The Shelton School District Board of Directors met in regular session at 5:30 p.m. on October 9, 2007 in the board room located at CHOICE Alternative School.

Board members present: Chairman Julianna Miljour, Sue McCausland, Peter Boome (arriving at 5:45 p.m.), Marty Crow (arriving at 6:02 p.m.), and student representative Daniel Glenn.

Staff members present: Superintendent Joan Zook, Alison Nutt, Linda Arnold, Jackie McGuire, Wanda Berndtson, Bill Hicks, Randy Grostick, Jennifer Deyette, Cindy Roaf and Ray Field.

Others present: Jeff Green, Dedrick Allen, Jeff and Ione Vrable, Scott Eichhorn, Larry Patterson, Gene Crater, Marty Best and several other parents and students.

CALL TO ORDER

At 5:40 p.m. Julianna Miljour called the meeting to order and led the pledge of allegiance. She announced that because there was not a full quorum of the board present, only informational items not requiring action would be discussed until there is a quorum.

Sue McCausland read the district’s Mission Statement.

REPORTS AND RECOGNITIONS

6.01 – Report on the action plans to address needs identified in the Athletic Study:

Bill Hicks spoke about the three main themes he felt came from the athletic study – community issues, quality of coaches/coaching and a general overall negative perception of the Athletic Department. Bill said any person who does a job tries to do so to the best of their ability but things are not always what they seem nor are they perfect. The general public does not always see or know what goes on. He called the board’s attention to the strategic planning goals for the Athletic Department, which were developed in 2002 and updated every year. (See Attachment #1). Bill spoke briefly to each of the 6 goals.

Wanda Berndtson talked specifically about the nine conclusions from Dele Gunnerson’s study and about the action plans that were developed to address each of these nine items. (See Attachment #2). The high school marketing class is interested in working on developing a survey based on some of the frustrations/successes to determine what the main focus should be. She will also survey all people in sports and activities to get an idea on where to focus.

Scott Eichhorn felt it important to continue on with the action plans developed and recognized it is an ongoing process. He also said he heard Bill Hicks was leaving the district at the end of the school year and said the district needs a quality person to take his place. Superintendent Zook told Scott that personnel matters would not be discussed at the board meeting.

Larry Patterson felt the athletic issues have not been addressed to the point that they will come to an end, including his own issues. He talked about the negative atmosphere that has been created at Shelton High School which is expressed by both students and staff. He said people’s feelings have been affected and that they need to know someone is going to make things right.

Ione Vrable thanked the board for taking time to do the athletic study, however she said there are serious issues with the athletic program and the district’s response to the study is nothing but lip service. She said if the athletic director is in fact stepping down at the end of this school year then it is inappropriate for the district to have him make recommendations to the study. The community needs to know if we are looking for a new athletic director sooner than later. She also referred to the consultant saying the athletic policy book is great and wondered why we are not able to follow those policies. Chairman Miljour asked Ione if she would put her questions to the board in writing so they could respond to her in a more comprehensive manner.

Jeff Vrable said that he’s not much of a sports fan but his two sons are heavily involved. He has found it very frustrating to be surrounded by people at sporting events murmuring and complaining about the sports programs and coaches. He said it is not just a perception but a reality that there is a huge problem and kids are being tremendously affected.

Chairman Miljour thanked everyone for their comments tonight and Superintendent Zook said the strategic plan and action plans are available to anyone who would like a copy.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

Chairman Miljour announced that the board would return to the top of the agenda since all board members were now present. There were two additions to the agenda:

1. A new Item 8.13 – proposed overnight travel for the Shelton High School Marching Band and Color Guard; and

2. A new Item 8.14 – supplemental personnel report.

Sue McCausland made a motion to adopt the agenda with the addition of Items 8.13 and 8.14. Marty Crow seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.

DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS

7.01 – Proposed 2007-2010 bargained agreement with the Shelton Educational Office Personnel:

Joan Zook said the 2007-2010 bargained agreement with the Shelton Educational Office Personnel (SEOP) has been voted upon and approved by the SEOP and she recommends board approval. Sue McCausland moved, seconded by Peter Boome, to approve the bargained agreement. The motion passed unanimously.

7.02 – Proposed new ASB Clubs at Shelton High School for 2007-08:

Joan Zook recommended approval of the new Scrabble Club and Christian Students United Club at Shelton High School. Peter Boome referenced the Christian Students United Club and said he failed to see the separation of church and state. Joan told board members this was thoroughly reviewed by the district’s legal counsel, that similar cases have been tried in court and that the club does have a constitutional right to exist. Sue McCausland felt that since we have consulted with our attorney and the club has been approved by the ASB leadership that the board should approve them as a club. Sue then made a motion to approve both the Scrabble Club and the Christian Students United Club at Shelton High School for 2007-08. The motion died for a lack of a second.

7.03 – Proposed list of ASB clubs and activities for the 2007-08 school year:

Peter Boome made a motion to approve the list of ASB clubs and activities for the 2007-08 school year, with the removal of the Scrabble Club and the Christian Students United Club from the list. Marty Crow seconded the motion. The motion passed 3-1 with Sue McCausland opposed.

7.04 – Proposed revised Board Policy No. 6898:

Joan Zook explained that we have had issues on occasion with dogs and other pets being brought to school by staff, so she felt it was time to update and strengthen Board Policy No. 6898 – Animals on School Grounds. Marty Crow moved, seconded by Peter Boome, to adopt the revised Policy No. 6898. The motion passed unanimously.

7.05 – Proposed out-of-state travel to the National Even Start Conference:

Kristin Sundsten requested approval to attend the National Even Start Association Conference in San Diego, CA on October 28-30, 2007. One of the requirements of the federally funded Even Start grant is attendance at this national conference each year and the cost of the travel is paid through the grant. Peter Boome moved, seconded by Sue McCausland, to approve the travel. The motion passed unanimously.

CONSENT AGENDA

Peter Boome made a motion to approve the consent agenda with the addition of Items 8.13 and 8.14. Sue McCausland seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. The Board:

· Approved minutes from the September 25, 2007 regular board meeting.

· Approved General Fund Voucher Nos. 108595 through 108788 in the amount of $361,936.61 for September 2007 (06-07 school year).

· Approved General Fund Voucher Nos. 108789 through 108931 in the amount of $337,738.81 for September 2007 (07-08 school year).

· Approved General Fund Voucher Nos. 108932 through 108933 in the amount of $6,454.55 for September 2007 (06-07 school year).

· Approved General Fund Voucher No. 108934 in the amount of $1,162.17 for October 2007 (07-08 school year).

· Approved Capital Projects Fund Voucher Nos. 1688 through 1696 in the amount of $452,168.57 for September 2007 (06-07 school year).

· Approved Capital Projects Fund Voucher Nos. 1697 through 1701 in the amount of $42,415.76 for September 2007 (07-08 school year).

· Approved Associated Student Body Fund Voucher No. 17241 in the amount of $476.60 for September 2007 (06-07 school year).

· Approved Associated Student Body Fund Voucher Nos. 17242 through 17291 in the amount of $41,074.99 for September 2007 (07-08 school year).

· Approved Private Purpose Trust Fund Voucher No. 134 in the amount of $500.00 for September 2007 (07-08 school year).

· Approved the revised 2007-08 Professional/Technical salary schedule to include the new positions of Early Literacy Specialist and ESL Family Case Management Coordinator.

· Approved the regular and supplemental personnel reports as submitted and as attached. (See Attachment #3).

BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS

· Sue McCausland said she hoped the board didn’t open a can of worms tonight that didn’t need to be opened considering the amount of background work that was done dealing with having a Christian Club on campus. She sees this as a possible problem. She also said she is looking forward to the action plans Bill Hicks and Wanda Berndtson presented tonight regarding the athletics program. She would like to see the community make our athletic programs something that can be enjoyed by students and not focus so much on the negative.

· Julianna Miljour was in agreement that the board opened up a can of worms. She also commented that she has 2 nieces and 3 nephews that are all-stars in sports, but what is most important is how they are doing academically.

· Peter Boome said he did not want to open a can of worms but there are times when we have to make unpopular decisions. He was glad to hear the public comment tonight and would like to hear more public comment, whether it be positive or negative, from people who are directly involved with issues.

· Marty Crow commented that he greatly appreciated the work done by Dele Gunnerson and the high school leadership team on the athletic study. He feels the issues are cancerous and need to be resolved. He agreed that the 24 people interviewed gave well-rounded feedback, but the group of people is 100 strong and they will continue to come back to the board until issues are resolved.

· Daniel Glenn agreed with Sue and Julianna regarding the Christian Club and said the club has a constitutional right to exist and he doesn’t think the board will win.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER

Holly Sharpe had eye surgery today and is doing well.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

At 7:01 p.m. Chairman Miljour announced that the board would take a 5-minute recess and would then enter into a 30-minute executive session to hear two ESP grievances.

At 7:30 p.m. the board briefly returned to regular session and Chairman Miljour extended the executive session to 7:45 p.m.

At 7:45 p.m. the board returned to regular session.

ACTION TAKEN AS A RESULT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION

Peter Boome made a motion to move the starting time of board meetings to 6:00 p.m., effective with the October 23^rd regular meeting. Marty Crow seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.

ADJOURN

Chairman Miljour declared the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Chairman, Board of Directors

Secretary to the Board