Minutes
Oracle School District
Governing Board Special Meeting
Tuesday, January 9, 2007 6:30 p.m.
Oracle Ridge Boardroom
Organizational Meeting
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. by Elizabeth Harmon. Board members present were Susan Beaman, Boyd Bosma, Mike Carran, Elizabeth Harmon and Jack Walden.
Mrs. Harmon called for nominations for board president.
Jack Walden nominated and Boyd Bosma seconded, Boyd Bosma for board president.
Mike Carran nominated and Elizabeth Harmon seconded Elizabeth Harmon, for board president.
Mrs. Harmon asked if there were any other president nominations, there were none, nominations for president were closed.
Mr. Walden asked for discussion regarding the nominations. He gave a statement regarding Dr. Bosma’s credentials and asked for unanimous support for Dr. Bosma for president.
Vote for Boyd Bosma for president – Jack Walden and Boyd Bosma in favor.
Vote for Elizabeth Harmon for president - Elizabeth Harmon and Mike Carran in favor.
Susan Beaman abstained from voting.
Mrs. Harmon once again opened the floor for nominations for board president.
Jack Walden nominated and Boyd Bosma seconded, Boyd Bosma for board president.
Mike Carran nominated and Elizabeth Harmon seconded Elizabeth Harmon, for board president.
Mrs. Harmon asked if there were any other president nominations, there were none. Nominations for president were closed.
Mrs. Harmon gave a statement of her credentials and experience and asked for support in the bid for board president.
The results of the second round voting were as follows:
Vote for Boyd Bosma for president – Jack Walden and Boyd Bosma in favor.
Vote for Elizabeth Harmon for president - Elizabeth Harmon and Mike Carran in favor.
Susan Beaman abstained from voting.
Ms. Good, Pinal County Deputy Attorney, asked to speak and stated that with a vote of 2 to 2 the board is at an impasse and the previous officer of the board would continue to chair the meetings as acting (interim) president. The election of board president would be on the next board agenda meeting for action.
Mike Carran moved and Elizabeth Harmon seconded to continue this meeting with the clerk acting as president and do election at future meeting. Mike Carran and Elizabeth Harmon in favor. Susan Beaman, Boyd Bosma and Jack Walden opposed, motion failed. Discussion was held and clarification of the situation was given.
Mike Carran moved and Elizabeth Harmon seconded that the Governing Board continue meeting tonight with Mrs. Harmon, as acting president, and have an election of president on the next board meeting agenda. Susan Beaman, Mike Carran and Elizabeth Harmon in favor Boyd Bosma and Jack Walden opposed, motion carried.
Jack Walden moved to adjourn the meeting, no second.
Discussion was held regarding the election of clerk and it was agreed the election of clerk should not take place until a president is elected.
Election of Clerk – item tabled.
Establishment of Date, Time and Place of Regular Board Meetings for 2007
Boyd Bosma proposed and Mike Carran seconded that the Governing Board meet the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., (Mr. Bosma also requested an exception for the March meeting to be held the first Tuesday of the month due to travel arrangements that have been in place since before the election), Vote taken, all in favor, motion carried.
Susan Beaman moved and Mike Carran seconded that the Governing Board adjourn the meeting at 6:52 p.m., all in favor, motion carried.
The Oracle School District held a Public Hearing on the Proposed Classroom Site Fund Plan. The hearing was called to order at 6:52 p.m. Mr. Clark presented background information regarding the Classroom Side Fund and the revisions to the law which required a revision to the classroom site fund plan. Committee member Lori Tate presented information on the revisions to the plan that were derived by the committee and approved by the teachers. She noted the plan had been sent to the legal counsel, deputy county attorney Ron Harris for review. Discussion was held Ms. Tate answered questions. Mr. Clark stated the action for the Governing Board to approve the plan would take place during the regular board meeting following the public hearing.
The public hearing adjourned at 7:11 p.m.
Oracle School District
Governing Board Regular Meeting
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Oracle Ridge Boardroom
1. Call to Order
Elizabeth Harmon called the regular meeting to order at 7:12 p.m. Susan Beaman led the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members present were Susan Beaman, Boyd Bosma, Mike Carran, Elizabeth Harmon and Jack Walden, also present were John Clark, Dennis Blauser, Nannette Soule, Dawn Ruiz, Carmen Trejo, Deputy County Attorney Linda Good and those who signed the guest register.
Susan Beaman moved and Boyd Bosma seconded to approve the agenda with a change in the order of items, moving item #10 - Approval of Classroom Site Fund (301) Plan, to be taken after the consent agenda.
Mr. Bosma questioned the need for an executive session (item 5 Executive Session for Legal Advice per ARS 38-431.03.A.3 for discussion or consultation with District’s attorney for legal advice concerning proposed policies.)
Discussion was also held regarding requested agenda items, during which Ms. Good reminded the board of the open meeting law and the opportunity to discuss future agenda items later on in the agenda.
Vote taken, all in favor, motion carried.
Elizabeth Harmon read the call to the public and opened the floor for members of the public to address the board.
Lori Tate, (non district resident-Oracle school teacher) as a parent and voter in general, addressed the board and stated her opinion regarding voters and parents being the most important in the district and her hope that the Oracle School District Board can overcome some obstacles from the last few years and keep meetings at a reasonable length and keep working together.
Deanna Apodaca, member of Oracle Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), addressed the board and welcomed the new board members. She expressed her opinion regarding the personalities of past board members and expressed her hope that this board will keep working with school administration and staff to find ways to improve the education of our children. She mentioned improvements to the facilities and district that have taken place over the last few years, and she also let the board know the parents of the district will be watching.
Mr. Walden requested a future agenda item to discuss that very thing. Mr. Clark acknowledged the request and said he had no problem with it.
Patsy Miranda, parent of two children at Mountain Vista, addressed the board regarding her observation of the successes of the Oracle School District and supports the staff and her desire to be more involved with the school and PTO, and thinks staff needs more recognition for the wonderful job they do. The staff has her support and she would love to support the board.
Marydale Moore, future resident of Oracle School District, state she has small children who will be of school age soon and is interested in the growth in the area and interested in comprehensive plan for growth within the district.
Nellie Doran, district resident, wished congratulations to new board members and expressed her hope that the board members will focus on the issues in the legislature and issues in the district and the board will work together. She expressed her feelings that the main concern is the education of the children of the district and encouraged board members to set aside all disagreements and focus on the children and what the parents want.
Jack Walden expressed his thought that the board should talk with the public about all these issues and recommended setting up a work session to discuss. Mr. Clark agreed a public forum would be a good idea.
Mr. Bosma asked for clarification regarding response to items brought up in the call to the public. Ms. Good verified that the Governing Board’s response/action to items not on the agenda brought up in the call to the public, are limited to asking staff to look into something, ask for something to be put on a future agenda. She also stated the statue does allow for the response to criticism.
1. Special Meeting December 5, 2006
2. Regular Meeting December 5, 2006
3. Special Meeting December 8, 2006
# 7024 Expense $ 33,493.05 Payroll # 16 $ 126,753.22
# 7025 Expense $ 68,409.05 Payroll # 17 $ 19,684.22
# 7026 Expense $ 336,923.64 Payroll # 18 $ 105,935.14
$500.00 for the Mountain Vista Music Program – in memory of Savannah Stamps by Cheryl A. LaRose
Tax Credit Donations Received November - December 31, 2006 $85,800, for a total of $102,550 for the 2006 calendar year.
Susan Beaman moved and Boyd Bosma seconded approval of the consent agenda, all in favor, motion carried.
10. Approval of Classroom Site Fund (301) Plan
Boyd Bosma moved and Mike Carran seconded that the Governing Board approve the 301 plan subject to final approval by the district’s attorney.
Discussion was held and Mrs. Beaman noted that some of the changes discussed in the committee meeting had not been made, Ms. Tate concurred and stated it was an oversight and that the changes would be included. Mr. Walden had some questions about the teacher criteria which were answered by the administration.
Vote taken, all in favor, motion carried.
Mrs. Harmon called for a break at 7:50 p.m., the meeting reconvened at 8:03 p.m.
Mr. Clark asked for the board to consider addressing item number 9 Executive Session for Legal Advice at this time as the attorney for the district on this item was waiting for a phone call. There were no objections to the request.
Boyd Bosma moved and Mike Carran seconded that the Governing move item #9 on the agenda and handle the item at the present time, all in favor, motion carried.
Boyd Bosma moved and Jack Walden seconded that the Governing Board go into Executive Session for Legal Advice per ARS 38-431.03.A.4 for discussion or consultation with attorney representing District in order to consider Board's position and give direction to the attorney concerning pending litigation, Ellis vs. Oracle School District, all in favor, motion carried. (Session began at 8:05 p.m.)
The board reconvened into open session at 8:43 p.m.
Boyd Bosma moved and Jack Walden seconded that the Governing Board go on to item number 6 third reading and possible adoption of policies, Susan Beaman, Boyd Bosma, Mike Carran and Jack Walden in favor, Elizabeth Harmon opposed, motion carried.
Boyd Bosma moved and Jack Walden seconded that the Governing Board approve the third reading and possible adoption of the following policies:
JLIF, JLIF-R, JLIF-E Sex Offender Notification
DJE – Bidding/Purchasing Procedures
EB – Environmental and Safety Program
Linda Good, deputy county attorney, addressed the board regarding this item. She referenced her proposed JLIF, JLIF-R, JLIF-E Sex Offender Notification policies that were presented in the board packet. She relayed to the board her communication with Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA) policy analyst Jim Deaton regarding the reason for the new policy and the concerns she had with some of the optional language recommended by ASBA. Discussion was held and the board agreed the district staff should review the drafted policies and have an opportunity to forward their comments to the board.
Boyd Bosma moved and Jack Walden seconded to refer the sex offender notification policies to the staff and ask for recommendation from staff back to the board for the board to consider at their next meeting, all in favor, motion carried. Ms. Good noted that policies DJE – Bidding/Purchasing Procedures and EB – Environmental and Safety Program could be considered along with the JLIF - Sex Offender Notification policies.
Boyd Bosma moved and Susan Beaman seconded to table the adoption of the policies discussed above until there is a recommendation from staff, all in favor, motion carried.
Discussion was held regarding the option of postponing the remaining items on the agenda to a future meeting. It was noted that the remainder of the agenda should not take more that an hour to go through.
Jack Walden moved and Boyd Bosma seconded that the Governing Board task Superintendent Clark to get a legal opinion regarding the applicability of ARS 41-1276(I), Truth in taxation levy for equalization assistance to Oracle School District #2 upon unification.
Discussion was held and Mr. Walden clarified that the question he would like answered is will the Oracle School District residents face a tax rate change if the district becomes a unified district. Ms. Good advised the board that if they wish not to pass the motion, her office would commit to answering the question.
Mr. Walden moved and Susan Beaman seconded to withdraw his motion, all in favor, motion carried.
Boyd Bosma moved and Mike Carran seconded that the Governing Board authorize expenses for two board members to attend the National School Boards Association 67th Annual Conference in San Francisco, CA – April 14-17, 2007.
Discussion was held with Mrs. Beaman reminding the board that one of the goals the board adopted was for the board members to attend more professional development seminars and conferences. The budget amount for board conferences was also discussed and it was noted funds would need to be added to the board’s conference/travel budget if two board members attended the out of town conference along with board members attendance at some of the upcoming ASBA spring/summer conferences. Mr. Carran and Mrs. Harmon expressed an interest in attending and will follow up with the district personnel regarding the issue.
Vote taken, all in favor, motion carried.
11. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Open Meeting Law Training
Susan Beaman moved and Mike Carran seconded that the Governing Board schedule an Open Meeting Law training for the board and the administrators by March 15, 2007.
It was noted the ASBA BOLTS seminar was being held January 17 and the agenda for the seminar includes a session on Open Meeting Law. Mrs. Good recommended the board may want to attend that session and then at their next meeting determine whether or not further training is necessary. Board members agreed it would be a good idea to attend the BOLTS first and then determine the need for further training.
Boyd Bosma moved and Jack Walden seconded that the Governing Board postpone this item until next month, all in favor, motion carried.
Susan Beaman suggested that board members bring their calendars and come with suggested dates in the event the board decides to schedule further training.
12. Personnel
a. Approval of employment of Kelly Hatfield – Title I Aide
Susan Beaman moved and Jack Walden seconded that the Governing Board approve the employment of Kelly Hatfield – Title I paraprofessional Level 2, Step 1, 32.5 hours per week, all in favor, motion carried.
Nannette Soule, academic director, gave a grants update. She reported all completion reports had be done and some of the grants would be requiring budget revisions due to carryover funds. The administrative team will be meeting with the business manager to discuss and make recommendation for the revisions.
Mr. Blauser reported on Mountain Vista current events. The Mountain Vista campus provides a stable environment and all is going well. The morning tutoring has allowed for greater participation of 6th – 8th grade students. Assessments will be taking place during the next few weeks and the data gathered will be utilized to continuously improve and evaluate every student’s progress.
Mr. Clark reported on district current events. Preschool/Childcare numbers are increasing. He reported some of the capital projects are on hold due to the timing of revenues being deposited through the county treasurer. The new bus will be delivered soon. Mrs. Johnson will be starting her courses at Northern Arizona University soon. He encouraged the board to attend a Parent Teacher Organization meeting and visit the campus from time to time.
16. Board Report
Board members reported on their attendance to the Arizona School Boards Association/Arizona School Administrators annual conference in Phoenix.
17. Future Meeting Dates & Topics:
Next Regular Meeting – February 13, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at the Oracle Ridge Boardroom.
The following topics were requested by Mr. Walden:
a. Request for executive session for “Discussion of office staffing”.
b. Agenda item for “Discussion on whether or not the board should pursue the results of the 2006 Superintendent’s Evaluation”.
c. Agenda Item for discussion of whether or not the board should task the superintendent to request from the Attorney General’s office a “Satisfaction of Compliance” of the OML Consent Agreement”.
d. Request for agenda item “first reading of proposed amendment of policy BBAA – Board Member Authority and Responsibilities.
e. Request for agenda item “first reading of proposed amendment of policy BEDBA – Agenda Preparation and Dissemination
Discussion was held on the requested topic “a” and the board agreed it was not an appropriate agenda item
Jack Walden moved and Boyd Bosma seconded that the Governing Board task the Superintendent to put items b-e above on the agenda.
A lengthy discussion was held. Regarding item “c” Mr. Clark will forward information received from the Attorney General’s office to board members. Regarding the remaining 3 items (b, d, & e) Mr. Clark stated the items would be placed on the agenda.
[Transcribers note – no formal vote taken on motion]
18. Meeting Evaluation
Board members gave their comments regarding the meeting. Under circumstances went relatively well; somewhere what was lost is what’s good for kids; to work consistently together out to be a positive goal – should be about kids, meeting way too long.
Susan Beaman excused herself from the meeting at 10:28 p.m.
19. Adjournment
Jack Walden moved and Mike Carran seconded that the Governing Board adjourn the meeting at 10:30 p.m., all in favor, motion carried.
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Board President Board Member
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Board Clerk Board Member
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Board Member
Minutes approved on ____________________________________