PALOUSE SCHOOL DISTRICT #301 - GARFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT #302
JOINT BOARD MEETING - THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2003
The Garfield school board and the Palouse school board meetings were reconvened at 8:00 p.m. by Garfield board chairman Mike Cronk.
Present: Palouse board John Leendertsen, Jerry Schwartzman, Paula Echanove, Mike White, and Kent Keller. Garfield Board members Mike Cronk, Roger Pennell, Warren Neal, Jill Palmer and Craig Cochran.
Also Present: Superintendent Beverly Fox, Principals Bill LaMunyan and Skip Wilson, Business Office Manager Patsy Dunning and Recorder Cindy Kimberling.
Guests: Bud Carter, Mike Allen, Marv Pillers, Rich Olson, Mike Burt, Cheri Curtis, Jennifer Roach, Nikki Brown, James Grinolds, Jarrod Pfaff, Ron Rosebrook, Patty Cottrill, Dan Bothell, Sally Elder, Kurt Kimberling, Cindy Dvorak, Jamie Dvorak, Savanna Styer, Mary Barstow, Amberly Kent, Rachel Motteram, Neva Kuehner, Dawn Kriebel, Alli Bennett, Richard Leinweber, Jack Neal, Tim Boone, Jiggs Anderson, Tom Westacott , April Pfaff, Bill Broughton, Stacey Peppin, Steve Swinney, Frankie Swinney, Don Holbrook, Debbie Holbrook, Louanne Deerkop, Theresa Pfaff, Kerry Johnson, Tom Johnson, Holly Thomas, Patty Kent, Diane Main, Sally Rogers, Vickie Griner, Dennis Griner, Jody Akins, Jim Akins, Valorie Fisher, Becky Manning, Corrine Kent, Becky Brink, Linda Carlson, Dick Kriebel, Zena Broughton, Larry Warner, Kathy Pinter, Debbie Gilbertson, Chris Cochran, Kathy Westacott, Nancy Hegg, Wendy Delzer, Emily Wagnitz, and Janet Barstow.
Reaffirm the Dedication to the Cooperative, Supplemental Contracts, and Cooperative Procedures were added to the agenda. Cost Sharing was moved to the February meeting.
Kent Keller asked to add Superintendent Discussion.
Craig Cochran moved that we publicly re-affirm our dedication to the educational cooperative formed between the Garfield and Palouse school districts, and that while there may be differing opinions on one issue, we believe because of the increased educational opportunities it provides the children of both communities, the cooperative can and will be maintained. Mike Cronk seconded the motion. Jerry Schwartzman and John Leendertsen made the same motion for the Palouse board. The motions were passed unanimously by a roll call vote.
Jill Palmer moved to accept the minutes from December 29, 2002. The motion was seconded by John Leendertsen. The motion passed
There were no hiring recommendations.
Mike White and Kent Keller moved to adopt the School Improvement Plan Policy, and the IMC policy, and accept the resignation of Tecla Blood. Warren Neal and Craig Cochran made the same motion for the Garfield board. Both boards passed the motion unanimously.
Stacey Peppin, the MS Language Arts teacher shared the 6th and 7th grade curriculum. She reported that much of her curriculum focuses on the WASL skills.
Bud Carter, the FFA advisor, introduced Amberly Kent, Rachel Motteram, Mary Barstow, and Savanna Styer. These girls and Annie Shull were the five students who went to Nationals. The girls shared a slide show presentation of their trip to Louisville, Kentucky. They enjoyed many different things including museums, concerts, keynote speakers, competitions, etc. They thoroughly enjoyed the trip.
Bill LaMunyan added to his report that the WSU school climate survey has been tabulated and the administration will meet with them to go over the results. He also added that for one week the HIV/AIDS and Human Growth and Development curriculum was available to the public for viewing. There were some parents come in to look it over. Mr. LaMunyan thanked Alli Bennett for all her effort with the Krispy Kreme sales. It went very well, better than anticipated. Mr. LaMunyan reported that Palouse Schools have been accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges for the 2002-3002 school year.
Mr. Wilson reported that the Garfield Schools have also received their accreditation from the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. The HIV/AIDS and Human Growth and Development curriculum was available to the public for viewing.
There were some parents come in to look it over. There are 22 middle school girls out for volleyball. This will give the opportunity for a "C" squad for all to have more playing time.
January is school board recognition month. Mrs. Fox expressed her thanks for the countless hours the school board members give to serve the community and the schools.
Mrs. Fox asked for a Board member from each board to volunteer to be on the Site Council. Jill Palmer and Paula Echanove volunteered.
John Leendertsen and Jill Palmer moved to accept the proposed start dates of Sept 2, 2004 and Sept 1, 2005. The motion passed unanimously.
Jerry Schwartzman moved to increase the following supplemental contracts by adding the following amounts:
$2000 – FFA
$451 - AV
$698 - FCCLA
$226 - Jazz Band
Paula Echanove seconded the motion. Jill Palmer wanted clarification as to whether this increase would reflect the salary next year instead of being a one time amount of money. There was verbal agreement that the salary for next year would include this amount of money. The motion passed unanimously.
Jerry Schwartzman reported that the Gentlemen's agreement to carry on as a cooperative district is not in writing. His feelings are that a consensus of the 10 members is needed to convey the wishes of both boards. According to Jerry, unless consensus is honored, one board may block the other board's wants. Warren Neal recited the Administrative Procedure Code 1312 that reads, in part, the boards agree that no action will be taken on cooperative matters until a consensus agreement of both boards has been achieved and that separate votes of the two boards will be taken on matters of policy, contracts, resolutions and minutes. Jerry Schwartzman stated that in his opinion the boards must reach a consensus before any item is voted on.
Discussion on the superintendent issues –
Debbie Holbrook asked that if one Board calls executive session, is the other Board informed of that discussion?
Mike Cronk replied that the Board that calls executive session is not required to tell anything about an executive session to the other Board.
Kurt Kimberling asked what are your plans for the superintendent?
The Palouse Board responded that there is no change in their plans for the superintendent. The Garfield Board responded that no action is being taken at this time. Mike Cronk Stated that their legal council has instructed them not to comment, not at this time.
Kurt let the Garfield board know that he felt that they were not representing a cross section of the community with their recent decisions.
Mike Allen stated that he understands that there will be no answers on legal issues, but asked that the Boards give a time frame of when something is going to be said or done to resolve the issue.
Jerry Schwartzman replied that there will be a board meeting called within the next two weeks to discuss this issue.
Neva Kuehner stated that she is a parent and employee of the Garfield School District. She said she stands in favor of Bev and that she has been the one to keep the school afloat, and Bev shows much dedication to the districts.
Patty Cottrill stated that Bev Fox has taught her many things. Bev is a thorough person. She is an understanding person with parents, students and staff. Patty hopes to continue to work with her in the Garfield building as well as Palouse.
Tim Boone asked if the Garfield board asked for Mrs. Fox’s resignation.
Mike Cronk replied that statement was given to Mrs. Fox at a meeting. He recited the statement: As board chair it is my responsibility to inform you that the Garfield board has lost confidence in you as our leader and will not vote to renew your contract. We feel that it would be in your best interest to avoid the evaluation process. Futhermore, we would offer to pay our share of the remainder of your contract in exchange for your resignation.
Tim Boone asked: When was the meeting held for the asking of her resignation?
Mike Cronk replied that there was no formal meeting. Mike said that it was the consensus of the five board members as they were polled individually by phone.
Jill Palmer interceded that it was never five Garfield board members, that she had not agreed to it. There were two Palouse board members at the meeting with Mrs. Fox and two Garfield board members at which they made the statement. The meeting was held the day before the Christmas vacation (December 17, 2002).
Dan Bothell asked if the meeting was posted.
The Garfield board replied that there was no quorum at the meeting therefore notice was not needed.
Jerry Schwartzman wanted it to be known that the Palouse board members that attended that meeting (himself and Mike White) did not know that the statement was going to be made at that meeting. Mike White reiterated that fact..
Tim Boone asked that when and if this issue comes to an end and if Mrs. Fox is released, can we have an answer to why?
The Garfield board replied that depends on what legal council tells us. Roger Pennell stated that a public institution can keep a secret such as this. There have been cases when documents have been sealed and no one has ever known the reason.
Wendy Delzer stated that the public should trust the board to make the correct decision. They have the information. She hopes that this would not divide the communities. Wendy also stated that she is impressed at how well Mrs. Fox composes herself under stress.
April Pfaff stated that she supports the Garfield board and knows that they cannot tell the reasons why.
Steve Swinney asked the boards: What is your job?
The boards responded that they hire and fire employees, set policy, oversee etc.
Steve said that maybe the board should allow the superintendent to do her job.
Neva Kuehner said that the school board job as elected positions is to take the community into consideration, to consider the thoughts of the community and staff.
She said that none of the board has asked the staff how they feel about working with Bev.
Jim Akins said that the number one priority is the students.
John Leendertsen said, we are in it for the kids.
Steve Swinney stated that this is raising uncertainty from the kids.
Cheri Curtis asked, can you tell me what happens when you can’t came to an agreement?
The boards replied that they have always come to an agreement.
Cheri asked again what happens if you can’t?
The boards replied that that hasn’t happened.
Cheri said that she trusts both boards, they are smart and they are looking out for the children.
Dan Bothell stated that there is a law about private meetings, the open meetings law. He feels that this has been violated.
Jack Neal reported that he was on the board when the cooperative came together. At that time he stood up for Palouse as much as Garfield.
Jody Akins said that usually when there is a problem with an employee, they are reprimanded and go through a process. She asked the boards what their procedures are.
The board replied that there was an executive session with all board members to discuss Mrs. Fox's position. They stated that the procedure is different when dealing with an administrator than an employee.
Diane Main stated that she has worked for the school district for 20 years. She feels that working with Mrs. Fox adds consistency to the work place and she knows what to expect. Diane felt that many decisions were made to save the schools in the last year or so.
She also stated that many people make mistakes and should not be punished for their past mistakes. She hopes that the boards are doing the best they can to help the schools.
Jennifer Roach said that she has heard bad things personnel wise about the administration. Her feeling is that Bev has been here for many years and the problems have been coming along for a time now.
Mike Burt said that it's his feeling that this issue is keeping the cooperative apart. He asked if there was a chance that we may have two superintendents.
Mike Cronk said yes. Others on the board responded that the options are open.
Mike asked if the two boards have to agree. What happened if one board decides to not renew a contract?
The board answered hypothetically yes, one board could hire Bev and one board could not.
Becky Manning introduced herself as a parent and added that her children are her number one priority. According to her, that's why we are here tonight. All present are concerned. She has watched Mrs. Fox interact with children, parents, and staff. She cannot embrace the fact of what the board is asking of her. She realized that the boards are not asking for support, but hoped that the boards would take the community into consideration.
Linda Carlson stated that there are contractual position timelines for administration release. What is that deadline?
The board replied, April 1st.
Janet Barstow publicly affirmed her support for Mrs. Fox. She asked, "If the superintendent was a personal friend of the people who want her gone, would the board still ask for her resignation?"
Corinne Kent asked, are you suggesting that she resign?
Valorie Fisher stated that as a member of this cooperative, it is her feeling that neither one of these boards can afford to be looking for a superintendent. She is amazed that with the economy as it is, that a district could afford to pay someone for doing nothing. According to the budget numbers, our current superintendent is doing great. The budget numbers are great. Rehiring is expensive. In her opinion, it's all about the numbers.
Kathy Pinter stated that it is our responsibility to look at the cooperative. It is not us and them, we are a community.
Holly Thomas reiterated what Kathy said. We need to work together.
Debbie Gilbertson expressed that she thought that the papers have blown this out of proportion. We need to look at what is best for our district and the children.
Tim Boone reiterated that he still wants to know why, when it is all said and done.
Mike Allen was concerned that the board had said that they handled a staff member and administration hiring and firing on a different level. What is that?
The board replied that teachers gain tenure.
April Pfaff asked that the community give the board credit. She stated that she was certain that is it more than a personality conflict, that the community must give the board more credit than that.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.