AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Carruth Administration Center

Presiding Officer
President Doyle A. Valdez

On this the 28th day of April 2003, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Trustees of the Austin Independent School District convened in the Carruth Administration Center Auditorium, 1111 West 6th Street, Austin, Texas, and announced that it would convene in Executive Session under the provisions of Chapter 551 (Open Meetings), Sections 551.074, 551.076, and 551.071. The following members were present, to wit: Cheryl Bradley, Johna Edwards, John Fitzpatrick, Rudy Montoya, Jr. (arriving at 6:19 p.m.), Robert Schneider, Ingrid Taylor, Doyle Valdez, Ave Wahrmund, and Patricia Whiteside.

President Valdez called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m.

The Board found and determined that, in accordance with the policies and Order of this Board and with Chapter 551 (Open Meetings) of the Texas Government Code, as amended, the notice of the meeting has been properly complied with, including the posting of notice as to time, date, place of the meeting, and the subjects to be discussed at said meeting.

President Valdez called the Executive Session to order at 6:09 p.m. to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee; to deliberate the deployment, or specific occasions for implementation, of security personnel or devices; and to consult with legal counsel regarding pending or contemplated litigation or on a matter which the school district’s legal counsel determines should be confidential. The Board adjourned the Executive Session at 7:09 p.m.

President Valdez reconvened the meeting at 7:18 p.m.

Approve Agenda

Ingrid Taylor made a motion that the Board of Trustees approves the Agenda, with the exception of removing the following agenda items for a future Board meeting: RESULTS Discussion R-2.5 Technology: Indicators, and Monitoring Report for EL-4, Staff Treatment. Ave Wahrmund seconded the motion.

The motion passed unanimously.


Pledge of Allegiance

Students from Zilker Elementary School led the Pledge of Allegiance in English and Spanish, recited the Texas Pledge and the Zilker Chant. The following Zilker students were recognized with t-shirts and certificates: Allie Brotherton, Maddy Brotherton, Andrew Center, Ruth Harros, Hannah Kronke, Jessie Kronke, Jackie Roetman, Kayla Russell, Nicole Russell, Alex Saucedo, Colin Stonecipher, and Dylan Stonecipher. The following staff accompanied the students: Assistant Principal Gail Laubenthal; 4th Grade Teachers Patricia Russell and Emily Egelman; and 2nd Grade Teachers Jane Kronke and Leticia Saucedo.

Ingrid Taylor recognized Boy Scout Troops 454 and 399 in attendance to complete merit badges.

Recognitions

· Recognition of David Price and the Kealing Junior High Texas MATHCOUNTS Team

Cheryl Bradley made a motion that the Board of Trustees commends and congratulates David Price, Eric Chen, Kaitlin Williamson, and Ryan Newton as members of the Kealing Junior High Texas MATHCOUNTS Team who placed first at the Texas MATHCOUNTS competition. David Price achieved first place in the State of Texas and will complete in the National MATHCOUNTS competition. Ingrid Taylor seconded the motion.

The motion passed unanimously.

Accompanied by Coaches Nannette Strickland, Patty Hill, and Michael Word; Principal Leroy Davis; and Magnet Director Carol Hovland, the students were recognized by the Trustees.

· Bowie High School Athletes Receive First and Second Place and Swim Team Wins State Championship at UIL 5-A State Girls’ Swimming Championship

Robert Schneider made a motion that the Board of Trustees commends and congratulates the Bowie High School girls’ swim team for being named State champions, and the students for placing first and second at the 2003 University Interscholastic League 5-A State Girls’ swimming championship. Patricia Whiteside seconded the motion.

The motion passed unanimously.


Bowie Girls’ Swim Team State Champions
Andrea Axtell, Dana Davidson, Hayley McGregory, Becca Rogers and Alexi Spann

200 Medley Relay – set a new State Record in Prelims and again in Finals 1:44.51
Hayley McGregory, Alexi Spann, Andrea Axtell, Becca Rogers

400 Free Relay – set a new State Record in the Finals 3:28.01
Hayley McGregory, Alexi Spann, Andrea Axtell, Becca Rogers

200 Individual Medley and the 100 Butterfly
Andrea Axtell – placed 2nd in the two events

· Recognition of Students, Statewide Winners in the New Jersey Writing Project in Texas Conference

John Fitzpatrick made a motion that the Board of Trustees recognizes and congratulates students from Baranoff, Kocurek and Langford elementary schools, and Covington Middle School for their accomplishments in the New Jersey Writing Project in Texas statewide writing competition. Patricia Whiteside seconded the motion.

3-5 Poetry – Second Place
Courtney Jackson
“Jacket”
Kocurek Elementary School
Susan Keller, teacher
Cathy Heath, principal

3-5 Poetry – Third Place
Jonathan Duarte
“The Park”
Kocurek Elementary School
Livier Suniga, teacher
Cathy Heath, principal

3-5 Prose – First Place
Sydney Spicer
“Finding Out About Diabetes”
Baranoff Elementary School
Kaye Dunn, teacher
Debbie Sansom, principal


3-5 Prose – Second Place
Mason Solimine
“The Great Grandma”
Langford Elementary School
Linda Checkley, teacher
Claude Kim Bell, principal

6-8 Prose – Third Place
Katie Villarreal
“Scarlet Red”
Covington Middle School
Karrie Wheatley, teacher
Karon Rilling, principal

· Recognition of Principals’ Achievement in Support of Literacy Instruction

Johna Edwards made a motion that the Board of Trustees recognizes Dottie Riemer, principal of Casey Elementary School; Marcia Rossi, principal of Hill Elementary School; and Sheila Anderson, principal of Small Middle School, for receiving the Principal’s A-Honor Roll Award from the New Jersey Writing Project for exemplary leadership in literacy instruction through participation in Capital City Writes, a seminar providing extensive training for teachers in writing theory and classroom strategies. Ave Wahrmund seconded the motion.

The motion passed unanimously.

President’s Update

President Valdez provided an update on the following:

The week of May 5-9, 2003, has been designated as School Health Appreciation Week in AISD when the Austin community has the opportunity to honor our registered nurses and school health assistants for their contributions and dedicated service to our children. The District collaborates with Children’s Hospital of Austin to provide comprehensive health services in every school under the direction of Judy Frederick, Director of AISD Student Health Services.

The week of May 4-10, 2003, has been designated as Teacher Appreciation Week in AISD when teachers will be honored in numerous ways by the community expressing gratitude for the impact they have on the lives of our children. Beginning with an Act of Congress in 1953 after former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt urged lawmakers to proclaim a “National Teacher Day.” At the District level, the Teacher of the Year will be announced on May 1st, and the teachers who have devoted a lifetime of service to students’ success will be honored at the Retirees Recognition Dinner on May 21st.

Dr. Pat Forgione, Superintendent, announced that during April 29th – May 2nd AISD students will be engaged in the new Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) testing across the District. The students are well prepared, thanks to the teachers for dedication to the students being prepared and demonstrating success.

Citizens’ Communications

Janice Reed, a special education teacher at Bailey Middle School, expressed concerns regarding the budget reductions in the special education program.

Dick Fralin, a special education teacher at Porter Middle School, urged the Trustees to reject the proposed reorganization of custodians into zones and the hiring of new managers to supervise the custodians.

Wayne Bowen, a Reagan High School teacher, assured the Trustees that the faculty and students of Reagan High School are focused on teaching and learning as always and spoke with concerns regarding the proposed work shifts for custodians due to the need for supplemental incomes and family time.

Ronald Otis Johnson, representing Norman Elementary School, spoke with concerns regarding the proposed work shifts for custodians related to safety, availability and safety of public transportation, and child care for children; and also addressed the proposed supervision structure for custodians.

Kim O’Brien, a parent at Mathews Elementary School, expressed concerns regarding the proposed work shifts for custodians and stressed the vital role that the custodians have in the school community.

Randall Dazey, a volunteer in east Austin schools for 13 years, proudly reviewed the successes at Johnston High School and reported on the support from the community to make a substantial difference in the school.

Roy Salinas spoke in support of Randall Dazey and spoke with concerns regarding the unstable Johnston High School administration and the principal selection committee meetings that were cancelled and rescheduled; and reported on the staff, parents and community striving for improvements.

Julia Ruvalcaba, a parent at Jordan Elementary School and representing parents at Jordan Elementary School, spoke in support of the principal and urged the Board to consider the work that has been done at Jordan Elementary School under her leadership.

Dorcas Seals, a parent and community member at Jordan Elementary School, expressed concerns regarding the tenured teachers leaving Jordan Elementary; the overcrowded classrooms; the low enrollment projection of 700 compared to the current enrollment of 696; and the need for more schools in the area to support a quality education for every child.

Chrstina DeWinne, a member of the Paredes Middle School Campus Advisory Council, spoke with concerns regarding the overcrowded classrooms at Paredes and requested the reassignment of students from Paredes Middle School to campuses that have available space.

Helen Miller, a Jordan Elementary School parent, spoke with concerns regarding the data related to experienced teachers and requested that the Board meet with Jordan Elementary School parents.

Rita Haecker, vice president of Education Austin representing certified staff, addressed the Board regarding the personal welfare and safety of custodians related to the proposed custodian zone organization and reported to the Board that the 12-month payroll issue would go through impasse.

Mary Baughman, a parent at Mathews Elementary School, expressed support for the custodians; class sizes for art, music and physical education teachers; support for special education teachers; and urged the Trustees to discuss budget reductions with the District parents and teachers.

Bruce Banner, vice president of Education Austin representing classified employees, expressed concerns regarding the proposed custodian zones affecting the family lives, working schedule and safety and presented an alternative proposal with petitions.

Ernest Wallace, a Dobie Middle School custodian, addressed the Board with concerns about the proposed custodian zone organization.

Louis Malfaro, president of Education Austin, addressed the Board regarding the elimination of 45 custodial positions and the reduction of overtime.

O.D. Haywood, a member of Education Austin, spoke in support of the current custodian system and expressed concerns regarding the proposed custodian zones changing work hours, affecting day care and family time; and bringing an extra cost for the District.

Herschel Phillips, a Widen Elementary School head custodian, spoke with concerns regarding the safety for children and custodians.

Leo Brown, head custodian at Reagan High School, spoke against the proposed custodian zone organization.

Janie Stephens, the president elect for Mathews Elementary School PTA, spoke in support of the head custodian at Mathews Elementary School for the valued role he has at the school with the students, staff and community.

Rudy Montoya requested that the Superintendent provide supplemental information regarding the concerns expressed regarding Johnston High School, specifically the principal selection process.

Robert Schneider requested that the Superintendent provide follow-up considerations related to the boundaries of Paredes Middle School.

Consent Agenda

Patricia Whiteside made a motion that the Board of Trustees approves the Consent Agenda. Ingrid Taylor seconded the motion.

AYES: Cheryl Bradley, Johna Edwards, Robert Schneider, Ingrid Taylor,
Doyle Valdez, and Patricia Whiteside

NOS: None

ABSENT: John Fitzpatrick, Rudy Montoya and Ave Wahrmund

The motion passed.

In summary, the following items were approved:

Minutes, April 14, 2003, Regular Board Meeting
Minutes, April 15, 2003, Board Dialogue Meeting

Bids on Equipment, Services and Supplies
Bid on Fire and Security Alarm Equipment $267,443.28
Bid on Band Uniforms for Anderson High School $ 56,856.44
TOTAL $324,299.72

Routine Personnel Actions

Budget Reports, Amendments and Tax Report for the Month Ending March 31, 2003 – Approved the Budget Reports, Amendments, and Tax Report for the Month Ending March 31, 2003.

Accessibility Renovations to Nelson Field Award of Contract – Awarded a contract to Ceda Tex Services, in the amount of $261,548, for the accessibility improvements at Nelson Field Track and Football Stadium.

Renovations to Crockett High School Award of Contract – Awarded a contract to F.T. Woods Construction, in the amount of $135,000, for general renovations at Crockett High School.

Palm Elementary School Mechanical Equipment Package Award of Contract – Awarded a contract to Paschal-Harper, Inc., in the amount of $89,000, for the purchase of mechanical equipment for Palm Elementary School.

KPMG Dropout and Leaver Audit for TEA – Approved the report prepared by KPMG on Austin ISD’s dropout data and leaver-related procedures for release to TEA as required by Texas Education Code 39.055. The Certificate of Board is shown as Attachment A of the Official Minutes.

Culturally Responsive Customer Service Training – Approved a contract with SDSM, Inc., in the amount of $59,550, for district-wide customer service training to be delivered to 260 campus main office personnel and 40 central office personnel from June – November 2003.

Revision to Board Policy DC (LOCAL), Employment Practices - Approved the revised Board Policy DC (LOCAL), Employment Practices, shown as Attachment B of the Official Minutes, which represents a modification in that the Board would delegate to the Superintendent the appointment of all central office positions below the level of executive director.

Board Development Discussion: Presentation of Professional Development Best Practices

Dr. Pat Roy, National Staff Development Council consultant, reviewed the Council’s dedicated view of professional development and how to make it more effective for student learning. Terry Morganti-Fisher, Director of Educator Development, reviewed the District’s process of applying the standards through professional development.

Board and staff discussion regarding the best practices of professional development included: the use of real world subjects with students learning from each other as well as from the teachers; the input from participants regarding the effectiveness of professional development; the possibility of teachers designing professional development; the inclusion of diverse population classrooms in the professional development; the need to improve Spanish language skills of bilingual teachers; the critical element is the investment of Principles of Learning; the teachers feeling comfortable with use of data; and the method to assess the impact of professional development.

John Fitzpatrick requested that staff follow-up on the aspect of cultural sensitivity professional development related to the situations of students and parents.

RESULTS Policy 3.0 College and Career – School to Career Programs at Johnston High School

Dr. Joy McLarty, Deputy Superintendent of Accountability and Information Systems, introduced the chairs of the Johnston Futures Task Force on the panel: Jerome Hurt, AISD School to Career Director; and Dr. Mary Hensley, Associate Vice-President of Instructional Support Services for Austin Community College. Tri-Chair Jose DelValle, Director of the Austin Project, was not present. Dr. Donna Calzada, interim principal of Johnston High School, was also present for the presentation to the Board.

The Johnston Futures Task Force recommended three complete pathways in three different areas at Johnston High School: Information Technology, Health Sciences; and Business. The recommendation includes continuing the support for two existing programs at Johnston, expanding the business courses, starting information technology pathway, and developing a partnership with Austin Community College for health services.

Superintendent’s Remaining Budget Reduction Recommendations

Dr. Forgione reviewed the recommended budget reductions for the 2003-2004 budget, including a total of forty items totaling $21,541,815.

Board and staff discussion regarding the recommended reductions included: the efficiency of 12-month payrolls by minimizing the payroll options; the legal implications to contracts for payroll periods; the working shifts for custodians as proposed in new zone organization structure; the delivery of custodial services; the proposed budget reductions at Garza Independence High School; the tutorial funds for former Account for Learning campuses;

Ingrid Taylor made a motion that the Board of Trustees approves the Superintendent’s Budget Reduction Recommendations, with the exception of item 20a, go to zone system for delivery of housekeeping services by adding seven supervisors, one-time costs and decreasing overtime for $201,570 additional costs; and item 29a, reduce operating budget at Garza by $100,000, for consideration under separate vote. Robert Schneider seconded the motion.

Ave Wahrmund offered a friendly amendment, including item 3, discontinue allowing employees to receive June, July checks in May, and July check in June and pay 10-month employees over a 12-month period for $200,000 savings, for consideration under separate vote. Ingrid Taylor and Robert Schneider accepted the friendly amendment.

The motion passed unanimously.

Ingrid Taylor made a motion that the Board of Trustees approves the removal of item 20a, go to zone system for delivery of housekeeping services by adding seven supervisors, one-time costs and decreasing overtime for $201,570 additional costs, from the Superintendent’s Budget Reduction Recommendations. Robert Schneider seconded the motion.

AYES: Cheryl Bradley, Rudy Montoya, Robert Schneider, Ingrid Taylor, and Patricia Whiteside

NOS: Johna Edwards, John Fitzpatrick, Doyle Valdez, and Ave Wahrmund

ABSENT: None

The motion passed.

Ingrid Taylor made a motion that the Board of Trustees approves amended Superintendent’s Budget Reduction Recommendation Item 29a, reduce operating budget at Garza, with a $50,000 reduction. John Fitzpatrick seconded the motion.

AYES: Cheryl Bradley, John Fitzpatrick, Robert Schneider, Ingrid Taylor, and
Patricia Whiteside

NOS: Johna Edwards, Rudy Montoya, Doyle Valdez, and Ave Wahrmund

ABSENT: None

The motion passed.

At 12:00 a.m., Ingrid Taylor made a motion to extend the meeting for one hour.

Ave Wahrmund made a motion that the Board of Trustees approves the removal of item 3, discontinue allowing employees to receive June, July checks in May, and July check in June and pay 10-month employees over a 12-month period, from the Superintendent’s Budget Reduction Recommendations.

The motion died due to the lack of a second.

Ingrid Taylor made a motion that the Board of Trustees approves item 3, discontinue allowing employees to receive June, July checks in May, and July check in June and pay 10-month employees over a 12-month period for $200,000. Johna Edwards seconded the motion.

AYES: Johna Edwards, John Fitzpatrick, Rudy Montoya, Robert Schneider, Ingrid
Taylor, Doyle Valdez, and Patricia Whiteside

NOS: Cheryl Bradley and Ave Wahrmund

ABSENT: None

The motion passed.

Adjournment

The Regular Board Meeting adjourned at 12:04 a.m. to reconvene the Executive Session.

President Valdez reconvened the Executive Session at 12:07 a.m. The Board adjourned the Executive Session at 12:36 a.m.





_____________________________________
Doyle Valdez, President of the Board



________________________________
Ave Wahrmund, Secretary of the Board

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