South Redford School District Board of Education Minutes of the Regular Meeting May 12, 2014 6:30 p.m.
BOARD OF EDUCATION MISSION STATEMENT The Board of Education will create and monitor implementation of policies, through the delegation of authority to the superintendent, to maximize every student’s academic achievement and personal growth to create responsible citizens for effective participation in a global society.
1. – 3. A regular meeting of the South Redford Board of Education was held on Monday, May 12, 2014, at the Jan W. Jacobs Educational Services Center. The meeting was called to order by the President at 6:32 p.m. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the President asked the Secretary to call the roll. THE BOARD Present: Bruce Mazurowski, President Cheryl Flesher, Treasurer Stephen Baker, Secretary Elizabeth Kangas, Trustee
Absent: Laurie Hicks, Vice President Patricia Thomas, Trustee Tom Dowdy, Trustee
THE ADMINISTRATION Present: Brian Galdes, Superintendent Dr. Kristina Harmon, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Mario Gallegos, Director of Human Resources/School Improvement/Technology Nick Griswold, Director of Finance
4. The President asked if there were any corrections or changes to the agenda of the regular meeting of May 12, 2014. Since there were none, the agenda was approved as written. REGULAR MEETING AGENDA 1. Call Meeting to Order. 2. Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Roll Call. 4. Approval of Agenda. 5. Book Study: “DRiVE: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” by Daniel H. Pink, Chapter 4. 6. Recognition of People and Programs. 7. Board/Superintendent Communications. 8. Plus/Delta Plan for Improvement. 9. Comments from the Audience.* (topics not related to the agenda) South Redford School District Board of Education p. 2 of 9 Minutes of the Regular Meeting, May 12, 2014
10. Consider Thurston High School Curriculum. 11. Consider Pay to Play for High School Sports and Activities. 12. Consider Evaluation of Superintendent. 13. Consider Extension of Superintendent’s Contract. 14. Discuss Updates to Board Policy. 15. Discuss Wayne RESA Preliminary Budget for 2014-2015. 16. Discuss Board Goals. 17. Consent Agenda. Consider Approval of Warrants. Consider Treasurer’s Report. Consider Cooperative Education Agreement with Wayne- Westland Community Schools for the 2014-2015 School Year. 18. Comments from the Audience.* (topics related to the agenda) 19. Plus/Delta. 20. Adjourn.
5. Book Study.
Jefferson Intervention Specialist Emily Compton and Elizabeth Kangas facilitated the study of chapter 4 of the book DRiVE: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink.
6. Recognition of People and Programs.
Fisher Fifth graders and South Redford parents attended a Career Day sponsored by Detroit Diesel/Daimler and learned how science and math are applied in Redford every day. Fisher wishes to publicly thank the parents and community for the recognition of all staff members last week during Teacher Appreciation Week.
Vandenberg Relay for Life at Vandenberg will be rescheduled for Monday, May 19, 2014, from 5 - 7 p.m. The Vandenberg Mother-Daughter Club in conjunction with PTO hosted their first Daddy-Daughter Spectacular Saturday, May 3, 2014.
Shear Farmer John, and his traveling menagerie of farm yard animals visited the Shear Early Childhood Center. More than 100 students and family members participated. The Statewide Autism Resources and Training (START) Project, funded by the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education, has supported the district development of research-based initiatives for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and has invited both Pierce and Thurston to submit peer-to-peer t-shirts for inclusion in a quilt that will represent programs across the state. South Redford School District Board of Education p. 3 of 9 Minutes of the Regular Meeting, May 12, 2014
7. Board/Superintendent Communications. None.
8. Plus/Delta Plan for Improvement. BE 7117
The following is a Plus/Delta Chart from the Board of Education meeting held on April 28, 2014. Plans for improvement follow each delta. + ∆ Mary Ruth Bird showing athletic data will Last minute changes made to the help us and guide us in our decision agenda. (Hicks) making process. (Flesher) The Board and Superintendent will It was a fast turnaround between the time continue to be adaptive when last the survey was sent out and presenting the minute changes occur. results to the Board. (Kangas) Suggestion by parent/coach about a district-wide Eagle mascot. (Dowdy)
9. Comments from the Audience. None.
10. Consider Thurston High School Curriculum. BE 7118
The Board discussed a proposed change to the Thurston High School curriculum on January 13, 2014. Thurston High School has been piloting a forensic science class this second semester of the 2013-2014 school year. The new course is being proposed for the 2014-2015 school year. Principal Bill Simms was available to report on the piloted program. Title: Forensic Science 0.5 credit (one semester) Projected Cost of Materials: No additional cost to district. No textbook. The internet will be used for information. Supplies are readily available as part of the biology and chemistry class budgets. Summary of Background for the Recommendation: Thurston currently has only three science electives for students not in Advance Placement classes, down from six science electives in 2005. The interest in forensic science among students and teachers, at least in part due to the popularity of entertainment media portraying forensic science in detective work and crime solving, suggest that forensic science could be used as an effective mechanism for teaching science to today’s students. Some advantages of this approach are: 1) Forensic science is multidisciplinary. It embodies concepts in many areas including chemistry, zoology, anatomy, genetics, physics, medicine, math and statistics, sociology, psychology, communications and law. 2) Forensic science is a natural medium for students to practice science as inquiry. 3) Forensic science appeals to the detective in people. It can be fun to learn and apply. Curriculum Alignment: The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) which are based on the Framework for K-12 Science Education emphasize a need for students to become more proficient at critical thinking and problem solving. South Redford School District Board of Education p. 4 of 9 Minutes of the Regular Meeting, May 12, 2014
The forensic science course will incorporate all three dimensions outlined in The Framework for K-12 Science Education that are required to provide students a high quality science education: 1) Practices – describes a) major practices that scientists employ as they investigate and build models and theories about the world and b) a key set of engineering practices, 2) Crosscutting Concepts – concepts that have application across all domains of science, and 3) Disciplinary Core Ideas - preparing students with sufficient core knowledge so they can later acquire additional knowledge on their own. Knowledge and Skills to be Gained by Students:
Understanding and use of scientific terminology to describe the techniques being used in class. Understanding of how science is used to solve societal problems such as crime. Ability to incorporate history with science. Understanding of how Criminal Justice fits in with forensic science. Understanding of forensic science as applied biology, chemistry and physics. Learning new uses of technology in solving crimes and issues of biometrics. Expanded use of the English language to document what took place and how students arrived at their conclusions. Understanding that there are limitations to what physical evidence can tell us, but that the evidence does not lie. Increased use of critical thinking. Course Outline: This course is designed to challenge students with topics such as fingerprinting, DNA analysis, blood typing and spattering, trajectories (for ballistics as well as blood spattering) comparative anatomy, and chemical analysis of drugs, poisons, and trace evidence, and the dynamics of physics. Students will learn about the careers involved with forensic science and will play mock roles as experts in the field to solve crimes. They will learn team work in solving the mock crimes and have a chance to change their roles as the year progresses. The students will all be given the tools to interpret data and techniques involved for both chemical and biological analysis of evidence. Ten segments will be taught in a semester long course: 1) History and Development of Forensic Science, 2) The Crime Scene, 3) Physical Evidence, 4) Hairs, Fibers, and Paint, 5) Fingerprints, 6) Forensic Serology, 7) DNA, 8) Drugs, 9) Entomology, and 10) Final Project. Proposed Course’s Alignment with Preceding Courses: Students will apply knowledge learned in previous courses such as biology, chemistry and physics.
RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THURSTON HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Member, Cheryl Flesher, moved adoption of the following resolution.
WHEREAS, the Board of Education has received the recommendation of the professional staff for the program of study for Thurston High School for the 2014-2015 school year; and South Redford School District Board of Education p. 5 of 9 Minutes of the Regular Meeting, May 12, 2014
WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed and discussed the following course proposed for the 2014-2015 school year: Forensic Science 0.5 credit (one semester); NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the aforementioned course be offered at Thurston High School beginning with the 2014-2015 school year; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Superintendent of Schools shall do all things necessary to implement the intent of this resolution.
Supported by member, Elizabeth Kangas. Vote: All Ayes (4) – Mazurowski, Baker, Flesher, and Kangas. Nay (0). Abstain (0). Resolution adopted.
11. Consider Pay to Play for High School Sports and Activities. BE 7119
At the meeting on April 28, 2014, District Data Coordinator Mary Ruth Bird reported with financial data and survey results regarding student participation in pay to play middle school and high school sports and activities. The Board considered revising the district fee schedule for pay to play fees to allow a greater number of students to participate
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REVISED PAY TO PLAY FEE SCHEDULE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES
Member, Cheryl Flesher, moved adoption of the following resolution.
WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed data regarding the district’s current pay to play fee schedule for athletics and certain school activities and has solicited input from significant stakeholders; and WHEREAS, based on the results of a survey of significant stakeholders, a reduction in the pay to play fees would allow more students to participate in sports and activities; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby concurs with the recommendation of the Superintendent and approves revising the pay to play fee schedule for Thurston High School and Pierce Middle School by reducing the fee for student participation to a one-time payment of $50.00 per student per year for participation in pay to play sports and activities effective beginning the 2014-2015 school year; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Superintendent of Schools shall do all things necessary to implement the intent of this resolution.
Supported by member, Elizabeth Kangas. Vote: All Ayes (4) – Mazurowski, Baker, Flesher, and Kangas. Nay (0). Abstain (0). Resolution adopted.
12. Consider Evaluation of Superintendent. BE 7120
At the Special Board meeting on May 5, 2014, the Board of Education evaluated the performance of the Superintendent using the Jim Shipley Systems Check Level III evaluation instrument for superintendents. The Systems Check Level III for Superintendents allows the Board to rate the Superintendent’s progress in 7 categories including Leadership; Strategic Planning; Customer Focus; Measurement, Analysis, and Knowledge Management; Workforce Focus; Process Management; and Results. South Redford School District Board of Education p. 6 of 9 Minutes of the Regular Meeting, May 12, 2014
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE EVALUATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS Member, Stephen Baker, moved adoption of the following resolution.
WHEREAS, at the Special Board meeting on May 5, 2014, the Board of Education met with Brian Galdes, Superintendent of Schools, to evaluate his progress and identify his strengths and opportunities for improvement as Superintendent of Schools based on seven categories outlined in the Jim Shipley Systems Check Level III Evaluation for Superintendents; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby concurs with and submits for record the rating of “proficient” in the evaluation of the Superintendent of Schools, and this rating is satisfactory to the Board of Education; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Superintendent of Schools shall do all things necessary to progress towards personal advancement in the categories evaluated in the Jim Shipley Systems Check Level III for Superintendents; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of the Superintendent’s evaluation be included in his personnel file.
Supported by member, Elizabeth Kangas. Vote: All Ayes (4) – Mazurowski, Baker, Flesher, and Kangas. Nay (0). Abstain (0). Resolution adopted.
13. Consider Extension of Superintendent’s Contract. BE 7121
At the Board meeting on May 5, 2014, the Board evaluated the Superintendent and discussed extending his contract based on the Board’s satisfactory evaluation of the Superintendent at the end of the 2013-2014 school year.
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AN EXTENSION TO THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Member, Cheryl Flesher, moved adoption of the following resolution.
WHEREAS, at the Board meeting on May 5, 2014, the Board submitted for record the rating of “proficient” in the evaluation of the Superintendent of Schools regarding mutually agreed upon goals based on the Jim Shipley Systems Check Level III Evaluation for Superintendents; and WHEREAS, the Board discussed the Superintendent’s desire to continue to serve the district as Superintendent of Schools; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that it is hereby agreed that the Employment Contract between the Board and Superintendent Brian Galdes be amended to extend the length of the Superintendent’s employment for two additional years, said Contract to extend through June 30, 2019; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the President and Secretary of the Board of Education are hereby authorized to execute said Employment Contract, as revised, on behalf of the Board of Education. South Redford School District Board of Education p. 7 of 9 Minutes of the Regular Meeting, May 12, 2014
Supported by member, Stephen Baker. Vote: Ayes (3) – Mazurowski, Flesher, and Kangas. Nay (1) – Baker. Abstain (0). Motion failed.
14. Discuss Updates to Board Policy. BE 7122
The Board discussed the adoption of proposed updates to the Board Policy Manual. On January 13, 2014, the Board adopted a new Board Policy Manual based on the NEOLA template. At least biannually, NEOLA recommends updates to the policy to maintain compliance with changes in state and federal laws. The policy committee has reviewed proposed updates from NEOLA and selected appropriate options to customize the policy for the South Redford School District. The recommended updates were submitted to the Board for review.
Cheryl Flesher, moved adoption of the resolution; supported by Elizabeth Kangas. Stephen Baker moved to table the item to a future meeting; supported by Cheryl Flesher. The Board by consensus tabled the item until the next meeting on May 19, 2014.
15. Discuss Wayne RESA Preliminary Budget for 2014-2015. BE 7123
The Board reviewed and opened for discussion the Wayne RESA preliminary budget for 2014-2015. Section 380.624 of the Revised School Code requires each constituent school board of Wayne RESA to participate in WRESA’s budget development process. Not later than June 1 of each year, each local school board must review the proposed budget, adopt a board resolution expressing its support for, or disapproval of, the proposed budget, and submit to the WRESA Board any specific objections and proposed changes the constituent district board recommends on the budget. The WRESA Board is then obligated to consider the specific objections and proposed changes.
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE WAYNE COUNTY REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AGENCY GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGET
Member, Cheryl Flesher, moved adoption of the following resolution.
WHEREAS, this Board received the Wayne RESA General Fund Operating Budget on or before May 1, 2014; and WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 380.624 of the Revised School Code, this Board must now adopt a resolution expressing its support or disapproval of the proposed Wayne RESA budget, and must submit to the Wayne RESA Board any specific objections and/or proposed changes the Board may have to the budget prior to June 1, 2014. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Wayne RESA General Fund Operating budget for the 2014-2015 school year be supported, and that the Secretary of the Board is hereby directed to submit a copy of this resolution to the Secretary of the Wayne RESA Board of Education, along with comments. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Superintendent of Schools is authorized to do all things necessary to implement the intent of this resolution.
Supported by member, Stephen Baker. Vote: All Ayes (4) – Mazurowski, Baker, Flesher, and Kangas. Nay (0). Abstain (0). Resolution adopted. South Redford School District Board of Education p. 8 of 9 Minutes of the Regular Meeting, May 12, 2014
16. Discuss Board Goals. BE 7113 The Board discussed the progress made on the goals they set for the 2013-2014 school year. 17. Consent Agenda. BE 7124 Member, Cheryl Flesher, moved adoption of the following resolution. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the attached items of: a. Warrants for the weeks ending May 2 and May 9, 2014 b. Treasurer’s Report for April 2014 c. Cooperative Agreement with Wayne-Westland Community Schools for the 2014-2015 school year contained on the Consent Agenda for May 12, 2014, are hereby approved. Supported by member, Elizabeth Kangas. Vote: All Ayes (4) – Mazurowski, Baker, Flesher, and Kangas. Nay (0). Abstain (0). Resolution adopted.
18. Comments from the Audience. None
19. Plus/Delta. + ∆ Thank you to Mrs. Kangas for attending Almost did not have a quorum. the meeting even though she is not (Mazurowski) feeling well. (Mazurowski) Deeply appreciate respect between Board members. (Mazurowski) Process of #16 - the Board set goals and is achieving those goals. (Baker) Thank you to Emily Compton for coming even in this terrible weather. (Kangas) Appreciate liberty to share my thoughts in support of the Superintendent even while voting negatively on #13. (Baker) Nice to see a high school student present who is interested and asking tough questions. (Flesher)
20. Adjourn: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
______South Redford School District Board of Education p. 9 of 9 Minutes of the Regular Meeting, May 12, 2014
Stephen Baker, Secretary Board of Education Audience Attendance List: Emily Compton, Sarah Baker, Jan Carrier