2019-06-24-minutes.txt

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Blaine School District No. 503
  Regular Board Meeting
Monday, June 24, 2019
  Minutes
  1. Regular Board Meeting
A. Call to Order
Vice President Gibson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
President Freal was unable to attend this meeting and was excused.
All other Directors were in attendance.
     Todd A Berge, Joan Lotze, Charles E Gibson, Laura McKinney
  B. Pledge of Allegiance
Vice President Gibson led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
  2. Good News
A. Recognition Item
There was no recognition at this meeting.
  3. Recognition of Visitors and Board Comments on the Agenda
A. Recognition of Visitors
No visitors wished to address the Board.
  B. Board Comments on the Agenda
There were no comments on the agenda.
  4. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes - May 28, 2019 Board Work Session
The Board approved the minutes of the May 28, 2019 Board Work Session.
Motion by Joan Lotze, second by Laura McKinney
Final Resolution: Motion Carries 3-1
Yea: Joan Lotze, Charles E Gibson, Laura McKinney
Nay: Todd A Berge

B. Approval of Minutes - May 28, 2019 Regular Board Meeting
The Board approved the minutes of the May 28, 2019 Regular Board Meeting.
Motion by Joan Lotze, second by Laura McKinney
Final Resolution: Motion Carries 3-1
Yea: Joan Lotze, Charles E Gibson, Laura McKinney
Nay: Todd A Berge

C. Approval of Minutes - May 29, 2019 Special Board Meeting
The Board approved the minutes of the May 29, 2019 Special Board Meeting.
Motion by Joan Lotze, second by Laura McKinney
Final Resolution: Motion Carries 3-1
Yea: Joan Lotze, Charles E Gibson, Laura McKinney
Nay: Todd A Berge

D. Personnel Matters
The Board approved Personnel Matters as detailed on the consent agenda.
Motion by Joan Lotze, second by Laura McKinney
Final Resolution: Motion Carries 3-1
Yea: Joan Lotze, Charles E Gibson, Laura McKinney
Nay: Todd A Berge

E. Financial Matters
The Board approved Financial Matters as detailed on the consent agenda.
Motion by Joan Lotze, second by Laura McKinney
Final Resolution: Motion Carries 3-1
Yea: Joan Lotze, Charles E Gibson, Laura McKinney
Nay: Todd A Berge

F. Student Travel
There were no Student Travel requests to approve at this meeting.
  G. Contracts & Agreements
The Board approved the following service contracts:
2019-2020 Opportunity Council Preschool Services Contract
Bellingham Public Schools Dairy Products Purchasing Agreement
2019-2020 CWU College in the High School Agreement
Spokane Virtual Learning Educational Services Agreement (HomeConnection)
Motion by Joan Lotze, second by Laura McKinney
Final Resolution: Motion Carries 3-1
Yea: Joan Lotze, Charles E Gibson, Laura McKinney
Nay: Todd A Berge

H. 2019-20 Student Fee List
The Board approved the proposed Student Fee List for the 2019-20 school year.
Motion by Joan Lotze, second by Laura McKinney
Final Resolution: Motion Carries 3-1
Yea: Joan Lotze, Charles E Gibson, Laura McKinney
Nay: Todd A Berge

5. Business Items
A. Enrollment Update
Executive Director of Finance and Operations Amber Porter provided a final report on enrollment for the 2018-19 school year. The last count of the regular school year (before summer school) was down 10.5 FTE compared to May, yet still remains above budget.
  B. Budget Status and Financial Report
Amber Porter provided a review of revenue and expenses for May. Although tax collection in April had been lower than normal, collection in May was higher. Overall, spring tax collection has been comparable to prior years, with a lower trend line resulting from the reduced levy rate.
  6. Hearing & Subsequent Consideration of Action
A. Public Hearing on Use of Limited General Obligation Bond
Trevor Carlson of PiperJaffray provided background information, as well as a description of the recommendation to use a limited general obligation bond (non-voted) for the purpose of providing initial funding for upcoming Capital Projects work. This bond will provide cash flow in order to complete projects ahead of the District's receipt of state match and voted levy revenue. Results of the LGO bond sale were provided, with JPMorgan Chase as the winning bidder. Details of the bond's costs and repayment plan were reviewed. It was clarified that this bond provides the District with capacity to complete projects now. Interest only payments are paid now from the General Fund, and principal payments will be made later from Capital Levy revenue.

Vice President Gibson opened the Public Hearing and called for any public input. There were no comments provided.

Scott McJannet of K&L Gates also attended the meeting as the District's bond counsel, and he reviewed the bond resolution. There is no taxing power associated with this bond. The Capital Levy funds approved by voters in 2018 are pledged to repayment of the bond. He reported that the bank has been very accommodating to work with on this matter, and he anticipates no added burden on the District. Amber Porter affirmed this recommended use of an LGO bond, and she described the associated savings and benefits.
  B. Resolution 1819-13 Use of Limited General Obligation Bond
Following the public hearing on this matter, the Board voted unanimously to approve Resolution 1819-13 Use of Limited General Obligation Bond.
Motion by Todd A Berge, second by Laura McKinney
Final Resolution: Motion Carries 4-0
Yea: Todd A Berge, Joan Lotze, Charles E Gibson, Laura McKinney
  7. Reports
A. 2019-20 Budget Planning Update
Amber Porter provided an update on the 2019-20 Budget Planning process, including a brief description of staffing considerations in play. A draft budget will be ready by the July 10 deadline and will be made available for public review. Ms. Porter referenced the possibility of scheduling the public hearing in July instead of August to allow more time for review and consideration. The draft budget, to be reviewed in July, will set out an overall amount for each fund. It will also include a 4-year projection and the required MSOC disclosure.
  B. Capital Projects Update
Amber Porter and Alan Pomeroy, Maintenance and Operations Supervisor, reviewed Capital Projects progress to date. Work in the High School's courtyard was described. The north parking lot construction plan was reviewed. There will be approximately 20 parking spots lost in the front parking area, but the new south lot has provided about 40 additional parking spots. Fire system testing has been completed and has passed inspection. Equipment startup is scheduled for July 8. Wall covering, carpet, and casework installation will take place in mid-July. Mr. Pomeroy described additional work to be done in Phase 1.

The grandstands project is moving along rapidly with footings now completed. A concrete bench was also poured today between the greenhouse and tennis court.
  C. Birch Bay School Site Suitability Analysis and Community Engagement Support
Amber Porter reviewed the Site Suitability Analysis and Community Engagement Support proposal provided by FLO Analytics related to a future school location in Birch Bay. There was discussion regarding the increased expense compared to the original estimate. It was agreed that the importance of doing the process correctly and getting it right the first time is a priority. Director McKinney asked about the reference to "Portland Metro" data in the proposal, and she asked for the accuracy of that reference to be clarified. Discussion continued regarding the importance of proceeding with this matter on the correct path, and Superintendent Ron Spanjer commented on the value of having an objective third party organization provide consultant services in this process. Director Berge asked for a line-item breakdown of costs for each element of the service.
  These items will be clarified, and the Board will be asked to consider approval of this proposal at the July 29 meeting.
  D. Blaine High School Peace Arch Replica
Amber Porter and Alan Pomeroy provided an update regarding replacement of Blaine High School's Peace Arch replica. Mr. Pomeroy described the irreparable condition of the old structure. Replacement was not part of the original budget for the High School project, and the District's desire is to find an option that is not cost prohibitive. Spee West will be providing an 18" plinth for the structure to stand on. 
  Options will be reviewed and advised by Blaine High School's "traditions committee", and this committee will then make a recommendation to the Board at a later date. Two options have now been suggested for consideration. An identical structure could be created with foam-filled fiberglass. Or, a modern art deco design could be done in metal. Director Berge recommended an aluminum company for this work, and he was asked to provide Ms. Porter with contact information.
  The audience was invited to provide comment. Pat Alesse suggested that the replica be made of concrete because that would have been Sam Hill's preference.
  E. Procedure 3210P Nonsicrimination (Students)
Superintendent Ron Spanjer described a minor update to Procedure 3210P Nonsicrimination (Students). The word "signed" was removed from the protocol for submitting written complaints.
  F. Superintendent's Report
Dr. Spanjer distributed a hard copy of his report to the Board which included a number of event dates for the Directors to be aware of.

Academic Summer School is now underway at Blaine High School and Blaine Middle School. The following schedule of academic support services will take place throughout the summer:
High School: Five Weeks of Credit Recovery Support
Middle School: Two Weeks of Credit Recovery Support
Elementary School: Literacy Support (Jumpstart) for Grades 4 and 5 and K-5 ELL; July 22-August 15 (This is a program to support students who need extra help, so they do not fall behind over the summer months.)
Primary School: Bright K (Incoming Kindergarten) July 22-August 15
The campus will once again this year host the Blaine [Drayton] Harbor Music Festival, during the week of July 7-13. This is always a fun event, and Board members were encouraged to attend some of the festivities.

A number of District Office Staff will be taking vacation for various periods of time, over the next six weeks. As such, staffing levels will be a bit thin at times in the month of July.

Dr. Spanjer will provide with Board with a full summary of the 2018-19 Comprehensive Plan work at the July meeting. He hopes to ensure that the goals and work being put into the system now will be captured and available for consideration moving forward.

Spee West is aiming for transfer of the new High School core facility on August 15. The Maintenance Department will be busy moving items around and back into place in the newly completed facility.

The following August Professional Development and Key Program Dates were provided for reference:
August 5-6 Modeling Math Training (HS Math OSPI required)
August 6-7 Bridge to College (HS Math OSPI required)
August 7-8 Agile Mind Training - IA grant required and new teachers to AM, others have option to attend
August 7-8 Instructional Leadership Team Leadership Institute with Center for Educational Leadership (ILT Retreat)
August 15 Tentative 5D 101 training (training on our instructional framework for any new teachers as needed)
August 13 - This is typically when we do a 1/2 day with full BLT and have lunch with the board, tentative until we know about new Supt.
August 20-23 K5 Literacy Institute (2 days K3, 2 days 4-5)
August 20-21 Mental Health First Aid for Secondary Teachers
August 22 - HR New Staff Orientation
August 26 ALL Cert Day - School based professional development for cert staff aligned with school improvement goals
August 26 Board Meeting (Board Secretary Support TBD)
August 27 ALL Staff Day - Opening Session (possibly meet new Supt) School based training will all staff
August 28 First Day of School!
Dr. Spanjer explained the secondary signature authority resolution which will be considered by the Board later in this meeting. The District is currently seeking legal counsel guidance regarding appropriate signature authority for August 30 payroll warrants.
  8. Action Items
A. Resolution 1819-14 Authorizing Signature Authority
The Board approved, without discussion, Resolution 1819-14 Authorizing Signature Authority which grants a secondary level of signature authority to the District's Executive Director of Finance & Operations in the absence of the Superintendent.
Motion by Todd A Berge, second by Joan Lotze.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries 4-0
Yea: Todd A Berge, Joan Lotze, Charles E Gibson, Laura McKinney

B. Policy 4260 Use of School Facilities: First Reading
There was discussion regarding the lack of detail in the procedure for the process of requesting facility use, as well as timing and how far in advance a facility can be reserved. Director McKinney asked that a description of the request process and timing parameters be included in the procedure. Director Lotze suggested adding a reference to marijuana as a banned substance along with alcohol and illegal drugs. On the draft fee document, Director Berge recommended formatting adjustments, including the addition of group titles on the second page for reference. Also on the draft fee document, Director McKinney asked for clarification regarding "custodial working hours". There was discussion regarding language specific to the use of sports fields. Dr. Spanjer explained the overall intent of requiring adult supervision as described in the recommended policy language. He further explained concerns regarding supervision on the fields at Pipeline, particularly about inappropriate activity in various areas of that property. Discussion continued regarding options to reconcile these concerns, including the possibility of partnering with the Park and Rec Department for supervised access. 
  The Board approved "First Reading" of Policy 4260 Use of School Facilities and will be asked to approve "Second Reading" and adoption of this policy, along with the new fee structure, at the July meeting.
Motion by Todd A Berge, second by Joan Lotze.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries 4-0
Yea: Todd A Berge, Joan Lotze, Charles E Gibson, Laura McKinney

C. Policy 1410 Executive or Closed Sessions: Second Reading and Adoption
The Board approved, without discussion, "Second Reading" and Adoption of Policy 1410 Executive or Closed Sessions.
Motion by Laura McKinney, second by Todd A Berge
Final Resolution: Motion Carries 4-0
Yea: Todd A Berge, Joan Lotze, Charles E Gibson, Laura McKinney

D. Northwood Alliance Warrant Approval
The Board approved warrant #132059 ($1,600.00) payable to Northwood Alliance Church.
Director Gibson abstained from voting to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.
Motion by Todd A Berge, second by Joan Lotze
Final Resolution: Motion Carries 3-0, 1 abstaining
Yea: Todd A Berge, Joan Lotze, Laura McKinney
Abstain: Charles E Gibson

9. Board Comments and Suggestions for Next Agenda
A. Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next Regular Board Meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 29, 2019.

Suggestions for agenda items include:
Year-End Comprehensive Plan Update
Capital Projects Update
Middle School WIAA Membership
Superintendent's Report
Consideration of Birch Bay Property Site Suitability Analysis and Community Engagement Support Contract
Policy Updates
B. General Comments
Director McKinney will not be in attendance at the July 29 meeting.
  10. Executive Session
A. Executive Session
There was no executive session at this meeting.
  11. Adjourn
A. Adjourn
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by a unanimous vote at 8:19pm.
Motion by Laura McKinney, second by Todd A Berge
Final Resolution: Motion Carries 4-0
Yea: Todd A Berge, Joan Lotze, Charles E Gibson, Laura McKinney
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                                      BOARD PRESIDENT                                                               SECRETARY/CLERK