PRESCOTT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 1

146 South Granite Street

Prescott, Arizona 86303

 

July 10, 2001

 

Minutes of the Study and Voting Session of the Governing Board, Tuesday, July 10, 2001, beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the District Office Board Room.

 

Governing Board members present:

Dr. Joan Fleming

Mr. Denny Colgan

Mrs. Dee Navarro

Mr. Steve Campbell

 

Absent:

Mr. Gordon Maddux

 

Also Present:

Kevin Kapp, Superintendent

Chris Reynolds, Assistant Superintendent

Andrea Mayer, Assistant to the Governing Board

 

Others Present:

Kelton Aker

Worth Mallory

May Mallory

Louise Koniarski

Tom Byrd

Bill Monroe

Renee Raskin

Janie Phare

Karin Ward 

Jim Williams

Kelly Cordes

Taylor Welch

Colleen Jonovich

                                                        

CALL TO ORDER

President Joan Fleming called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. Mr. Steve Campbell led the members of the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

President Fleming asked Mr. Kapp if the agenda was in order. Mr. Kapp

responded that the agenda was in order.

 

Mr. Denny Colgan moved that the Governing Board accept the agenda as presented.  Mr. Steve Campbell seconded the motion.

 

Mr. Steve Campbell voted aye, Mrs. Dee Navarro voted aye, Mr. Denny Colgan voted aye and Dr. Joan Fleming voted aye.  The motion carried 4-0.

 

PRESENTATIONS

Mr. Kelton Aker and Ms. Linda Ryan made a presentation to the Board regarding the Stanford 9 Test Scores.  Mr. Aker reported that the test scores were received very late this year due to the company grading the tests moving their headquarters.  He noted that this company would reimburse the district for all costs related to mailing the test scores to parents.  Mr. Aker distributed a copy of a letter that would also be mailed home to parents regarding the test scores and noted that the current scores are preliminary and would become official in mid-July. 

 

He reviewed the reading results with the Board, reporting that Yavapai County had the highest scores in the state and that our district tied or scored above the highest scores throughout the county in 15 of 25 categories.

 

He reviewed the language results noting that third and seventh grade had the highest scores in this area with a drop-off in scores occurring at the high school level.

 

He reviewed the math results noting that second and fifth grade scored in the 78th percentile.  All test score results, including those for charter schools, are available on the Internet.

 

Ms. Ryan reviewed four-year comparison scores in reading, language and math and compared scores from the classes of 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004.  She noted that the “slump” in scores at the 9th grade level is a trend that is county and statewide and discussed the different factors that affect the test scores at all grade levels.

 

Mr. Worth Mallory made a presentation on behalf of the Financial Oversight Committee regarding the pay to play fees and auxiliary operations funds.  He noted that the form filled out by the coaches had been revised and now asked for the number of participants and the number of students on scholarships.  He distributed a spreadsheet through April 30, 2001, that reflected receipts and expenses for athletics at the high school and middle school levels and funding coming out of the M & O budget for athletics exclusively for such things as coaching salaries. 

 

He reported that the FOC had come up with two recommendations.  The minority recommendation was to reduce pay to play fees at the high school, which would be a good public relations idea.  The majority recommendation was to maintain the present policy because the tax credits are reimbursed and there have been no complaints received at the high school, at any of the FOC meetings, or at the recent call to the public at the Board meeting held at Prescott High School.  He noted that no child is prevented from participating in sports because of the fee due to the scholarships provided.  The FOC felt that the middle schools should do more to attract tax credit monies for their athletic programs since they were both in the red on the spreadsheet.

 

Mr. Denny Colgan thanked Mr. Mallory and the FOC for developing the spreadsheet, which allows the Board to better analyze pay to play and athletic costs.  President Fleming also applauded the FOC for their hard work.

 

President Fleming reported on the recent ASBA Delegate Assembly that she attended.  She noted that the three proposals our district had submitted were all turned down.  The delegates met as a legislative committee, reviewed every proposal from every district and then produced rationale for whether proposals were supported or not. 

 

She highlighted some of the proposals which included:  meaningful requirements for home schooled students, home rule charter school districts, maintaining district control of performance pay, a proposal for failing schools to hire master teachers for remediation, state trust lands, using weighted or unweighted counts regarding Proposition 301 for next year, and stipends for governing board members.

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Mr. Kapp distributed copies of a letter from three legislators expressing concern about proposed amendments regarding teacher pay for performance, failing schools and Prop 301 M & O funds going directly to school sites bypassing school boards or charter owners.  The letter was asking for help through calls, letters or e-mails regarding these issues.

 

He noted that the summer school programs are still continuing through next week during the morning with the Frontier Rotary Reading Program at Taylor Hicks, the middle school summer school at Prescott Mile High Middle School, the extended school year program at Miller Valley and CASA summer programs at Abia Judd during the afternoon.

 

He reported that Mr. Arn Lavington and Mr. Gary Glaser would be making a report to the Board in August regarding the construction taking place within our district through Students First. 

 

He reported that the Board Room had been painted using some of the rental money and asked the Board if they had any decorating ideas.  He noted that he was considering permanent displays of student artwork in the Board Room and displaying the pictures of past Board Presidents in the hallway.

 

Mr. Kapp reported that the Board and District Leadership Team Retreats would be held July 24-26 at the Mountain Club.  He asked Board members to submit any agenda items to his office.

 

PUBLIC HEARING

         

Mr. Steve Campbell moved that the Governing Board consider recessing the regular meeting to hold a public hearing to discuss the 2001-2002 proposed budget.  Mr. Denny Colgan seconded the motion.

 

Mr. Steve Campbell voted aye, Mrs. Dee Navarro voted aye, Mr. Denny Colgan voted aye and Dr. Joan Fleming voted aye.  The motion carried 4-0.

 

There was no public member present who wished to discuss the proposed budget.

 

Mr. Denny Colgan moved that the Governing Board consider adjourning the public hearing and reconvening to regular session.  Mrs. Dee Navarro seconded the motion.

 

Mr. Steve Campbell voted aye, Mrs. Dee Navarro voted aye, Mr. Denny Colgan voted aye and Dr. Joan Fleming voted aye.  The motion carried 4-0.

 

President Fleming noted that since this was a combined study and voting session, agenda items would be discussed first and then voted on right after any discussion.

 

CONSIDER ADOPTING THE 2001-2002 PROPOSED BUDGET

Ms. Renee Raskin noted that there was less money in transportation in the proposed budget due to fewer students being served and from reduced routes.  She distributed a page with changes to the budget from June, noting that this is what had been published in the newspaper.  She noted that regarding Proposition 301 funding, the number went up to $272.42, which will mean the budget will have to be revised in August or September, after it is adopted.

 

Mr. Steve Campbell moved that the Governing Board adopt the 2001-2002 proposed budget.  Mr. Denny Colgan seconded the motion.

 

Mr. Steve Campbell voted aye, Mrs. Dee Navarro voted aye, Mr. Denny Colgan voted aye and Dr. Joan Fleming voted aye.  The motion carried 4-0.

 

CONSIDER APPROVING PARTICIPATION IN THE FARMERS INSURANCE COMPANY OF ARIZONA AND MID-CENTURY INSURANCE COMPANY PERSONAL LINES PROGRAM TO EMPLOYEES

Ms. Renee Raskin noted that this request had been brought to the district from the Arizona School Risk Retention Trust.  This would allow these companies to distribute information to district employees at our vendor fair in August.

 

Mr. Colgan asked why these vendors needed a resolution from the Board and the other participants of the vendor fair did not.  She responded that the Trust required the resolution to be approved by the Board.

 

Mr. Steve Campbell moved that the Governing Board approve participation in the Farmers Insurance Company of Arizona and Mid-Century Insurance Company personal lines program to employees.  Mrs. Dee Navarro seconded the motion.

 

Mr. Steve Campbell voted aye, Mrs. Dee Navarro voted aye, Mr. Denny Colgan voted aye and Dr. Joan Fleming voted aye.  The motion carried 4-0.

 

CONSIDER APPROVING AN OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL REQUEST FOR THE PRESCOTT HIGH SCHOOL GIRL’S BASKETBALL TEAM TO ATTEND THE SAN DIEGO GIRLS BASKETBALL CLASSIC, JULY 19-22, 2001

Mr. Kapp reported that a request had been received from the PHS Girl’s Basketball Team to travel to San Diego and that Mr. Kelly Cordes was present to answer any questions.

 

Mr. Denny Colgan moved that the Governing Board approve the out-of-state travel request for the Prescott High School Girl’s Basketball Team to attend the San Diego Girls Basketball Classic, July 19-22, 2001.  Mr. Steve Campbell seconded the motion.

 

Mr. Steve Campbell voted aye, Mrs. Dee Navarro voted aye, Mr. Denny Colgan voted aye and Dr. Joan Fleming voted aye.  The motion carried 4-0.

 

CONSIDER APPROVING THE NEW TEXTBOOKS THAT HAVE BEEN ON 60-DAY PREVIEW AND ARE TO BE USED IN THE FOLLOWING CLASSES AT PRESCOTT HIGH SCHOOL:  CHILD DEVELOPMENT, FASHION DESIGN AND FOOD SCIENCE

Mr. Kapp noted that the proposed textbooks have been on 60-day preview and now were being recommended for approval.

 

Mr. Worth Mallory addressed the Board expressing concern he had regarding the textbook “Parents and Their Children.”  He stated that he felt the book was deficient because it overlooked infant brain development and had not included all of the most recent studies.  It also does not emphasize the importance of reading to children.  He felt the book could be used with supplementation.  Without such supplementation, he felt the book would be inadequate. He suggested that the district invite someone to do an in-service.

 

Ms. Linda Ryan thanked Mr. Mallory for his research and stated that she agreed with his recommendation for supplementation, but also noted that of the books available on the market, this was the best book.

 

Mr. Steve Campbell moved that the Governing Board approve the new textbooks that have been on 60-day preview and are to be used in the following classes at Prescott High School:  Child Development, Fashion Design and Food Science.  Mr. Denny Colgan seconded the motion.

 

Ms. Linda Ryan stated that she would include Mr. Worth Mallory and Mr. Trask in future discussions regarding supplementation for the parenting book.  Mr. Kapp suggested that an in-service regarding supplementation could be held for those teachers using the book during the teacher meetings at the beginning of school.

 

Mr. Steve Campbell voted aye, Mrs. Dee Navarro voted aye, Mr. Denny Colgan voted aye and Dr. Joan Fleming voted aye.  The motion carried 4-0.

 

CONSIDER THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF GRANTING AN EASEMENT TO BILLIE WELCH FOR PROPERTY PREVIOUSLY EXCHANGED AT THE DEXTER LAND LOCATION AS A CONTINUATION OF THAT TRANSACTION

Mr. Kapp noted that this was a continuation of the transaction involving the land exchange. 

 

Mr. Taylor Welch addressed the Board and stated that his mother was requesting an easement for egress, ingress and utility access.

 

Mr. Denny Colgan moved that the Governing Board approve the granting of an easement to Billie Welch for the property previously exchanged at the Dexter land location as a continuation of the land exchange transaction.  Mrs. Dee Navarro seconded the motion.

 

Mr. Steve Campbell voted aye, Mrs. Dee Navarro voted aye, Mr. Denny Colgan voted aye and Dr. Joan Fleming voted aye.  The motion carried 4-0.

 

CONSIDER APPROVING THE ARIZONA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANT FOR THE “ARTS IN THE COMMUNITY, ARTS IN THE SCHOOLS”

Mrs. Mary Anne Kapp noted that this was a planning grant to look at arts programs and working with supplementation and support services.  She noted that a formal proposal would be submitted to the Arizona Community Foundation and would be brought to the Board in the fall.

Mr. Campbell asked if this grant would be used to enrich our programs.  Mrs. Kapp responded yes and that it would be used to enhance all areas of the arts.

 

Mr. Steve Campbell moved that the Governing Board approve the Arizona Community Foundation Grant for the “Arts in the Community, Arts in the Schools.”  Mr. Denny Colgan seconded the motion.

 

Mr. Steve Campbell voted aye, Mrs. Dee Navarro voted aye, Mr. Denny Colgan voted aye and Dr. Joan Fleming voted aye.  The motion carried 4-0.

 

CONSIDER APPROVING A REQUEST FROM MRS. TINA SEELEY FOR A MATERNITY LEAVE OF ABSENCE FROM APPROXIMATELY AUGUST 1, 2001 THROUGH OCTOBER 1, 2001

 

Mr. Denny Colgan moved that the Governing Board approve the request from Mrs. Tina Seeley for a maternity leave of absence from approximately August 1, 2001 through October 1, 2001.  Mrs. Dee Navarro seconded the motion.

 

Mr. Steve Campbell voted aye, Mrs. Dee Navarro voted aye, Mr. Denny Colgan voted aye and Dr. Joan Fleming voted aye.  The motion carried 4-0.

 

Dr. Chris Reynolds noted that this would be a non-paid leave and that his office was working with Mr. Mike Harlan as to how to fill that vacancy and that a replacement could be paid using the funds not being paid to Mrs. Seeley.

 

CONSIDER APPROVING THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED

Mr. Steve Campbell requested that under the Consent Agenda, Item No. 8 regarding the approval of the certified and classified personnel actions be removed and voted on separately.  He noted that he would abstain his vote due to the fact that his daughter is on the certified list for hiring.

 

Mr. Denny Colgan moved that the Governing Board approve Items No. 9-12 under the Consent Agenda and that Item No. 8 be voted on separately.

 

Mr. Steve Campbell voted aye, Mrs. Dee Navarro voted aye, Mr. Denny Colgan voted aye and Dr. Joan Fleming voted aye.  The motion carried 4-0.

 

Mr. Denny Colgan moved that the Governing Board approve Item No. 8 under the Consent Agenda regarding certified and classified personnel actions.  Mrs. Dee Navarro seconded the motion.

 

Dr. Chris Reynolds noted that two of the candidates (Laura Campbell and Jason Eaton) being considered on the certified employment list would be hired using an alternative certification program.  They would work at the high school with mentor teachers for a two-year period and then would be able to apply for certification under the alternative certification program.  Mr. Kapp noted that Prescott would be the first district to consider using this alternative certification program

 

Mr. Steve Campbell abstained; Mrs. Dee Navarro voted aye, Mr. Denny Colgan voted aye and President Fleming voted aye.  The motion carried 3-1 with Mr. Campbell abstaining.

 

 

Consider approving the certified and classified personnel actions as presented.

 

Certified Staff Employments:  Laura Campbell*, Karen Dumoch,

Jason Eaton, Judith Ely, Colleen Jonovich                   , Kimberly Kloos, Erin Pecora, Donna Ray**, Carrie Lee Vining and Kent Winslow.

 

*Funded through 301 monies

**Funded through Federal Grant Funds

 

Certified Resignations:  Eric Jackson, Melissa Jackson, Dan Marioni and Joe Peters.

 

Classified Employment:  Selene Ammaccapane*, Sharon Bais, Patrick Brennan, Devon Casey*, Carl Colburn*, Amanda Davis*, Effie Elfer*, Amber Fornara*, Anita Garrison*, Jason Goldberg*, Darlene Lowe, Susan Lynch, Laurie Marlie*, Marc Metz*, Courtney Oertel, Barry Ramey*, Sharon Seymour*, Jack Shapiro and Patty Tolbert

 

*Funded by 21st Century grant monies.

 

Classified Resignations:  Connie Kelner and Heather Licavoli.      

 

The acceptance of donations as presented.

 

Five gift certificates valued at $125, from Papa John’s Pizza, to the Prescott High School Renaissance Program.

 

A sofa and chair valued at $250, from Tim and Linda Carter, to the Prescott High School Athletic Department.

 

Fifty dollars from W. J. Winget, for the Prescott High School Youth in Government Program.

 

Three table bookshelves valued at $1,200 from Hastings, to the Prescott High School library.

 

A Sony VCR valued at $100, from Mr. Len Williams, to the Prescott High School Industrial Technology Department.

 

Two gold watches valued at $1,000, from Raskin Jewelers, to the Prescott High School Renaissance Program.

 

A 1995 Dodge Neon valued at $6,000, from York Motors, to the Prescott High School Renaissance Program.

 

Two hundred and fifty dollars from Sharing Friends in Christ, to the Prescott High School Youth in Government Program.

 

Eighteen three-ring binders valued at $18, from Ms. Emily Ellis, to the District Business Office.

 

One hundred dollars from Eley and Barbara Denson, to the Taylor Hicks Elementary School computer program.

 

Fifty dollars from Hilton and Eileen Barry, to the Taylor Hicks Elementary School Best Program.

 

Five thousand ten dollars from F. Neal and Ann W. Mortenson, to help develop a handicapped playground at Abia Judd Elementary School.

 

Eighty-three dollars and fifty cents from Mr. Robert Bjorklund, to the Granite Mountain Middle School band department.

 

Ten thousand dollars from the Margaret T. Morris Foundation, made available to Youth Count to fund the Teen College Summer Program submitted by Beth Wangen, Teen College Director.

 

The ratification of vouchers as presented.

 

Voucher #                     Amount

Payroll Voucher #29 $749,880.83

Payroll Voucher #30 $1,343,943.09

Payroll Voucher #31 $442,224.50

Expenditure Voucher #5081 $24,555.42

Expenditure Voucher #5082 $95,359.91

Expenditure Voucher #5083 $50,660.35

Expenditure Voucher #5084 $83,282.39

Expenditure Voucher #5085 $28,982.71

Expenditure Voucher #5086 $33,254.34

Expenditure Voucher #5087 $35,700.30

Expenditure Voucher #5088 $172,499.49

Expenditure Voucher #5089 $18,136.06

Expenditure Voucher #5090 $38,898.28

Expenditure Voucher #5091 $48,913.71

Expenditure Voucher $5092 179,225.17

 

Consider approving the Auxiliary Operations and Student Activities Fund Statement of Receipts and Disbursements for the month of May 2001.

 

Consider approving the previous minutes from the Study and Voting Sessions of June 12, 2001 and for the Special Session of June 21, 2001.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

Mr. Steve Campbell moved that the Governing Board meeting be adjourned.  Mr. Denny Colgan seconded the motion

Mr. Steve Campbell voted aye, Mrs. Dee Navarro voted aye,

Mr. Denny Colgan voted aye and President Fleming voted aye.

The motion carried 4-0.

 

The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.

 

_________________________________   

Governing Board Member