Uinta County School District Number One s1

UINTA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER ONE MINUTES BOARD OF TRUSTEES August 8, 2006 7:00 P.M.

The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees for Uinta County School District Number One, State of Wyoming, was held on the 8th day of August, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Educational Service Center, 537 Tenth Street, Evanston, Wyoming.

1. Open Meeting – Chairman Thomas noted a quorum present and called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Board Members present were Bob Faddis, Mike Davis, Starla Hutchinson, Kim Bateman, Sherry Johnson, Kendra West, Orrin Martin, Linda Cummings and Clayton Thomas.

Others present were Superintendent Wilson, administrative, certified and support staff members, community members. Approximate number in attendance was 40.

2. Adopt Agenda – Mr. Davis requested that action item 7d – 2007 Graduation date be added to the agenda. Ms. Johnson moved to approve the agenda as amended; second by Mr. Faddis; motion carried.

3. Approve Minutes – Mr. Martin moved to approve the July 19, 2006 minutes as written; second by Mrs. Cummings; motion carried.

4. Approve Payment of Bills – Mr. Davis moved to approve the payment of bills as presented; second by Mrs. Hutchinson; motion carried.

5. Communications

a. Public Comments – Carrie Inez, 398 Haw Patch, Evanston, Wyoming, a recent graduate of the Business Skills Institute Program (BSI) at Uinta #1 BOCES, addressed the board regarding the positive things BSI brings to the community. She feels Rocky Young, BSI instructor, brings a positive setting, encouragement and relaxing atmosphere to the program.

Cheryl Schoch, 222 Troy Court, Evanston, Wyoming Mary Coryell, 105 Evans Lane, Evanston, Wyoming Gayle Millburg, 131 Hathaway, Evanston, Wyoming The group expressed their concerns over the change in dates for the 2007 EHS Graduation from June 2, 2007 to June 1, 2007. The board was handed a list of things to consider that are affected by the change from Saturday to Friday. Their understanding was that a change was made due to a conflict with the Renewal Ball, which is held on the same Saturday each year and could not be changed. Regular Board Meeting August 8, 2006 Page 2 of 7

Don George, 213 Cherokee Court, Evanston, Wyoming, voiced his concerns regarding the proposed changes to the Uinta #1 BOCES agreement. He reviewed the BOCES statutes and what constitutes an agency vs. a government entity such as the Uinta #1 BOCES. He addressed statements in the agreement that talk about administration having meetings to help set goals of the board. He does not agree that administration should put together what the BOCES board will do and should only be giving suggestions/ideas to the board. Only the board should decide the direction it will go. Each partner has equal rights and responsibilities in the agreement. He feels we should be partnering with other school districts rather than WWCC, which would give us many different mill levies to draw from rather than the situation we have now. It’s a cleaner organization working with other school districts and doesn’t feel it is an equal partnership with WWCC. It would keep WWCC strictly as a contractor and not a as a BOCES partner. We need a more detailed expenditure list on how the money is being spent and not just give WWCC a lump sum amount. He hopes in looking at this agreement, the board brings back the authority of the BOCES board and does not give more power to WWCC.

Craig Welling, 3018 Hwy. 150 So., Evanston, Wyoming, voiced his concerns about the proposed changes to the BOCES agreement. As a prior board member, he talked about purpose and motive of the board during that time with regard to the BOCES. It included helping teacher obtain certification and re- certification and provide educational opportunities for different individuals in the community, while improving the quality of life. He asked board members to keep in mind what is trying to be accomplished with the BOCES, as good politics preserves local control. He asked them to consider the timing of the agreement changes, why this intervention at all and what are the issues we are trying to change. He feels there needs to be more time to discuss the issues.

6. Presentation – BOCES Programs: Mike Williams Mike Williams, BOCES Director, and Jay White, Webmaster and Marketing Coordinator, gave a presentation showing the growth and impact of BOCES in the community. . Partner with over 37 other businesses/agencies on a daily basis . Non-duplicated student enrollment of 4,101; 137 different classes offered during 2005-06, including 98 computer classes . One in every 15 households attended a class (one in every 26 citizens) . Adult Basic Education – 221 students served, 51 GED graduates, ESL program served students from six different countries . Higher Education – 20 different BA and MA programs offered, 76 students taking college courses, 4 students obtained BA degrees . Vocational Programs . Ed2Go . Industrial Safety Training Program – served 3,197 students last year, 268 companies Regular Board Meeting August 8, 2006 Page 3 of 7

. These are all programs offered outside of Western Wyoming Community College . Served the community for 20 years . 80% of the expenditures go to higher education

7. Action Items a. Approve Wyoming High School Activities Membership Application and Activity Enrollment and Catastrophic Liability Insurance – Kay Fackrell, Activities Director, gave a brief overview of the WHSAA membership and enrollment. Students in grades 6-12 are covered when traveling/attending an activity. The cost is figured on our district enrollment, in which we have 71% participation. Mrs. Bateman moved to approve the WHSAA membership application and catastrophic liability insurance as presented; second by Mrs. West; motion carried.

b. Approve 2006-07 Special Services Contracts – Glenna Calmes, Director of Special Services, requested approval of the following special services contracts funded through the consolidated grant:

Lincoln-Uinta Child Development Assn. (LUCDA) $7,500.00 Access2Ability $15,000.00 Jon Lyksett $10,150.00 Pioneer Counseling $37,500.00 Walter Rosette $8,500.00

Ms. Johnson moved to approve the special services contracts as presented; second by Mrs. Hutchinson; motion carried.

c. Personnel – i. Hiring Recommendations – Ryan Thomas, Asst. Superintendent for Operations, recommended approval of the following contracts:

Roy Derrick Business Education Teacher – EHS D-1

Amie Dean Title I Teacher – North Elementary A-4

This concludes all the certified staff hiring. A list of all new certified staff and Title I aide transfers were given to board members. Mrs. Hutchinson moved to approve the certified contracts for 2006-07 as presented; second by Ms. Johnson; motion carried.

d. 2006-07 Graduation Date – Chairman Thomas stated there was some confusion between administration and the board on whether the 2007 graduation Regular Board Meeting August 8, 2006 Page 4 of 7

date would be changed or not, due to the conflict with the renewal ball. Several board members have received numerous calls from parents concerning the change from June 2nd to June 1st, as plans have already been made for facilities to hold open houses for graduates, etc. Mrs. Cummings said she called Mayor Harris and he explained that having both on the same day causes problems with having enough volunteers to help with the renewal ball. She suggested leaving graduation on June 2nd for this year and look at the City’s calendar before setting the day for 2008 EHS graduation. She also stated we need to get the word out for renewal ball volunteers. Mrs. Bateman agreed with Mrs. Cummings, but would like to discuss it for the next calendar year. Mr. Davis stated that even though we need to coordinate our activities with the community, we need to keep graduation on Saturday after all the work the board put in to move it from Sunday. The city, school board and administration need to work together to come to an agreement in the future and take parents into consideration when making a decision.

Mrs. West moved to leave the 2007 EHS graduation at 11:00 a.m. on June 2, 2007; second by Ms. Johnson; motion carried.

8. Discussion Items a. Compensation Program Update – James Bailey, Asst. Superintendent for Instruction, and Ryan Thomas, Asst. Superintendent for Operations, gave an presentation overview of the Knowledge and Skills Base Pay Project, outlining the progress, reasons and business case for the new compensation system. This is in conjunction with the board’s request to look at a pay for performance system. The plan is to bring a resolution to the September board meeting for a pilot program and also an administration/staff performance evaluation system.

b. Consultant Proposal – James Bailey, Asst. Superintendent for Instruction, requested permission to enter into a partnership with the Center for Educational Leadership (CEL) at the University of Washington. As part of the district efforts to improve math achievement, we have changed curriculum, added interventions and math coaches to support the growth/development of our teachers. The ongoing development of content understanding and coaching strategies for our coaches and principals will be critical for this plan to work. Deepening the content knowledge of our principals will help them become better leaders of math improvement in their building and district and deepening the coaching strategies of our math coaches will help them work to develop the expertise of all our math teachers. CEL will provide consulting services in five areas: math, deeper math, leadership coaching, research and evaluation, creating teacher leaders and model classrooms. The cost for consulting services will be $175,643.00 and will be paid through grant funds. The on-site training will include 21 coaching days and 6 content days, taking about one year to complete. Board members were given a copy of the cost breakdown and tentative schedule. Some board members expressed their concern with spending that much money, while others commented that change doesn’t Regular Board Meeting August 8, 2006 Page 5 of 7

happen overnight and we need to do what’s necessary to improve test scores and student achievement. Dr. Bailey discussed the reasons behind his request for this proposal. If we are not happy with the services we can cancel the contract, as they will bill us on a monthly basis. We can test ourselves by seeing if our math scores go up and if principals/coaches have a better grasp on evaluating. Ms. Johnson moved to go forward with the partnership with CEL as presented; second by Mrs. Hutchinson; motion carried by a vote of 6 to 3.

c. Board/Administration Retreat – Superintendent Wilson asked the board about dates for a retreat in September or October, suggesting to hold it at the Homestead Resort in Utah. The board decided to have Cheri Dunford, board secretary, contact each person to see what dates they are available.

9. Work Session Topic a. BOCES Agreement Revisions – Chairman Thomas gave some background on the BOCES, which is a partnership formed in 1986 between UCSD#1 and WWCC, and talked about what the new agreement would provide to the community. He said the agreement would give maximum control to the district. There are various programs that will go into effect immediately including CAD, A+ Certification and a full LPN program. There are plans to expand the EHS vocational programs, concurrent enrollment and adjunct faculty as well as the full time college day program. This will enable individuals to obtain a four year degree without ever leaving Evanston. He clarified what the Supreme Court states about agencies and government entities, and feels the earlier comments were misplaced. BOCES is not an accredited college/university, which is needed in order to deliver the services.

Mrs. West stated that these are not new goals; we have been working on these for years. She feels they can be done with the agreement that is in place right now, and not be in a rush to change the agreement. She is glad the board wants to be involved, but sees no need at this time to change, amend or add to the agreement. She cautioned the board to slow down, as she feels the agreement give up local control. All these changes made without input from the BOCES board can do harm when you don’t understand what it is.

Mrs. Cummings asked who would be the instructor for the CAD program. Superintendent Wilson said that Larry Wagstaff is currently teaching this at EHS, but we will need to revisit. She also asked who would be in charge of the Industrial Safety Training, GED and Community Enrichment programs. Chairman Thomas said the BOCES would continue to run each of those programs.

Chairman Thomas stated that all parties had an opportunity for ample input at the last meeting and feels the majority of this board wants to move forward. Mrs. Cummings addressed Chairman Thomas’ comments and did not feel she had enough time for input. She discussed the meeting on July 31st with Regular Board Meeting August 8, 2006 Page 6 of 7

individuals from the BOCES, WWCC and administration, feeling it was a great step forward for all parties. Mrs. West agreed, stating that because we have started dialogue, is there a need to change the agreement and rush through this? Superintendent Wilson commented that we need to look at what we can do to make the relationship stronger, keep local control and keep WWCC’s feet to the fire. There was discussion on the legality of signing a contract with someone that works for us or that we contract with. WWCC has to provide services to us, as we are in the 100 mile radius stipulation.

Mr. Davis voiced his appreciation to former board members for their comments on this issue and to Superintendent Wilson for taking an interest in this. Over the past few years, there have seldom been any questions asked before agreeing and that is our fault as a board. We need as a board, not to rush into a new agreement. We need to get more input from BOCES, our board and administration before we make any decision. It is bad timing in an election year with five members up for re-election. He doesn’t feel it is fair to change anything right now. Chairman Thomas has spent a lot of time/effort into this, but Mrs. West and Mrs. Cummings have opposing views. This board needs to have a work session to look at how it affects the community and school district. We need to keep taxpayer money in Evanston and local control. Both parties need to be accountable. He feels we can accomplish things with the old agreement.

Ms. Johnson stated she disagrees with Mr. Davis. There has never been an accounting form BOCES showing where the money was spent, with the exception of Mike Williams (current BOCES Director). It’s about time our school district and WWCC work together and stop this animosity. We need to go forward with the agreement. She wants to also make sure the higher education mills are used correctly.

Board members had discussion with Dennis Boal, the attorney working on changes to the BOCES agreement, to clarify questions they had on the changes in the agreement. When asked by Mr. Davis for his opinion, school district attorney, Mark Harris, stated he had not seen the agreement and wouldn’t look at it. Mr. Davis commented he doesn’t like that Mr. Harris won’t respond. Chairman Thomas explained that Mr. Harris has a conflict of interest, as he has represented the BOCES in the past.

Mrs. West stated that the school board is the BOCES and vice versa. If you want to know what’s going on, come to a BOCES board meeting. Mrs. Cummings commented that she attended a BOCES meeting at Little America a while back with Don George, former board member, and WWCC wouldn’t respond when asked to provide an allocated budget. This is the first time in six years she has seen an allocated budget from WWCC.

Dennis Boal reviewed the three big changes in the BOCES agreement. 1) This board sets the goals for BOCES (financial objectives), 2) How the two post Regular Board Meeting August 8, 2006 Page 7 of 7

secondary mills have to be spent, 3) Requires more accounting from WWCC. He stated that all the changes are improvements to the agreement, which he feels is outdated. Mrs. West asked if there is anything with the original agreement from accomplishing these three goals. Mr. Boal said the changes keep the board from making the same mistakes, but there is no legal reason to rush this. At this time, if WWCC doesn’t provide the information, there is no legal action we can take. The new agreement gives us accountability. Mrs. West asked if we can just add these three items to the agreement and call it great. Mr. Boal said we could, but the original agreement has some dated references that we were trying to correct. Mr. Faddis stated that he is in favor of revising the agreement. He requested an expenditure list from Al Calmes and got it. Mrs. Cummings said this is the first time she has seen this report. Al Calmes, WWCC Outreach Coordinator, said the report is in the minutes of the BOCES board meetings. After additional discussion, the board requested that Mr. Boal take the original agreement and the current draft and put together a breakdown to show the differences between the two. He will add a summary explaining all the changes. Copies will be provided to board members to review and discuss at a work session.

Chairman Thomas commented that the word “rush” has been conjured up by others. The old agreement is outdated and not up to statutes. The new agreement puts control of BOCES in the hands of the school district. It clarifies everything, including how the money will be spent and requires accountability from WWCC. This is not a rush job, its methodical and total appropriate.

Mrs. West reiterated she is not against updating the agreement; just add the three goals to the original agreement. She expressed caution as the new agreement is different in many ways from the old agreement.

10. Board Round Table – Ms. Johnson asked when the next work session would be. It was set for August 29th at 7:00 p.m. in the board room.

11. Adjourn – There being no further business to come before the meeting, Mrs. West moved to adjourn; second by Mrs. Bateman; motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 10:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Cheri Dunford