BOARD OF EDUCATION Minutes Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Transcription

1 BOARD OF EDUCATION Minutes Tuesday, April 17, Call to Order and Roll Call Attachment #1: Summary Notes Attachment #2: Menu The Presiding Board Member will call the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Governance Process RECOMMENDATION: Presiding Board Member to call meeting to order and roll The meeting of the of Douglas County School District Number Re1 was called to order by President Carson at 6:11 p.m. Upon the roll being called, the following were present: BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Benevento, Carson, Gerken, Larsen, Richardson, Silverthorn, Williams ALSO IN ATTENDANCE: Dr. Fagen, Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent McMinimee, Chief Financial Officer Betz, Chief Operations Officer Moffitt, System Performance Officer Morgan, Development & Innovation Officer McGraw, Legal Counsel Ross, N. Eichelberger, Secretary. 2. Pledge of Allegiance Governance Process 1.8 Board Members Code of Conduct For Your Information 3. Current Events Attachment #1: Current Events 4. : Department Budget Worksheet(s) Attachment #1: BoE Department March 2012 Worksheet Student and Staff Recognitions 5. Student and Staff Recognitions Dr. Fagen stated that each year the has the pleasure of leasing several pieces of art from students of all ages throughout the District. She noted that each student receives a check in exchange

2 Page 2 of 13 for these treasures, which are displayed throughout the District Administration offices. Dr. Fagen shared that art teachers select the leased art during the District Art Show at Park Meadows and they judge the artwork at the show choosing 12 pieces representing four age groups and the three regions of the District including Castle Rock, Parker and Highlands Ranch. Dr. Fagen said these young artists receive $25.00 at the Primary Level which is Kindergarten through 3 rd grade; $50.0 at the Intermediate Level for 4 th through 6 th graders; $75.00 at the Middle Level representing 7 th & 8 th graders; and $ at the High School Level for 9 th through 12 th grade students. Dr. Fagen talked about the District s extreme fortune to have such a strong art program in Douglas County Schools. She commented that the works selected this year were exception and will make a wonderful addition to the Board s collection. From Primary, Kindergarten 3 rd grades were: Mariana Boekes a 1 st grader from Larkspur Elementary Teacher: Kelly Blake Molly Wiegel a Kindergartner from Sand Creek Elementary Teacher: Sheryl Miess James Perkes a 2 nd grader from Mammoth Heights Elementary Teacher: Donna Doll From Intermediate, 4 th 6 th grades were: Angelina Porfilio a 6 th Teacher: Pam Cogburn grader from Renaissance Magnet Kathryn Naherny a 5 th grader from Timber Trail Elementary Teacher: Wendy Wilson Anna-Li Davis a 5 th grader from Pine Lane Elementary Teacher: Deborah Hegarty Our 7 th & 8 th grade middle school artists were: Vivianna Balley an 8 th grader from Castle Rock Middle School Teacher: Colleen MacIver Ben Hughes a 7 th grader from Rocky Heights Middle School Teacher: Kim Chlumsky Kaylie Mitchell an 8th grader from Cimarron Middle School Teacher: Katie Obrecht Students representing our District High Schools were: Victoria Davis a senior at Douglas County High School Teacher: Brooke Speegle Olivia Jordan a junior from Highlands Ranch High School Teacher: Jon Cushing

3 Page 3 of 13 Rachel Bender a senior at Legend High School Teacher: Alicia Conrad Dr. Fagen expressed appreciation to the students for sharing their artwork and talent with all visitors to the District Administration Offices. President Carson s welcome and opening comments: Good evening and welcome to tonight s Community Forum. We set up these quarterly meetings in the community to encourage public engagement. We believe in transparency, and feel that this provides an opportunity for our parents, employees, students and community an excellent opportunity to see the board at work, without coming all the way down to castle rock. We would like to thank Principal Pat Dierberger and the entire staff of Rocky Heights Middle School for hosting us tonight. We are proud to be at the home of the Nighthawks. Rocky Heights Middle School is truly one of the district s gems. The school has a state-of-of the art technology lab, where students can put 21 st century skills to the test, whether they re creating robots, flying flight simulators or broadcasting the school s newscast. The lab is often the place where the place you re most likely to find Scott Melanson the school s technology teacher, who was recently named the district s first-ever world-class educator of the year, during the Apple Awards. Scott and his colleagues recently worked with kids to create a fulllength film, that they will be premiering this spring. We ve a video about that project. Study/Work Session 6. Student Advisory Group: Past, Present and Future Attachment #1: DCSD SAG presentation.pptx A power point created by the Student Advisory Group's leadership for the. This provides an update on the current school year inclusive of CHSAA involvement, community service initiatives and events highlighting district student unity. The Student Advisory Group will present the work they accomplished this year. The presentation will follow a past, present and future format. Members also want to familiarize the with their website. They plan to introduce their new Co-Presidents for the school year as well. RECOMMENDATION: For the 's information. Dr. Fagen introduced Derek Chaney, Director of Activities, Athletics and Student Leadership, for a brief overview of the Student Advisory Group. Mr. Chaney recognized Tori Korthuis, current president of the SAG, for her outstanding leadership. Ms. Korthuis highlighted the work accomplished this year and acknowledged Sophie Pepin and Kianna Nguyen, Co-Presidents, for a look at future Student Advisory Group

4 Page 4 of 13 plans. Board discussion followed. The Board urged the SAG to continue to actively participate in school-based decision making; to share ideas and best practices through the SAG trans-school cabinet concept; and to engage their constituency through leadership and interact with the. Speakers Series: PERA and Reform Presentation by State Treasurer Walker Stapleton RECOMMENDATION: Information only President Carson welcomed and introduced State Treasurer Walker Stapleton. Treasurer Stapleton stated that the health and solvency of the public employees retirement system in Colorado has been a signature issue since taking office in January Treasurer Stapleton serves as the only elected, statutory member on PERA s 15-member pension Board. Board discussion followed. 7. First Reading of the DCSD Certificates of Participation Policy Attachment #1: DCSD Certificates of Participation Policy Financial stability of the Douglas County School District (DCSD) is dependent upon establishing appropriate limits on the use of Certificate of Participation lease agreements to meet District ongoing capital needs. Consideration regarding this policy includes the impact on the District's credit rating (which directly impacts the county taxpayer), an assessment of facility needs focused on health and safest issues, the need for classroom space accommodating growth, and an assessment of the District's General Fund capacity to meet ongoing lease payment requirements. The use of this COP instrument offers an opportunity to partner with new or ongoing district charter schools that are willing to locate in a geographical area of the District that represents the highest student growth and therefore, the greatest area in need of classrooms. RECOMMENDATION: This first reading is provided for your input at this time. It is also under review by the FOC anticipating a formal recommendation from them. Chief Financial Officer Betz and Chief Operations Officer Moffitt provided an overview of the proposed policy. Board discussion followed. 8. First Reading of the Proposed Student Fees and Field Trip Charges for FY Attachment #1: Proposed Student Fees FY Attachment #2: Proposed Field Trip Charge FY Attachment #3: Student Fees Policy JQ Attachment #4: Student Fees Policy JQ-R See recommended changes for FY Proposed Student Fees. Note that this first reading includes a change in how the transportation fee is assessed. For regular users this fee change results in a decrease in the yearly fee from $ per year to $ per year. The DAC has been requested to weigh in on this transportation fee change. There are no changes to the FY Proposed Field Trip Charges. RECOMMENDATION: Provided for input only at this time. Final approval of these recommendations will be requested at the next board meeting.

5 Page 5 of 13 Bonnie Betz, Chief Financial Officer, and Dan McMinimee, Assistant Superintendent Secondary, addressed the Board on recommended changes for FY Proposed Student Fees. Board discussion followed. Item #9 Speakers Series: PERA and Reform Presentation by State Treasurer Walker Stapleton: moved to after the Student Advisory Group presentation, Item #6. Community Engagement Opening Remarks by President Carson: The schedules three public forums over the course of the school year so that our stakeholders in different parts of the District have the ability to see the work of the Board in person and to provide their feedback in a location that may be more convenient to them and their busy schedules. Much like our normal public comment period, we ask that speakers complete a Public Comment form online and submit it electronically to the secretary in advance of the meeting. If you have not done so, forms are available at recording table and can be presented to the Secretary. We will call up members of the public who wish to speak and they can come up to one of these microphones. Because part of the goal of these public forums is expanded public engagement, The Board and the District staff will endeavor to answer selected questions during this time. In some cases, the comments will be taken under consideration for potential deliberation on future agendas. District staff will also work to answer questions left unanswered and will post the response on the Board Briefing section on the District s website. We would also like to remind all participants that we expect decorum during this session. Signage is not permitted during the session and outbursts from the crowd will not be tolerated. We ask that you respect those that are speaking. This is an opportunity for the Board to hear from students, parents and patrons about issues impacting the district. RECOMMENDATION: Information only President Carson acknowledged and introduced Pam Mazanec in the audience, a candidate for the State. Leanna Palmer of Castle Rock is a Douglas County resident and taxpayer who supports the and the Choice Scholarship Program. Ms. Palmer addressed the on the business of education and their customers: the students, parents and taxpayers of Douglas County. Janice Gibson of Aurora and a teacher in Douglas County School District for 20 years thanked the for the opportunity to speak. Ms. Gibson expressed support for the great employees of the District and their dedication to providing the very best for students. Ms. Gibson urged the Board to recognize

6 Page 6 of 13 the Douglas County Federation and the support they offer to staff. Doug Vaughn of Highlands Ranch addressed the on the opening of a non-profit STEM outreach center at ThunderRidge High School. Laura Mutton of Highlands Ranch addressed the on a new community-driven organization, the Strong Schools Coalition, a voluntary, nonpartisan organization composed of parents, students, teachers, and community members with over 200 members that work to inform, engage, and impact the public schools in Douglas County. Ms. Mutton on behalf of Strong Schools Coalition thanked the Board for posting the audio files from the first session of the open negotiations and urged the Board to post the audio files from all public meetings. (Provided a handout.) Katherine Vitale of Parker expressed her sincere appreciation for the Board s leadership, vision, perseverance and patience. Ms. Vitale also thanked the Board for opening negotiations between the District and the Federation. She shared a concern about the efforts to divide the school district and create a combative atmosphere which was a disruption to our schools. Clark Wilhelm of Parker and a District employee stated many distressing events that he faces daily and how these occurrences impact our students. Mr. Wilhelm asked for clarification on Mr. Carson s comment during a radio interview regarding the offer of a 2% raise. President Carson confirmed that he added the 1% raise and 1% retention bonus together to equal the 2%. Becca Manzanares of Castle Pines and a teacher in the District for 11 years introduced herself to the as one of the highly qualified teachers, a professional educator who puts students first and a member of the union. Ms. Manzanares shared her love of teaching and her appreciation for her colleagues. Ms. Manzanares stated that she deserves a collective bargaining agreement negotiated by the Douglas County Federation which is a group of Douglas County professional educators who understand the latest educational research. Paul Myers of Castle Rock, a mathematics teacher at Mountain Vista High School, addressed the on his vision of the District from his perspective. Mr. Myers believes students will lose four weeks of instruction time at the high school level with the new schedule. He said next year his class load and workload would increase as prep time decreases. Mr. Myers thinks the District has money to appropriately compensate employees. In closing, Mr. Myers asked if anyone believed the quality of education will not suffer with these changes and if these changes were fair to high school teachers? President Carson urged Mr. Myers to stay for the Budget presentation to hear an update that may respond to some of his concerns.

7 Page 7 of 13 Kristin Sunley of Centennial, an elementary school social worker, addressed the on the proposal of a negotiated contract for non-teaching positions and asked the Board to elaborate on the offer and clarify the term of new, more appropriate contract. Dr. Fagen stated that there was no interest in privatizing non-teaching positions, but rather creating a greater flexibility to hire well for these unique groups. Miriam Osowski of Highlands Ranch, a first grade teacher at Copper Mesa Elementary, addressed the on the process of collective bargaining. Ms. Osowski believes collaboration, one of the 21 st century skills, is an effective way to negotiate a fair and reasonable contract. Ms. Osowski urged the Board to invite the PERA president or representative to a future Board meeting to speak on the state of PERA from their perspective. President Carson directed Staff to extend an invitation to PERA to speak at a future meeting. Charcie Russell of Castle Rock, speaking on behalf of Great Choice Douglas County, a non-profit organization that represents citizens, taxpayers, parents, students that support school choice for all students, applauded the and District for holding open negotiations with the Douglas County Federation of Teachers. Ms. Russell thanked the for the commitment to transparency in all phases of their governance and the fiscal restraint shown while budgeting our tax dollars and protecting the District s credit rating. In closing, Ms. Russell asked Director Richardson to give an update on the legal briefs. Director Richardson stated that the opening brief in the appeal was filed with the court on April 16 th. Director Richardson said that this begins the process of Appellate briefing which results in an answering brief filed by the plaintiffs and the District will then have the opportunity to file a reply and at that time the briefs will be fully briefed. There will be oral arguments before a panel of the Colorado Court of Appeals and all sides expect the matter to be taken to the Colorado Supreme Court where the same process will happen. Legal Counsel Ross added that an Amicus Brief was filed by the Alliance Defense Fund representing some private schools in the State of Colorado and the briefs will be posted on the Douglas County School District website. Lucy Squire of Highlands Ranch, a 3 rd grade teacher at Copper Mesa Elementary, addressed the on the numerous roles of a teacher. Ms. Squire talked about the dedication and passion of student-centered teachers and urged the Board to listen to what teachers are saying, to respect and value teachers as professionals and to not only listen, but to hear and consider teachers perspective. President Carson commented on the Pay for Performance initiative which is being designed and developed by teachers.

8 Page 8 of 13 Amy Beth Mears of Denver who has been a teacher in Douglas County School District for nine years and teaching for 11 years addressed the on the financial effects of staff s frozen salaries over the past four years and the difficulty of managing her financial responsibilities. Ms. Mears posed a question to the Board about the growth in fund balance of $15.1M. David DiCarlo of Highlands Ranch addressed the on the position of Colorado planning and budgeting, projected federal mandates and their probable effects on personal finances. Mr. DiCarlo urged the Board to continue restraint and exhibit fiscal responsibility when planning for the future. President Carson stated that Douglas County has the greatest teachers in the State of Colorado. Mr. Carson urged teachers to join with the Board and District Leadership in a true partnership to build the best school system possible for the benefit of our students. Director Larsen worked with two great teachers at Fox Creek Elementary this past week and wanted to send out a thank you for what you do and salute to Paul Thomas and Kim Eikenberg. Director Richardson echoed the comments of Directors Carson and Larsen. Mr. Richardson stated that he and his family value teachers. Mr. Richardson communicated his heartfelt, personal commitment to the teachers in the District and urged teachers to not interpret difficult economic decisions, as an indication the Board doesn t value teachers. He shared that the Board recognizes teaching as a noble profession and the impact teachers have on our most precious assets, our children. Director Silverthorn invited teachers to contact her or any Board members at any time if they are concerned about any thing. Director Benevento asked Dr. Fagen whom a teacher should contact if they felt threatened. Dr. Fagen encouraged teachers to contact District leadership to share any concerns. The Board recessed at 8:45 p.m. President Carson reconvened the Regular Session at 8:55 p.m. Superintendent Reports 10. Superintendent Reports RECOMMENDATION: Information only 11. System Performance Framework-Balanced Assessment System Update Attachment #1: Screen shots of Prezi Pesentation The presentation will provide an update on the third priority in the DCSD Strategic Plan, the system performance framework. The update will focus specifically on the progress of the Balanced Assessment System. RECOMMENDATION: Information only

9 Page 9 of 13 Agenda item postponed to a date certain, May 15, Budget Update for FY Presentation An update to the on budget matters. RECOMMENDATION: Information item only Board Committee and Liaison Reports 13. Board Report: President and Vice President Items 14. Board Committee and Liaison Reports Board/Superintendent Linkage 1.0; Executive Limitation 1.8: District Accountability Committee (Silverthorn) Fiscal Oversight Committee (Gerken, Silverthorn) Long Range Planning Committee (Larsen) Douglas County Education Foundation (Benevento, Gerken) Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning (Benevento, Richardson) Partnership of Douglas County Governments (Larsen, Williams) Douglas County Youth Initiative (Williams) Student Advisory Group (Silverthorn) School Choice Task Force (Benevento, Carson) Government Relations (Richardson) Community Engagement/Public Relations (Silverthorn) Other Board Updates Item #15 Opening Remarks by President Carson moved to after Item # Acceptance of Agenda Governance Process RECOMMENDATION: that the accepts the Agenda as presented. ORIGINAL - Motion Member Gerken moved, Member Carson seconded to approve the ORIGINAL motion that the accepts the Agenda as presented. Benevento, aye; Carson, aye; Gerken, aye; Larsen, aye; Richardson, aye; Silverthorn, aye; Williams, aye. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 7 Nay: 0. The motion carried Adoption of the Consent Agenda RECOMMENDATION: That the adopts the Consent Agenda as presented: Revisions to Policy JLF/JLF-R: Reporting Child Abuse Revisions to Policy JBA: Nondiscrimination/Non-Harassment of Students Revisions to Policy JKD/JKE: Student Suspension, Expulsion, and Classroom Removal

10 Page 10 of 13 Financial Audit Services RFP Unofficial Minutes Personnel Changes ORIGINAL Motion Member Gerken moved, Member Carson seconded That the Board of Education adopts the Consent Agenda as presented: Revisions to Policy JLF/JLF-R: Reporting Child Abuse Revisions to Policy JBA: Nondiscrimination/Non-Harassment of Students Revisions to Policy JKD/JKE: Student Suspension, Expulsion, and Classroom Removal Financial Audit Services RFP Unofficial Minutes Personnel Changes Benevento, aye; Carson, aye; Gerken, aye; Larsen, aye; Richardson, aye; Silverthorn, aye; Williams, aye. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 7 Nay: 0. The motion carried 7-0. (Copies attached to the official minutes.) 18. Revisions to Policy JLF/JLF-R: Reporting Child Abuse Attachment #1: JLF Policy proposal Attachment #2: JLF-R: regulation proposal Addition of clarifying language and addition of language per the CDE Model School Reporting Procedures. RECOMMENDATION: That the adopts the revisions to Policy JLF/JLF-R: Reporting Child Abuse. 19. Revisions to Policy JBA: Nondiscrimination/Non- Harassment of Students Attachment #1 & #2: JBA Policy proposal, draft and final. Addition of language to comply with current law, as well as clarifying language. RECOMMENDATION: That the adopts the revisions to Policy JBA: Non-Discrimination/Non-Harassment of Students. 20. Revisions to Policy JKD/JKE: Student Suspension, Expulsion, and Classroom Removal Attachment #1 & #2: JKD/JKE Policy, draft and final. Policy revision to comply with current law. RECOMMENDATION: That the adopts the revisions to Policy JKD/JKE: Student Suspension, Expulsion and Classroom Removal in time for the new Code of Conduct and Discipline books to go to press on May 1, Financial Audit Services RFP Attachment #1: Summary Request for proposals was issued February 17, 2012 for Professional External Auditing Services. Eight proposals were received on March 16,

11 Page 11 of Interviews with three firms were conducted on Monday, April 2, References were checked by the interview team. Based on this contract, audit fees will be as follows: FY $65,000 FY $67,500 FY $70,000 FY $72,800 FY $75,500 This award may require an increase over last year's audit expenditures. Total expenditures of the FY 2012 audit were $67,130. RECOMMENDATION: The Fiscal Oversight Committee has reviewed the RFP process and evaluation data. The FOC has, by consensus, affirmed staff's recommendation to award the contract to McGladrey & Pullen, LLP. 22. Unofficial Minutes Attachment #1: Unofficial Minutes, April 10, 2012 RECOMMENDATION: That the approves the minutes of April 10, 2012 as presented under Adoption of Consent Agenda. 23. Personnel Changes Attachment #1: Certified CON Bd List April 17, 2012 Attachment #2: Certified PUB Bd List April 17, 2012 Attachment #3: Classified CON Bd List April 17, 2012 Attachment #4: Classified PUB Bd List April 17, 2012 RECOMMENDATION: That the approves the Personnel Changes as presented. Action Items 24. The District Accountability Committee s membership interview committee is recommending one parent applicant to the DAC. Attachment #1: The attachment is a brief summary of interest from the nominee. Prior to the action on April 17, 2012 we are providing a summary of the District Accountability Committee nominee and the recommendation for appointment as per the by-laws. RECOMMENDATION: That the approves the appointment of one parent member of the District Accountability Committee as recommended by the DAC Interview Committee. ORIGINAL Motion Member Carson moved, Member Larsen seconded to approve the ORIGINAL motion That the approves the appointment of one parent member of the District Accountability Committee as recommended by the DAC Interview Committee. Benevento, aye; Carson, aye; Gerken, aye; Larsen, aye; Richardson, aye; Silverthorn, aye; Williams, aye. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 7 Nay: 0. The motion carried 7-0.

12 Page 12 of Convene in Executive Session (a closed session) RECOMMENDATION: that the convenes in Executive Session (a closed session) to consider Real Estate matters e.g. the purchase, acquisition, lease, transfer or sale of real, personal or other property pursuant to C.R.S (4)(a); to hold conference with the Board's attorney to receive legal advice on specific legal questions pursuant to C.R.S (4)(b); to be advised on specialized details of security arrangements and investigations pursuant to C.R.S (4)(d); to determine positions relative to Negotiations pursuant to C.R.S (4)(e) or Personnel Matters pursuant to C.R.S (4)(f); to consider documents protected by non-disclosure provisions of Colorado Open Records Act pursuant to C.R.S (4)(g); and/or to be advised on Individual Student matters pursuant to C.R.S (4)(h). AMENDED Motion Member Carson moved, Member Williams seconded to approve the AMENDED motion that the convenes in Executive Session (a closed session) to hold conference with the Board s attorney to receive legal advice on specific legal questions pursuant to C.R.S (4)(b), specifically: Fiduciary duties of directors; Pending Litigation LaRue v DCSD; Provisions of employee agreements/contracts subject to negotiation (DCFT/DCFCE/ATU contracts); and to determine positions relative to Negotiations pursuant to C.R.S (4)(e), specifically: an update on contract negotiations and determining positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiations; developing strategies for negotiations and instructing negotiators with respect to the contracts with Douglas County Federation of Teachers, Douglas County Federation of Classified Employees, Douglas County Amalgamated Transit Union. Benevento, aye; Carson, aye; Gerken, aye; Larsen, aye; Richardson, aye; Silverthorn, aye; Williams, aye. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 7 Nay: 0. The motion carried 7-0. The convened in Executive Session (a closed session) at 9:40 p.m. President Carson reconvened the Regular Session at 10:45 p.m. 26. Adjournment RECOMMENDATION: That the adjourns the meeting. ORIGINAL Motion Member Williams moved, Member Gerken seconded that the Board of Education adjourns the meeting. Benevento, aye; Carson, aye; Gerken, aye; Larsen, aye; Richardson, aye; Silverthorn, aye; Williams, aye. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 7 Nay: 0. The motion carried 7-0. The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 p.m.

13 Page 13 of 13 Supporting document(s) attached to agenda items may be viewed by accessing the following link: John K. Carson President ATTEST Nona Eichelberger Secretary