Board Meeting Minutes
August 26, 2002

CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE/INTRODUCTIONS

Chair Mary Mattison called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

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

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

ADOPT AGENDA

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

CONSENT AGENDA

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

1. Minutes for July 17, 2002
   
2. Accounts Payable/Payroll
3. Budget Status Reports

REPORTS

1. Superintendent's Report
   
   
   1. School Construction Update
      Mr. Dickerson reported that the Meridian Middle School Gymnasium project is completed except for some punch list items and the final grading, earth moving and seeding of the west ball fields. He said that the fieldwork cannot be completed at this time because of the dry weather conditions. He said the parking lot improvements at IRPS and TMCE are nearing completion. A seal coat was applied to the entire parking lot area and large cracks in the asphalt were also repaired. Because of the difficulty in finding a general contractor to work within the budgeted amount, the improvements to the bus garage have not started. Mr. Dickerson said that the district is considering acting as its own general contractor and subcontract the plumbing, electrical, mechanical and drywall work.
      
      
   2. Strategic Plan - September Meeting
      Mr. Dickerson stated that planning worksheets had been developed for each of the five main goals within the Strategic Plan. He explained that the next step would be to schedule a meeting in September to review and update the plan. He said the original committee members would be invited to the meeting along with anyone else who may be interested in joining the committee. September 26, at Meridian High School was decided for a date.
      
      
   3. Start-Up Activities for 2002-2003 School Year
      Superintendent Dickerson outlined the many start-up activities for the beginning of the school year. A parent information letter was mailed in mid August and a new employee orientation was held on August 26th for all employees new to the district. The staff meeting for all school employees scheduled for August 27th includes individual and department staff meetings, and an employee Benefits Fair in the late afternoon. The Learning Improvement Day scheduled for August 28th is for all certificated employees and will focus on Measures of Academic Progress and differentiation of instruction and curriculum. MAP is the new assessment program to track student progress in Reading, Math and Language Usage.
      
      
   4. Financial Data Summary
      Mr. Dickerson presented a worksheet showing per pupil expenditures. The worksheet outlines program description, student FTE count, program expenditure and expenditure per pupil. He said that out of 42 school districts of similar size, 5 districts spend less per pupil than Meridian and 36 districts spend more to educate a student than Meridian. Discussion followed. The members of the board expressed appreciation to Mr. Dickerson for providing the informational worksheet.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Charlie Crabtree said that the Meridian PTA booth indicated higher proceeds than other food vendors at the Northwest Washington Fair. He expressed thanks to the many community volunteers who worked at the booth to help make it another successful year. Mr. Dickerson also expressed gratitude to the PTA for their tremendous effort in organizing and planning for the fair booth.

BREAK

The board recessed from 7:37 to 7:42 p.m.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1. Second Reading and Adoption of Policy 1400 -- Meetings
   There was second reading of board policy 1400 - Meetings. Charlie Crabtree made a motion to adopt board policy 1400. Judy Boxx seconded the motion and motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Personnel Report
   The personnel report was approved on a motion by Charlie Crabtree and seconded by Sheri Folsom.
   
   
2. First Reading - Policy 5000/6000 Series
   There was first reading and discussion of board policy 5000/6000 series.
   
   
3. Review/Establish Facility Use Fees for 2002-2003
   Mr. Dickerson presented a handout of District Facilities Rental Rates for annual review and said he did not recommend an increase in fees for the 2002-2003 school year. Sheri Folsom made a motion to approve the rental rate schedule as presented, and Charlie Crabtree seconded the motion. Motion passed.
   
   
4. Property Near High School
   Superintendent Dickerson said the executrix of the Smith estate made a courtesy visit to ask if the district would be interested in purchasing the property across from the high school campus. Discussion followed. It was decided that there was no need to acquire more property at this time.
   
   
5. Set Plan for September Staff BBQ
   Possible dates and place for the board sponsored staff barbeque were discussed. September 16 or 17 were two dates mentioned. It was decided that board members would be in contact with each other to make the final decision.

ADJOURNMENT

Chair Mary Mattison adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m.