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| Madison Metropolitan School District Madison, Wisconsin Art Rainwater, Superintendent | ||
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| BOARD OF EDUCATION Minutes for Regular Meetings May 7, 2007 |
Doyle Administration Building 545 West Dayton Street, Auditorium Madison, Wisconsin |
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I CALL TO ORDER
The Board of Education meeting was called to order by President Johnny Winston, Jr. at 7:21 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Carol Carstensen, Maya Cole, Lawrie Kobza, Lucy Mathiak, Beth Moss, Arlene Silveira, Johnny Winston, Jr.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE PRESENT: Joe Carlsmith
STAFF PRESENT: Sue Abplanalp, Lisa Black, Lucy Chaffin, Mary Gulbrandsen, Pam Nash, Doug Pearson, Roger Price, Joe Quick, Art Rainwater, Marcia Standiford, Barbara Lehman-Recording Secretary
LEGAL COUNSEL PRESENT: Attorney Clarence Sherrod
Recognized the Evjue Foundation (charitable giving arm of The Capital Times newspaper) and introduced this year's Evjue grant winners. Each year the Foundation makes a $25,000 gift to the district and then the staff selects the programs and projects that are most worthy. Dave Zweifel, long-time editor of The Capital Times and member of the Evjue Foundation board, explained why Evjue considers its giving to MMSD important. Each of the winners was congratulated for their project (please see attached script).
This year's Schools of Hope and Preschools of Hope VISTAs were recognized for their volunteer work with the Madison schools and partner programs in helping reach strategic goals. The volunteers spend at least a year working as a "domestic Peace Corps" to integrate trained community volunteers and other resources into MMSD academic programs. This is the ninth year that Schools Hope VISTAs have worked in conjunction with elementary school staff to help boost academic skills for struggling students. Currently, Madison is the only district in the country to document a significant reduction in the achievement gap. Both of these efforts are collaborations with the United Way and RSVP of Dane County. Karen Dischler of RSVP and Kathy Price of MMSD coordinate both teams, and Rita Kehl and Judy Ballweg of MMSD assist with the Preschools of Hope Project. Former VISTA Emily Greene serves as Project Coordinator (please see attached script).
Newly elected board members Maya Cole, Beth Moss, and Johnny Winston, Jr. were sworn in.
Election of Officers for 2007-08
Carol Carstensen nominated Johnny Winston, Jr. for President. Mr. Winston declined.
Lawrie Kobza nominated Arlene Silveira for President. It was moved by Johnny Winston, Jr. and seconded by Carol Carstensen to close nominations. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried. The motion to elect Arlene Silveira President carried unanimously.
Ms. Silveira chaired the meeting from this point on.
Lucy Mathiak nominated Lawrie Kobza for Vice President. It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Lucy Mathiak to close nominations for Vice President. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried. The motion to elect Lawrie Kobza Vice President carried 6-1 with Johnny Winston, Jr. voting no and the Student Representative voting aye.
Lawrie Kobza nominated Carol Carstensen for Treasurer. It was moved by Lucy Mathiak and seconded by Johnny Winston, Jr. to close nominations for Treasurer. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried. The motion to elect Carol Carstensen treasurer carried unanimously with the Student Representative voting aye.
Beth Moss nominated Johnny Winston, Jr. for Clerk. It was moved by Lucy Mathiak and seconded by Carol Carstensen to close nominations. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried. The motion to elect Johnny Winston, Jr. for Clerk carried unanimously with the Student Representative voting aye.
Carol Carstensen nominated Roger Price for Secretary. It was moved by Beth Moss and seconded by Lawrie Kobza to close nominations for Secretary. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried. The motion to elect Roger Price for Secretary carried unanimously with the Student Representative voting aye.
II APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Johnny Winston, Jr. to approve the minutes of the Regular meeting dated April 9, 2007. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
III PUBLIC APPEARANCES
Those who registered to speak at the preceding Special meeting spoke first, followed by any students who wished to speak.
Molly Gibson, 7th grader at Spring Harbor Middle School, wanted their small school allocation restored.
Jasmine Vang, student at Mendota Elementary School, thought the board should not change its decision to name the new school after a Hmong leader. Students will have a chance to learn about Hmong people.
Elton Tylenda, member of Veterans for Peace, thought the intention to honor a minority community member was laudable but was concerned about this particular individual. Asked the board to reconsider its decision. Evidence indicates that Gen. Vang Pao was involved in drug dealing, training and use of child soldiers, revenge killings, and other war crimes. He wanted the board to choose a peacemaker from the Hmong community.
Kaylee Hinson, student, said that her mom pays taxes and if buses are going away, Kaylee has to go to a different school.
Christopher Temme, parent, addressed the recent budget cuts that would affect Wright and Spring Harbor Middle Schools. Spring Harbor was designed as an overflow school that is limited by its small facility. He asked that the decision be reconsidered to limit their funding.
Paul McMahon, member of Veterans for Peace but speaking for himself, thought the selection of Gen. Vang Pao was divisive and that the decision should be reconsidered for naming the new school. The Hmong community should be the sole basis for this reconsideration. The Elders will wisely consider the names from their committee and should report to the Board in a reasonable time frame.
Dr. Adam Schesch also requested a reconsideration of the naming of the new school for Gen. Vang Pao. He believed there were several other choices from the Hmong community or the Philippino community. The focus on Gen. Vang Pao is his association with the drug trade. The proof is as good as it gets. (Distributed copies of his personal selection of key pages from Dr. McCoy's book. Copies are attached to the original of these minutes.) This issue will not go away and the board will be living with the consequences for years to come.
Prof. Al McCoy, teaches Southeast Asian history at UW-Madison, came to speak in response to the request of some concerned parents. Thought there were many appropriate people to name the school after from the Hmong community but stated that there are three well-documented reasons for having reservations about naming the new school after this particular leader. He noted eyewitness accounts from CIA field operatives, executions, boy soldiers conscripted, and serious financial frauds about Gen. Van Pao and his immediate family.
Michael Walsh, parent, stated that Spring Harbor has suffered more than its fair share of budget cuts. He questioned why Wright and Spring Harbor were separated out in a budget amendment. Wright has a larger building. Spring Harbor was unfairly singled out. He asked the board members to visit Spring Harbor and look at the size of the rooms and the size of the former elementary school. Cuts affected the part-time librarian, part-time guidance counselor, and part-time nurse or the learning coordinator or increase class sizes. These classrooms are 20-30 percent smaller than at Toki, there is no storage, and this would create safety issues. It was overcrowded before this cut. They lost their unified arts teacher last year. Please reconsider.
Nhia Nug Yung, supported naming the new school after Gen. Vang Pao who helped the CIA and this country. He is a good guy. He had good reasons. It is not right.
Leng Yang, La Follette student, stated that they have supported Gen. Vang Pao from the start. He heard that there has been a petition signed by about 300 people to rename the school and he did not think this was right. The board has already selected the name. He did not understand why the board would reconsider. Everyone around the world has done something wrong. One thing we can change is the future. Because of the General, he is here as a citizen of the United States and he gives the General his full support.
Lopao Vang has been working for the district as s guidance counselor for the past 15 years. Supported the board's decision to name the new school after a prominent Hmong leader. He appreciated it. He knew this would have a positive impact on Hmong students, parents, and the general population. There will be people who agree and some who will not. Vang Pao is a great leader who works hard. We must not let inaccurate information influence the good things a leader does. The board has made the right choice and done the right thing for Madison.
Heidi Reynolds, parent of Huegel student who will go to the new school, stated that they had a petition with 500 signatures that the board revisit the issue about the name. Decisions get made too quickly, all the research was not done, and it has to be what is right for the children. It should not be what is best politically but what is right for the children. Controversy alone should negate this candidate. The City rejected the name some years ago. What will be taught about the General? The arrogance the board exhibited flabbergasted her. The board should be accountable to the people who elect them and their children. Take a look at all the facts.
Danny Thomas, parent, concerned about Gen. Vang Pao. Asked to bring naming this school back to the table. Further research of this individual should be discussed. City Council rejected naming a park after him. Even the Hmong people voted against him. Level of arrogance of the board is astounding.
Marisue Horton had issue with the open meeting announcement for April 9. She reiterated the timeline for the process to name the new school that the board followed. She submitted that the board was non-compliant with board policy.
Lisa Pierobon Mays, attorney but came as a parent of children who will go to the new school, stated that four of the board members have walked in with no intention of considering renaming the new school. The board should move to reconsider because of new evidence here today. There were 41 names. She trusted her board but there is now more information. They were only asking for a motion to reconsider. Show us this is not a political agenda; show us that you are here as our representatives.
Syrus Soltani said it was a sad day every year when they had to come to see what else is getting cut. There is nothing left. Reverse the removal of allocation from Spring Harbor. He did not understand why the yellow bus was taken away. We have to do better than this--closing schools. Have to change the formula for school funding. Spring Harbor is teaching kids about the environment and they are ahead of the curve. They give up a lot of other activities to be part of this. They should not be punished for that.
Patricia Chryst was disappointed at the recent process that determined parish school parents would receive reimbursements rather than busing. They have a very real concern about the safety of the children. She was principal of a catholic school in Platteville where they worked together with the public schools and the bus company to work out a cost-effective way to provide busing. Please revisit this matter and work together for something better.
Ray Olderman, 35 year resident in Marquette neighborhood but not a parent, asked the board to reconsider closing the Marquette school. Campaign promises stand for something. He hoped someone comes up with other alternatives.
Lynn Brady supported naming the new school after Gen. Vang Pao and believed this to be an issue about cultural competence. She hoped to teach the children understanding and tolerance.
CherPeng Her, Madison resident, acknowledged the Hmong sacrifices. Recent allegations are very upsetting because so many are willing to believe in allegations. People are willing to sacrifice a reputation and to erase the memories of their loss. She touted the contributions of Gen. Vang Pao. Reconsideration would put that person in a negative light. She urged the board to not reconsider and to follow due process which was a unanimous vote. She gave posters of Gen. Vang Pao.
Alder Marsha Rummel, new for the 6th district, commented on an agenda full of reconsiderations. Knew the board made a difficult decision regarding the closing of Marquette Elementary school due to budget constraints. Stated that the board was tearing apart a neighborhood that is used as a model. Naming the new school should also be reconsidered and put on the agenda for next time.
Bob Queen, event coordinator for the Marquette Neighborhood Association, stated that the neighborhood was kicked in the gut. Offered to buy space next to the Marquette School playground that he said was never used and put four homes for families on it. He had a check for $250,000 and a developer. He indicated that the district sell it and save the school. Please reconsider the decision to consolidate. Commented that the board had a bad day last week and a couple rookies just came on. He understood.
Ms. Carstensen asked the administration to meet with Mr. Queen to get more details and report back to the board.
Recessed at 8:51 p.m.
Reconvened at 9:03 p.m.
Mike Engel, angered and frustrated by the board's vote last Monday, had been working on talking to some of the board members to see if he could get reconsideration of the vote. He thought they could. He hoped the board would reconsider the budget. Rash decisions were made.
Joua K. Vang stated that the last decision was right to name the new school after Gen. Vang Pao. He is the president of a Hmong political organization in Madison. He asked the board members to please stand or raise their hand if they support naming the new school after Gen. Vang Pao.
Ying Vang spoke on his own behalf and for Hmong Americans. He did extensive research on the names and talked to people; many people all over the country helped submit the name of Gen. Vang Pao. They followed the appropriate process. They thought the board was doing the right thing and asked them to be respectful of what Vang Pao has done for the country.
Chia Fai Vang worked for Gen. Vang Pao from 1967 until 1975. He never saw the General do opium. He wanted to know why McCoy said this. He did not think so. He was 14 years old when working for Vang Pao in his house. He would have been the person to see it. "If I lie, I die."
Henry Yang did the previous board go through this much controversy when naming a school after Jefferson? This has become the reality for the Hmong population. They are proud of how Madison embraces diversity. He talked about how he came to know and respect Gen. Vang Pao. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Gen. Vang Pao won equality for all minority groups.
Doua Vang, American Madisonian, former Colonel and part of Gen. Vang Pao's personal staff and resident of Dane County, asked the board to please stand firm on its vote to name the new school after Hmong Gen. Vang Pao. Prof. McCoy was in Laos for two weeks. Dr. Hamilton was in Laos for a number of years. The General did not execute anyone. He never witnessed these things. Media fail to be balanced and fair. Everyone will learn Hmong history together.
Jed Sanborn did not think what happened with Gen. Vang Pao could be resolved beyond a reasonable doubt. Should be working these things out. There should be local leaders who might not be controversial. This decision has such ramifications for decades to come. Have to figure out what to tell the kids. There is a lot at stake for the morale of the community.
Leigh Mollenhoff lives in the Marquette neighborhood and former East teacher, gave a history of the neighborhood. They have improved the heart of the neighborhood. Need to keep up the vitality of the center city and need to retain the schools. She also asked for reconsideration.
Cathy Kaplan, retired MMSD teacher, stated that over age students receiving services in the Madison schools for ELL/ESL students should not be in special education. The students need more time to complete their high school graduation requirements. She asked the board to take a case-by-case look at whether the students are making good academic progress, attending every day, and acting appropriately in school, etc. They deserve to be treated as individuals.
Deborah Ann Speckmann speaking for people who were in the Vietnam conflict, reminded people of the district's responsibility to assure safe, respectful and welcoming learning environments. She asked how the students were expected to behave if the name of the new school was to be for General Vang Pao. Children learn by example. People became addicted to opium.
Todd Keller, also asked the board to reconsider its decision to cut funding for busing for private school students within the MMSD. This is the one benefit they get. This clearly affects the entire city and will eventually lead to closure of private schools and an additional burden to the public schools that are already overtaxed.
Vang Cha Xieng Thao read a proclamation, worked with Gen. Vang Pao in a special unit from 1961-1975 The General supported a just cause for freedom in Laos.
Nancy McLean, represented Lapham/Marquette neighborhood parents, businesses and other community members, asked those in support of her statement to please stand. She urged the board to reconsider its recent vote to consolidate the paired Lapham/Marquette elementary schools. She thought the move out of rented space for the alternatives into district-owned space made sense. They supported a process that takes time to place these programs where it makes the most sense. The pairing of Lapham/Marquette has successfully served their community for 17 years. Consolidation would lead to overcrowding in less than five years and disrupt two wonderful schools that now create neighborhood stability and draw people to downtown. They are key neighborhood anchors. She asked the board not to consolidate and to keep neighborhood schools intact.
Laura Chastain stated that this process has been driven by budget constraints. She thought the proposal made by Bob Queen warranted a look, that the sharing of a single principal between Lapham/Marquette would be viable saving $119,000, and that the proposal for additional savings in busing would allow them to keep the schools separate. In addition, the City has expressed interest in finding ways to help offset transportation costs and help more students walk safely. They would also be submitting supporting signatures. She asked that it be looked at again next week.
Jason Delborne performed a housing search on quality of schools and talked about what the Lapham/Marquette pair means to their neighborhood. They are thrilled by this pair and hope they continue into the future.
Ruth Rohlich, business owner from Tenney/Lapham neighborhood, encouraged the Board to consider alternatives to consolidation of these two schools. They encourage downtown living by single-family and owner-occupied buildings.
Mary Haefer also asked the board to reconsider the decision to cut the private school busing. She is not able to get off time from work to transport her children. She chose a faith-based school. She supports public schools. She did not feel this was an "us vs. you" situation. She asked the board to keep her children safe.
Sandy Meuer, parent of kids in the district from 1988 to 2019, asked to reopen the issue of naming the new school. She would be inviting the Fire Marshall into Spring Harbor classrooms as a result of the cut in small school allocation, and felt that withdrawing SAGE from Crestwood was very inequitable. She talked to appropriate district staff regarding the elimination of yellow buses for Spring Harbor who already have a 50 minute ride that may go to 1 ½ hours. Spring Harbor and Wright parents pay for yellow bus service but those who live in Fitchburg get it for free. She believed every child should pay for their bus. She did not understand how this decision was made. There was no meeting with Madison Metro. No one knew the routes or lengths or costs. She did not understand how a financial decision could be made without those facts. She asked that this item be reopened.
David Waugh Vice President of Tenney/Lapham Neighborhood Association and parents of a 7th grader at O'Keeffe also asked for reconsideration of the consolidation of the Lapham/Marquette pair. He indicated that the neighborhood is growing with very young children and that student rentals are converting to single-family homes. This would not be a decision easily reversible.
Kathy Vorndran, parent of children who attend St. Dennis, greatly depends on the bus to get them safely to school. She is a day care operator and was not sure how her children would get to school. They chose a faith-based school but this would present a safety issue.
Chuck Tou Yang supported keeping the new school name of Gen. Vang Pao. Compared their lives before to living in slavery in America. The General helped them get to where they are today. He is similar to Martin Luther King, Jr. Discrimination still exits. He asked the board to investigate the allegations more thoroughly and to validate the sources and materials. He would provide additional information.
Richard Slone spoke to school closings, neighborhood economic development, and well being. Closing Marquette will have a negative affect. There are other considerations than low enrollment in the future. He asked the board to take one more look at the budget to keep Madison schools open. There are a number of alternatives that could be worked on with the community as much in advance as possible.
Lue Thao worked for the MMSD from 1982-91 then at MATC, he wanted to express how he thought Gen. Vang Pao Elementary would fit into this community. He thought they made the right choice. As students in Laos, the General encouraged them to work hard and study in school. Opium was legal as a cash crop but the General did not want them to grow it. Mr. Thao did not believe the General produced it. After the fighting, the General visited Madison. He did not want the board to make the wrong decision because they do not know the General. He was sure they made the right decision and that the school would be successful.
Cheng X. Vang commented on the absence of the professors from the UW who said they know so much about the Hmong people. Mr. Vang felt very bad. He praised the board for their vote and for making e right decision. He did not want to say bad things about other people. He asked where the media was now? He added that the name Vang Pao has been trashed. It is a vote for freedom, just like in Iraq now.
Jeff Spitzer-Resnick said that the word "consolidation" makes it sound nice. He commented on the passed referendum one year ago to build a new school--do not close schools in growing school districts. The long-term affect on those who helped to pass that referendum around the isthmus will not trust the board again to do that. Politicians cannot be trusted. Lapham classes will be bigger than is educationally sound. Do not do it.
Kabzugg Vaj supported the name of Gen. Vang Pao and found it unfortunate that Prof. McCoy never engaged the Hmong community and left this meeting. She gave her condolences to the lady who lost a family member; we mourn for your tremendous loss and ours as well. The Hmong have generations without relatives and history. The Hmong community has chosen this man as their leader. The response has been insulting to us. She asked the board to not overturn the vote.
Chongjeh Vang former major with family in Laos. Worked with the General during 1963-1975. Stated that the General was not involved in drug trafficking or killing like that being said by McCoy who only spent two weeks there. He was a solider and lived there. Vang Pao is a wonderful leader and everyone respects him for freeing the Hmong and Laotian people.
Lindsey Lee, Lapham/Marquette parent and member of the Business Association of Greater Williamson, asked for reconsideration of the consolidation decision. They are very proud that they have been helping with the revitalization of the far east side and downtown. That success has been based on decisions about the schools from several decades ago. They need to keep this school open. She would take Bob Queen seriously.
Koua Vang stated that McCoy was so focused on his agenda and the other professor teaches that "these kids" are bad in school. Elementary school teachers are not doing that. The community is only focused on one side. The allegations against Gen. Vang Pao are only allegations. The procedures were followed. They are trying to be good citizens. This is not about bad people but policies.
David Panopsky also supported reconsideration of the decision to close Marquette. It is a successful school. The board is alienating and disenfranchising a neighborhood. It is not fair. Consolidate and streamline the administration.
Shwaw Vang trusts his four kids to hands of the board and administration. He was insulted by Professor McCoy whom he said was not worthy to teach at the UW. As for child soldiers, kids became orphans during the war. Who were they to turn to? Gen. Vang Pao and his soldiers did not put the children in the front line, they cared for them. He was one of those people. He is now a Madisonian. The allegations are preposterous. The Hmong people were the first line of defense. His kids are at Kennedy School--a wonderful school. He asked that people be respectful to each other and have a civil discussion and not acknowledge the two professors who made those allegations. He wished the professors would have engaged his community.
Joseph Nigh, counselor at East High School since 1989, spoke on behalf of his students who have already reached the age of 20. They want to continue for another year. The only other program they could attend offers only four hours of classes each week instead of 30 hours at East each week. The students all have high expectations and were asking for a full year of education at East High School.
Sia Xiong asked for another year at East High School. Last October he talked to his counselor. He has worked hard to prepare himself to be an engineer. He did not understand why Principal Harris would not let them stay for another year? He asked the board if he were their child, what would they do?
Mai Vue Thao, first year student at UW-Madison, spoke of how Gen. Vang Pao has contributed to Hmong society. She thanked the Hmong parents here tonight who keep coming here to try to make a difference. She did not appreciate reconsideration of the naming of the new elementary school because the vote had already been decided. She said the board should not reconsider this decision any more.
Johnny Ly was confident that the board would stand by its decision. He asked people to understand their sacrifices and losses as a nation. He did not want the new school to be tainted as this continues. There is plenty of good stuff to tell. Let us not make this a race war.
Duong Nguyen, said he was not Hmong but Hmong American and that his people are entitled to the same rights as all others. The district was taking a leadership role in the Hmong community by naming the new school after Gen. Vang Pao who apparently has already been found guilty from the allegations by a select few. If the board reconsiders, they will have given in to bigotry but it will have also made a statement that the educational experience of minority students is not a priority. Social control will be solidified. It will say that the Madison community prefers minorities only exist on the outskirts of society.
Ruth Robarts stated that the board's decision to name the new school was necessary and proper and difficult. The board did its job well. The reactions are not about the process; that was much process and public coverage. It is not about localness or new information. It is not about Prof. McCoy's allegations which are baseless. It is about our denial of the Vietnam war. It was a shameful war we would like to forget. Children must learn about that war and how Hmong became part of our community. They owe very much to Gen. Vang Pao who gave them unity and strength. We owe the Hmong as sure as we owe our own Vietnam Vets. Stay the course on your decision.
Bill Keys thank you for naming the new school after Gen. Vang Pao. This name was chosen by the Hmong community. The audience here has people who fought with and served with him. They are being dismissed and wiped away because their families do not look like mine. It is not some name that can easily be replaced by someone of the mainstream community. The board should not make decisions on allegations with little or no documentation. It is an opportunity to educate all of us in Hmong history and our involvement and the impacts of that in Laos. Let us inform rather than accuse each other.
Recessed at 11 p.m.
Reconvened at 11:09 p.m.
Written registrations included 50 in support of naming the new school after Gen. Vang Pao, 42 in opposition to consolidating Lapham and Marquette Elementary Schools, 14 in opposition to cutting bus service to private schools, 8 in support of allowing students over 20 to continue, 6 in support of reconsidering the name of the new school, 3 in opposition to cutting the small school allocation at Spring Harbor and the yellow bus service, and 1 in support of keeping SAGE K-3.
IV BOARD PRESIDENT'S ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS
The election of Student Representative to the Board was scheduled for Wednesday, May 23, 2007. Current Student Representative Joe Carlsmith was running unopposed for the seat so there would be no primary election. The candidate for the alternate position, Laura Checovich of West High School, was also running unopposed.
No report.
VI COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ACTION THEREON
A Performance and Achievement
No report.
B Finance and Operations
No report.
C Human Resources
No report.
D LongRangePlanning
Ms. Carstensen reported that there was a meeting on April 12 at the Kennedy Heights Community Center where the various proposals were presented including closing and consolidating schools that was very heavily attended and there were lots of questions.
E Community Partnerships
Ms. Mathiak reported that the committee met on April 9 and heard a presentation by Don Gray, Vice President with UW-Madison, on the development of the foundation and how fund raising works. They also concluded some discussion about using community services funds (fund 80) which resulted in the following two recommendations. The limit on dollar amount intends to fund the current partners at the same level as they are currently funded.
a It was moved by Lucy Mathiak and seconded by Carol Carstensen that the Board of Education approve funding for the community partners currently funded through Fund 80 (African American Ethnic Academy, Centro Hispano, Gay Straight Alliance for Safe Schools, Kajsiab House, Urban League of Greater Madison, Charles Hamilton Houston Institute, Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth) up to the amount of $532,800. It was further moved and seconded that this motion approve funding for 2007-2008 and that the committee recommends developing a process decision making relative to future funding to be put into place for 2008-09. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
b It was moved by Lucy Mathiak and seconded by Beth Moss to direct the Administration to come back by the end of the summer or early fall with a draft process for soliciting proposals from community organizations for funding under Fund 80 based upon criteria important to the district. The process should address development of Requests for Proposals, awarding grants, and evaluation of programs that are funded. The evaluation process should incorporate specifically identified goals and reporting back to the district. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
c It was moved by Lucy Mathiak and seconded by Carol Carstensen to approve the proposed changes to Board of Education Policy 6491 - Use of School Buildings and Facilities as presented in Appendix III-11-8. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
F Communications
No report.
VII AUDITING, PURCHASING, TRANSFERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS
A Auditing
1 It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Lucy Mathiak that interim bills be approved amounting to $27,878,622.73 covering the period of April 5, 2007 through May 2, 2007. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
2 There were no School Building Fund bills.
B Purchasing
1 It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Lawrie Kobza that the bid of $384,200 from Walsdorf Roofing for roof replacement at East High School be approved with funding from the 2007-08 General Operating Budget, Referendum. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
2 It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Lawrie Kobza that the bid of $121,000 from Walsdorf Roofing for roof replacement at Franklin Elementary School be approved with funding from the 2007-08 General Operating Budget, Referendum. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
3 It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Lawrie Kobza that the bid of $70,400 from Sergenian's for gym floor replacement at Van Hise Elementary School be approved with funding from the 2007-08 General Operating Budget, Referendum, and MSCR.
It was requested that similar funding situations separate out the totals from each source.
Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
4 It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Lawrie Kobza that the bid of $34,344 from Forward Electric for lighting replacement for the West High School pool be approved with funding from the 2007-08 General Operating Budget and donations from the Booster Club. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
5 It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Lucy Mathiak that the bid of $12,923,000 from Miron Construction for Vang Pao Elementary School construction be approved with funding from the 2007-08 General Operating Budget, Referendum.
Discussion: Can only use funding for this project; anything left over goes back to the taxpayer. Information on environmental energy and design on web site U.S. Green Building Council (standards for K-12 construction).
Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
6 It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Lucy Mathiak that the bid of $534,773 from Commercial Air for unit ventilator replacement at Hamilton/Van Hise be approved with funding from the 2007-08 General Operating Budget, Referendum. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
7 It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Lawrie Kobza that the proposal of $299,990 from Honeywell Building Solutions for building automation and temperature controls at Vang Pao Elementary School be approved with funding from the 2007-08 General Operating Budget, Referendum. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
8 It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Johnny Winston, Jr. that an award be made to PAN-O-GOLD for bakery products in the amount of $166,600 for a one-year contract based upon a renewal option from RFP 3092 with funding from the Food Services operating budget. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
C Other Financial Transactions
1 It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Johnny Winston, Jr. that the Board transfer $25,000 from the Reserve for Contingency account in the district's fund 80 budget to the General Administration fund 80 budget for the purpose of providing $25,000 to the Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth to support its 2007 summer program. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
2 It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Johnny Winston, Jr. that all grants and other donations received by the MMSD since April 9, 2007 be approved. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
3 It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Beth Moss that the Board approve all advertisements received by the MMSD as of May 2, 2007 and accept $63,995 related to such advertisements which is subject to be reduced by the costs the district will incur as detailed in Section 3 of the contract with Sports Image, Inc.
Discussion: Already included in the budget. Term with consultant is two years. Contract is separate for the advertising with the district.
Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
VIII HUMAN RESOURCES TRANSACTIONS AND REPORTS
It was moved by Lawrie Kobza and seconded by Johnny Winston, Jr. to approve Item VIII 1-93 in its entirety with the exception of any item a board member may wish to have separated out. There were no separations. Student Representative vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
IX REPORTS TO THE BOARD
A Common Council/Board of Education Liaison Committee
No report.
B Student Representative Report
Joe Carlsmith reported that the Student Senate met on April 10 and talked about new school names and budget effects on students and did some work with the Student Code of Conduct. They also met on April 17 and planned for the press conference at the Capitol and Memorial High School on Thursday, April 19. Jacinth Sohi gave a speech at the Capitol that was very well received. The next meeting is scheduled for tomorrow to discuss a statewide coordination of Student Councils who found out about us at the Capitol on the 19th and want to work with us on a state wide level to lobby the state legislature. We will be talking to them. They will be making presentation to us into the next year.
X OTHER BUSINESS
A It was moved by Lawrie Kobza and seconded by Carol Carstensen that the Board approve the resolution relative to the attachment of the Midtown Holdings annexation to the MMSD and the detachment of such annexation from the Verona Area School District pursuant to Wis. Stats. Section 117.132. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
B It was moved by Lawrie Kobza and seconded by Carol Carstensen that the Board approve entering into the agreement with the Madison Jewish Community Council (MJCC) whereby MJCC will pay the MMSD an estimated $69,014 for Madison School & Community Recreation to operate the MJCC Goodman Campus pool. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
C It was moved by Lawrie Kobza and seconded by Carol Carstensen that, pursuant to the provision of Section 118.15 of State Statutes, 27 students be excused from school attendance for the purpose of allowing them to enroll in programs for high school equivalency diplomas. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
D It was moved by Lawrie Kobza and seconded by Carol Carstensen that seven students over the age of 20 be allowed to continue enrollment in the MMSD for purposes of graduation. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
E It was moved by Lawrie Kobza and seconded by Carol Carstensen that 14 students be granted diplomas of graduation based on completed requirements. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
F Old and New Business
There was no old or new business.
XI ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Lucy Mathiak and seconded by Johnny Winston, Jr. to adjourn the meeting at 11:47 p.m. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Roger Price
Secretary to the Board of Education
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