September 12, 2006
Minutes of the
Governing Board Study and Voting Session of Tuesday, September 12, 2006, beginning
at 4:00 p.m. held in the District Office Board Room.
Governing
Board Members Present:
President
Mrs. Dee Navarro
Dr. Andy Newton
Mr. Steve Campbell
Mr. Tom Staley
Also
Present:
Mr. Kevin J. Kapp, Superintendent
Dr.
Mrs.
Mr. John Vanuk, Student Representative
Mrs. Andi Mayer, Assistant to the
Governing Board
Others
Present:
Nancy Martinez Lauren Millette
Jay Collier Joe Moore Carol
Wright
Rita Brammer Chris Lawrence
Jean McGee Dave McGee Stephanie
Hillig
Barbara Van Fossen
Elizabeth Couvreur Jennifer Pike Ellen Anderson
Susan Clark Candie Sibson Donna
Norris
Becky Lundy Jack Jackson Don
Williams
R.C. DeArmond Vic Nelson Frank
Lawhead
Jim Cowan Joe Howard Margaret
Henwood
Tom Reilly Arn Lavington
Bill Munson
Charlie LaBuz
President
President
Fleming welcomed everyone and thanked those present for attending. Mr. John Vanuk led the audience in the Pledge
of Allegiance.
President
Fleming introduced Mr. David Mauer and Mr. Tom Reilly.
President
Fleming suggested that item #H4 be postponed until October and then asked Mr.
Mr.
Mrs.
Dee Navarro voted aye, Dr. Andy Newton voted aye, Mr. Tom Staley voted aye, Mr.
Mr. David
Mauer and Mr. Tom Reilly were present from the Frontier Rotary Club. Mr. Mauer reported that for many years, the
Rotary would have guest speakers every Tuesday and that the Rotary used to give
them a little gold coin. He noted that
recently, in order to better recognize the guest speakers, the Rotary has
decided to donate a book to the school library system each week in the name of
the guest speaker. He stated that the
school library system would receive one book each week from the Frontier Rotary
with a name plate on the inside cover of each book that would have the guest
speaker’s name on it. He then presented
President Fleming with a check for $1,000 from the Frontier Rotary. President Fleming noted that the Frontier
Rotary Club has done many wonderful things for the district.
Mr.
SUPERINTENDENT’S
REPORT
Mr.
He reported that
on October 6th “Project Wet” – Central Yavapai Water Festival would
be taking place for all 4th graders at
He announced
that the 2006 ASBA County School Workshop for Board members would be held on
October 4th at
Mr. Kapp
distributed the most recent enrollment report that compared figures with last
year to this year on August 31st.
He reported that the district is up 123 students (2.2%) with the
elementary level being up by 35 students (1.5%), the middle schools being down
by 20 students (-1.5%), and the high schools being by 101 students (PHS – 19,
NELA – 82 or 5.2%). He noted that the
new NELA and ROTC programs were probably responsible for this increase at the
high school level. He added that the
preschools numbers were up by 6 students (12.5%).
STUDY AND VOTING SESSION:
Voting Item: CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE DEPUTY COUNTY ATTORNEY TO FILE A
REQUEST FOR A REHEARING WITH THE
Mrs. Dee Navarro moved that the
Governing Board authorize the Deputy
County Attorney to file a request for a rehearing with the Arizona State Liquor
Board with respect to the granting of a liquor license for the new location of
the Liquor Barn. Mr. Steve Campbell seconded
the motion.
Mr. Kapp
reported that as most people are aware, the Arizona State Liquor Board granted
a license for the Liquor Barn to move across the street and that the district
was concerned about the close proximity to PMHMS and the bus stop area. He added that the City of
Mr. Staley
asked, is the city also asking for a rehearing?
Mr. Kapp responded yes. Mr.
Staley added, with three specialized areas of challenge? Mr. Kapp responded, correct. Mr. Staley suggested joining the city in
their request and stand as a united front.
He noted that the State Liquor Board did not consider all of the factors
and encouraged parents and other interested people to write letters to the
Governor expressing their concern and dissatisfaction with this decision since
the State Liquor Board is made up of appointed personnel. He also stated that he’d like the Board to
write another letter and to make this a part of the motion.
President
Fleming introduced Mr.
Mr. Staley
noted that the city’s challenge is based on the fact that it would physically
be less than 300 feet from a recreational area, the nearness to a school bus
transfer area, and the irregularity of a 20 day notice.
President
Fleming asked Mr. Stoxen if he would be filing those same points. Mr. Stoxen responded, yes.
Mr. Kapp
recommended that when filing on behalf of the district, the first point should
be our concern for the safety of the children and then the other points.
Mrs.
CONSIDER
APPROVING THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE CASH BALANCE IN THE “UPPER 20” OF PROPOSITION
301 MONIES, AND A ˝% INCREASE TO THE CERTIFIED SALARY SCHEDULE UTILIZING BUDGET
CAPACITY IN THE PROPOSITION 301 “UPPER 20” FUND
Mrs. Renee
Raskin reported that the intent of the law was for this money to go into the
teacher salary schedule. She stated that
the district has been receiving Proposition 301 monies since 2001-02 and that
since that first year 2% of the certified salary schedule has been funded with
the “Upper 20” of Proposition 301. She
noted that over the last five years the fund has accumulated a $200,000 cash
balance that the district would like to pay to eligible certified staff in
December in either a tiered method or a flat rate. She added that this year the budget amount
would be approximately $410,000 for the “Upper 20” and since the district
traditionally spends approximately $325,000 of this fund to cover the 2% of the
salary schedule, which will leave a balance of $85,000. She noted that the $85,000 could be used to
add another ˝% to the certified salary schedule, making the base pay $30, 150.
President
Fleming stated that last year the Board had voted to use a tiered method and
that PEA had supported the use of that method.
Mr. Campbell
stated that his preference was to reward those eligible staff members that have
been with the district the longest period of time.
Mr. Kapp added
that the district administration has watched the funding of these monies over
the last several years, because once it goes into the salary schedule, it’s
there. He noted that they have been
watching for any patterns and that the revenue has increased each year. He noted that their concern was if it had
suddenly dropped, the district would have to cover the $85,000.
Dr. Newton
noted that the cost of a step raise for all staff is now $435,000 and if we increase
the base for certified staff, how much will that number go up? Mrs. Raskin responded, $20,000. Mr. Kapp responded, between $15,000-$20,000.
Mr. Staley
noted that the amount could go up or down and asked how the district would
cover it if it were short. He suggested
paying out the $410,000 with separate checks since it’s not guaranteed and
distribute it that way each year.
Mrs. Raskin
noted that the intent of the law is for the money to go into the salary
schedule.
Mr. Campbell
noted that the reason we have $200,000 is because we had an estimate from the
state and put a portion of it in the schedule and then ended up with the extra
money. He asked if we could take that
amount and tier it out every year. Mrs.
Raskin responded, yes, it’s up to the Board.
Mr. Kapp noted
that $200,000 distributed to eligible staff would mean the checks would be
between $500-$900 each and if you added in the $85,000, they would be between
$700-$1100.
Mr. Staley
stated that he was suggesting always giving separate checks and not putting it
in the salary schedule.
Mr.
CONSIDER
APPROVING A “SEALED PROPOSAL” #070/06a-2/8/06 FOR TELEPHONE SERVICES,
MAINTENANCE AND EQUIPEMNT FOR THE 2006-2007 SCHOOL YEAR (WITH OPTION TO RENEW
AGREEMENT UP TO FOUR ADDITIONAL YEARS)
Mr. Arn
Lavington reported that an RFP had been sent out in February and that Arizona
Technology was the sole source provider for factory authorized service
regarding ComDial equipment. He noted
that the Board had then approved the procurement of the phone system for
Mrs.
Mr. Steve Campbell
asked, if we go over the bid limit, we have to change what we’re calling
it? Mr. Lavington responded, allowing it
through my department as an RFP – I’m asking to exceed the bid limit.
Mr. Staley
stated that he liked going local, that this company has been with the district
for 15 years with this system and we’ll continue with this system – even though
it’s above the bid limit.
Mr. Lavington
remarked that recently Arizona Technology had some trade-in equipment they sold
to us for 20% of cost, which saved the district $20,000 and they’ve been really
good to work with over the years.
CONSIDER
APPROVING KRISTEN REX, SUSAN FAHRNI, CONNIE KUDRNA AND JoANNE BINDELL FROM
HUMBOLDT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT TO SERVE AS DESIGNATED HEARING OFFICERS FOR
LONG-TERM STUDENT SUSPENSION HEARINGS FOR THE 2006-2007 SCHOOL YEAR
President Joan
Fleming noted that our people do their hearings and they hear ours and the
Board would hear any appeals. Mr. Kapp
added that our Board would still handle expulsion hearings and any appeals for
long-term suspensions. He noted that
CONSIDER
APPROVING A TOP TEN PRIORITY LIST FROM THE 2007 POLITICAL AGENDA DEVELOPED AT
THE ASBA DELEGATE ASSEMBLY
This item was
postponed until October.
CONSIDER
APPROVING A STAFF SALARY AND BENEFITS PACKAGE FOR 2006-2007
Dr. Chris
Reynolds distributed two documents that had come out of the IBN meetings – one
was the IBN recommendation to the Board and the other was the 2006-2007
Estimated Expenses and Revenues. He
noted that there is $587,356 available and that IBN had met several times,
developed a design, shared the design with their constituents, and then the
plan was unanimously supported by the IBN team.
He noted that there would be an executive session on Thursday for PCEA
to review their proposed salary schedule with the Board.
Mrs. Elizabeth
Couvreur addressed the Governing Board and stated her understanding when she
was hired was that she would receive a step every year. She asked the Board to please consider making
the steps non-negotiable and that we would receive a step every year. She added that it’s come to the public’s attention
that there has been $100 million from the state that we won’t be seeing, that
the public perception makes a big difference.
She stated that if we get a step, 3%, and maybe 1% later – and then with
a raise in health care, it pencils out to be not much of a raise. She went on to say that the public thinks
we’re making all of this money, when in reality we are not. She added that she’d like to see certified
and classified working together.
Mr. Joe Moore
addressed the Governing Board noting that he served on the IBN team. He reported that this would directly affect
the classified staff and that they had worked real hard to get something that’s
going to help the district maintain people and acquire new people. He added that he realized there is only so
much money out there for spending. He
asked the Board to consider adopting the proposed salary schedule. He noted that there are some issues regarding
movement that they will review with the Board.
He stated that with 2.2% growth, the first thing on the list should be
funding the remainder of the salary schedule and the other things as well.
Mr. Vic Nelson
addressed the Governing Board and noted that they had compared district pay for
bus drivers from 30 other district in
Mr. Nelson
spoke on behalf of Mr. Arn Arnold and listed other jobs that require a class B
license, all of whom make more money than bus drivers. He stressed the training that bus drivers
have to go through, which takes about two months to get all of the
endorsements, a class B license, fingerprinting, and a background check – all
of which costs the district $2500-$3,000.
He noted that with the turn-over it probably costs the district
$25,000-$30,000 a year. He added that
bus drivers start at 6:00 a.m. and
sometimes end their routes between 4:30-5:00 p.m. He noted that they must work for 12 hours but
getting paid for only 4-6 hours, which most people can’t make a living without
having another job.
CONSIDER
APPROVING POLICY SERVICES ADVISORY,
VOLUME 18, NUMBER 3, FOR AUGUST 2006, FOR POLICY ADVISORY NUMBERS 269-277, AND
PROPOSED POLICY JLIF
Mr. Kapp
reviewed the proposed policy changes with the Board and answered questions from
Board members regarding the proposed policy changes.
CONSIDER
APPROVING A RIGHT OF ENTRY AND TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT TO THE CITY OF
Mr. Staley expressed
concern regarding the 24-month timeline and how it would affect traffic at Abia
Judd. Mr. Munson noted that the easement
would not affect the entry way, but was mainly for the area around the marquee. Mr. Arn Lavington also stated that he did not
feel the easement would have a detrimental affect on traffic.
CONSIDER
APPROVING A REQUEST BY THE ADMINISTRATION THAT THE GOVERNING BOARD AUTHORIZE A
RESOLUTION DIRECTING DR. CHRIS REYNOLDS TO DRAFT A STATEMENT OF ALLEGATIONS
PURSUANT TO ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES §15-514 AND §15-545 TO BE FILED WITH THE
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR THEIR CONSIDERATION REGARDING THE TEACHING
CERTIFICATE OF MR. STEVE DOUGLAS CLARK AS A RESULT OF HIS VACATING HIS ENGLISH
TEACHING POSITION AT PRESCOTT HIGH SCHOOL ON AUGUST 25, 2006
Dr. Reynolds
reported that the district is willing to release a teacher from their contract
if they wait until a suitable replacement can be found. He noted that this teacher walked out on his
contract on August 25th, when he had said that he’d be here through
August 31st.
Mr. Staley
stated that the district knew about this through a letter of explanation and
noted that we give medical leave. He
then asked if the district had filled the position. Dr. Reynolds responded, partly –
President
Fleming stated that this person had signed a legal binding contract with the
district, did not fulfill the contract, and did walk off the job.
Mr. Steve
Campbell stated that the district was willing to release him from his contract
pending finding a suitable replacement which he did not do. He added that a medical leave of absence is
something we do because it’s the law – we must do it – and they are two
different things.
Mrs.
Dr.
Mr. Staley
asked, what date did you hear he was leaving and why was it not on the August
Board agenda? He stated that he’d like
to know the answer to that question before he could vote on this item.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT
AGENDA:
CONSIDER
APPROVING THE CERTIFIED AND CLASSIFIED PERSONNEL ACTIONS 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 JULY 2006
CONSIDER
APPROVING THE PREVIOUS MINUTES FROM THE GOVERNING BOARD SPECIAL SESSION AND
STUDY AND VOTING SESSION OF AUGUST 1, 2006, THE EXECUTIVE AND VOTING SESSION OF
AUGUST 8, 2006, AND THE SPECIAL STUDY AND VOTING SESSION OF AUGUST 22, 2006
Mrs. Dee Navarro moved that the
Governing Board meeting be adjourned and that the Board reconvene to executive
session. Mr. Steve Campbell seconded the
motion.
Mrs.
The regular
meeting adjourned at 6:01 p.m. and the Governing Board reconvened into
executive session.
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