prescott High School Silent Witness Program.

 

Seven hundred thirty eight dollars and thirty cents from Prescott Target Store, to the Prescott High School Incentive Program.

 

One thousand four hundred sixty-six dollars and fifty-two cents from Costco, to purchase guided reading materials for Taylor Hicks Elementary School.

 

Two thousand one hundred fifty-six dollars and seventy-one cents from the Taylor Hicks PTA to Taylor Hicks Elementary School, to purchase a marquee.

 

A Macintosh computer, monitor, keyboard and miscellaneous software from Mr. Jim Harrigan, valued at $200, to Prescott High School.

 

Item No. 20              

Date:  05/01/01

 

Consideration of:  The ratification of vouchers as presented.

 

Submitted by:  Ms. Renee Raskin, Director of Business

 

Administrative Recommendation:  The administration recommends approval of this item.

 

Rationale:  Arizona Revised Statute requires approval/ratification of all vouchers.

 

Relevant Data and Exhibits: 

 

Voucher # Amount
Payroll Voucher #25  $745,759.17
Payroll Voucher #26 $732,199.48
Expenditure Voucher #5068 $49,581.77
Expenditure Voucher #5069 $62,276.57
Expenditure Voucher #5070 $55,018.40
Expenditure Voucher #5071 $140,184.68
Expenditure Voucher #5072 $71,242.63
Expenditure Voucher #5073  $74,943.36
Expenditure Voucher #5074 $98,448.13
Expenditure Voucher #5075 $31,905.75
Expenditure Voucher #5076 $62,413.64

 

Item No. 21                  

Date:  05/01/01

 

Consideration of:  The approval of the Auxiliary Operations and Student Activities Fund Statement of Receipts and Disbursements for the month of March 2001.

 

Submitted by:  Ms. Renee Raskin, Director of Business

 

Administrative Recommendation:  The administration recommends approval of this item.

 

Relevant Data and Exhibits:  Please refer to Enclosure #13.

Item No. 22              

Date:  05/01/01

 

Consideration of:  The approval of previous minutes from the Study and Voting Sessions of April 3, 2001 and April 10, 2001 and for the Special Sessions of March 30, 2001, April 3, 2001, April 11, 2001, April 12, 2001 and April 16, 2001.

 

Submitted by:  Dr. Roger Short, Superintendent

 

Administrative Recommendation:  The administration recommends approval of this item.

 

Rationale:  Board Policy requires approval of minutes.

 

Relevant Data and Exhibits:  Please refer to Enclosure #14.

 

INFORMATION ITEMS:

 

23.  Ms. Raskin has prepared the School Board Summary Budget Report for your review.  (Please refer to Enclosure #15.)

 

24.  We have received from our auditors the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Year Ended June 30, 2000.  This report is available for review in the Business Office.

 

25.  Enclosed for your review are the minutes from the February 22, 2001, Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) meeting.  (Please refer to Enclosure #16.)

 

26.  Enclosed for your review is a letter from the North Central Association regarding the accreditation of Prescott High School for the 2000-2001 school year.  (Please refer to Enclosure #17.)