BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Bellingham, Washington

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING

OF THE

BELLINGHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

September 23, 1999

The Bellingham School Board of Directors met in regular session at 7:30 p.m., September 23, 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 Ken Gass, Don Leu, Elaine Lynch, and Ann Whitmyer, President David Blair, Superintendent Dale Kinsley, and recorder Shirley Knapp.

At 7:00 p.m. Lynch moved to begin Executive Session; Gass seconded. At 7:15 p.m. the motion to move to regular session was called by President David Blair.

At 7:35 p.m. President David Blair called the meeting to order.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

Gass moved and Whitmyer seconded approval of the consent agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously.

Minutes

Action on the minutes of the September 9, 1999 School Board meeting.

Investments

Action on investments in accordance with Resolution 13-88.

                  GENERAL FUND:

                                  $64,000.00                  LGIP, investment, September 8, 1999

                  CAPITAL PROJECTS

                                    $8,300.00                   LGIP, withdrawal, August 31, 1999

                                  $93,700.00                   LGIP, withdrawal, August 31, 1999

                  DEBT SERVICE

                                   $38,000.00                  LGIP, investment, September 8, 1999

                  ASB FUND

                                   $17,700.00                   LGIP, withdrawal, August 31, 1999

                                     $7,900.00                   LGIP, withdrawal, August 31, 1999

                                     $4,300.00                   LGIP, withdrawal, September 8, 1999

Personal Services Contracts:

• Foreign language interpreters as needed for the 1999-2000 school year.
• Terry Jorgenson to provide playground renovation assistance August 1, 1999, through December 31, 1999.
• Brenda Brooks to provide tutoring to special education students as needed for the 1999-2000 school year.

Out-of-State Travel:

• Janice Smith to attend Common Ground Conference in Tempe, Arizona, October 23-26, 1999.

Contract:

• Contract with Safe Passages – Visions program for the 1999-2000 school year.

REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS:

School Board Reports

Leu reported on his recent travels and his appreciation for the work of the District.

Beginning this week and continuing through October 15, Gass will be “shadowed” by a Sehome student who is part of the Health Care Services tech prep program. Gass also reported that he had received and read several letters regarding the proposed middle school boundary changes.

Lynch reported that she had also received letters and had met with community members and parents regarding the boundaries.

Superintendent’s Announcements/Reports

Superintendent Kinsley announced an award that was recently received by the District from the Northwest Washington Workforce Council (formerly PIC). The award for Excellence in Community Collaboration was given for the Parkview Classroom Assistant Training Project. Kinsley acknowledged Lurinda Ford, Patty Hoff, and Donna Ringwald for their development and administration of the project.

Dr. Kinsley shared this year’s first edition of the Open Lines staff newsletter, which contained an insert on assessment. He also passed out a flyer on an upcoming K-12 2000 meeting.

Kinsley attended the open house at Squalicum High School last evening. He stated there was a fantastic turnout.

There will be a Board visit to Birchwood Elementary School on Friday, October 1, at 7:30 a.m.

REPORTS:

Y2K Readiness

Computer Services Manager John Getchell presented information on the District efforts to be prepared for Y2K computer issues related to the year 2000. Getchell reported that a committee had been working for six month to review District systems. All internal critical systems are compliant and no serious problems are expected. Getchell introduced George Hartnell, Network Supervisor, who was available to answer any questions.

District Priority Tasks for 1999-2000

Dr. Kinsley provided information about the priority tasks identified for the upcoming school year. This workplan outlines specific projects and activities for district and building administrators. The tasks are tied to the Pathway for the 21st Century strategic plan goals and objectives. This adds clarity and connects the overall efforts of the District. Administrators prepare their individual goals based on these priorities.

ACTION ITEMS:

Policy #2421 – Progress and Promotion Approved

Gass moved and Whitmyer seconded approval of Policy #2421 – Progress and Promotion. The motion carried unanimously. The policy had a first reading at the June 24 Board meeting. Since that time there has been an opportunity for further feedback and discussion with staff and Site Councils. This policy and procedures are a framework for the District’s efforts to build a continuous improvement instructional program with clear learning standards and expectations.

Deputy Superintendent Susan Zoller introduced Suzanne Woo, a parent member of the Progress and Promotion Task Force. Zoller expressed her appreciation for this committee’s work in developing this policy.

First Reading of Policy/Procedures #5320

The Board heard the first reading of revised Policy/Procedures #5320– Leaves – Certificated and Classified Administrators and Nonrepresented Classified Employees. The proposed changes will allow two (2) annual, non-accruable personnel leave days for nonrepresented and exempt staff, providing a consistency in this benefit with BAO and BASE employees.

Middle School Boundary Proposals

Lynch moved and Whitmyer seconded the motion to approve Option #4 with implementation as written. Implementation timeline and guidelines were presented and explained by Dr. Kinsley.

Each of the Board members spoke individually about the process and their reasons for selecting Option #4. Approximately a year ago, a committee of community and staff developed four proposed options that met the Board approved criteria for changing the middle school boundaries. The options were presented at the May 13 Board meeting. Since that time five community feedback sessions were held; two last spring, at Silver Beach and Roosevelt, and three this fall at Carl Cozier, Parkview, and Squalicum. All comments were recorded and the Board reviewed all four options thoroughly.

President David Blair called for the question and the motion was approved unanimously.

Property Purchase

Leu moved and Gass seconded the motion for approval to purchase property at 3014 Cornwall Avenue. The motion carried unanimously. This property is next to the playground at Parkview Elementary School.

Personnel Recommendations Approved

Whitmyer moved and Lynch seconded the motion for approval of the personnel recommendations as presented. The motion carried unanimously.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.