MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING

OF THE GOVERNING BOARD

SCOTTSDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 48

                                                                                                                    

May 13, 2003

 

A Regular Meeting of the Governing Board of the Scottsdale Unified School District, #48, Maricopa County, was called to order at 7:05 PM, at the Scottsdale School District Education Center Board Room, 3811 North 44th Street, Phoenix, Arizona.  President Goldstaub called upon Ms. Beckvar to lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Board Members in attendance were David R. Goldstaub, President; Karen Beckvar; Christine M. Schild; and Sandra Zapien-Ferrero.  Shari Avianantos, Clerk, arrived at the meeting at 7:45 PM.  Superintendent Barbara F. Erwin, and Associate Superintendent Don Jefferies were also present.  A quorum was present.  President Goldstaub welcomed approximately 90 visitors.

 

Mrs. Schild moved to approve the Agenda with the following modifications:

 

1.       Consent Agenda Item VIII. F. Approval of Minutes of April 29, 2003 Work/Study Meeting, to be pulled and heard separately.

2.       Action Item VIII. B. Approval of Governing Board Meeting Schedule, to be heard last.

3.       Addendum to Information Items VI.a. D. Master Facilities Plan/Possible Bond Election, to be heard first.

 

Mrs. Zapien-Ferrero seconded the motion.

 

The motion, as modified, was approved with a vote of 4 – 0 (Mrs. Avianantos had not yet arrived at the meeting).

 

Public Comment

Scott Barker, President of the Scottsdale Education Association (SEA), thanked Mr. David Goldstaub, President of the Governing Board, for his dedication to the school district and wished him well as he leaves office and the city of Scottsdale.  Mr. Barker also thanked the English Immersion Studies department for their collaboration and help in training those teachers who were unassigned.

 

Marcy Warner, Susan Manning, and Janet Blum spoke together in opposition to any cuts to the Visual Arts program.

 

Michelle Gorinac spoke in support of English Immersion Studies Community Specialists.

 

Juan Manuel spoke in support of English Immersion Studies Community Specialists.

 

Suanne Rudley, on behalf of the Executive Board of the Scottsdale Parent Council, offered a vote of confidence and thanked Dr. Erwin and her senior leadership team for their hard work and for the progress they have made for Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD).

 

Joan Agostinelli, co-chair of Yes to Children, thanked David Goldstaub for his years of service to SUSD.  Mrs. Agostinelli also reviewed the results of a survey done at the request of the SUSD Governing Board by the Yes to Children committee in regard to placing a bond on the November 2003 election ballot.

 

Phyllis Baines spoke in support of placing a bond on the November 2003 election ballot.

 

LeAnn Kempf spoke in regard to the District’s substance abuse policy, asking the Board to consider expulsion as the last resort.

 

Eric Meyer, on behalf of the Scottsdale Parent Council, spoke in support of a bond on the November 2003 election ballot.

 

Linda Rivoir spoke in support of a bond on the November 2003 election ballot.

 

John Schwantes, a member of the Yes to Children committee, spoke in support of a bond on the November 2003 election ballot.

 

Francesca Thomas spoke in support of a bond on the November 2003 election ballot.

 

Linda Mueller spoke in support of a bond on the November 2003 election ballot.

 

Addendum to Information Items

Ms. Beckvar stated that she had placed Item VI.a. D. Master Facilities Plan/Possible Bond Election, on the Agenda after receiving many requests from the community.  Ms. Beckvar stated that she had two requirements for placing a Bond Election on the November 2003 ballot: community support and support from the entire Governing Board. 

 

Discussion was held in regard to a November 2003 Bond Election and whether or not there is enough community support for the passage of a bond in 2003, or enough time to communicate the necessary data to the entire community.  The consensus was that, although the majority of the Board Members are in support of a Facilities Bond for the District’s five high schools, it was felt that November 2003 would not be the most opportune time for the Board to ask their constituents to approve a bond, especially in light of the national, state and local financial situations.

 

Ms. Beckvar concluded that the entire Board was in support of a bond, but at a future date.

 

Information/Discussion Items

Item VI. A. Coronado Magnet Update.  John Biera, Principal of Coronado High School, gave an update to the Governing Board on the progress of the development of a magnet program at Coronado High School.  Eric Shelton, teacher at Coronado High School of the aviation program, discussed the flight simulator program, as well as the development of the aviation program.  Mr. Biera reviewed the mentoring program and its importance, and introduced Laurie Sliva, from Performance Dynamics, whose company helps schools implement mentoring programs and provides training for staff and students.  Mr. Biera also introduced Janet Blum, teacher at Coronado High School, thanking her for her work with Coronado students with neon art.  Ms. Blum reviewed for the Board the work with neon art that her department has accomplished.

 

Item VI. B. Budget Update.  Bob Flach, Chief Financial Officer, reviewed the Transportation Budget proposed for 2003-04 with the Board.  Mr. Dan Shearer, Director of Transportation Services, reviewed his department’s budget.  Discussion was also held on any potential reinstatements for the 2003-04 budget, if action by the State Legislature doesn’t cause the proposed worse case scenario budget.  Mr. Flach introduced Suanne Rudley, representing the Parent’s Budget Committee, who reviewed her committee’s recommendations for reinstatements.  Kevin Flynn, President of the Scottsdale Affiliated Administrators (SAA), presented the recommendations for reinstatements from the District’s administrators.  Mr. Flach stated that other recommendations from the certificated staff, as well as the classified staff, would be forthcoming to the Board in their Friday information packet.

 

Item VI. C. Board Discussion Concerning Contract for Lunchtime Educational/Advertising Programming for Schools Through GPPCS.  Representatives from US Education Funding Corp. reviewed with the Board their company’s project that will be incorporated in several school districts in the greater Phoenix area.  The project consists of educational based programming to be broadcast during lunchtime periods in the District’s cafeterias.  Discussion was held, and a video was left for the Governing Board to be reviewed at another time.  It was decided that in view of the fact that Mr. Goldstaub was leaving the Board, and a new Board Member was to be appointed by the County Superintendent’s office, a decision on this project would be made after the Board had reorganized with the new Board Member present.

 

Consent Agenda

Item VII. A. Acceptance of Gifts - $35,667.37

Item VII. B. Accounts Payable Vouchers

Item VII. C. Approval of Hearing Officer’s Recommendations

Item VII. D. Approval of Readmission for Student #36599

Item VII. E. Approval of Minutes of April 29, 2003 Special Board Meeting

Item VII. F. Approval of Minutes of April 29, 2003 Work/Study Meeting – Amended

Item VII. G. Additional Design Services for Supai Middle School

Item VII. H. Approval of Annual Renewal of Intergovernmental Agreement for Student Assistance/Prevention Programs

Item VII. I. Approval of Renewal of Intergovernmental Agreement for Head Start Food Services

Item VII. J. Extended Bond Program Management Services

 

Consent Agenda Continued

Item VII. K. Facility RFP Cancellation and a Call for Bid for Installation of Fire Department

Turnaround

Item VII. L. Approval of Renewal of Contracts

Item VII. M. Approval to Purchase Carpet and Installation Through MOHAVE Contract

Item VII. N. Approval to Purchase Multipurpose Paper Through GPPCS

Item VII. O. Designation of Sole Source for Educational Testing Service

Item VII. P. Award of Bid #3094, Grease Trap Evacuation

Item VII. Q. Award of Bid #3096, Padlocks

Item VII. R. Award of Bid #3099, Refuse Collection

Item VII. S. Award of Bid #3106, Fuel

Item VII. T. Award of RFP #3063, Supplemental Resource Materials and Instructional Aids

Item VII. U. Award of RFP #3064, Armored Car Services

Item VII. V. Award of RFP #3066, Electrical Supplies

Item VII. W. Award of RFP #3093, Athletic and Physical Education Supplies

Item VII. X. Award of RFP #3114, Speech Language Therapy Services – Regular and Bilingual

Item VII. Y. Payroll Vouchers

Item VII. Z. Personnel Actions

Item VII. AA. Revision #1 of the 2002-03 Annual Budget

 

Mrs. Zapien-Ferrero moved to approve the Consent Agenda with Item VII. F. Approval of Minutes of April 29, 2003 Work/Study Meeting, pulled to be heard separately.  Mrs. Schild seconded the motion.

 

The motion, as amended, was approved with a vote of 5 – 0 (Mrs. Avianantos had arrived at the meeting at 7:45 PM, during Public Comment).

 

Consent Agenda Item VII. F. Approval of Minutes of April 29, 2003 Work/Study Meeting.  Mrs. Schild expressed her concern with the language of the Minutes of April 29, 2003 Work/Study Meeting relating to the Information/Discussion Item VI. C. Review of Desert Mountain High School (DMHS) Block Schedule, Page 1.  The Board discussed the intent of their discussion and although they agreed that the Minutes reflected what had been said, felt that the Minutes did not fully reflect the Board’s intent; therefore, the third line from the bottom of the page should be revised to read:  Discussion was had on staff training and on the school’s past administration’s lack of support for block scheduling.”

 

Mrs. Schild moved to approve the Minutes of April 29, 2003 Work/Study Meeting as amended.  Ms. Beckvar seconded the motion.

 

The motion was approved with a vote of 4 – 1 (Mr. Goldstaub voted Nay).

 

Action Items

Dr. Althe Allen, Executive Director of Student Services, and Mr. Ty Timbrooks, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Committee and Assistant Principal at Arcadia High School, reviewed the Board’s recommendations for revisions of Item VIII. A. Proposed Code of Conduct Revisions.  Discussion was held on the proposals made by the Committee pursuant to Board direction given to the Code of Conduct Committee at the last Governing Board Meeting of April 29, 2003, including Level 1 and Level 2 options and the need for clear-cut consequences.  Upon further direction from the Board for additional “wordsmithing” to the Drug and Alcohol Policy, this item will be brought back for Board action at the June 10, 2003 Board Meeting. 

 

President Goldstaub reviewed the process involved in preparation of Item VIII. C. Approval of Superintendent’s Evaluation for 2002.  The document presented to the Board was a draft of what Mr. Goldstaub prepared for the Board’s approval.  President Goldstaub stated, “no decisions have been made prior to this meeting.” 

 

Mrs. Schild stated she “believes the proposed evaluation reasonably reflects the Board’s decision regarding the contents of this public document.” 

 

Mrs. Zapien-Ferrero moved to approve the Superintendent’s Evaluation for 2002.  Mrs. Avianantos seconded the motion. 

 

The motion was approved with a vote of 5 – 0.

 

 

President Goldstaub thanked Dr. Erwin for three straight years of excellent performance and stated that the Board is “absolutely pleased and delighted with the progress that the Scottsdale School District has made under her leadership.”

 

President Goldstaub reviewed the process involved in preparation of Item VIII. D. Approval of Superintendent’s Employment Contract.  The document presented was a draft of what Mr. Goldstaub prepared for the Board’s approval, and that no decisions regarding that contract had been made prior to this meeting.  Also, Mr. Goldstaub pointed out two items of significance: for the second year in a row, Dr. Erwin has given up a salary increase and a bonus, but the contract allows for a Board to make decisions in the future regarding an increase in Dr. Erwin’s salary or a bonus; and the contract is a three-year extension of Dr. Erwin’s current contract.

 

Mrs. Avianantos moved to approve the Superintendent’s Employment Contract, as printed.  Mrs. Zapien-Ferrero seconded the motion.

 

Mrs. Schild read her statement saying that she believed the community expected more from Dr. Erwin than what they received and that the community remained divided.  Mrs. Schild stated that she was willing to give the Superintendent until June 30, 2005, and, therefore, couldn’t agree to bind any future Governing Board to the proposed contract.  President Goldstaub responded that in recommending the proposed three year renewal, it was his belief that it was well deserved; that the School District over the last three years, under Dr. Erwin’s leadership, has made tremendous progress and this is not just in his opinion, but in many community members’ opinions.  Mr. Goldstaub went on to say that it is his belief that this renewal is in the best interest of the District, and the very last thing the District needs is to play “musical chairs” with the superintendent.  By approving the proposed three-year extension, the District would be provided with much needed stability.

 

The motion was approved with a vote of 4 – 1 (Mrs. Schild voted Nay).

 

Mrs. Schild moved to table Item VIII. B. Approval of Governing Board Meeting Schedule for 2003-04, to June 10, 2003 Regular Board Meeting.  Ms. Beckvar seconded the motion.

 

The motion was approved with a vote of 3 – 2 (Mr. Goldstaub and Mrs. Avianantos voted Nay).

 

Governing Board Reports

Board Members Karen Beckvar and Christine M. Schild reviewed the various activities they participated in over the last few weeks.

 

Dates of Upcoming Board Meetings and District Events

Tuesday, June 10, 2003 – 7:00 PM – Regular Board Meeting

Tuesday, June 24, 2003 – 7:00 PM – Work/Study Meeting

 

At 11:15 PM, Mrs. Schild moved to adjourn the meeting.  Ms. Beckvar seconded the motion.

 

The motion was approved with a vote of 5 – 0.

 

Dated this 13th day of May 2003.

 

The Governing Board of the Scottsdale Unified School District #48

 

 

 

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David R. Goldstaub, President

 

 

 

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Shari Avianantos, Clerk

 

 

 

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Karen Beckvar

 

 

 

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Christine M. Schild

 

 

 

__________________________________

Sandra Zapien-Ferrero

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion #122

Approval of Agenda as Modified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public Comment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Addendum to Information Items

Master Facilities Plan/

Possible Bond Election

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Information/Discussion

•Coronado Magnet

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visitors

 

 

 

 

 

•Budget Update

 

 

Visitor

 

 

 

 

 

•Lunchtime Educational/

Advertising Programming

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consent Agenda

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consent Agenda Continued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion #123

Approval of Consent Agenda as Amended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amendment

 

Motion #124

Approval of Minutes of April 29, 2003 Work/Study Meeting as Amended

 

 

Action Items

•Code of Conduct Revisions

 

 

 

Code of Conduct Revisions to be Brought Back to 6/10/03 Meeting

 

•Superintendent’s Evaluation for 2002

 

 

 

 

 

Motion #125

Approval of Superintendent’s Evaluation for 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•Superintendent’s Employment Contract

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion #126

Approval of Superintendent’s Employment Contract

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion #127

Table Approval of Governing Board Meeting Schedule

 

 

Governing Board Reports

 

 

Dates of Upcoming Board Meetings

 

 

Motion #128

Adjournment