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School
Board Report Oct. 23, 2002
by Penny Chambers
The meeting of the
Eatonville School Board
was held before a full audience of parents and teachers Oct. 23. All board
members were present, including the new District 2 director, Darold Holden,
Superintendent Ray Arment and EHS Principal Garth Steedman. The board unanimously approved the Consent Agenda,
consisting of the minutes from the Sept. 25 and Oct. 9 meetings, and
consideration of the following classified personnel actions: 1.
Employ
Cynthia Vogel, as Eatonville Elementary teacher assistant. 2.
Employ
Nancy McGehee, as bus driver, support services. Consideration of the following
Extra Curricular assignment recommendations: 1.
Kurt
Anderson, EMS assistant soccer coach. 2.
Travis
Rush, EMS assistant soccer coach. 3.
Rob
McIlraith, EMS head soccer coach. 4.
Erik
Danielson, EMS assistant basketball coach. 5.
Andrew
Herres, EMS, head basketball coach. 6.
Davina
Serdahl, EHS and EES, Big Brothers/Big Sisters coordinator. 7.
Renee
Ofthus, WES, beginning teacher. 8.
Gayle
Zurfluh, WES, mentor. 9.
Ginger
Smith, CC, Mentor program. 10.
David
Jacobson, CC mentor. And the following financial items: 1.
Sept.
2002 payroll $896,306.29 2.
Aug.
2002 general fund $27,616.36 3.
Oct.
2002 general fund $217,219.56 4.
Aug.
2002 ASB fund $2,537.29 5.
Oct.
2002 ASB fund $26,914.00 6.
Sept.
2002 financial report Next, the board heard from members of the audience.
As follow up to the board’s Oct. 9 executive session, Mike Kimball stood and
asked the board when a “24 hour, no trespass” order which the school had
placed against him would be removed, as he had not heard from
Steedman nor Arment concerning the matter. The superintendent said
he was leaving the decision up to Steedman, who assured Kimball
his response would be mailed to him (Kimball) the following Friday,
Oct. 25. Chair Robert Bass added the board has decided to support Steedman’s
decision. Kimball is the father of an EHS student who feels his
son was wrongfully suspended recently. While picking his son up from school on
the day of his suspension an argument ensued between Kimball and Steedman. The
school then placed a 24-hour, “no trespass” notice against Kimball,
meaning that he must give the school 24-hours notice before entering school
grounds. Secondly, the board heard from Betty Beer.
She asked if the kids who earn a degree in the Running Start program are
recognized for their achievement. Steedman answered, saying students need to
contact Tally Hull and notify her that they have completed their Associate
Degree. Arment added those students are recognized during graduation
ceremonies and their names are listed on the graduation programs. Middle School Librarian Rhoda Papajohn, and EHS
Science teacher Tira Hancock, EEA (Eatonville Education Assoc.) co-presidents,
were scheduled to speak next; but due to a prior teaching engagement Hancock
had not yet arrived at the meeting. The board moved on to new business while
waiting for Hancock to arrive. The first item brought to the table was
the second reading of the review of policy 1110, board member election.
Superintendent Arment explained this was an alignment of the board’s
existing policy to comply with state law. Director Ron Springer made a motion
to adopt the revised policy, which was seconded by Rick Thompson and
unanimously approved. The second order of new business listed on the agenda was to consider Basic Education Compliance. Linda Ames, business/personnel manager, stated the Basic Ed. Compliance form 1497 assures the state that the district is in compliance with the minimum (ninety day) requirements for Kindergarten and 180 days of school. And also in compliance with Kindergarten through third grade and fourth through twelfth grade teacher-student ratio. Director Donna Mettler motioned, seconded by Thompson, to approve the Basic Education Compliance form 1497. The board passed the motion unanimously. Chair Bass took a moment to introduce new District
2 director, Darold Holden. There was no “unfinished business” listed on the
meeting’s agenda, however the board briefly discussed the Communications
Plan. Mettler asked the board members for feedback on literature she had given
them during the Oct. 9 meeting. She asked they give her their comments or
ideas prior to the Nov. 6 meeting so she could forward them to the PSESD
(Puget Sound Educational Service District) consultant. Arment confirmed with board members who would be attending the WSSDA (Washington State Schools Directors Assoc.) conference Nov. 13 through 16 in Spokane. All board members, other than Bass, will be attending. Arment commented that he had been to a WASSA
(Washington Assoc. of School Administrators) conference the week before. He was impressed by a lecturer from the University of Houston.
This man has done extensive research, particularly in the area of brain trauma
injuries and congenital birth defects. Research indicates the potential to intervene with
students in Kindergarten through first grade by means of a word recognition
test. The test identifies students with significant reading problems. Research
shows the number of special education students could be lowered by three
percent. The superintendent added that Washington State is looking further at
these studies. The superintendent also made mention of the
“wonderful WASL recognition” Lucy Fountain had received the day before for
the 125 students who had passed all four sections of the WASL (Wash.
Assessment of Student Learning) test. Lucy reiterated their theme “Show You
Know,” meaning have the confidence to put it on paper to show that you know! A short discussion began when Springer once
again mentioned the fact that he is very displeased with the local traditional
media coverage. He asked Arment to talk to the local media about publicizing
issues concerning the school district. District 5 director Thompson read a letter he had composed for the board, expressing his feeling that recent negativity surrounding the district was not welcome. He continued, declaring that one of the District 2 board candidates was slanderously attacked, which he believes to be criminal. Further, Thompson asserted his intent to seek legal council concerning slanderous comments arising from an instance in which he claims he was mis-quoted. Continuing, Thompson exclaimed, “The lies have been going on for over a year now. It’s time to stop, stop now!” He said that he was no longer willing to pay the price and the district had suffered. He stated he felt the board had accomplished little during the past year. He finished saying, “Enough is enough. Let’s move forward.” Meetings of the EC4 (Extra Curricular/Co Curricular) committee
were briefly discussed. Thompson
volunteered to attend the EC4 meetings. Vice Chair Mettler raised an issue concerning parents of students at Columbia Crest. Due to the EMT (emergency medical technician) situation for the past 2 – 3 years at Fire District 23 in Ashford, many parents had submitted letters to be placed in their children’s file asking the school not dial 911 in case of a medical emergency. Mettler asked the superintendent to contact Columbia Crest Principal David Jacobson, so that he might notify parents of the new EMT on staff at FD23. Arment pointed out that by law the schools must dial 911 in cases of medical emergency, and parents cannot take away a child’s right to receive medical services.
Bass mentioned the Committee For Advanced Academic Achievement is
asking that a board member attend their meetings. After there were no
volunteers, Mettler said that she would try to attend.
Arment said he had talked with Middle School Principal Andy
McGrath concerning a trip to Washington D.C. planned for this May. Arment
stated he sees the sniper in a different light than the terrorist responsible
for 9-11, and is not comfortable with students going to D.C. until the sniper
is caught. The superintendent suggested to McGrath the students go to
Philadelphia instead. Rhoda Papajohn said she’s very concerned with the
situation in D.C., but feels the sniper will be caught before the students
travel. Papajohn said she’s heard no concerns from parents regarding the
sniper and they are continuing their fund raising efforts for the trip. Bass addressed Thompson’s letter which was read to
the board earlier during the meeting, saying he has heard the same concerns
expressed by Thompson numerous times. That the past year was a waste and
leadership ineffective. Bass continued, stating he (Bass) will take
responsibility and he did not believe the past year was that bad and the board
had done some good things. Thompson responded
he gauged his comment based on the accomplishments of previous boards,
and reiterated, “Enough is enough. Let’s move forward.” On the topic of the Oct. Principal Reports,
Thompson mentioned the most
exciting addition this fall is the new electronic reader board, replacing the
old board on the front lawn of the high school. At 7:45 p.m. the board took a seven-minute recess,
then resumed with a complaint brought by Papajohn. Before the meeting she
asked the board to meet in executive session regarding a complaint which
didn’t concern the teachers’ contract, but was against a public employee
of the school district. When asked who the employee was, she replied “Ray
Arment.” When the open meeting reconvened Papajohn was asked to state her
complaint. It was explained that the board must inform the employee and give
him/her the option of hearing the matter in a public or executive (private)
session. Superintendent Arment chose to discuss the issue at that time during
the open meeting. Papajohn continued, explaining one version of a
letter written by the superintendent was given to her and Tira Hancock as
co-presidents of the EEA, and another version of the same letter was sent to
the school board members. The EEA was very disturbed that different versions
of a letter had been distributed between board members and EEA members. Papajohn pointed out the following discrepancies: The
EEA was given a version which read, “the district’s standing offer made
(to the teachers).” The version given to the board members was different as
it read, “the district’s generous [italics added] standing offer
made (to the teachers).” Also, the letter to the EEA read “a”
neighboring school district, while the letter to the board read “the Bethel
school district.” Finally, the letter to the EEA stated, “in that the
district recommended initiation of bargaining in Feb. 2002.” This clause was
completely omitted from the letter the board members received. Angered, Arment responded by asking Papajohn
if the facts in the two letters were equal. Rhoda answered “yes.” Arment
continued, saying he had worked late drafting the letter so it was done on
Thurs., Oct. 10 as Papajohn and Hancock had informed him they would not be at
school Fri., Oct. 11, a “no school day.” The two women knew this letter
was coming and wanted to be sure they had a copy in hand the following Mon.
morning. Standing up and drawing a diagram of the “in boxes” at the middle
school, Arment said he personally placed Hancock’s and Papajohn’s copies
in their “in boxes” on Thurs., the 10th. He
also said he thought the school board’s copies were mailed out on the same
day. Arment continued, explaining that the next day, Fri., Oct 11, while in
his office, he re-read the letter and decided to change the “focus of the
offer” made to the EEA, adding the word “generous,” thus changing the
letter. Arment then slammed his fist on the table,
exclaiming he wants “a fair and affordable contract ASAP!” He then
followed by asking Papajohn where she obtained the school board’s version of
the letter. She stated twice that she did not want any “disciplinary
action” taken against the person who gave her the letter. And clarified that
when she arrived at school the following Mon. morning, she expected to find a
copy of the letter in her “in box,” but it wasn’t there. Papajohn called
the district office explaining to one of the employees that she hadn’t
gotten her copy. The woman inadvertently gave Papajohn the second draft which
had been given to the school board members. Later that day she found the copy
Arment had placed in the wrong “in box” the previous Thurs., and noticed
the differences between the letters. Arment said he had not slept well Fri. night because
he was mulling the letter over in his mind. He said he got up the next
morning, Sat., Oct. 12 and changed the wording. According to Arment he then
called Dan Dawkins, Support Services Manager, asking him to unlock the doors
of the schools so he could replace the first letter in Hancock’s and
Papajohn’s in boxes with the second letter.
Papajohn
replied that regardless of his intent, or whether it was a simple error on the superintendent’s part, it was
not fair the board and the EEA received different letters.
Bass asked each board member if they thought the discrepancy made a
difference as the figures quoted in the two letters remained the same.
Springer first answered the numbers were the same, but each group
should receive the same letter.
Thompson said he understood the EEA’s position, but also understood
the superintendent’s commitment to finalize the letter by Thurs., Oct. 10.
Further, Thompson said it “makes no difference to him,” he can understand
both sides and he doesn’t feel the situation warrants reprimand. Darold
Holden stated that next time the superintendent and his staff should insure
everyone gets the same letter.
Mettler also said she understood the EEA’s concern,
likewise Mettler stated her understanding of what goes into drafting and
re-drafting a letter. She said the numbers were the same and that was the most
important part. Mettler asked Papajohn what her recommendation would be
regarding the situation. To which Papajohn replied, she expects all
correspondence between the EEA and the board to be the same. Mettler
responded, “of course they will be, that’s just standard business
procedure.” Hancock told the board they could have sent the EEA
the second copy and it “bothers” her that she (and Papajohn) didn’t have
the same copy the board received. Bass added he “likes Ray’s edits, appreciates
Ray’s edits” and sees the intent of both letters as identical. Papajohn stood and erased Arment’s diagram of
the “in boxes.” As she drew a flow chart Papajohn explained, “It’s
like there’s a right side and a wrong side of the tracks. First come the
kids, second the teachers, third the PSE people, fourth the administration and
fifth the school board.” The superintendent commented that teachers in other
districts have worked all hours of the night negotiating their contracts,
while ours have opted not to do so. It was then mentioned those teachers were
on strike when working late into the night. Arment next said our district has
denied the teachers the option, per their contract, to negotiate during school
hours citing “we need teachers, not subs, with our kids.” Betty Beer stood and expressed her appreciation to the teachers for not striking and for putting the kids first. Colleen Arthur, elementary school teacher, spoke out saying Randy Bohannon, outside negotiator for the district, “causes problems,” hindering the current negotiations. Arment responded by saying Bohannon was hired because he possesses the expertise in contract negotiations. And the district has used him for years with no problems. The meeting finished on a positive note
with Tira Hancock saying how well the “equestrian team” is doing, and how
much the students are enjoying it. At 8:40 the board went into a scheduled executive
session to discuss, per the agenda, the Eatonville Administrators’ Assoc.,
and the Eatonville Education Assoc. The next scheduled meeting of the school board is Wed., Nov. 6, beginning at 7 p.m. in the library at Columbia Crest Elementary. The public is encouraged to attend! Scheduled agenda items include:
Work Study:
1.
The
Communications Plan 2.
Budget
details Major
Task List: 1.
Bond
decision – in progress 2.
School
year 2002 –2003 staffing – ongoing 3.
Teacher
contract – ongoing 4.
Administrative
salary schedule – ongoing 5.
Arbitration
outcomes – in progress 6.
Policy
reviews – ongoing 7.
Academic
and athletic program reviews 8.
Washington
Health Survey – school year 2002 – 2003 9.
Dropout
rates and student success – school year 2002 –2003 10.
Placing
memorial items on school district property 11.
Fall
2002 committees – sexual harassment policy and procedure review, high school
graduation requirements, guidance and counseling program evaluation 12.
Translate
board’s district goals into school improvement plans 13.
Board
– principal – program directors retreat 14.
Commence
implementation of ESEA 15.
EHS
accreditation 16.
Facilities
Committee Oct. 28 in EHS library at 7 p.m.
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"Pity
the poor kids who grow up in a big city. They miss the little things that
made growing up in a small town, ah, so wonderful." |
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