PRESCOTT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 1
146 South Granite Street
Prescott, Arizona 86303
December 21, 2004
Minutes from the Governing Board Voting
Session of December 21, 2004, at 5:00 p.m. held in the District Office
Board Room.
Governing Board Present: President Dee
Navarro
Dr. Joan Fleming
Mr. Gordon Maddux
Mr. Steve Campbell
Dr. Andy Newton
Others:
Mr. Kevin Kapp, Superintendent
Dr. Chris Reynolds,
Assistant Superintendent
Mrs. Renee Raskin,
Director of Business Services
Miss Justine Bunger,
Student Representative
Mrs. Andi Mayer, Assistant
to the Governing Board
Members of the Public: Hilary
Eller Bruce Taylor
Don German
Lou Beneitone
Nancy Martinez
Jim Williams
Tom
Staley Melissa Moore
Stephen
Hein Michael Holevar
Eric Bewley
Nancy Bewley
Julie
Rockwell Kurt Womack
Jean McGee
Abbie Roses
Wendy Adams
Juli Dalton
CALL TO ORDER, OPENING CEREMONY AND WELCOME
President Navarro called the meeting to order
at 5:00 p.m. and thanked everyone for attending the voting session.
Justine Bunger led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
President Navarro asked Mr. Kapp if the agenda
was in order. Mr. Kapp replied that it was.
Dr. Joan Fleming moved that the Governing
Board approve the agenda as presented. Mr. Steve Campbell seconded the
motion.
Mr. Gordon Maddux voted aye, Dr. Joan Fleming
voted aye, Mr. Steve Campbell voted aye, Dr. Andy Newton voted aye, and
President Navarro voted aye. The motion carried 5-0.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
None.
CONSIDER A PROPOSAL FOR THE PURCHASE OF
LAND FROM ABIA JUDD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND GRANITE MOUNTAIN MIDDLE SCHOOL
FROM THE CITY OF PRESCOTT FOR THE WILLIAMSON VALLEY ROAD WIDENING PROJECT
This item was a discussion only item at the
Study Session.
CONSIDER APPROVING A DISTRIC T
PRIORITIZATION LIST OF BOND PROJECTS
This item
was a discussion only item at the Study Session.
CONSIDER APPROVING A SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR
THE 2005-2006 SCHOOL YEAR
President Navarro stated that the Board would
hear from members of the public first.
Mr. Tom Staley addressed the Governing Board
and stated that he supported a hybrid calendar that was somewhere in the
middle – anything that has a majority buy in would work and that it would
be a matter of trade-offs. He noted that teachers want fewer
interruptions, there should be no more half days for grading, and there
must be 180 days for instruction with first semester ending prior to
Christmas. He stated that as he listened at past meetings it seemed that
people wanted what was best for their families and no one was addressing
what would be best for all students. He suggested a calendar with shorter
breaks and a longer summer.
Ms. Wendy
Adams addressed the Governing Board and stated that she appreciated the
Board’s efforts and noted that in 1997 year-round information was sent to
all parents and the majority of parents were not in support of such a
calendar. She suggested combining the one-week fall break with the
Thanksgiving break and wanted to know why a traditional calendar was not
on the most recent survey. She noted that parents opposed this type of
calendar 7 years ago and that the district should go back to the tried and
true calendar. She stated that scores have not improved and that the
current calendar affects extra-curricular activities. She also noted that
Mr. Denny Colgan had reminded the Board of their promise to re-evaluate
the modified calendar and that if it did not work the district would
return to a traditional calendar.
Mrs. Juli
Dalton addressed the Governing Board. She showed them the current
remediation schedule and discussed teacher pay, discussed a Saturday
Remediation Plan that included 15 Saturdays per school year with the
ability to add more if needed with the potential to double the number of
students receiving remediation at virtually the same cost as the current
remediation plan. She stated that the benefits would be more frequent
remediation opportunities for students before they fall too far behind,
more flexible schedule for students and teachers, that both teachers and
students would be able to take their full vacation and come back refreshed
and that it would be more cost effective. She also suggested that the
district incorporate access to the Odyssey program through Kids and Co.
before and after school utilizing the staff that is already there to
monitor the computers, giving computer access to middle school students
during study halls, and the possibility of partnering with the YMCA to set
up a computer lab for students who attend the after school program there.
She noted that the Odyssey program would be available online in the Spring
of 2005 and that this should reduce the number of students who need school
resources for remediation, allowing the school district to focus more on
at-risk students.
President
Navarro cautioned the Board about discussing remediation, since it was not
on the agenda.
Mr. Mike
Holevar addressed the Governing Board and continued to discuss the cost
for a Saturday Remediation program with some additional suggestions.
Dr. Joan
Fleming moved that the Governing Board adopt a 9-1, 9-2, 9-1 calendar for
the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 school years, starting August 8th
and August 7th respectively, and also with the elimination of
all early release days, with the exception of final exam days at the high
school. Mr. Steve Campbell seconded the motion.
Dr.
Fleming stated that the Board has talked about remediation and that she’d
like the Board to look at enrichment activities as well.
Mr. Steve
Campbell discussed an enlightening session he had attended at the recent
ASBA conference where students had invented a robot.
Mr. Gordon
Maddux stated that he was opposed to the fall break.
Dr. Andy
Newton stated that he had an alternative calendar and suggested having no
fall break and giving one week during Thanksgiving.
Dr.
Fleming stated that she felt the district should keep fall break.
Mr. Maddux
stated that he thought the Board should listen to the people who have
expressed themselves and didn’t think the Board should ignore their
sentiments.
Dr. Newton
discussed his alternative calendar in more detail noting that school would
start August 8th on a Monday, one day off for Labor Day, fall
break would be October 10-14, one day off for Veteran’s Day, three days
off at Thanksgiving, winter break would be from December 23 through the
first week in January, two days off at President’s Day (for a 4-day
weekend), spring break would be from March 13-17, one day off for Easter
with the school year ending May 24th (one week earlier than
present calendar). He stated that he felt that breaks were necessary
between the quarters and that he had received numerous pleas for this from
teachers. He noted that this calendar would provide for remediation
opportunities with a longer summer for families and equal days in each
semester. He stated that he felt that if a one-week break was important
in the spring, it should be equally important in the fall. He noted that
this calendar had 32 full weeks.
Mr.
Campbell noted that it would provide for a 10-week summer.
Dr.
Fleming noted that the present calendar provides for a 9-week summer. She
recommended that the motion she made be given to the administration and
that the Board direct the superintendent to come up with a calendar with
the elimination of half-days and to look at those holidays not required by
law and to bring that calendar back to the Board.
Mr. Maddux
stated that he felt the Board should still eliminate the fall break
because it does incredible damage to extra-curricular activities and that
he felt they are as valuable and in some cases for some kids, more
valuable than academics.
Dr. Newton
stated that it was not his intention to hurt band or football, but that
the Board should look at all students and that he felt it was important to
have breaks between every quarter.
President
Navarro stated that sometimes the Board has to agree to disagree. She
stated that she has heard both sides and that she had listened to
everyone. She stated that there are some very passionate parents out
there when it comes to the calendar. She noted that the legislature would
be trying to cut monies from education and that those same passionate
parents would be needed to help with that cause.
Mr. Kapp
noted that the calendar being proposed was the same calendar as what the
district had in 2001-2002 with a 10-week summer. He noted that an
additional week is gone due to the addition of five days by the
legislature. He noted that this calendar was one of the most popular
calendars the district has had and that it was one of the reasons the
Board decided to look at a 9-2 calendar. He stated that he was hearing
direction from the Board for him to develop a calendar with the
elimination of early release and half-days. He noted that the district
would have to do something else regarding parent conferences and that the
high school still needed the final exam days. He also reminded the Board
that the high school has early release every Wednesday and that those days
would be eliminated also. He stated that he would try to honor the most
traditional holidays. He stated that he would highly recommend that
school end on a Wednesday or Thursday to allow room for a snow day, if
needed. He also noted that this calendar would limit professional staff
development and that the district has a professional staff development
committee that has been looking at the possible use of late starts to
allow for staff development time. He suggested that the Board discuss
this proposal at their retreat in January.
President
Navarro stated that she wanted to make sure that parent/teacher
conferences continue.
Miss
Justine Bunger stated that band and football are both affected by the fall
break and that it’s hard for students to decide what to do.
Mr.
Campbell noted that most families face those decisions, even during spring
break and Christmas break. He noted that the calendar would never be
perfect for everyone and that families will have to make decisions
regarding what’s important for their family.
Dr.
Fleming stated that you must look at all kids – it’s not a majority of
students in band or extra-curricular activities – and that many students
don’t participate in either sports or extra-curricular activities.
Mr. Maddux
stated that there is no evidence on academic achievement and there is
evidence that the fall break is detrimental to a large population of
students.
Dr.
Fleming responded that it would take longer than three years to come up
with solid evidence and that recent research has shown that long summer
breaks is detrimental to math computation and other instructional areas.
Mr. Kapp
noted that about 3% of the student population is taking advantage of AIMS
preparation and that band is also about 3% of the student population. He
added that the number of students taking advantage of AIMS prep has been
rising with each opportunity. He stated that by starting school early in
August you get in as many instructional days as possible before the high
stakes testing takes place in the spring. He noted that Prescott is
currently the 4th best in the state with labels, which has
happened over the last three years.
President
Navarro read the motion again and called for the vote.
Mr. Gordon
Maddux voted nay, Dr. Joan Fleming voted aye, Mr. Steve Campbell voted
aye, Dr. Andy Newton voted aye, and President Navarro voted aye. The
motion carried 4-1.
CONSIDER APPROVING A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH
YAVAPAI COLLEGE FOR THE LEASE OF A DISTRICT PORTABLE BUILDING ALREADY
LOCATED ON THEIR CAMPUS
Mr. Steve
Campbell moved that the Governing Board approve a lease agreement with
Yavapai College for the lease of a district-owned portable building
already located on the Yavapai College campus. Dr. Andy Newton seconded
the motion.
Mr. Kapp
announced that Yavapai College has now asked to allow them to use the
portable without paying any money. He noted that the portable has been on
their campus for 11 years at no cost and suggested that the Board postpone
this item until a later date.
Mrs. Renee
Raskin noted that Yavapai College would like to begin using the portable
as soon as possible.
Dr. Joan
Fleming withdrew her original motion and moved that the Governing Board
postpone this agenda item until the superintendent has received more
information from Yavapai College. Mr. Steve Campbell seconded the motion.
Mr. Gordon
Maddux voted aye, Dr. Joan Fleming voted aye, Mr. Steve Campbell voted
aye, Dr. Andy Newton voted aye, and President Navarro voted aye. The
motion carried 5-0.
Mr.
Campbell stated that if the Board did approve this, that when Yavapai
College is done with the portable, the district did not want to then have
the expense of having to move the portable building. President Navarro
added that Yavapai College should also be responsible for maintaining the
building. Mr. Kapp noted that when that time came the district could sell
the building as is, with the buyer paying the costs to move it.
President
Navarro asked what the portable was worth. Mr. Kapp responded between
$10,000-$15,000.
CONSIDER APPROVING THE HIRING OF A HALF-TIME
TEACHER FOR THE ALPS (ALTERNATIVE LEARNING PROGRAMS) AT PRESCOTT MILE HIGH
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mr. Steve
Campbell moved that the Governing Board approve the hiring of a half-time
teacher for the ALPS (Alternative Learning Programs) at Prescott Mile High
Middle School. Dr. Joan Fleming seconded the motion.
Mr. Gordon
Maddux voted aye, Dr. Joan Fleming voted aye, Mr. Steve Campbell voted
aye, Dr. Andy Newton voted aye, and President Navarro voted aye. The
motion carried 5-0.
CONSIDER APPROVING THE HIRING OF A FULL-TIME
INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT FOR THE PRESCHOOL PROGRAM AT DEXTER FAMILY
RESOURCE CENTER
Mr. Gordon
Maddux moved that the Governing Board approve the hiring of a full-time
instructional assistant for the preschool program at Dexter Family
Resource Center. Dr. Joan Fleming seconded the motion.
Mr. Gordon
Maddux voted aye, Dr. Joan Fleming voted aye, Mr. Steve Campbell voted
aye, Dr. Andy Newton voted aye, and President Navarro voted aye. The
motion carried 5-0.
CONSIDER REVIEWING AND ADOPTING POLICY
SERVICES ADVISORY, VOLUME 16, NUMBER 5, FOR DECEMBER 2004, REGARDING
POLICY ADVISORY NUMBER 245
Mr. Steve
Campbell moved that the Governing Board adopt Policy Services Advisory,
Volume 16, Number 5, for December 2004, regarding Policy Advisory
Number 245.
Mr. Gordon
Maddux voted aye, Dr. Joan Fleming voted aye, Mr. Steve Campbell voted
aye, Dr. Andy Newton voted aye, and President Navarro voted aye. The
motion carried 5-0.
CONSIDER APPROVING THE CONSENT AGENDA AS
PRESENTED
Dr. Chris
Reynolds noted that there was an addition to the Board Briefing under
classified resignations:
Cliff Nelson – Bus Driver
Mr. Steve
Campbell moved that the Governing Board approve the Consent Agenda as
presented, with the addition of the classified employee’s resignation.
Dr. Joan Fleming seconded the motion.
Mr. Gordon
Maddux voted aye, Dr. Joan Fleming voted aye, Mr. Steve Campbell voted
aye, Dr. Andy Newton voted aye, and President Navarro voted aye. The
motion carried 5-0.
Consent
Agenda:
Consider approving the recommendations from
Ms. Kristen Rex, Hearing Officer, for two student disciplinary hearings
that occurred on November 22, 2004.
Consider approving the AmeriCorps Grant
Consider approving a Partnership Agreement
between Yavapai College and Prescott Unified School District for the Title
I/Even Start (Arizona Family Literacy Program)
Consider approving Governing Board Policy
KF-EB Community Use of School Facilities
(No
changes – the charges will remain the same as last year.)
Consider approving the certified and
classified personnel actions as presented.
Certified
Staff Employment: Samantha Andrus-Henry, Christine Harris, Jeff Jordon
(deleted at the Study Session of December 13, 2004, by Dr. Chris
Reynolds), and Pearl Stumpf.
Certified
Staff Resignations: None
New
Substitute Teachers (124 Total): Marian Carol, Richard Groom, Wayne
Meggaugh, Collette Naylor, Tamara Parker, Elizabeth Sandoval, Jim Smith,
Karen Smith and Joanne Elizabeth Wilkins.
Classified
Staff Employment: Danna Andrist, Andrea Carreras, Laurie Frank, Jessica
Nanson, Betty Jewell Nash, Debra Place, Vicky Reeves, Margaret Ann
Robinson, Catie Schnitzius and Susan Weber.
Classified
Staff Resignations: Liz Bardin, Joe Carmichael, Alyssa Dabney and
Cliff Nelson.
Consider accepting the donations as presented
Miscellaneous beauty supplies valued at $334.08 from the Trade Secret
Store, to Prescott High School Renaissance Program.
The
following have made a donation to Prescott High School for the purchase of
a marine touch tank:
William
Miller $50.00
Quality Maytag,
Inc. $25.00
Lantana Development,
Inc. $100.00
Prescott Animal Hospital,
P.C. $100.00
M.D. Builders,
Inc. $100.00
A VCR
valued at $100, from Mr. and Mrs. Jay Negri, to Granite Mountain Middle
School.
Two
hand-held radios valued at $40, from Mr. David Hunt, to Granite Mountain
Middle School.
Nine
thousand four hundred twenty-five dollars and sixty-seven cents from the
Taylor Hicks PTA to the Taylor Hicks Elementary School computer fund.
Five
hundred dollars from Prescott Optimist Club, to Miller Valley Elementary
School.
Four
thousand dollars from the American Youth Soccer Organization, to the
Prescott High School Boy’s Soccer Program.
Five
hundred seventy-seven dollars twenty-eight cents from the Yavapai County
Bar Association to the Prescott High School Mock Trial Team.
Block
painting supplies valued at $10, from Ms. Carol Stout, to Granite Mountain
Middle School art department.
One
thousand dollars from the American Youth Soccer Organization, to the
Prescott High School Girl’s Soccer Team.
Calligraphy materials valued at $200, from Ms. Gerry Parmet, to the
District art programs.
Miscellaneous computer equipment valued at $100, from Mr. Joe Jackson.
Camera
equipment valued at $1,000, from Ms. Judy York, to the Prescott High
School Photography Program.
The ratification of vouchers as presented:
Payroll
Voucher
#9
$840,284.85
Payroll
Voucher
#10
$842,160.03
Payroll
Voucher
#11
$835,687.73
Expenditure Voucher
#5033 $39,093.88
Expenditure Voucher
#5034 $74,299.88
Expenditure Voucher
#5035 $21,460.71
Expenditure Voucher
#5036 $318,513.20
Expenditure Voucher
#5037 $51,676.19
Expenditure Voucher
#5038 $27,571.58
Expenditure Voucher
#5039 $29,103.80
Expenditure Voucher
#5040 $112,284.30
Consider approving the Auxiliary Operations
and Student Activities Fund Statement of Receipts and Disbursements for
the month of October 2004 as presented.
Consider approving the previous minutes
from the Governing Board Executive Session and Study and Voting Session of
November 2, 2004.
ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no objection, President Navarro
adjourned the meeting at 6:00 p.m.
___________________________________
Governing Board Member |