Board Meeting Minutes
November 27, 2007

The Board of Education of the Federal Way Public School District No. 210 held a regular Board Meeting at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 27, 2007, at Federal Way City Hall Council Chambers, 33325 8th Avenue South, Federal Way, WA 98003.

President Ed Barney called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Board Members Present:
Ed Barney, President
Dave Larson, Vice President
Charles Hoff, Director
Evelyn Castellar, Director
Tom Madden, Director

Staff Present:
Tom Murphy, Superintendent
Mark Davidson, Deputy Superintendent
Carol Matsui, Assistant Superintendent
Alma Dansby, Assistant Superintendent
Rod Leland, Director of Facilities
Chuck Christensen, Director of Human Resources
Diane Turner, Director of Communications
Mary Asplund, Director of Nutrition Services
Chris Popich, Administrative Assistant

Colors Presented and Pledge of Allegiance

The JROTC from Federal Way High School presented the flag followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The Totem Jazz Band played the National Anthem this evening.

President Barney thanked the Totem Jazz Band for their music this evening.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Director Hoff moved that the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda of November 27, 2007 as submitted. Seconded by Director Castellar. Motion carried unanimously.

Approval of Meeting Agenda

Director Hoff moved that the Board of Education approve the meeting agenda of November 27, 2007 as submitted. Seconded by Director Castellar. Motion carried unanimously.

Approval of Minutes

Director Hoff moved that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the Board Meeting of November 13, 2007 as submitted. Seconded by Director Castellar. Motion carried unanimously.

Superintendent Comments

Superintendent Tom Murphy thanked Judge Michael Morgan for being present to present the Oath to the newly elected Board Members. Mr. Murphy introduced Mr. Mark Davidson, Deputy Superintendent, who introduced four different teams who were successful in their athletics this fall. Mr. Davidson introduced the Federal Way High School Football Team who took first place in the SPSL-North Division. This team was more successful this year than in the past 30 years and went on to the playoffs.

Mr. Davidson then introduced three teams from Todd Beamer High School for their first place finishes in the SPSL – South Division. The Boys Tennis Team, Girls Swim and Dive team, and the Girls Soccer Team were present. The Titan Soccer Team came in second place in the State this year.

Superintendent Murphy thanked Directors Hoff and Castellar who will be leaving the Board. He congratulated Dave Larson, Amye Bronson-Doherty, and Suzanne Smith on their election and he said he looks forward to working with them for the next four years…or so.

Public Comment

The following patrons have made comment on any item of their interest. The name, service area where they live and the topic of concern is listed below.

• Walter Backstrom, Rainier View Elementary, Care Team and the Dedication of Charlie Hoff
• Shari Cotes, Star Lake Elementary, Thanks to Directors Hoff and Castellar
• Vickie Ennesser, Star Lake Elementary, Thanks to Director Castellar

School Board Comments

• Director Madden thanked both Director Castellar and Director Hoff. He said he would miss them both.
• Director Larson also thanked each of the two Directors leaving the Board this evening.
• President Barney also thanked Evelyn and Charlie for their service to the Board. He presented a plaque for their dedication to the community.
• Director Castellar congratulated Amye and Suzanne. She thanked everyone for their support and friendship. Director Castellar asked that the city, community, and the School District to reach out to the students and families and help them to learn the English language.
• Director Hoff also thanked everyone for the support. He asked once again for the WASL vs. grades report that he has asked for many times before. He apologized to the taxpayers of the District. He said that most of the children are still not getting a good education. He read a lengthy discourse on what he believes is wrong with the District.

Oath of Office

President Barney introduced Judge Michael Morgan who gave the Oath of Office to the new Board Members. Suzanne Smith, Director District #2, Amye Bronson-Doherty, Director District #3, and Dave Larson, Director District #5, were sworn in this evening and took their place at the Dais.

President Barney welcomed all new members to the Board.

Director Smith introduced her family and thanked all of her supporters.

Director Bronson-Doherty thanked her family, friends, and supporters as well as the departing board members. She also introduced her family.

Board Election of Officers

President Barney called for nominations for President of the Federal Way School Board. Director Madden nominated Director Larson as President of the Board of Education. Seconded by Director Smith. After the same request for nominations two more times, the motion carried unanimously.

President Larson took his place on the dais as President. He then asked for nominations for Vice President.

Director Barney nominated Director Madden for Vice President. Seconded by Director Bronson-Doherty. After the same request for nominations two more times, motion carried unanimously.

Director Smith moved that all policies and adopted regulations are in full force and effect as they are now constituted, but are subject to individual review and revision as the need arises. Seconded by Director Barney. Motion carried unanimously.

Director Madden thanked Director Barney for his service as the Past President of the School Board.

Recess and Reconvene

President Larson recessed the meeting at 8:00 and reconvened the meeting at 8:10 p.m.

Legislative Report

President Larson reported that Sally, Tom, Dave and Buzz invited to present a new education commission in Olympia in December to discuss equity and other issues. Director Smith also reported that House Joint Resolution 4204 passed by 50.675% that goes into effect December 6, 2007 so the levy that goes out in February 2008 will only have to pass by a simple majority.

Construction Bond Progress Report

Mr. Leland reported that everything is on time and on budget.

Policy 2422: Homework

Mrs. Carol Matsui, Assistant Superintendent, introduced the Homework policy and thanked all of the committee members for helping with this recommended revision on this policy. She read the additions made to this existing policy.

Public Comment

• Charlie Hoff, Star Lake Service Area
• Director Bronson-Doherty asked for clarification in the second paragraph where it talks about homework may be required or optional. Is homework factored into grades or not. Ms. Matsui said that currently in the middle schools technically homework can count as 10% of the grade but there is really no true measure of what a student knows and so the teacher uses on-demand tests in the classroom. She said it is important for feedback from the student.
• President Larson asked what measure of guidelines are used and is the homework policy consistent across the District.
• Director Madden asked how families who don’t have access to a computer can be as informed about their student’s grades as those that do have access.
• Director Smith asked about the procedure that goes along with this policy.

Policy 2161: Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students

Superintendent Murphy said this has been a policy since the late 1970’s but that the policy has changed to reflect the new laws. This policy is on for second reading. President Larson reminded all Board Members that policies are usually adopted at the third reading but could be adopted earlier if the Board chooses.

Director Bronson-Doherty said she would vote for this tonight but that she would like to revisit this policy again in the future.

Director Madden moved to adopt Policy 2161. Seconded by Director Barney. Motion carried unanimously.

Policy 2335: Health/Fitness Education

Sue Overton, Coordinator of Health Services, was available to the Board to answer any questions. She said that MRSA is not a new health issue and that the District is doing everything to address this concern. Ms. Overton presented very informative information regarding MRSA. She read the additions to the policy which is on for first reading.

Educational Programs and Operations Levy (E.P. & O. Levy)

Because Ms. McLean is unable to attend, this presentation was removed from the meeting this evening.

Woodmont Elementary School Kindergarten – Eighth Grade Report

Principal Donna Bogle was present to give a report about the K-8 program at Woodmont Elementary.

New Action Items

President Larson said that he will ask for a second on any action item that is brought forward by any one Board Member. No new action items were requested this evening.

Adjournment

President Larson adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m.

Ed Barney, Past Board President
Dave Larson, Current Board President
Tom Murphy, Superintendent

Minutes prepared by Chris Popich, Administrative Assistant