WOODLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 404 DIRECTOR'S MEETING MINUTES
November 10, 2014 5:00PM Regular Meeting-District Meeting Room
MEMBERS PRESENT
Janice Watts, Jim Bays, Tina Cayton, Matt Donald, Jeremy Stuart, Kurtis Patterson-Student Representative, Michael Green-Board Secretary and Tegan Steen-Recording Secretary
OTHERS PRESENT
Stacy Brown, Lan Ha, Dan Uhlenkott, Justin Keeler, Asha Riley, Deb Kernen, Chris Wiseman, John Shoup, Tony Peterson.
MINUTES
Tina Cayton moved to approve the minutes of the November 10, 2014 regular meeting.
Matt Donald yesTina Cayton yesJim Bays yesJanice Watts yes carried
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
FVRL New Library UpdateJustin Keeler, Community Librarian, gave a presentation to the Board regarding the work of the new Woodland Library project. He talked about why the library is needed, and said that the current location is inadequate in size, technology and parking for the community. He said that community focus groups and FFA Architects have recommended a 10,000 square foot facility near the downtown area of Woodland, with dedicated spaces (teen, adult, family, career, etc.), meeting rooms and increased books and technology capabilities. A formal recommendation will be made to the Library Board on November 17th, 6pm, at the Community Center.
REPORTS TO THE BOARD
Student ReportKurtis Patterson reported that the WHS Volleyball Team took 3rd in Districts and will play in the State tournament this weekend in Tacoma. This is National College application week. Nathan Patterson will be signing his letter of intent to go to Northern State University, South Dakota this Thursday, at 12pm in the WMS/WHS Library. Winter sports begin Monday, November 17th. The WHS Cross Country athletes did well this weekend. We had 4 athletes total: Natalie Biddix, McKenna Flanagan, Nathan Patterson and Matthew Young. The WHS Football Team was knocked out of the playoffs Friday, in a heart-wrenching goal line stop at the end of the game.
Other ReportsJim Bays asked Asha if all states had the new 11th grade assessment requirement. She said other states do have to meet federal requirements. But, the tests to meet federal requirements were designed to be cumulative knowledge in 11th grade, not designed to be a graduation requirement. Washington is using the Smarter Balanced English Language Arts Exam. Current Juniors and Seniors must demonstrate competency on the HSPE, but underclassmen will need to demonstrate success on the Smarter Balanced exam as a graduation requirement. Michael said that the collection of evidence will not go away. The State Superintendent is lobbying for eliminating the assessments as a graduation requirement for students. Matt Donald asked how the changing assessment requirement has been communicated to the students. John Shoup said that the WHS staff make it simple by telling the Juniors this year, they have to take the test. Asha said that counselors help them get tested at the earliest time, in case they need to retest. Janice Watts asked if this requirement will be gone in 3 years. Asha said that the assessment will continue to be a requirement, unless the legislature changes it.
SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
Michael Green introduced Lan Ha, the new Sodexo Food Service Director. The WQCC sponsored Chamber of Commerce After Hours event will be held Thursday, November 13th from 5-7pm. Thursday and Friday, the State Board of Education will be in Vancouver discussing high school assessment requirements. They are accepting public input on Wednesday, November 12th. Michael shared an outline of WSSDA’s legislative goals with the Board.
CORRESPONDENCE
OPSI Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Determination LetterThanks to the work of Deb Kernen, the District received a letter from OSPI regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act determining that the District met requirements for the 2013-2014 school year.
CITIZENS REQUESTS
None.
BOARD REPORTS & REQUESTS
Janice Watts and Jim Bays attended the annual State of KWRL meeting. The Paradise Point facility was quite nice. Jim Bays said there was a little talk about the discussion from a couple of years ago regarding the joint commitment of the four member districts for the work done at the KWRL facility. Ridgefield never approved and signed the revised letter of agreement. Michael said that the last couple of weeks, Shannon has been working with Nathan McCann , the new Ridgefield Superintendent, on this. Nathan will take the letter to their board for reconsideration. If Ridgefield doesn’t ratify the amended agreement within 60 days, Jim would like to revisit this item, so that the Board could discuss what further steps they want to take. He said in the spirit of cooperation, the 3 districts all contributed significantly toward the Paradise Point parking facility (Woodland’s contribution was about $750,000), and Ridgefield School District has not addressed their part. Jim thinks it’s deceitful on their part and that we need to be more direct with them.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
First Reading of Revisions to Policy No. 3242John Shoup and Dan Uhlenkott, recommended the change to Policy No. 3242-Closed Campus. They feel the new High School facility will have plenty of room, and leaving the campus causes problems. Jeremy Stuart asked if food from vendors, like Subway, could be brought in. Michael said that, since the food would be on school grounds, they must follow the federal nutrition guidelines. He said, that because of the new facility, Sodexo can offer more diverse options. Jim asked if Subway, was in Vancouver schools. Michael didn’t know, but if so, they have to follow more strict guidelines, than the regular Subway stores. Janice asked if food carts would be allowed. Michael said they, also, would be bound by federal guidelines. Kurtis Patterson said that the students who don’t like the food in the cafeteria could bring their own food. He thinks the campus should be closed for Freshmen and Sophomores, but not Juniors and Seniors. He said it could cause more accidents, but it would help local businesses. Janice asked about the percentage of schools in the area that have an open campus policy. John said a lot of districts are closed. He understands it’s a rite of passage, but feels there are other ways for Juniors and Seniors to feel that. Matt asked what the process is for officially excusing students. John says parents can call and excuse their child and also take them to lunch. Jim says he is a proponent of some type of open campus, but says if students abuse it, then they can lose the privilege. He wouldn’t want to see all kids lose the privilege because of one abuse. Jim would like Sodexo to come back to the board and outline their extended offerings that will be available at the new High School. Lan Ha said that surveying the students is part of her work, and she will present her findings to the Board in the future. Kurtis said that students will express their unhappiness about a closed campus via social media. He said the fruit and vegetables aren’t the best and that he hears students complain about the portions sizes being too small and that they return to class hungry. These are some other reasons why students want to leave campus and get their own lunch. Jeremy asked if parents could get a newsletter sent out about this. Stacy Brown said that she sends out the food service newsletter at the beginning of the school year. Janice said that when she’s visited schools and has talked with cooks, they said there are more healthy foods, but under the federal guidelines the portions are limited. She worries about students being hungry. Stacy said they are not limited on fruits and vegetables. This policy will be on the next agenda for second reading and consideration for approval.
Table Sponsorship at 2015 Chamber Installation BanquetMichael asked Board members if they want to sponsor a table at the 2015 Chamber Installation Banquet. Board members thought this was a positive thing. Michael told members to let him know who was going, and if they had any thoughts about the table décor.
Matt said that 900 people had attended the WSU Vancouver 25 year event, and it was phenomenal.
CONSENT AGENDA
See attached consent agenda. The revised consent agenda included the p-card payment information.
Jim Bays moved to approve the revised consent agenda.
Jeremy Stuart yesMatt Donald yesTina Cayton yesJim Bays yesJanice Watts yes carried
ACTION ITEMS
Adopt Revised Superintendent & School Board Operating Principles
Matt Donald moved to approve the Superintendent & School Board Operating Principles.
WSU Principal/Superintendent Certification Internship AgreementThis is the renewal of the expiring five-year agreement with WSU for the Principal/Superintendent Certification Internship program.
Tina Cayton moved to approve the WSU Principal/Superintendent Certification Internship agreement.
ADJOURNMENT
President, Janice Watts, adjourned the meeting of the Board of Directors at 6:09pm.
ATTEST:
_______________________________ Secretary to the Board
WOODLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT #404 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
____________________________________ President
____________________________________ Director