PRESCOTT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 1
146 South Granite Street
Prescott, Arizona 86303
January 10, 2006
Minutes of the Governing
Board Study and Voting Session of Tuesday, January 10, 2006, beginning at
6:30 p.m. held in the District Office Board Room.
Governing Board Members
Present:
President Andy Newton
Mrs. Dee Navarro
Mr. Steve Campbell
Dr. Joan Fleming
Mr. Tom Staley
Also Present:
Mr. Kevin J. Kapp,
Superintendent
Dr. Chris Reynolds,
Assistant Superintendent
Mrs. Renee Raskin,
Director of Business Services
Mr. Spencer Johnson,
Student Representative
Mrs. Andi Mayer, Assistant
to the Governing Board
Others Present:
Totsy
McCraley Frank Lawhead Susan Clark
Gerry
Janssen Arn Lavington Jay Collier
Ed
Yeager Mike Harlan Bill Munson
Joe
Howard Tom Bockman John Alfonso
Barbara Van
Fossen Janet Salese Michelle McFadden
David
Martin James Cowan Brian
Moore Mike Taylor Hilary Dartt
Marianne Brooks
Linda
Ryan Mary Anne Kapp Megan Wallace
Drew
Myers Bridget Wallace Theresa Schiller
Ginger
Campbell Paige Ramm Jim Ramm
Kevin
Campbell Karen Kasten Leanna Kasten
Alexis
Moore
CALL TO ORDER
President Andy Newton
called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
OPENING CEREMONY AND
WELCOME
President Newton welcomed
everyone and thanked those present for attending. Mr. Tom Staley led the
audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
President Newton asked if
the agenda was in order and Mr. Kapp responded that it was and suggested
removing Item No. 9 under the Study and Voting Session.
Dr. Joan Fleming moved
that the Governing Board approve the agenda as amended. Mr. Steve
Campbell seconded the motion.
Mr.
Steve Campbell voted aye, Dr. Joan Fleming voted aye, Mrs. Dee Navarro
voted aye, Mr. Tom Staley voted aye, and President Newton voted aye. The
motion carried 5-0.
PRESENTATIONS
Mr. Kevin Kapp introduced
Mr. John Alfonso, student at PHS, who had built the new press table for
the Board Room. Mr. Kapp noted that the student had done very nice work
that had taken many skills and that the Board wanted to recognize both the
student and his teacher, Mr. Tom Bockman. Mr. Kapp and President Newton
presented both with certificates of recognition.
Mr. Mike Taylor
distributed a Preliminary Assessment Report for the Old Potter’s House
Building summarizing the costs involved in bringing the building up to
code for use as the site for the Expeditionary Learning high school. He
estimated that it would cost a total of $747,000 to remodel the interior
and bring the building up to code for school use.
President Newton noted
that when the Board initially looked at leasing this building it was felt
they could use approximately $250,000 from building renewal and that it
was clear the district does not have the funds needed for this project.
Mr. Kapp noted that one of
the voting items on the agenda for this evening was to elect a new board
president and that we always want to take time to thank the out-going
president who has put so much time into that position. He stated that Dr.
Newton has done a wonderful job as president this last year and presented
him with a plaque of appreciation.
Dr. Newton stated that it
has been a pleasure and an honor to serve in this capacity and a pleasure
to serve with his fellow board members. He added that it was interesting
to see what all goes on in this district.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Mr. Kapp distributed the
current student enrollment report from December 23, 2005, and noted that
district-wide enrollment is up by 134 students, or 2.5%. He added that
this is the fourth year in a row the district has shown similar growth,
which is a healthy growth rate. He reported that most of the growth
occurred at the high school and the preschool levels. He noted that it is
only a couple of weeks from the 100th day, which is the day
student enrollment will determine the budget for next year.
He reported that planning
for the new EL high school continues and that the second parent
information night will be held on Thursday, January 19th at
6:00 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room at Prescott High School. He noted
that 44 families had attended the last one and that parents will actually
be able to begin the enrollment process at this second meeting.
Mr. Kapp brought the
Board’s attention to the upcoming ASBA BOLTS Conference and requested that
anyone interested in attending should let his office know as soon as
possible.
STUDY AND VOTING
SESSION:
CONSIDER NOMINATIONS
FOR THE POSITION OF PRESIDENT OF THE GOVERNING BOARD
Mrs. Dee Navarro
nominated Dr. Joan Fleming for the position of President of the Governing
Board. Mr. Steve Campbell seconded the motion.
Mrs. Dee Navarro
voted aye, Dr. Joan Fleming voted aye, Mr. Tom Staley voted aye, Mr.
Steve Campbell voted aye, and Dr. Andy Newton voted aye. The motion
carried 5-0.
Mr. Kapp noted that this
was Dr. Fleming’s fifth presidential term on the Governing Board and her
twelfth year as a Board member.
Dr. Fleming stated that
she appreciated the confidence from her fellow Board members.
At this point in the
meeting Dr. Fleming took over as the new Board President.
CONSIDER APPROVING THE
DAY AND TIME FOR GOVERNING BOARD MEETINGS FOR THE YEAR 2006
Dr. Andy Newton
moved that the Governing Board continue to meet the first and second
Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m., unless otherwise posted. Mr. Steve
Campbell seconded the motion.
Mrs. Dee Navarro
voted aye, Dr. Joan Fleming voted aye, Mr. Tom Staley voted aye, Mr.
Steve Campbell voted aye, and Dr. Andy Newton voted aye. The motion
carried 5-0.
CONSIDER APPROVING AN
OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL REQUEST FROM MR. JIM RAMM FOR THE GRANITE MOUNTAIN
MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRL’S BASKETBALL TEAM TO ATTEND A TOURNAMENT IN LAS VEGAS,
NEVADA, JANUARY 14-16, 2006
Mr. Kapp noted that the
Governing Board must approve all out-of-state student travel and that a
request had been received from Granite Mountain Middle School to ask for
approval for out-of-state travel for the Girl’s Basketball Team.
Mrs. Dee Navarro
moved that the Governing Board approve the out-of-state travel request
from Mr. Jim Ramm for the Granite Mountain Middle School Girl’s Basketball
Team to attend a tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada, January 14-16, 2006.
Mr. Steve Campbell seconded the motion.
Mrs. Navarro asked how the
trip was being paid for and how much the trip would cost. Mr. Jim Ramm
responded that the trip would cost less than $1,000 and that the parents
would be chaperoning their own children.
Mr. Staley asked how much
was funded through tax credits and how much the parents would have to
pay. Mr. Ramm responded that well over $1,000 had been donated for this
purpose.
Mr. Kapp asked how the
team was doing so far this season. Mr. Ramm responded that they were
undefeated and had played in some A-Team tournaments as well as against
club teams.
Mrs. Dee Navarro
voted aye, Dr. Joan Fleming voted aye, Mr. Tom Staley voted aye, Mr.
Steve Campbell voted aye, and Dr. Andy Newton voted aye. The motion
carried 5-0.
CONSIDER APPROVING A
LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN PRESCOTT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT AND BILL AND
SHARY FELDMEIER FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 937 RUTH STREET
Mrs. Navarro suggested
tabling Item No. 4 indefinitely.
President Fleming noted
that after hearing Mike Taylor’s presentation we probably won’t be able to
afford the renovations needed.
Mr. Campbell stated that
after seeing the cost of the project, we know we have $350,000 in building
renewal and hoped to not have to use all of that, which puts the whole
district at risk and that he didn’t see how the Board could now lease the
building. He added that he would just as soon the Board vote regarding
this proposal, rather than tabling it.
Mr. Staley suggested
asking the Gates Foundation whether they could increase their funding,
that he didn’t know the legal ramifications of doing so, but it wouldn’t
hurt. He asked if this item was tabled, could it be brought back up.
President Fleming responded yes. She then directed the superintendent to
check in to the possibility of increased funding through the Gates
Foundation.
Mr. Kapp noted that other
EL high schools have started out in many different types of buildings and
that if this option doesn’t work, the district can always look elsewhere.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A
PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ARIZONA CLASSICAL THEATRE (ACT) IN HOSTING THE
ARIZONA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL THE SUMMER OF 2006 AT PRESCOTT HIGH SCHOOL IN
THE RUTH STREET THEATER
President Fleming noted
that the Board had approved a similar proposal last year and that it was
very successful. She added that she did have some concerns about
convocation, because the sound was terrible last year, and did not want
the festival to interfere with convocation.
Mr. Kapp reported that ACT
has been meeting with Mrs. McCraley and other teachers from the Fine Arts
Department to iron out some of these concerns.
Mrs. Totsy McCraley
reported to the Board that Cheryl Moran, Louisa Nelson, and Tracie
Mason-Johnston are all meeting to discuss some of the problems hosting
last year’s festival. She reported that there were some conflicts with
school starting and that the ACT group has been very gracious about
modifying their original proposal to resolve some of these concerns. She
noted that they would all be meeting again on Thursday and would give a
final update at the Board’s Voting Session next Tuesday.
President Fleming noted
that the ACT has been a boon to this community, that they had started out
at the courthouse plaza with a wonderful program and that it has been
growing ever since.
Mrs. Navarro asked how
much the partnership costs the district. Mrs. McCraley stated that she
could find out and would have to consider the cost of the printing, use of
facility, and replacing light bulbs, etc. She noted that in the revised
proposal they were offering $1,000 for those types of costs and that Mr.
Don Jones, the RST custodian, would need to be consulted regarding other
possible costs.
Mrs. Navarro noted that
last year the space was needed for 216 hours and asked if it would be more
or less this year. Mrs. McCraley stated that she would find that out
before next week’s meeting.
Mr. Staley noted that the
agreement says they would pay us $1,000 and that we would get four
professional workshops. He asked how many students would benefit from
this and how many students took advantage of the half-price tickets.
Mr. Kapp introduced
Michelle McFadden, the ACT President, and Janet Salese. Ms. Salese
responded that they were concerned last year that by moving to the RST
that their attendance might drop, but that it had been just the opposite.
She noted that there was a summary in the board briefing regarding what
they had done to fulfill their obligations to the district and reported
that the district had been included in all advertising and publicity.
She distributed copies of
the program and advertising from last year for the Board to review. She
stated that tickets would be half off for all district employees with
their district I.D.’s. She noted that they had wanted more students to
attend the shows last year, but that there was a problem having the first
week of school. She stated that they were looking at not doing it the
first week of school this year and that all PUSD students may attend the
shows for free. She noted that last year the agreement was for four
workshops and that they had actually provided six workshops.
Ms. McFadden stated that
she was a playwright and that she had provided four workshops for Tracie
Mason-Johnston’s classes. She noted that they were trying to provide
opportunities for the students to not only perform, but learn about
theater. She estimated that she saw 50-60 students twice during her
workshops last year.
Ms. Salese reported that
their sound designer had worked with Tracie Mason-Johnston on improving
the sound in the RST and that this year there were lots of students
involved with the production, from running concessions to earn money for
their clubs, to some senior students that have become members of ACT.
Mr. Campbell stated that
he was pleased to hear that ACT was addressing the number of students
exposed to this type of production. Ms. Salese responded that they were
trying to do it at a different times and give students a free opportunity
to attend.
President Fleming noted
that in looking at the dates it was scheduled for the first week of school
again, since school starts August 7th. She suggested they look
at their dates and avoid that first week of school.
President Fleming asked if
there would be both matinee and evening performances. Ms. Salese
responded yes.
CONSIDER APPROVING THE
TEACHER EVALUATION SYSTEM VERIFICATION STATEMENT OF ASSURANCE FOR
2006-2007
Dr. Chris Reynolds
reported that every year the district is asked to provide this statement
to the Arizona Department of Education. He noted that the district
re-vamped the evaluation system two years ago and that it continues to
meet the standards.
CONSIDER APPROVING A
MEDICAL LEAVE OF ABSENCE FOR LORI OWNINGS, PLAYGROUND
ASSISTANT/INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT AT LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR THE
REMAINDER OF THE 2005-06 SCHOOL YEAR
Mr. Staley asked what this
costs the district. Dr. Reynolds responded that it was hard to say, since
we don’t always replace classified employees on extended leave.
Mr. Campbell asked, what
does a leave of absence mean? Dr. Reynolds responded that the employee is
absent, without pay, but guaranteed a position upon their return.
Mr.
Kapp pointed out that if a person falls under the Family Medical Leave Act
(a federal law), they qualify to maintain their insurance for three
months.
CONSIDER APPROVING AN
EXTENTION OF A TWELVE-WEEK PRE-APPROVED MEDICAL LEAVE OF ABSENCE BY DR.
REYNOLDS FOR MRS. DIANE HOWLETT, LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER AT PRESCOTT MILE
HIGH MIDDLE SCHOOL, FOR AN ADDITIONAL 10 WEEKS
Dr. Reynolds reported that
this employee had already received the 12 weeks they were entitled to
through the Family Medical Leave, but that beyond the 12 weeks required
the Board’s approval.
Mr. Staley asked, can we
get an idea of the cost? Dr. Reynolds responded, the cost of a substitute
since she is a teacher.
Mr. Staley noted that if
they have already had 12 weeks, the validity for the additional request
comes through your office? Dr. Reynolds responded that it was a valid
request through a doctor’s recommendation.
Mrs. Navarro noted that
this is a person who is also doing the buyout.
Mr. Kapp noted that after
the first 12 weeks the employee must pay for the cost of insurance.
Dr. Reynolds reported that
she has already received 12 weeks through FML and that her doctor has
recommended an additional 10 weeks. He noted that during that time,
unless the employee is using her own sick leave, she is not receiving any
salary, and that the cost if minimal when comparing her daily rate with a
substitute’s daily pay. He noted that they district would actually be
spending less. He also reminded the Board that because this is a
personnel issue, there are certain informational items they cannot be
released.
Mrs. Navarro stated that
she was concerned about the students in this Language Arts class and asked
if this class had a permanent substitute.
Mr. Joe Howard reported
that the same substitute has been in Mrs. Howlett’s class since day one
and that she had student taught for PMHMS last year.
Mrs. Navarro asked, do we
have to hold that position, or a position for this employee? Dr. Reynolds
responded that we would hold that position.
Mr. Staley asked, what if
we vote no? Would they resign and we wouldn’t have to hold the position?
Would we have to hold their position?
Dr. Reynolds responded
that he would have to research that.
Mr. Howard stated that she
is a quality teacher that we hope to retain.
Mrs. Navarro mentioned
again that she was participating in the buyout program.
Mr. Howard stated that he
felt uncomfortable talking about a personnel issue.
Mr. Staley stated that he
wanted to know whether she’s coming back or not, and whether you are
planning on re-hiring her.
Mr. Howard stated that it
was his intention to hire her back if her health would allow it.
CONSIDER APPROVING AN
EXTENSION OF A TWELVE-WEEK PRE-APPROVED MEDICAL LEAVE OF ABSENCE BY DR.
REYNOLDS FOR MS.MARY TRADER, CUSTODIAN AT GRANITE MOUNTAIN MIDDLE SCHOOL,
FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE 2005-06 SCHOOL YEAR
This item was removed from
the agenda.
CONSIDER APPROVING AN
UNPAID MATERNITY LEAVE OF ABSENCE FOR MRS. YVONNE BERRY, FIRST GRADE
TEACHER AT ABIA JUDD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, FOR 16 WEEKS
Dr. Reynolds reported that
this request exceeds the 12 weeks allowed under the FML and would now
require Board approval.
Mr. Staley asked, for a
total of 16 weeks? Dr. Reynolds responded, yes.
Mr. Staley asked, would a
long-term substitute be used for the continuity of her classroom? Dr.
Reynolds responded, yes.
Mr. Kapp noted that the
district has never had an in and out substitute teacher situation – that’s
what long-term substitutes are for.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE
CONSENT AGENDA:
Mr.
Staley stated that he had questions regarding Item No. 11. He noted that
there were 12 certified staff members participating in the buyout program
and he wanted to know if any of them had expressed an interest in coming
back.
Dr.
Reynolds suggested asking the principals.
Mr.
Brian Moore stated that his employees participating in the buyout program
were not returning.
Mrs. Susan Clark stated that the one employee from Miller Valley had not
expressed an interest in returning.
Mr.
Joe Howard stated that Jake Magallanez had expressed an interest in
returning, that Pat Gulley was undecided, and that he had already spoke to
the Board regarding Diane Howlett.
Mr.
Mike Harlan stated that he has not had conversations with any one
interested in returning, but that does not mean that I won’t have in the
future.
Mr.
Frank Lawhead was not in attendance. Mr. Kapp stated that he would find
out that information before the next meeting.
Mrs. Totsy McCraley stated that she has had no conversations with the
three teachers participating in the buyout program, but that does not mean
that she won’t in the future.
Mrs. Nancy Martinez was not in attendance. Mr. Kapp stated that he would
find out that information before the next meeting.
Mr.
Campbell stated that he was in opposition to Mr. Staley’s stand on
rehiring. He noted that when hiring employees, nothing is guaranteed that
they will be good, and that when you know someone is good, you should have
the opportunity to keep them.
Mr.
Staley stated that if he were running a business he would want to
interview as many people as he could and that he was dead set against
rehiring retired personnel.
President Fleming stated that this conversation was not pertinent to the
agenda.
Mr.
Staley pointed out that Mr. Campbell had been allowed to speak. President
Fleming stated that Mr. Staley was out of order.
Mr.
Staley stated that he would like to ask some questions regarding the
auxiliary accounts. He noted that none of the accounts were listed as tax
credit accounts and that he’d like to know school by school about any tax
credit accounts.
Mrs. Renee Raskin responded that tax credits are donated to individual
schools or programs and cannot be given to the district as a whole. She
pointed out several programs and accounts within the individual school
accounts that were tax credit accounts.
Mr.
Staley asked, what about the negative amounts in some of these accounts?
Mrs. Raskin responded that it was legal to allow auxiliary accounts to go
in the hole, that they will receive tax credits from this calendar year
that will bring them back up into the black again.
Mr.
Staley stated that he brought this up because he was not sure where the
money goes and some of those accounts are quite substantial. He noted
that students still have to pay for pay to play and that some students
can’t afford to be involved in athletics because of this.
Mrs. McCraley responded that no student is ever turned away because they
can’t afford to play. She noted that pay to play was a tax credit and
that no student is turned away.
Mr.
Staley stated that we should make this more generally known.
Mrs. McCraley noted that she has set up payment plans for other fees and
that you’d have to be careful to set up parameters.
Mr.
Kapp stated that we usually give the business office a month to post tax
credits and that an annual tax credit report is always given to the Board
in February or March.
CONSIDER THE APPROVAL OF
CERTIFIED AND CLASSIFIED PERSONNEL ACTIONS AS REQUESTED
Dr. Reynolds noted that an
updated Personnel Report had been distributed to the Governing Board.
CONSIDER ACCEPTING THE
DONATIONS AS PRESENTED
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 NOVEMBER 2005
CONSIDER THE REVIEW AND
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES FROM THE GOVERNING BOARD EXECUTIVE AND STUDY
SESSION OF
DECEMBER 6, 2005, AND THE
EXECUTIVE SESSION AND VOTING SESSION OF DECEMBER 12, 2005
ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no objection,
President Fleming adjourned the meeting at 7:55 p.m.
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