ARLINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Item C-1-a School Board Meeting October 22, 2014
The Arlington School Board convened on Wednesday, October 22, 2014, at 7:30 PM at 1426 North Quincy Street, Arlington, Virginia.1
Present were:
James S. Lander, Chair Emma Violand-Sánchez, Vice Chair Abby Raphael, Member Nancy Van Doren, Member Melanie Elliott, Clerk Also present were:
Dr. Patrick K. Murphy, Superintendent John Chadwick, Assistant Superintendent, Facilities and Operations Linda Erdos, Assistant Superintendent, School and Community Relations Dr. Betty Hobbs, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources Cintia Johnson, Assistant Superintendent, Administrative Services Deirdra McLaughlin, Assistant Superintendent, Finance and Management Connie Skelton, Assistant Superintendent, Instruction Brenda Wilks, Assistant Superintendent, Student Services
A. CLOSED MEETING - NONE
B. BOARD MEETING OPENING
1. Call To Order
2. Presentation of Colors
3. Recognitions: (7:33 PM)
Ms. Skelton, Dr. Murphy and the School Board recognized students who were named National Merit Semifinalists and National Achievement Semifinalists.
4. Announcements: (7:40 PM)
MEETINGS: • October 29, 2014 Closed Meeting, School Board Conference Room, 7:15 PM EVENTS: • October 23, 2014 APS College Fair, Washington-Lee High School, 7 PM
1 Video clips of regular School Board meetings can be viewed on the APS Web site at the following link: http://www.apsva.us/15401081151356423/site/default.asp DVDs of all regular School Board meetings are also available for viewing in the School Board office.
______Arlington School Board minutes - Page 1 of 11 - October 22, 2014 Dr. Murphy highlighted the upcoming College Fair, Middle and High School Information nights, and the Color of Leadership Girls Conference. He invited all to the Parent Resource Center’s Disability History and Awareness Month celebration, and to the community conversation and screening of “Harvest of Empire.” A one act play, “Anne and Emmett,” will be performed at Wakefield High School in November. Dr. Murphy then announced budget development efforts and encouraged families to continue to think about safety around schools.
C. CONSENT ITEMS: (7:52 PM)
Ms. Van Doren moved that the Board adopt the consent agenda, seconded by Dr. Violand-Sánchez. The motion was adopted in a vote of 4 – 0, with Mr. Lander, Ms. Raphael, Ms. Van Doren and Dr. Violand-Sánchez voting affirmatively. The following items or actions were approved as a part of consent:
1. Minutes: a. October 9, 2014 School Board Meeting
2. Personnel actions P/E-SCALE PERSONNEL 2 Appointments
T-SCALE PERSONNEL 2 Appointments 1 Resignation
A-SCALE PERSONNEL 1 Resignation
SUPPORT SERVICES PERSONNEL 4 Appointments 2 Changes In Position/Salary 1 Retirement 1 Termination
3. Grants and Restricted Programs: Special Project #12 – Arlington Works! Special Project #13 – General Adult Education (GAE) Special Project #14 – Limited English Speaking/English as a Second Language (ESL) Special Project #15 – Early Reading Intervention
4. ACI Appointments
5. ESEA Consolidated Application
6. Comcast Easement REMOVED FROM AGENDA
______Arlington School Board minutes - Page 2 of 11 - October 22, 2014 7. School Plan Advisory Committee Appointments
D. CITIZEN COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS: (7:52 PM)
There were no speakers on Non-Agenda Items.
E. MONITORING ITEMS: (7:53 PM)
1. Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth and Families (APCYF) Report Card
Chair Bill Browning presented the report on the 2014 APCYF Report Card, reviewing the charge to the Partnership and recognizing staff members and volunteers. Noting the report focuses on three key areas, Mr. Browning encouraged the Board to review the full Report Card. The first area of focus presented was childhood obesity, and Mr. Browning discussed its effects on children’s health as well as efforts to address obesity. The second focus was bullying, which has been of concern for several years. Efforts to address bullying have included the Care for Change Initiative, the Teen Network Board, teacher training, and assets training for community leaders. Mr. Browning shared specific data from the survey demonstrating that bullying is an ongoing issue in spite of efforts. The last area of focus was depressive symptoms. Sharing data from previous years, Mr. Browning reviewed efforts that have been put in place to address this issue. From 2001 to 2007, the percent of students reporting depressive symptoms declined by 10%, but that figure has been stagnant since 2007. Moving forward, the Partnership will focus on underage drinking, will continue to support and strengthen early childhood services and support, and will support efforts to raise graduation rates for all groups. In closing, Mr. Browning appreciated the collaboration between APS and the Partnership.
Board members appreciated the report and thanked Mr. Browning and Kim Durand, APCYF Coordinator. Dr. Violand-Sánchez shared the concern about childhood obesity, noting that it is a major issue in some schools. She asked for recommendations on how to address obesity, and recognized that this issue relates to the Strategic Plan goal of meeting the needs of the whole child. Mr. Browning confirmed that the Partnership will focus on this issue as they move forward, and Ms. Durand spoke to community engagement efforts to help inform strategies to address obesity. Dr. Violand-Sánchez stressed that there should be a particular focus on schools with the highest levels of obesity, and Mr. Browning agreed that this is an important consideration. Ms. Raphael echoed the importance of reaching out and involving families in efforts to address these issues. She shared the concerns about the lack of progress on reducing bullying, and suggested that this is an area the staff and the Board should discuss further. In terms of substance use, Ms. Raphael recognized the work of the Ready Coalition, particularly efforts to change parent and community attitudes about drug and alcohol use, and she encouraged parents to become involved. She also suggested that the Partnership and Board work together to help better prepare students, both academically and socially, as they move from high school to college.
______Arlington School Board minutes - Page 3 of 11 - October 22, 2014
2. Capital Improvement Plan Update: (8:09 PM)
Scott Prisco, Director, Design and Construction presented a brief update on the CIP process. He reviewed the community engagement processes that have been held for both elementary and secondary seats, which has also Twitter Town Hall meetings. Mr. Prisco then shared highlights of the October 16 community meeting on secondary seats, which focused on big picture issues. Community feedback includes valuing green space at all sites, concerns about traffic, transportation and parking at some locations, and overall concerns about the cost and ability to complete projects on time and with the required seats. Mr. Prisco then reviewed the decision tree created to assist with the decisions for secondary seats, and he stated that the Board confirmed they do not want to consider the option for additions at four middle schools. He reviewed the five options still before the Board, noting that a boundary decision will be needed no matter which option is selected. Moving forward, staff will review existing middle school building capacities and will provide the Board with preliminary cost estimate ranges for the remaining options by early November. Staff will also continue to look at short term interventions at Swanson and Williamsburg. In closing, Mr. Prisco reviewed preliminary designs for the options under consideration and reviewed the calendar and timeline for the decisions before the Board.
The following speakers addressed the Board opposing plans to move the Thomas Jefferson Community Garden, describing its creation and use as a learning tool, especially as part of the IB curriculum. Speakers stated that food grown there was donated to AFAC, contributing to students’ community service experience, and shared concerns about relocation of the garden to a less suitable site:
Kitty Adair, former Jefferson student Lucy Robinson, Jefferson student Jessica Byers, Jefferson student
The following speakers addressed the Board asking that the H-B Woodlawn program remain at the Stratford building, stressing the importance of the small program, diversity of its enrollment, and the support provided to students with differing needs. Some speakers commented on the benefits to the three programs co-located in the building, and some highlighted the Ultimate Frisbee team experience there. Some speakers supported a 1,300 seat middle school or choice school at the Wilson site. One speaker also commented on the disruption to the students if the Stratford building was renovated while being used:
Patricia Healy, parent Francisco Hazera, former H-B Woodlawn student Cathleen Drew, resident Hilary Silvert Newell, H-B Woodlawn parent Carlos Joaquin, H-B Woodlawn parent Elmer Lowe, Arlington Branch, NAACP President
______Arlington School Board minutes - Page 4 of 11 - October 22, 2014 Laura Saul Edwards, H-B Woodlawn PAC cochair Kristen Colston, H-B Woodlawn parent Douglas Reed, H-B Woodlawn parent Gabriela de la Vega, H-B Woodlawn parent Valerie Steenstra, H-B Woodlawn parent Melissa Juras, H-B Woodlawn parent
The following speakers opposed a middle school at Wilson, and supporting a neighborhood school at the Stratford site which they believe will better address crowding. Speakers noted the importance of a diverse, walkable middle school with sufficient field space, and one speaker stressed a middle school at Stratford better meets the County’s smart growth tenets. Some speakers supported moving the H-B Woodlawn program to Wilson:
Ellen Greer, parent Dana Milburn, parent Jason Rigoli, Taylor parent Susan Newton, Taylor parent
The following speakers opposed moving the H-B Woodlawn program to the Reed site, sharing concerns about traffic and proximity to Swanson, and suggesting it is fiscally irresponsible to renovate the recently completed facility. Concerns were also shared about the impact on the Westover library and green space, and some suggested Reed be reserved for a future elementary school. Some speakers supported a middle school at Wilson and others noted the negative impact a move would have on The Children’s School:
Mark Whitehouse, Swanson and Tuckahoe parent David Harris, resident Rose Landerer McCabe, resident Douglas Schneider, resident Jeff Edmeades, parent Kathy Mimberg, resident Bill O’Brian, resident
The following speakers addressed the Board on the growing capacity needs, particularly at the middle school level, and stressing that the Board needs to make the decision on schedule and continue to move forward to address the crowding. Some speakers were in favor of a neighborhood middle school at the Stratford site. A petition with over 200 signatures supporting this position was presented:
Thomas Jensen, Jamestown PTA President Mary Kusler, parent Christine Kringer, Jamestown parent
The following speakers also addressed the Board:
______Arlington School Board minutes - Page 5 of 11 - October 22, 2014 Joan Perry, resident: expressing concerns about traffic if a middle school is built at Stratford, supporting an entrance from Old Dominion Drive if the school is expanded, and opposing neighborhood parking restrictions. She also suggested that APS lease parking from a local church rather than using green space.
David Tornquist, parent: encouraging the Board to refocus on their adopted principles for evaluating secondary seat options, and to consider what is best for students and taxpayers. Specifically, Mr. Tornquist stated that options SRE, SW and WE should not be considered as they do not meet these principles.
Mabel Shaw, parent: commenting on the options being considered, opposing option SRE because the middle school would be smaller than the other middle schools, and stating that county-wide programs should be centrally located to better serve the community, so supporting keeping H-B Woodlawn at Stratford.
Betsy Cody, parent: encouraging APS to work with the County in looking at land that might be used, the importance of preserving the small H-B Woodlawn program, and stressing the importance of having a field at H-B for the ultimate Frisbee program.
Bob Hall, parent: supporting either the Stratford/Reed or the Stratford/Wilson option, as either would result in the needed middle school seats. He is opposed a middle school at Wilson as it would not be walkable for most students, and shared concerns about the impact of moving H-B Woodlawn on diversity.
Audrey Clement, resident: expressing concerns about the limited cost analysis that has been shared and suggesting that the Board also consider modular additions, leased space and tax credits as more economical options. She also suggested consulting with other local jurisdictions to see how they minimize costs.
Board members thanked the speakers and appreciated the comments. Ms. Raphael confirmed that the Board has agreed that a decision will be made in December and will adhere to the criteria in the adopted Capital Improvement Plan of adding the needed seats within budget and by the fall of 2019. She reiterated her belief that a 1,300 seat middle school at Wilson is a viable option, and also noted that the Advisory Council on Facilities and Capital Programs supported this recommendation presented by the Superintendent in the spring. Recognizing community conversation about the number of students residing within 1 ½ mile of Wilson and Stratford, Ms. Raphael noted that those numbers have not yet been determined, and staff has indicated that the middle school boundary would likely be the same for either of those sites. She also expressed concerns about the Reed building option and the SRE option. Noting the concerns shared about traffic, green space and recreational space at various sites, Ms. Raphael confirmed that the Board is very much aware of these concerns and recognizes that these concerns are relevant to all of the options and will need to be addressed.
______Arlington School Board minutes - Page 6 of 11 - October 22, 2014 Ms. Van Doren stated her interest in having several proposals for capacity options that are within or below budget provided to the Board. Dr. Violand-Sánchez recognized that the decision before the Board will be difficult, and noting that the diversity of a new middle school is unknown because the boundaries have not been identified, she asked that the Board and community approach this process with flexibility to see if diversity can be balanced throughout Arlington schools. She was also interested in studying the existing middle schools to see if additional capacity can be found.
Mr. Lander shared his interest in considering a 1,300 seat choice program at Wilson, and looked forward to cost information on the options that have been proposed. He reaffirmed that the Board will make a decision on Dec. 18, and that the Board does not intend to pursue the option with additions at four schools. In terms of a neighborhood school at Wilson, he felt that it was the preference of the Board to take that option off the table, however Ms. Raphael stated that it was her understanding that the Board was not going to make a decision about the Wilson option until cost information was provided. Dr. Violand-Sánchez acknowledged that the Board did not vote on any options at the work session, but restated her concerns about the Wilson site as a middle school, including concerns about access to green space. She also stated her commitment to maintaining the integrity of the H-B Woodlawn program, and recognized that a sufficient playing field contributes to that integrity. Noting that many choice programs have been moved within Arlington, she confirmed that she was not opposed to considering a move for H-B Woodlawn, and recognized that the ESOL/HILT program brings diversity to the Stratford facility.
Mr. Lander recognized the concerns that have been expressed in terms of diversity, traffic, and green space, and confirmed that all of these are parameters that the Board must work within as the process moves forward. He appreciated the community feedback and assured all that the Board will remain diligent and continue to listen. Ms. Raphael commented briefly that if Board members would like to have additional options considered, such as the choice school at Wilson that Mr. Lander mentioned, they should be brought forward quickly so that they can be fully considered prior to Board action. In closing the discussion, Ms. Van Doren confirmed that she believes that the Board needs to focus on looking at costs to ensure that APS funds are being used efficiently and as quickly as possible to produce the most seats at or below the funding in the CIP.
3. School and Community Relations Annual Update: (10:25 PM)
Ms. Erdos reviewed the School and Community Relations (S&CR) Department goals and introduced the members of the S&CR team. Main areas of focus are communications including media and publications; oversight of the volunteer and Partnership program; APS awards, recognitions and special events; policy and administration; and the print shop/materials production. Ms. Erdos briefly reviewed the Department budget, then provided highlights of S&CR activities, events and awards in the 2013-14 school year. She also shared examples of
______Arlington School Board minutes - Page 7 of 11 - October 22, 2014 collaboration with other Departments. Communications planning by has been facilitated by Jennifer Harris, the new Director of S&CR. Data was shared on social media engagement and campaigns, including data from Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. In addition, communications takes place through the Website, SchoolTalk messages, news releases, and the APS Mobile App. Recognizing the importance of community outreach, Ms. Erdos highlighted interaction through partnerships and infographics. Moving forward, the department plans to determine the effectiveness of the Public Relations pilot and look to expand the program; to identify and utilize monitoring tools to evaluate and leverage social media; tp review and redesign of the APS website, and to explore conducting an audit to review and improve community engagement strategies.
Dr. Violand-Sánchez asked about community engagement efforts particularly for communities that do not have access to or use electronic devices. Ms. Erdos confirmed that Information Services staff are providing training and access to computers for all families, and agreed this is an ongoing challenge that APS will work to address. Dr. Violand-Sánchez encouraged staff to continue to foster a variety of communication strategies, noting that there are still barriers that APS needs to overcome. Ms. Van Doren suggested that the schools might undertake cultural sensitivity audits to gather feedback on improving communications.
F. INFORMATION ITEMS: (10:45 PM)
The Board agreed to revise the agenda to hear Item F 1, Proposed Changes to the Middle and High School Program of Studies, after Items F2 and F2.
2. Recommendation for New Elementary School on the Williamsburg Campus Name: (10:45 PM)
Erin Russo, Principal, described the process followed to select the name being recommended for the new elementary school. She appreciated the work of the Naming Committee and thanked the Williamsburg community for their participation and feedback in this process. She reviewed the committee’s process and confirmed that twenty-four names were suggested by Williamsburg neighbors, future students, and the community. After researching the suggested names and gathering feedback, the Committee narrowed the list of names to eight. Three of the suggested names included the word “discovery” and the Committee felt that it would fit the school most appropriately. Ms. Russo spoke to the connection between “discovery” and Astronaut John Glenn, who lived in the neighborhood and whose children attended Williamsburg. The Committee’s recommendation is Discovery Elementary School, which they feel evokes the spirit of learning, recognizes John Glenn, and captures the sense of journey that is education. She confirmed that this will not be a science school, and spoke to the variety of discoveries the students will make as they learn about science, but also about art, music and all subjects. Ms. Russo then shared the reaction and support expressed by future students for the name being recommended, and Joanne Guerrera, the Nottingham PTA representative on Committee, reaffirmed the group’s support for the name.
______Arlington School Board minutes - Page 8 of 11 - October 22, 2014 Responding to questions, Ms. Russo confirmed that there are a few elementary schools across the country with “discovery” in their name, and she reaffirmed that discovery, will be an ongoing theme at the school. Ms. Raphael appreciated the committee’s work and felt that the proposed name is a good choice.
3. Alternative Plan for Elementary Seats in lieu of Elementary School at Thomas Jefferson: (10:54 PM)
Mr. Chadwick briefly reviewed the alternative plan for elementary seats if it is determined that a school cannot be built at Jefferson, updating the Board on progress made since the plan was last presented. He reviewed community engagement that has taken place and confirmed that the two schools being recommended for additions are Randolph and Barcroft. It was confirmed that the Board is planning to act on this recommendation on November 6.
The following speakers addressed the Board, sharing concerns about how the schools being recommended for additions were selected and suggesting that this decision does not need to be made yet. Speakers were concerned about the impact the increased enrollment could have on student performance, specifically at Barcroft, and asked that all sites be re-evaluated using academic achievement as a criterion. Speakers also shared concerns about safety at site, increased traffic, and the impact of construction on student learning. One speaker also shared concerns about looking at the County by quadrants, stating that she believes it reinforces disparities, and she urged more proactive long-term planning in the County:
Sarah Waldman, Barcroft parent Deidra Curteman, Barcroft parent Joshua Waldman, Barcroft parent Francis Driscoll, Barcroft parent Dan Barry, parent Louise Shutler, Barcroft neighbor Julie Rotherham, Barcroft parent and PTA President Christine Scullion, Barcroft parent Candice Kaup, Barcroft Juliet Hiznay, Arlington Heights resident
The Board briefly discussed the November 6 date for this decision, which was selected so that this information could to help inform the work of the Thomas Jefferson Working Group. Dr. Violand-Sánchez stated that she does not believe the Board has sufficient information on the two recommended sites to make this decision at this point. Responding to a question, Mr. Chadwick confirmed that Henry and Campbell elementary schools were also considered for additions but he shared limitations at those sites that made them less suitable than Barcroft and Randolph. He also confirmed that staff looked at the possibility of building an elementary school at Gunston but found limitations at that site as well, and reminded the Board about issues that led to the withdrawal of plans to build an elementary school at Kenmore. Ms. Van Doren appreciated this information and shared some community
______Arlington School Board minutes - Page 9 of 11 - October 22, 2014 concerns she has heard about why the Henry site is not being considered. Ms. Raphael reviewed the CIP process that has taken place over the past several years, and the decisions that have been made. She highlighted the numerous sites that have been studied by staff and the Board, and the thorough process that has taken place and resulted in the Board’s decision that was approved in June. She reiterated that that decision included a preferred option of an elementary school at Jefferson, but realizing that County approval would be needed for that school, the Board also approved the alternate plan which is being considered at this time. Mr. Lander appreciated the difficult decisions before the Board and recognized that alternatives have been and will continue to be evaluated. He also commented on the need to address crowding as quickly as possible, and also acknowledged that the Board is dedicated to improving instruction throughout the County. He confirmed his belief that delaying construction of the needed seats is not a viable option and encouraged the community to continue to bring their ideas and suggestions to the Board.
1. Proposed Changes to the Middle and High School Program of Studies for 2015- 2016:(11:43 PM)
Ms. Skelton presented highlights of the proposed changes, noting that while there are no changes at the middle school level. She spoke to some pilot programs at that level that will continue, including a world language pilots at Jefferson and at Swanson. Additionally there is a pilot program at Kenmore for a transitional program for native Spanish speakers. Additions at the high school level include courses in the Arts, Career and Technical Education, English, ESOL/HILT, Science and Social Studies, and Ms. Skelton briefly described the new courses. In particular, she noted that a full year of AP Economics has been added. Ms. Skelton then spoke to courses that are being deleted, first explaining that deletions are usually made for courses with low enrollment or changes that reflect redesign or realignment of a course to better meet student needs. Finally, she noted that a few revisions have been made to some course titles and descriptions, to make the course content more understandable.
Dr. Violand-Sánchez asked for course descriptions for middle school Spanish, and stressed the need to ensure that the courses available meet the needs of the diversity of world language speakers in the schools. Ms. Skelton agreed to provide this information. Ms. Raphael spoke to including a statement in the Program of Studies about the Arlington Technical Academies as a future program in the Career Center, and she suggested detailed information be provided about this program. Dr. Murphy agreed with the suggestion, and recognizing that there are long-term budget implications of this new program, confirmed that additional information is being gathered through this process to better inform the community and Board on how the academies will provide additional opportunities for students. Dr. Violand-Sánchez asked if physical education opportunities to younger students who may choose to come to the Career Center for this program, and Ms. Skelton confirmed that the plan includes a part-time staff position for Health/PE, which is required for ninth and tenth graders. Ms. Van Doren commented on a document that has been created that she has seen as an advisory committee member which described the Arlington Technical Academy, and encouraged that this document be shared with the larger
______Arlington School Board minutes - Page 10 of 11 - October 22, 2014 community. She recognized that this is a work in progress, but felt that it is important for the community to understand this vision for the Career Center. Ms. Van Doren also asked about the change to the title of the carpentry courses at the Career Center, and expressed concern that students would not recognize that carpentry is offered there. Ms. Skelton confirmed that the carpentry is being offered, but the titles of the two courses that include carpentry skills have been changed to better reflect the skills being taught in those classes. She also confirmed that Board action would need to be taken to change the course titles.
H. NEW BUSINESS: NONE
I. ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 12:02 AM.
ATTEST:
______Melanie Elliott, Clerk James Lander, Chair Arlington School Board Arlington School Board
______Arlington School Board minutes - Page 11 of 11 - October 22, 2014