Methow Valley School District Board of Directors Minutes of regular meeting held January 24, 2018 Members present:
Gary Marchbank, Chair Judith Hardmeyer-Wright, Vice Chair Dana Stromberger - absent Mary Anne Quigley Frank Kline
Tom Venable, Superintendent CALL TO ORDER The meeting called to order at 5:30 pm by Board Chair Gary Marchbank, followed by the pledge of allegiance and reading of norms and vision statement. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA No changes to the agenda or the consent agenda. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS No comments from the public. VISITORS Visitors included Sheryl Wolfe, Deborah DeKalb, Anne Andersen, Drew Simmons, Eveline Wathen and Lillianna Hart-Beck. I. COMMUNICATIONS Highlights of Beijing and Xian student trip Liberty Bell teacher Eveline Wathen and student Lillianna Hart-Beck shared highlights from the trip to Beijing and Xian taken by fourth and fifth year Chinese Language students. Ms. Wathen explained that the learning objectives for the trip required students to be an integral part in the planning. They shared responsibility for creating the itinerary, including sightseeing destinations and activities and organizing logistics of food and expenses. While in Beijing, students assisted in executing their schedule, navigating public transportation, and ordering food in restaurants. Student learning included gaining confidence in speaking the Chinese language, trip planning, maneuvering their way through a foreign country and learning the Chinese culture and history to observe differences and similarities between China and America. Board Appreciation Superintendent Venable shared that January is Board Appreciation Month and presented the Directors with a Certificate of Appreciation. He expressed gratitude for their service to the district. New Devices Directors received new iPads to use for Board related business. As part of Board Appreciation Month, Directors viewed a video on their new devices of students expressing appreciation for the Board’s support of the school programs.
January 24, 2018 Superintendent’s update Superintendent Venable reported that heavy snowfall and icy road conditions required a twohour late start. Superintendent Venable shared that the second of a five-part series titled Raising Balanced Children was attended by approximately 30 parents. High school students led a discussion about how different parenting styles effect the way students use technology. The intent of the program is to open an exchange between families and the school in regard to the time students spend in front of a screen. Liberty Bell teacher Rebecca Thomson’s Foods class catered refreshments for the event. Superintendent Venable explained that the Technology Committee is shifting its focus from hardware acquisition toward developing a scope and sequence for using technology in authentic, real-world situations. Superintendent Venable shared that the new culinary kitchen at Liberty Bell is being put to good use. Students in Ms. Thomson’s Foods class participated in a Top Chef competition at Sun Mountain Lodge winning the competition again for the third year in a row. Students from Ms. Nelson Wicks Video Productions class live-streamed the competition. Superintendent Venable and Director of Teaching and Learning Anne Andersen shared that last year the Literacy Committee recommended the adoption of the reading program Read Well, currently implemented in grades K-2 and in upper grades as needed. The committee’s focus this year is on core reading and above-level reading instruction for grades 3-6. The Math Committee’s focus is implementation of the new math curriculum Bridges. Liberty Bell Principal Deborah Dekalb shared that Liberty Bell teacher Paul Gitchos is submitting a syllabus for AP Calculus AB, and Liberty Bell teacher Katie Leuthauser is submitting a syllabus for AP Physics and possibly AP Computer Science to be approved by the College Board Advanced Placement Program. These courses are college preparatory courses. Superintendent Venable reported that administrators from High Tech High School in Quincy School District are preparing to join the network of innovative schools. They visited the Independent Learning Center to observe an instructional model that promotes creative, meaningful, real-world opportunities, and encourages students to be responsible for their own learning. Superintendent Venable shared that students are engaged in a variety of activities throughout the district that include National History Day presentations by eighth and tenth grade students, Poetry Out Loud regional competition, and a drama production of Rock and Roll High School performed at the Merc Theater. Superintendent Venable reported that Classroom in Bloom is considering offering paid internships this summer. The student interns will work in the garden during the summer and provide the Summer Foods Program with produce. Page | 2
January 24, 2018 Superintendent Venable shared that a coalition of superintendents and education associations from the North Central Region is speaking directly to state legislators to express the importance of restoring levy-funding structures and adjusting regionalization funding to school districts. Superintendent Venable reported that the district hired Kory Lester to fill the position of Payroll and Benefits Specialist. Payroll preparation will transition from ESD 171 back to the district. II. FINANCIAL REPORT Superintendent Venable reported that the budget status report indicates that the ending fund balance is trending upward from the original projections. January’s apportionment will reflect the increase in student enrollment. III. CONSENT AGENDA The Board approved by consent: Vouchers and Payroll for December 2017 Payment for accounts payable check numbers 450688 through 450731 in the total amount of $130,241.53 and check numbers 450732 through 450783 in the total amount of $127,723.67; and general fund payroll and benefits check numbers 450784 through 450828, and direct deposit warrants 900010704 through 900010821 in the total amount of $596,587.75; as presented. Minutes Minutes from regular meeting on January 10, 2018. Enrollment Enrollment for January 2018 as presented.
A motion made by Mary Anne Quigley and seconded by Frank Kline to approve the consent agenda as presented; motion passed unanimously. IV. BOARD BUSINESS Board reviewed the calendar of upcoming events. ADJOURNMENT At 7:05 pm, the Board, having no further business, adjourned the meeting.
_____________________________ Tom Venable, Supt. pb
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_____________________________ Gary Marchbank, Board Chair
