District Leadership: Meeting Notes

April 10, 2006...

...Board Meeting Notes

by Randy Rivers

April 12, 2006

The Board approved the CONSENT AGENDA, which included:

Approval of the March 13, 2006, Board Meeting Minutes;
Approval of the Treasurer's Report;
Approval of Bills submitted for payment;
Approval of the Northeast Elementary and Northeast High School Activity Fund Reports

INFORMATION ITEMS;

1. Jon Jones, Northeast High School Industrial Arts teacher, and a student briefed the Board on the high school's WORK-BASED LEARNING PROGRAM for seniors. Eight seniors have been engaged in work-based learning projects at various times through the day this semester. Feedback on the program so far is promising. It is anticipated the number of students participating next school year will increase.

2. Principals Alan Roberts and Joe Broyles provided the Board with a review of the month's activities and coming events at their respective buildings.

3. Board Attorney, Kevin Mitchelson, provided the Board with a training session on the proper process and procedures for non-renewal of teaching staff.

4. Superintendent, Randy Rivers, briefed the Board on progress in the selection of a curriculum consultant for the 2006-2007 school year, gave a brief update on Special Education Interlocal business and the latest news on the resolution of a school finance law.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1. The Board engaged in a discussion carried over from March regarding early childhood education options. The Board was presented with a recommendation that had been developed by the elementary staff. The staff recommended waiting to implement all day kindergarten until they had time to properly develop an effective "all-day" curriculum. The staff went on to recommend that the District increase the number of sections for first grade to three for the 2006-2007 school year and to add a half-time position to provide an "at-risk" kindergarten section during the same year.

Additional discussion of the facilities challenge presented by the growth of District enrollment ensued. District facilities are currently very near capacity and additional expansion of staff and programs will require the development of additional space.

The Board was receptive to the recommendation, but emphasized its desire that the staff plan all day kindergarten curriculum during the 2006-2007 school year with the goal of implementing an all day program in 2007-2008.

2. The Board reviewed and discussed Board Policy Sections 4000 Classified Staff, 6000 Fiscal and Business Management, and 7000 Operation and Support Services. Edits and deletions of Policies that were redundant with the Negotiated Agreement and Classified Staff Policies in section 6000 were favorably reviewed. The only new Policy addition was language to enact the operation of the District Health and Wellness Program review process. The Board approved changes to Sections 6000 and 7000. The Classified Staff Handbook and proposed changes will be addressed at the May meeting.

The Board entered into EXECUTIVE SESSION to discuss matters relating to the acquisition of real estate.

The Board adjourned to EXECUTIVE SESSION to discuss matters related to non-elected personnel.

ACTION ITEMS:

The Board took the following actions on personnel items:

Accepted the retirement of Joyce Klinkon, NES head cook;
Accepted the retirement of Joe Broyles, NES Principal;
Accepted the resignation of Jackie Sisk, NJH teacher;
Accepted the resignation of John Wilkerson, NHS teacher;
Adopted a Resolution non-renewing the contract of Karla Barrows, NJH teacher;
Adopted a Resolution non-renewing the contract of Dirk Canon, NHS teacher;
Adopted a Resolution non-renewing the contract of Dan Eckstein, NHS teacher;
Approved the creation of a 3^rd first grade teaching position for the 2006-2007 term; &
Approved the addition of a half-time "at-risk" kindergarten position for the 2006-2007 term.