EVERGREEN SCHOOL DISTRICT #114

Board of Directors' Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, February 9, 2010 – 5:30 p.m.

At 5 p.m., prior to the regular School Board meeting, the Board met in an executive session
regarding personnel. The executive session was held in the Green Complex Conference
Room at the Administrative Service Center.

PRESENT: Victoria Bradford, President; Troy Thomas, Vice President; Todd Yuzuriha,
Director; Michael Parsons, Director; John Deeder, Superintendent; Barb
Seekins, Administrative Assistant

I. CALL TO ORDER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Board President Victoria Bradford called the regular meeting of the Board of Directors
of Evergreen Public Schools to order at 5:30 p.m. Ms. Bradford led the Pledge of
Allegiance.

II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A. Tuesday, January 26, 2010, Regular Board of Directors’ Meeting

B. Thursday, January 28, 2010, Special Board of Directors’ Meeting
C. Tuesday, February 2, 2010, Special Board of Directors’ Meeting
D. Thursday, February 4, 2010, Special Board of Directors’ Meeting
E. Friday, February 5, 2010, Special Board of Directors’ Meeting

Mr. Thomas moved, seconded by Mr. Yuzuriha, to approve the minutes as presented.
The motion carried unanimously.

III. SPECIAL RECOGNITION

A. National School Counseling Week

Mr. Thomas read a proclamation from Randy J. Dorn, Superintendent of Public

Instruction, proclaiming February 1 – 5, 2010, as National School Counseling
Week. Board members and Superintendent Deeder spoke of the vital role of the
Elementary Student Assistance Specialists and the Secondary School Counselors
in working with students, families, and teachers, especially during this economic
downturn. The Student Assistance Specialists and Counselors present this
evening came forward to accept a certificate of appreciation from the School
Board.
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Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Page Two

B. The Council of Educational Facility Planners International 2009 Planner of the

Year Award

Superintendent Deeder announced that Reg Martinson, the district’s Executive

Director of Facilities, was awarded the 2009 CEFPI Planner of the Year award this
past summer. He stated that this award is the highest and most prestigious one
that the Council presents. Mr. Deeder noted that Mr. Martinson was instrumental
in starting the Northwest chapter of CEFPI, which is an organization that
promotes excellence in the students’ environment. He also commented that the
district is very fortunate to have a facilities director with such a complete
understanding and knowledge about school facilities and such compassion about
the education of its students. Ms. Bradford commented that this recognition of
Mr. Martinson is long overdue.

C. Career and Technical Education Month

Mr. Parsons read a proclamation signed by Governor Chris Gregoire proclaiming

February 2010 as Career and Technical Education Month. Superintendent Deeder
commented that he’s never seen a CTE program of such quality and flexibility as
Evergreen’s. He commended Susan Dixon, Manager of CTE, for the excellent job
she does in managing the program. Ms. Dixon was presented with a certificate of
appreciation from the School Board.

IV. CURRICULAR PRESENTATION

A. Career and Technical Education Program Update

Susan Dixon presented an update to the School Board regarding the Career and
Technical Education program. She stated that the CTE department is currently
involved in a strategic planning process entitled “Creating our Strategic Plan –
Vision 2020,” which is being funded by the Carl Perkins grant. She noted that
the district is working with a consultant who will be contacting stake holders,
possibly School Board members.

Ms. Dixon shared the following information:

 2008 graduate follow-up by OSPI shows that concentrators (students who

take two or more classes beyond exploratory) met or exceeded all targets
identified in the Carl Perkins Grant.
 2008 graduate follow-up by the district shows that 91 percent of completers
(students who take four semester courses in one program area) continue on
to post-secondary education or training.
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Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Page Three

 Future considerations for academic integration classes include Math in

Automotive, Math in Robotics, and Math in Financial Literacy.
 A partnership with SEH will be piloted at Evergreen High School integrating
math, science, and CTE.
 Heritage High School is an “Energy Smart” school. There are high demand
opportunities in energy technologies, and the following classes are being
taught at Heritage: Solar/Wind/Energy, Community Garden, Biodiesel,
Recycling/Composting, Biochar Production and Marketing/Business). Ms.
Dixon introduced Heritage High School Biodiesel teachers, Jim Neiman and
Gwen Thompson, and Biochar Production teacher, Darlyn Wendlandt.

Ms. Wendlandt introduced two Heritage High School seniors, Seth Jordan and
Greg Makar, who made a presentation to the School Board about biochar, a
product made by heating without oxygen (a system of pyrolysis). They explained
how waste paper or other bio masses are sealed into a furnace and then heated
to over 500 degrees Celsius. Pyrolysis creates biochar (activated charcoal), syn-
gas (which could potentially be refined into gasoline), bio-oil (bio fuel, polymers),
and excess heat. The students said that, potentially, biochar could be used in the
medical field and in gardens to conserve water, because it acts as a sponge.
Board members asked questions of the students regarding the biochar project
and what their plans are once they graduate from high school. Both students
indicated that they plan to go on to college. Ms. Wendlandt stated that, as a
result of a posting on the International Biochar Initiative website, she has
received an offer from an environmental organization to test the biochar and to
assist in designing a kiln to recycle products that are not typically recyclable.

V. CITIZEN COMMENTS

Nathan Webster addressed the Board regarding the Dream Big Essay Contest. He
explained that interested students will be asked to write an essay to explain the
importance of pursuing a goal and/or purpose and to outline their plan to achieve it.
He thanked the Board and district for giving students the opportunity to participate in
the essay contest. Mr. Webster noted that he’d attended the Heritage Community
Connections event a few weeks ago and saw examples of students being given the
opportunity to dream big and to begin to know the difference between a job and a
career.

Ms. Bradford noted that Joan Skelton, Director, was unable to attend the meeting this
evening because of another obligation. Mr. Thomas moved, seconded by Mr. Yuzuriha, to
excuse Ms. Skelton’s absence from the meeting. The motion carried unanimously.
Board of Directors’ Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Page Four

VI. CONSENT AGENDA – PROPOSALS FOR ACTION

A. Personnel Report
B. Approval of Vouchers: General, ASB, Capital Projects, Trust and Transportation
Vehicle Funds
General Fund
Voucher Number 271948 – 272145 in the amount of $290,028.60
Voucher Number 272146 – 272359 in the amount of $966,102.37
Capital Projects Fund
Voucher Number 23725 – 23738 in the amount of $34,818.03
Voucher Number 23739 – 23745 in the amount of $14,967.42
Associated Student Body Fund
Voucher Number 60408– 60455 in the amount of $24,450.85
Voucher Number 60456– 60527 in the amount of $34,553.02
Trust Fund
Voucher Number 318 – 319 in the amount of $420.80
Transportation Fund
Voucher Number 121 – 121 in the amount of $294,808.59
C. Agreement for Services Between Clark County Skills Center and Battle Ground
School District for Educational Offerings During the 2009-2010 School Year
D. Resolution 5116 – Approval of Purchase Orders: General, Capital Projects and
ASB Funds
E. Resolution 5118 – Approval of Cancellation of Warrant (Payroll)
F. Resolution 5119 – Approval of Clark County Skills Center 2010-2011 Minor Capital
Projects
G. Resolution 5120 – Approval of Health BioScience Academy Signature
Authorization
H. Resolution 5121 – Staff Travel Requests
I. Field Trip Requests

Mr. Parsons moved, seconded by Mr. Yuzuriha, to approve the consent agenda,
including the addition of a supplemental personnel report. The motion carried
unanimously.

VII. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

Superintendent Deeder stated that the bowling tournament held at Allen Crosley
Lanes on Sunday, January 31, was quite successful and that over $2,000 was raised
for Evergreen Citizens for Schools. He noted that both Mr. Thomas and Mr. Yuzuriha
bowled in the event.

Mr. Deeder noted that on Sunday, January 31, he also attended the College Bound
event at Clark College. Middle school students who qualify for the free and reduced
lunch program were given the opportunity to pledge that they’ll keep their grades
Board of Directors’ Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Page Five

and attendance up and stay out of trouble. Upon graduation, then, they will be
awarded a scholarship to attend any college in the state.

The Superintendent reported that he and several Board members attended a kick-off
luncheon for the Evergreen School District Foundation raffle. He explained that the
raffle will replace the Foundation’s auction, which has been the main fund raiser for
the past several years. Tickets for the raffle will be sold at $100 each and proceeds
will fund 10 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. Drawings for the
scholarships will take place on Saturday, May 22. Mr. Deeder commented that Mayor
Tim Leavitt purchased the first raffle ticket.

Superintendent Deeder stated that the district’s application for the 2009 Qualified
School Construction Bond (QSCB) program has been approved. $17,445,000 of
QSCB authority has been allocated, and the district will move forward with the
process to construct and open a new Health and BioScience Academy on or near the
Southwest Washington Medical Center campus. Money for the bond is part of the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Federal stimulus). Mr. Deeder
indicated that the Academy will be built for approximately 500 students and will
provide a comprehensive and challenging academic and health-related educational
program. He also commented that, in addition to the bond, Evergreen will qualify for
state matching funds because there are currently more than 1,200 un-housed high
school students (students taking classes in portables) in the district.

Mr. Deeder noted that, in the January edition of Great Fleets Across America 2010,
Evergreen School District’s school bus fleet was named as one of the top five fleets
in the nation.

VIII. BOARD COMMENTS

Mr. Yuzuriha, the Board’s WSSDA Legislative Representative, reported on the

WASA/WSSDA Legislative Conference he attended February 7-8 in Olympia. He
indicated that much discussion took place about the state failing to uphold its
responsibility to fully fund basic education. Mr. Yuzuriha noted that he’d spent time
talking with, among others, Senators Joe Zarelli, Craig Pridemore and Don Benton
and Representatives Jim Jacks and Tim Probst about levy equalization and the
district’s opposition to increasing levy equalization since it’s the state’s responsibility
to fully fund basic education. Mr. Yuzuriha stated that an updated revenue forecast
from the state is due this Thursday, February 11.

Mr. Parsons commented that it was a bit disconcerting when a five-year-old

Taiwanese student introduced his students to those attending the Taiwanese
Celebration and Performance event last Friday, February 5.
Board of Directors’ Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Page Six

Mr. Thomas expressed thanks and appreciation to Allen Crosley Lanes for sponsoring
the recent bowling tournament at a deep discount to the participants.

Ms. Bradford reported on the NSBA Federal Relations Network Conference she
attended January 31 – February 2 in Washington, DC. She indicated it was similar to
the experience Mr. Yuzuriha had at the WASA/WSSDA Legislative Conference but at
the national level rather than the state level. A topic for discussion called for full
funding of Title 1, since mandates comes from the federal level. She noted that the
district, for example, has to fund approximately $5 million from its budget for special
education. Another issue of discussion was the race for top monies to fund
innovative programs. Because Washington state does not recognize charter schools,
it is unlikely that it will be a contender for any of the available monies. Related to
AYP, Ms. Bradford stated there was consensus that, although current mandates
cannot be revised or changed, there should be a freeze on the sanctions until the
mandates can be reviewed. Mr. Deeder commented that, while at the conference,
Ms. Bradford communicated the message that students in Evergreen who decided to
change schools because their schools hadn’t met AYP were oftentimes the students
already meeting the standards. In several cases, those students moved to a school
that wasn’t performing as well as the one they’d left. Additionally, the students who
were not meeting the standards did not necessarily choose to move to another
school. Mr. Deeder commented that, oftentimes, size determines whether a district
will meet AYP or not. The very small school districts typically meet AYP. Ms.
Bradford concluded by saying she and others who attended the conference are
hopeful that the sanctions will be frozen until the mandates can be reviewed.

IX. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS – None presented.

X. ADJOURNMENT

Ms. Bradford stated that the Board would not have a workshop session this evening.
She indicated that, instead, Board members would sign documents and then join
staff at Applewood Restaurant to await election results.

The regular meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.

JD:brs

President, Board of Directors

Secretary, Board of Directors

February 23, 2010