Board Meeting Minutes
January 16, 2002

CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE/INTRODUCTIONS

Mary Mattison, board chair, called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.

Board members in attendance were Charlie Crabtree, Judy Boxx, Sheri Folsom, and Mary Mattison.

Jamie Newby, Ten Mile Creek Elementary 5th grade student, led the Pledge of Allegiance and introductions were made.

ADOPT AGENDA

A motion to adopt the agenda was made by Judy Boxx. Charlie Crabtree seconded the motion and the motion passed.

CONSENT AGENDA

The following items on the consent agenda were approved on a motion by Sheri Folsom and seconded by Judy Boxx.

a. Minutes of December 19, 2001 and January 2, 2002
b. Accounts Payable/Payroll

REPORTS

Principals' Reports
Building principals reported on activities for each of their buildings. Martin Luther King Day activities were reported for each school. Malcolm Oliver will be a featured presenter at several buildings. Curriculum activity was addressed. Mrs. Jermunson spoke on reading assessments, extended learning, highly capable testing, and tutor training for volunteers. Mrs. Colson outlined activity with WASL testing and curriculum committee work in social studies, reading and math. Mrs. Hossner said tolerance is the character education focus for the month, which ties in with the MLK assembly. Mr. Giller outlined planned staff development activity where teachers will share teaching techniques. Student activities featured Jump Rope for Heart at IRPS and Spirit Week at MMS. Mrs. Hossner reported on the many cultural activities planned for the middle school students. It was also reported that the Pacific Science Center Van had visited IRPS and TMCE. Mr. Giller said Mr. Michaelson has been working on testing schedules for the end of semester.

Special Programs Director's Report
Dr. Holt shared his concern about the state budget cuts that Governor Locke is proposing. Although education will be reduced less than most state services, there is the possibility that Readiness to Learn will be eliminated. To illustrate a small aspect of the impact of this loss, Dr. Holt shared the recent holiday giving that was coordinated through Readiness to Learn. With the support of local businesses and agencies, over thirty Meridian families received gifts and food supplies. Aid Association for Lutherans (AAL) provided $7,000 to buy food, clothing, fuel and other supplies that were distributed. Presently, RTL is involved in Coats for Kids drive that is a countywide effort to get bedding (such as sleeping bags) and coats to children. Dr. Holt said the focus of RTL is to provide essential needs to reduce the barriers that might keep pupils from attending school. The hope is that Governor Locke will find a way to preserve this vital program. Dr. Holt also acknowledged the achievement of Dr. Chris Latham, district psychologist, for recently completing his doctorate in psychology. Dr. Latham earned his degree from Pacifica Graduate Institute in California, studying the effect of media on young children.

Superintendent's Report

1. Enrollment for January
   Mr. Dickerson reported that enrollment count is up by 10 FTE from the December count. He said enrollment is being watched closely.
   
   
2. School Construction Update
   John Stewart was present to give an update on all building projects. He said the middle school gymnasium is behind schedule by about a month due to the wet and windy weather in November and early December, but that the project is still within budget. Mr. Stewart said the gymnasium should be fully enclosed by next month. He said the parking lot improvements at IRPS and TMCE will go out for construction bid some time in the spring. He presented a building plan for the bus garage/maintenance area addition that will provide instructional space, new restroom, and storage area. Mr. Stewart explained the improvements to that area and said that the project would soon be ready for construction bids.
   
   
3. K-12 Counseling/Guidance Plan (Guidance Resource Team)
   The Meridian Guidance and Counseling Team presented their goals for the current year and a substantive Guidance Plan. The major goal is to develop a case management concept throughout the district. Through monthly meetings the counselors, Laurie Saling, IRPS; Cheryl Wynja, TMCE; Donna Holmes, MMS; Elaine Kheriaty, MHS; family services provider Jeannie Fitzsimmons; drug and alcohol interventionist Linda Witter; nurse Paula Kobos; and school psychologist Dr. Latham have created a teaming across the district to better coordinate the services for students. The Guidance Plan provides awareness to the board and interested persons a grade-by-grade outline of the counseling and related services at each grade level.
   
   
4. Athletic Director Report (Coach Training/Safety)
   Athletic Director Steve Miller reported on student athlete requirements and new WIAA requirements. He said he and Jerry Sanderson, Meridian Middle School Activities Director, would be teaching a Coaching Principles liability seminar for coaches. He said new WIAA requirements state that all coaches must take inservice classes and earn at least 30 clock hours within a three-year period. Mr. Miller also reported on the many meetings he attends, and about his many responsibilities in the North Cascade Conference League. He concluded by reporting on future liability athletic projects and the need to recertify football helmets. Discussion followed regarding student eligibility. Both Mr. Giller and Mr. Michaelson said they appreciate the work done by Mr. Miller.
   
   
5. Progress Toward District Goals for 2001-2002
   Mr. Dickerson shared a written report on District Goals for 2001-2002. He explained the progress on each of the main goals detailing what the district has implemented and what is planned for the future. He said one of the many challenges would be to remain focused on the goals. Mr. Dickerson said the 5000 series of school board policies is near completion with only the 6000 series to be completed. He also noted that the Strategic Planning Committee would be meeting January 31 to finalize the plan.
   
   
6. School Board Appreciation
   Superintendent Dickerson explained that January is Board Appreciation Month. He thanked the board members for their support, leadership and responsiveness to the school district. He said that although being a board member is not a paid position and is sometimes unappreciated, he wanted to thank the members for the leadership role they have taken. Each member was given a Certification of Appreciation from the Meridian School District.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no public comment.

BREAK

The board recessed from 8:44 p.m. to 8:54 p.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

A. Second Reading and Adoption-Policy Revisions
Charlie Crabtree moved to adopt board policy number 2004 and policy and procedure number 2162. Judy Boxx seconded the motion and motion passed. (See attached)

B. School Levy
Mr. Dickerson stated that the Levy Committee has been working on providing information on the levy in a variety of ways. They have sent a mailing to voters and there is a telephone calling committee reminding voters of the levy election. Mr. Dickerson said the levy is an important part in the operation of the school district.

NEW BUSINESS

A. Personnel Report
Sheri Folsom made a motion to accept the personnel report. Judy Boxx seconded the motion and the motion passed.

B. First Reading - Policy Revisions
There was first reading of board policy 5000 series. Discussion followed.

C. Affirmative Action Plan/Program
Superintendent Dickerson presented an updated Numerical Review Analysis, which is part of the Affirmative Action Report previously approved by the school board and the state. He explained this is an annual formality. Sheri Folsom made a motion to approve the Affirmative Action Plan. Charlie Crabtree seconded the motion and the motion passed.

D. Contract for Labor Relations Consultant
Mr. Dickerson said he has spoken to Chuck Foster, Labor Relations Consultant. Mr. Dickerson said he did not feel the need to enter into a contractual agreement with Mr. Foster at this time, but would like to keep the door open for any future services that may be needed. The board agreed on the plan.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The board went into executive session at 9:22 p.m. for superintendent evaluation and returned to regular session at 9:45 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

Chair Mattison adjourned the meeting at 9:45 p.m.