Preston School Board Meeting Sept. 18, 2013

1. Preston School Board MeetingSept. 18, 2013 http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=26890135&nid=1010&title=35-years-later-woman-searches-for-teacher-who-changed-her-life “Great story... Thank you for sharing such an uplifting story. Teachers can impact so many lives positively.”

2. PSD #201 Mission & Vision Mission : To provide all students with the academic and social knowledge and skills needed for life-long success in a changing world.Vision: Preston School District believes that in partnership with parents and the community our schools will provide appropriate opportunities for all learners to reach their academic and social potential in a safe and supportive environment. http://www.preston.k12.id.us/mission-statement1.html

3. PSD #201 Purpose “Safe Environment, High Expectations, Focus on Learning” Increase Student Achievement Increase Public Relations. All employees are being asked to report one goal for increasing student achievement and one goal for improving public relations

4. PSD #201 Grievance Procedure Policy 1012 • Matters concerning an individual school will be discussed first with the principal of that school; • If the patron believes that the matter was not resolved at the school level, it may then be brought to the superintendent; • If the problem is not resolved with the superintendent of schools, it may then be bought before the board in the following manner: • The request, concern or complaint will be submitted in writing to the board at least five (5) days before the regularly scheduled board meeting; • Participants must identify whom they represent and may be asked to comment on their questions or problems; • Personnel complaints against any school district employee will not be heard in open session; • The board reserves the right to set time limitations for presentations and speakers. • Individuals with complaints regarding library resources or textbooks will follow the complaint procedure set forth in the policy entitled Library and Resource Center Materials found in SECTION 600: EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS.

5. What the Board can expect from the Superintendent: • Personal integrity – will not bend under pressure • Does the bulk of the work in developing, maintaining and implementing school policy • Is sensitive to feelings, beliefs, and commitments of public, staff and Board • Understands that Trustees are volunteers • Skilled in communication and delegation • Prudent in the management of school resources • Develops long-range financial plan • Key developer of his/her relationship with the Board • Sees that employment decisions are clearly understood by the Board • Springs no surprises

6. What the Superintendent can expect from the Board: • Trust, confidence, and professional respect • Fair, honest job evaluation based on agreed upon criteria • Adherence to and supports for policies it has adopted • Willingness to consider staff recommendations • Prepared to do their job • Adherence to high standards of ethical behavior • Realism, confidence, and patience • Strives for educational above personal goals • No surprises!

7. What the BOARD can expect from EACH OTHER: Make every effort to attend all Board meetings Become informed concerning issues to be considered at each meeting Understand that the Board meeting is not the place to grandstand or spring surprises Improve my boardsmanship by studying educational issues and by participating in in-service programs Cooperate with other board members and administrators to establish a system of regular and impartial evaluations of all staff Avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance thereof Express personal opinions but once the Board has acted, accept the will of the majority Spring no surprises!

8. Elements of a Strong Board-Superintendent Team • Full disclosure of all district-level problems to the board members • The board is sufficientlyinformed to make wise decisions • Carefully planning together to avoid surprises. • Informal interaction between the superintendent and trustees • Regular assessment and evaluation of the district, as well as the superintendent and the Board • Support each other

9. Welcoming Public Comment • Explain at the start of each meeting that public comment is welcome at the appropriate time • Explain that the board meeting is a meeting held in public and NOT a public meeting • Limit the amount of time the public may speak (3 minutes is customary) • Let the agenda determine at what point in the meeting the public may address the board • Have clearly stated rules of engagement in writing for the public to see and understand

10. What about Executive Sessions? • Must be properly noticed • Can only take place in a public meeting, after a 2/3 approval vote stating the reason why the board is going into executive session • Minutes may be limited • With the exception of placing an employee on probation, no executive session may be held for the purpose of taking any final action or making any final decision

11. Executive sessions—when authorized, Section 67-2345, Idaho Code: (a) To consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent. This does not include filling a vacancy in an elective office; (b) To consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student; (c) To conduct deliberations concerning labor negotiations or to acquire an interest in real estate property which is not owned by a public agency; (f) To communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. The mere presence of legal counsel at an executive session does not satisfy this requirement; Idaho Code includes reasons a-j. A,B,C are the most common.

12. Calendar for Dept. Presentations at Board Meetings October – Transportation – Kevin Seamons, Hank Povey November – Grounds – Kevin Seamons December – Technology – Steve Crookston January – Food Services – Julie Reno February – School Safety – Kelly Biggs March – Special Education – Kaylynn Hamblin April – LEP/Migrant Program – Joel Wilson

13. ISBA Conference Preston Proposal – Do Not Pass Recommendation Conference Nov. 6-8. We have canceled this because our resolution carries a “No Pass” recommendation from ISBA. No reason to attend in light of cost

14. Administrator Evaluations State has evaluation rubric for administrators. Please see attachment from email. 1. School Climate: An educational leader promotes the success of all students by advocating, nurturing and sustaining a school culture and instructional program conducive to student learning and staff professional development. An educational leader articulates and promotes high expectations for teaching and learning while responding to diverse community interest and needs.

15. 1.b Communication—Proactively communicates the vision and goals of the school or district, the plans for the future, and successes and challenges to all stakeholders. 1.c Advocacy—Advocates for education, the district and school, teachers, parents, and students that engenders school support and involvement

16. 2. Collaborative Leadership: An educational leader promotes the success of all students by ensuring management of the organization, operations, and resources for a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment. In collaboration with others, uses appropriate data to establish rigorous, concrete goals in the context of student achievement and instructional programs. He/she uses research and/or best practices in improving the education program.

17. 3. Instructional Leadership: An educational leader promotes the success of all students by facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the school community. He/she provides leadership for major initiatives and change efforts and uses research and/or best practices in improving the education program.

18. FCHS Update Armory Thank you’s Construction moving forward Thanks to Nancy Egbert who donated 50 shake certificates to students for first day in school.

19. Charter School Update Program Summaries Please see attachment

20. Idaho Core Standards http://www.achieve.org/files/EQuIP-ELArubric-06-24-13-FINAL.pdf

21. District Finances 85% in Staffing Looking for staffing efficiencies Enrollment – 2,539 2013-14 2,505 2012-13 2,528 2011-12 Hiring freeze in place. Spanish immersion program tabled until funds available.