BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Bellingham, Washington
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
BELLINGHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
February 25, 1999
The Bellingham School Board of Directors met in regular session at 7:30 p.m., February 25, 1999, in the Board Room of the Administration Building. Prior to the regular meeting there was an Executive Session at 7:00 p.m. Purpose of the Executive Session – negotiations.
Present: Directors, Becky Diaz, Ken Gass, Elaine M. Lynch, and Ann Whitmyer, President David Blair, Superintendent Dale Kinsley and recorder Shirley Knapp
At 7:00 p.m. Gass moved to begin Executive Session; Whitmyer seconded. At 7:14 p.m. Lynch made the motion to move to regular session; Diaz seconded.
At 7:30 p.m. President David Blair called the meeting to order.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
Gass moved and Lynch seconded approval of the consent agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously.
Minutes
Action on the minutes of the February 11, 1999 School Board meeting.
Investments
Action on investments in accordance with Resolution 13-88.
GENERAL FUND:
$619,000.00 LGIP, withdrawal, February 8, 1999
$115,000.00 LGIP, investment, February 16, 1999
CAPITAL PROJECTS
$400.00 LGIP, withdrawal, February 16, 1999
$500.00 LGIP, withdrawal, February 16, 1999
$36,300.00 LGIP, withdrawal, February 16, 1999
$263,500.00 LGIP, withdrawal, February 16, 1999
DEBT SERVICE
$9,500.00 LGIP, investment, February 16, 1999
ASB FUND
$100.00 LGIP, withdrawal, February 12, 1999
$500.00 LGIP, withdrawal, February 12, 1999
$10,500.00 LGIP, investment, February 12, 1999
$2,000.00 LGIP, withdrawal, February 12, 1999
Out-of-State Travel:
Personal Services Contract:
Resolution
Approval of Resolution 6-99 – Cancellation of Stale-Dated Checks.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS:
School Board Reports
Diaz and Whitmyer attended an orientation for the District Budget Advisory Committee on February 22.
Whitmyer reported on the Board retreat that was held on the afternoon of February 12. She also participated in the WASA Administrative Review on February 22 and attended a Partnership for Learning luncheon earlier today. Whitmyer gave a legislative report outlining two funding proposals for school construction that are before the legislature.
Lynch hosted a meeting last Saturday attended by legislators from the 40th and 42nd Districts and superintendents and directors from all seven Whatcom County school districts. Lynch also attended the Partnership for Learning luncheon today.
Superintendent’s Announcements/Report
Superintendent Kinsley reported on the national AASA conference that he attended
February 18-22. The District has been invited to be part of AASA’s “Opening Schoolhouse Doors” network. (Kinsley stated he would give a more in-depth report on that program at a later meeting.) He will attend the legislative conference in Olympia this weekend, along with Directors Lynch, Whitmyer, and Blair. Dr. Kinsley announced the upcoming Board visit to Parkview Elementary on March 5, at 7:30 a.m. He also shared a copy of the current District newsletter, stating the curriculum information in the publication was an excellent tool. Kinsley provided copies of a revised job description for assistant principal to the Board. He reported on the purchasing recommendations for districtwide replacement/retention of photocopy machines. Finally, Kinsley announced an accident, which occurred today involving a Bellingham School District bus struck by a car. No children were on the bus.
Audience
Art Hyatt and Keith Tyne addressed the Board with questions and concerns about the proximity of high voltage power lines to the property that is being considered for an elementary school site on Britton Loop Road.
REPORTS:
Selection of Mascot Logo for Whatcom Middle School
Principal Kenn Robinson and student body officers from Whatcom Middle School unveiled their new mascot logo and school crest. The logo and crest were created in response to the change of the school mascot from the Warriors to the Wildcats last spring. The logo was selected by a vote of the student body. Graphic designer Steve Wilmot developed the design. The crest was selected by school faculty and incorporates modern symbols along with older traditional symbols that illustrate the history of the school, which was established in 1903.
Continuum of Special Education Services Review Process
Elizabeth Martindale, Special Education Director, and school psychologist Judy Barton reported on the special education review process, which began last spring. The purpose of the review was to gather information in an attempt to identify the strengths and needs of special education services at the district and building levels. Input was solicited from teachers, staff, administrators, parents of special education students, and students who received special education services. The information was gathered through telephone voice polls, building study sessions, and questionnaires. The special education team is meeting with a facilitator to analyze the data and make a listing of priorities and recommendations.
District Assessment of Student Achievement
Curriculum Director Wendy Barrett gave a detailed report of student achievement on 1998-99 District performance assessments. Barrett provided test development history, results, and comparative data for reading, writing, and mathematics assessments. Reading assessments were given to all 1st through 5th grade students in October 1998. (Kindergarten students will be assessed with 1st and 2nd grade students in the March and May test administrations). Assessments in writing and mathematics were given to students in grades 3, 6, and 9 in the fall of 1998. The District assessments are in addition to State-mandated assessments. They provide additional tools to develop appropriate instruction for students.
ACTION ITEMS:
Certificated Staffing Proposal for Three High Schools
Gass moved and Diaz seconded the motion to approve a proposal for certificated staffing for three high schools. The motion carried unanimously. The proposal outlines the formula for determining certificated staff positions at each high school and the process for making initial assignments during the next few months. The assignments will be effective with the 2000-2001 school year.
Lease Agreement for Options High School Relocation
Lynch moved and Whitmyer seconded approval of Resolution 5-99 to authorize the District to lease property at 2034 Franklin Street and 2001 Grant Street for the relocation of Options High School. The motion carried unanimously. There are two separate lease agreements for three years each with options to extend for two successive years. The combined monthly cost is $1,100 per month. The properties meet the guidelines adopted by the Board in December.
Call for Bids
Lynch moved and Whitmyer seconded the motion to call for bids for telephone maintenance equipment. The motion carried unanimously.
Personnel Recommendations Approved
Gass moved and Whitmyer seconded the motion for approval of the personnel recommendations as presented. The motion carried unanimously. Kinsley noted the appointment of Chris Stevens as principal for Shuksan Middle School.
Adjournment
The regular meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.