| BOE Minutes | BOE Home Page | |
| Previous: 2007-11-05 || Regular Meetings || Next: 2008-01-14 | ||
| Madison Metropolitan School District Madison, Wisconsin Art Rainwater, Superintendent | ||
|---|---|---|
| BOARD OF EDUCATION Minutes for Regular Meetings December 10, 2007 |
Doyle Administration Building 545 West Dayton Street, Auditorium Madison, Wisconsin |
|
I CALL TO ORDER
The Board of Education meeting was called to order by President Arlene Silveira at 7:24 p.m. She asked the Administration to change the date for the January Regular meeting from January 7 to January 14, 2008 due to a Kohl Center event and lack of parking.
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, Steve Hartley, Bob Nadler, Doug Pearson, Art Rainwater, Marcia Standiford, Ken Syke, Lisa Wachtel, Barbara Lehman-Recording Secretary
LEGAL COUNSEL PRESENT: Attorneys Frank Crisafi and Dan Mallin
II APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Lucy Mathiak to approve the minutes of the Regular meeting dated November 5, 2007 as distributed. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried with Maya Cole absent.
Maya Cole arrived at this time.
III PUBLIC APPEARANCES
Rebekah Rodriguez, Students for Progressive Causes at Memorial High School, restated the main points of the resolution they proposed at the last Regular meeting regarding limiting military recruiting in the schools. She also commented on the size of the military's budget with regard to advertising and provided a copy of No Limits magazine that included examples of military ads (a copy of the magazine is attached to the original of these minutes).
Laurie Werth, art teacher at Muir Elementary, talked about the effects of the cuts on specials classes and stated that they are dishonored and disrespected and that the board does not care what special teachers are experiencing adding that the Board only listens to parents and members of the community. She also indicated that the youngest and poorest students are the ones most affected by their overfilled schedules.
Kate Olsen, art teacher at Huegel Elementary, also objected to the cuts to the arts, particularly their class-and-a-half and the difficulty with drop-off and pick-up of students and set-up when classes are scheduled back-to-back.
Jeanne Dally-Steele, technology teacher at Muir Elementary, explained the contrast between teaching a class-and-a-half and SAGE. Both classes have 25 students but one class is together all day long vs. being clumped together for specials. She asked the Board to support the whole child as SAGE is designed to do.
Carol Farrell, physical education (PE) teacher at Crestwood and Falk Elementary Schools, also stated that the combined classes have no sense of belonging and she is experiencing student behavior problems.
Lynn Vande Sande, PE teacher at Muir Elementary, described the transition between classes as a conveyor belt system that is exacerbating the situation with the class-and-a-half for specials. The quality of the program suffers and the issues with childhood obesity cannot be addressed (she distributed copies of an article on childhood obesity that is attached to the original of these minutes). Teaching six different grade levels requires making changes in between classes and that time is lost while children wait.
Beth Kiser Billingsman spoke to the same issue as one of equity as it relates to the achievement gap that is supposed to be addressed, yet the number of children in combined classrooms directly contradicts the goal. Other subjects cannot reach students like the arts. She had 49 students in her classroom but she is not willing to compromise the quality of her program. She asked the Board to retract their decision and say how important these classes are.
Andy Mayhall, art teacher at Thoreau and Stephens, described the cuts they have been experiencing for eights years and how the cuts have added a lot of complexity to the jobs of the specials teachers. They would like to see the class-and-a-half that was implemented this year reversed. There is a loss of sense of community, less ability to build relationships with students, and fewer art activities because of this.
Katie Mead Griffiths, art teacher at Emerson Elementary, said that schools with high poverty that otherwise keep low class sizes are not for specials. The majority of these students have more needs. Small classes are making a difference. Morale is low and the resulting chaos is not worth the savings. The Board's decision cannot stand. They are in survival mode.
Rhonda Schilling, teacher at Thoreau and Hamilton, representing her students, said they have been cut too deep. Reverse this mistake. Protect our youngest. Equity means giving students what they need. She distributed a paper entitled, "Effects on students of the class-and-a-half" (a copy is attached to the original of these minutes).
Elizabeth Doyle addressed those who voted to increase class size and wondered how much they knew about what this is doing to affect the students. She is a fourth year teacher in Madison. The most disadvantaged students do not get their full opportunity. It is unjust and needs to be changed.
Katharine Goray McCoy, Lowell and Mendota teacher for 20 years, was reporting back that something is going wrong here and the Board should listen and pay attention. What you are doing to children is permanently damaging, dangerous psychologically, and hurting kids of color and low income.
Erin Proctds, parent of third grader at Lowell, asked the Board to give more money to the arts because her child says it is really hard to learn because there are so many kids in this class. Hope you hear and agree and will do something about it.
John Carey spoke about abuses by military recruiters and that they are in direct violation of school policy. The number of visits needs to be limited. Students need balanced input and they need to un-learn the militaristic attitude. He asked if Dr. Nash is meeting with the schools and he was told that the Administration is looking into the situation and taking it very seriously.
Steve Hurst, teacher at Allis for 18 years, also spoke about the impact of class-and-a-half on the arts. They cannot achieve what they have been able to do in the past. He was here to raise the radar level. Students are not getting the same education and that is a travesty. He hoped we could do something.
Allen Ruff, disappointed that there were not four people on the Board who would vote to re-raise the issue of military ads and recruiting practices. He thought the Board was Ignoring this issue hoping it goes away. He wanted the policy changed or the existing policy implemented and the ads taken down or the Board would be facing legal action. He stated they would come back at all levels to make sure the Board implements the policy it set.
David Hoppe agreed with Mr. Ruff. He reported on the number of signed opt-out forms from each of the high schools. They are trying to educate parents and hoped the Board would help and would start by taking down the ads. There is already a tremendous amount of money going to the military and he wanted the Board to be defenders of students in this district rather than the interests of the Pentagon.
Gary Stout, opposed the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act as not good for children with the main objective that public schools fail in order to have privatization of schools. He could not understand why when so many people have spoken out against it and know that it is not appropriate why it is not being stopped. He asked why politicians who are accountable could not say no and stop acting the role of bystanders.
Julie Olsen, art, computer, REACH, and literacy teacher at Hawthorne Elementary, said that combining class sizes has been devastating, particularly at a full SAGE school. It is setting studetns up for failure and that those in poverty are punished the most by this budget measure. She added that the best way to teach all subjects is through the arts.
Art Shegonee stated that the Board was either not listening or did not care about the teachers. Many people are angry. Teachers supposed to have fun but they are really upset. He said that they could not be given enough. The classroom has to be a community and the Board has to rectify this issue.
Dawn Shegonee opposed making arts classes a class-and-a-half.
David Wasserman opposed the No Child Left Behind act and added that the Wsiconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination (WKCE) is a poor assessment of student academic achievement. He talked about the four high schools as failing to make sufficient annual progress and said that Title I money would be taken away. Each year the requirements significantly rise. By 2014, 100% of all students need to test proficient or advanced. He indicated that the district would be forced to restructure and refocus on test practices and still fail or lose public schools all together.
Mr. Rainwater clarified the information about the sanctions and that high schools do not receive Title 1 funds. He added that the elementary schools are not in danger of being subject to sanctions because of our high schools.
Phillip Edmonds opposed NCLB testing. Urged the board to get out front on this issue and try and avoid the train wreck that NCLB is.
Doug Keillor, MTI staff and parent, supported the specials teachers as those people continuing the battle. He described it as more than a class-and-a-half issue. He has been watching the professions get nicked away for 8-9 years and the teachers are still here telling the Board. They have not given up yet but they need a reason to believe and figure out how to make it better. He indicatd that many people are leaving because they cannot handle the pace anymore. He wants to keep it a career in Madison. He will send the Board the survey MTI conducted of all elementary specials teachers.
Will Williams, Vets for Peace, said the Board has failed to protect young people and still abide by the statute for military recruitment. Board members say advertisements do not mean anything. He said people are needed who have the guts to stand up for the young people and still abide with the statute.
Bill Keys asked the Board to enforce policy 7541 in form and spirit by limiting the recruiters' access to students and place them on equal footing with other employer recruiters and to keep the literature in the guidance Office.
Dan Slick asked the Board to end 1 ½ classes in elementary specials because it goes against the Educational Framework and creates chaos in the schools and is counterproductive to all learning. Distributed a bookmark on multiple intelligences (a copy is attached to the original of these minutes) talked about the impact of the arts on learning. He said that art teachers feel their schools are not safe and are experiencing student-to-student hostility rather than acting as a learning community.
Doug Marschalek, teacher preparation at the UW since 1983, asked that class sizes be reinstated at the elementary level to the levels prior to 2007-08. The 1 ½ classes of art plus SAGE program creates problems—social, instructional, and transitioning of students. This is the first year he has had a problem placing practicum students because the studetns and teachers are so overwhelmed with the scheduling. They are seeing 400-500 children per week. MMSD teachers are needed to prepare the next teachers, but he is having a hard time getting them on board. It is the change in the schedules; the teachers are being quite honest. It is true that the children do not know the other children.
Elizabeth Odders-White, Thoreau elementary parent, stated that the kids are being hurt in two ways and the teachers are bearing an incredible burden that compromises their experience.
Vicki Berenson said there is no reason, nor is it a good idea, to allow any more than the required amount of military recruiters to be present in the schools. She agreed that more of the problems are about not having enough money but the Army recruiting ads are forcing them to lose much more than that. Increased military leads to less money for schools, more violence in society, and increased military support. Recruiters are sent student contact lists unless parents sign the op-out form; nothing else is required. She added that when we advertise, we normalize militarism, or we can stop being bystanders.
Marshall Braun asked the Board to please stop allowing Army ads on scoreboards at high schools that target the students. The materials are supposed to be in the Guidance Office. She was disappointed that this issue was not on the agenda but said they would be back until lit is. Added that the Board can deny the military for any reason. These are enough.
Elizabeth Wingert, kindergarten teacher at Leopold, said that specials are an important time for students. She sees the difference between this year and last year and can tell the kids are not getting enough time to move. She could not understand this decision. Class-and-a-half is too much.
Matt Calvert stated that the WKCE focuses on standards testing. The effect of testing on students and teachers has hit home in a lot of districts already and is starting in Madison. He shared a postcard written to Sen. Herb Kohl from a student who has LD and cannot pass the tests who feels sad about failing again. He added that the teachers have done a good job of teaching quality programs but that going forward will be more challenging.
Tim Gruber teacher who is also on the Madison Common Council, said the district should be budgeting for what is needed to get the job done.
Ms. Mathiak talked about the City's lack of assistance to the district in the areas of law enforcement, transportation, and safety. Art Rainwater explained that the revenue controls over school districts are very different from those of the City. Districts are being forced to cut the money, which is not the case for the City. He added that the issues are the fault of the state legislature and that is where the City Council could help the District.
Written registrations included 3 opposed to military ads and recruitment in schools and 54 opposed to increased class sizes in art, music, physical education and REACH.
Recessed at 9:19 p.m.
Reconvened at 9:25 p.m.
IV BOARD PRESIDENT'S ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS
A copy of the report is attached to the original of these minutes.
The Superintendent gave the eighth annual report on the Board of Education Priorities (a copy of the presentation is attached to the original of these minutes). He distributed additional written information on the 4th Grade WKCE Reading Data (a copy is attached to the original of these minutes). Each section has a narrative, a series of charts, and supporting tables and opinions.
Follow up: Staff will address the areas of concern. The truancy report that was shared with the Common Council/BOE Liaison Committee will be sent in the next Board packet. Provide charts that break down attendance by high school (look at absences concentrated in small number of children). Provide charts that show 4th grade math scores. Provide more data on the geometry and algebra scores for special education students. Provide a chart that shows 10th grade with or without algebra (different breakouts by types of special need may affect some of the numbers in general).
VI COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ACTION THEREON
A Performance and Achievement
1 It was moved by Lawrie Kobza and seconded by Carol Carstensen that the Evaluation of Learning Materials Committee adoptions be approved in the amount of $119,002.99. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
Lawrie Kobza reported that the committee last met on November 26 and had a presentation about school climate surveys (what they look like, questions asked, what information it provides, and how it is used). This information will be useful as the Board has further discussion about achievement and equity. They also had their first Youth Options program discussion for which a policy is needed on the books. This will be further discussed in January. There was also a presentation of revisions to the existing charter school policies. Again this was a first presentation and discussion will continue in January. The next meeting is scheduled for December 17 to continue discussion of educational options, charter, magnet schools and others.
B Finance and Operations
Lucy Mathiak reported that the committee met on November 13 in executive session to assess and evaluate potential bargaining strategies and responses to an offer to purchase real estate owned by the Madison Metropolitan School District. The committee will meet again tomorrow at noon to discuss a document management system that the Board will be asked to consider purchasing at an upcoming meeting and to get an overview of Fund 80 in preparation for upcoming discussions in January and February.
C Human Resources
Johnny Winston, Jr. reported that the committee met on November 19 regarding the Administrator Pay Study and recommendations.
1 It was moved by Johnny Winston, Jr. and seconded by Beth Moss that the Board approve the revisions to Human Resources Policy 9.04 and the administrator salary schedule as provided in the memorandum dated November 8, 2007.
Mr. Winston moved to amend the motion, seconded by Lawrie Kobza, to add the following additional language to HR Policy 9.04: "The administrative Salary Schedule (including both Grades and Steps) shall be reviewed on a periodic basis, but at a minimum, every five years." Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion as amended carried unanimously.
2 It was moved by Johnny Winston, Jr. and seconded by Lawrie Kobza, to provide implementation of the Administrator Salary Schedule by eliminating steps 0 through 4.5 on the Administrative Salary Schedule effective with the pay period that begins December 16, 2007, and affected employees shall move to step 5 of the revised 2007-08 schedule as of that effective date. All remaining changes identified in the November 8, 2007 memorandum shall have no effect on the salary of any administrative employee during the 2007-08 contract year but will be used to determine contracted salaries for the July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 contract period. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
Mr. Winston noted that the committee also received the Human Resources Annual Report on November 19. The committee met again on December 3 regarding the Contract Compliance Five Year Plan and participation by historically underutilized businesses and related Equal Opportunity measures.
3 It was moved by Johnny Winston, Jr. and seconded by Beth Moss that the Board amend Policy and Procedure 6601, Utilization of Historically Underutilized Businesses, by including a procedure to address Compliance Officer collaboration with other governmental agencies. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
4 It was moved by Johnny Winston, Jr. and seconded by Lawrie Kobza that the Board approve the 2008-2013 Contract Compliance Five Year Plan with the understanding that the committee will continue to review the plan in areas of interest. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
The next meeting has not yet been scheduled.
D LongRangePlanning
Carol Carstensen reported that the committee met on November 26 and looked at the current status of schools in enrollment capacity and proposed enrollment over the next five years. Administration presented those schools which either now or in the future will have space problems and how that will be dealt with. There are two major areas to be discussed: creating an attendance area for the new school and continued growth at Leopold School. The next meeting will be December 17 at 6:30 p.m.
E Community Partnerships
Maya Cole reported that the committee met this evening and had a presentation from the people working on the Elvehjem playground that included a description of the fund raising efforts that have been quite successful so far. The playground will be the first of its kind in the state if they are successful. They have a web site called playgroundsupport.com. The other item they looked at was a definition of partnerships submitted by the Administration for the committee's reaction. They had a presentation and discussion with Lisa Black and Kathy Price who work with various partnerships in the community clarifying funding and the function of different partnerships with the district. Parent involvement policy was tabled until the next meeting which will be January 14 at 6 p.m. here at Doyle.
F Communications
Beth Moss stated that her committee also met tonight and had a presentation from Representative Sondy Pope-Roberts who gave a history of her work with the Wisconsin Alliance for Excellent Schools (WAES). The committee voted to recommend to the board to become a dues paying member. They also discussed public forums and will be working with the United Way to talk about different formats to gather public input. The committee will be asking the Board members to name 3-4 topics that they feel would be good for getting public input. The next meeting is January 14 at 5 p.m. to continue discussion of public engagement. The rest of the agenda has not yet been finalized.
VII AUDITING, PURCHASING, TRANSFERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS
A Auditing
1 It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Lawrie Kobza that interim bills be approved amounting to $40,767,236.91 covering the period from November 1, 2007 through December 5, 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 Lucy Mathiak that the bid of $49,297 from C.L. Bensen, Co. for filter supply districtwide be approved with funding from the 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10 general operating budgets. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
2 It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Lucy Mathiak that the proposal from Virco in the amount of $478,494.07 for furniture for the new elementary school be approved with funding from the referendum funds to be purchased under a cooperative purchasing agreement with the U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance, quote #910481, Master Agreement #020401.
There was some discussion about equity and how the school would be equipped with furniture like everyone else but that it would be new.
Follow up: Provide an update on the referenda money--how it is being spent and the balance.
Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
3 It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Johnny Winston, Jr. that the bid of $21,755.44 from Alexander Furnishings for 28 cafeteria tables for the new elementary school be approved with funding from the new elementary school referendum. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
4 It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Beth Moss that the bid of $88/hour from J.F. Ahern Co. for HVAC maintenance districtwide be approved with funding from the 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10 general operating budgets. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
5 It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Lawrie Kobza to approve an expenditure totaling $18,077 (les $2,900 trade-ins) for the purchase of items specific to individual students with hearing impairments to access their special educational programming funded through IDEA flow-through funds (reference requisition #65675). Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
C Other Financial Transactions
1 It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Lawrie Kobza that the Board accept the donation of a used 1990 pontoon boat with a motor, trailer, and cover from B.R. Smedley and authorize Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) to coordinate the sale of the donated goods by auction or other means, with the proceeds to be placed in a donation account for the benefit of MSCR's pontoon boat program. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
2 It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Johnny Winston, Jr. that the Board accept the donation of a used 1991 pontoon boat with a motor, trailer, and cover from Margaret Lescrenier, on behalf of Charles Lescreneir, and authorize MSCR to coordinate the sale of the donated goods for not less than $1,000 in total, with the proceeds to be placed in a donation account for the benefit of MSCR's pontoon boat program. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
3 It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Lawrie Kobza that the Board accept the donation of $20,000 from the Lake View Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) for the Lake View SMART SCHOOLS Initiative and authorize use of this donation to support phase one of a wireless classroom. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
4 It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Lucy Mathiak that the Board accept the donation of $20,000 from the Kern Family Foundation to provide funding for the MMSD's Project Lead the Way (PLTW) program. Funding may only be used for allowable professional development registration fees, room, board, travel, and required equipment and software for PLTW pre-engineering courses at East, La Follette, Memorial, and West High Schools. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
5 It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Lawrie Kobza that, pursuant to a Board resolution passed at a Special Meeting held on April 30, 2007, the 2007-2008 MMSD budget be amended as follows:
Adjust the categorical aid revenue account that is to be applied to Fund 27 expenditures by an increase of $860,777;
Decrease the amount of the interfund transfer between Fund 10 and Fund 27 by $860,777; and
Within Fund 10, allocate the $860,777 decrease in the Fund 10/Fund 27 Interfund Transfer by allocating $483,822 to salary savings and $376,955 to the reserve for contingencies.
Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
6 It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Lawrie Kobza to amend the 2007-2008 MMSD budget to authorize the expenditure of $720,500 for safety and security purposes as outlined in the Safety and Security Proposal, identified as Appendix JJJ-6-12, with said $720,500 expenditure to be funded by transferring: (1) $376,955 from the Fund 10 reserve for contingencies account; and (2) $343,545 from the Fund 10 salary savings account.
Mr. Winston moved to amend the motion to add that the Administration will report at the end of the school year on progress and future direction. Accepted as friendly by mover and seconder.
Follow up: Provide the numbers on K-1 in the SAGE schools to revert back to eliminate the 1 ½ classes for specials. Provide some different models of how to schedule the specials (e.g., semester basis). Board members were asked to e‑mail the Superintendent with their requests and to copy all others.
It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Johnny Winston, Jr. to table the motion, as amended, until next week. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
7 It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Lucy Mathiak that all grants and other donations received by the MMSD since November 1, 2007 be approved. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
VIII HUMAN RESOURCES TRANSACTIONS AND REPORTS
It was moved by Johnny Winston, Jr. and seconded by Lawrie Kobza to approve Item VIII 1-130 in its entirety with the exception of any item a Board member may wish to have separated out. There were no separations, however, Ms. Mathiak asked if there might be a second person from Wright Middle School who should have been included as a National Board Certified Teacher for the 2007/08 school year. The Superintendent stated he would verify that information and include that person on the next agenda if it was overlooked. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
IX REPORTS TO THE BOARD
A Common Council/Board of Education Liaison Committee
Lucy Mathiak reported that the committee met on November 8 and talked about the planning process and areas where the City and the District are already collaborating and had a budget update from City Council members. They were going to meet again on December 13 but are working to reschedule the next meeting.
B Student Representative Report
Joe Carlsmith reported that the Senate met on November 6 and discussed the Wisconsin Way Initiative. They also had a detailed discussion on cell phone use and policy. They started to draft a proposed policy that will be discussed with the Board at a future date. They also discussed advertising and recruiting by the military and focused on companies that they are contacting who do not discriminate and have Affirmative Action plans in place. They discussed the "don't ask, don't tell" practice as a discriminatory policy and whether or not entering into an advertising contract with a company that may be deemed to discriminate is in violation of the other contracts. They hope to be involved with this. They also elected officers and had a bowling outing that was a smashing success. They were going to meet last week but got snowed out. The next meeting is next week Thursday on the 18th of December.
C WisconsinAssociation of School Boards 2008 Resolutions
Maya Cole reported that she met with Carol Carstensen and Joe Quick to get some background. Her goal this month was to bring these resolutions to the attention of the board members that will be voted on at the annual WASB meeting in January. These are draft resolutions submitted by some other school boards throughout the state. She will be ready for comments and direction from the Board at the Regular meeting in January.
X OTHER BUSINESS
A It was moved by Lawrie Kobza and seconded by Carol Carstensen that the Board approve entering into an arrangement with Vera Court Community Center for the provision of the Bridge/LakePoint/Waunona Neighborhood elementary after-school program, whereby MSCR shares in the cost of the program up to $26,320.
Mr. Winston moved to amend the motion at the end as follows: "for the period from September 4, 2007 through June 13, 2008." Accepted as friendly by mover and seconder.
Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion, as amended, carried unanimously.
B It was moved by Lawrie Kobza and seconded by Lucy Mathiak that the Board approve entering into an agreement with Capital Newspapers, Inc. (CNI) in the amount of $30,000 for the placement of ads in the Madison newspapers with the printing and distribution of 110,000 copies of the MSCR Program Guide scheduled to be delivered in March 2008 through newspaper inserts and U.S. Mail. Pursuant to responses to bid requests, the cost of separate services is more expensive than bundling the services, and CNI is the sole local vendor able to offer the complete bundle. Source of funding is Fund 80. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
C It was moved by Lawrie Kobza and seconded by Carol Carstensen that the Board approve entering into an agreement in the amount of $80,000 with Dovetail Computing, Inc. for continuing the enhancement and development of the Student Intervention monitoring system with funding from a Title I supplemental grant from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
D It was moved by Lawrie Kobza and seconded by Lucy Mathiak that the Board delegate to the Student Senate the task of researching and making a recommendation relative to the use of cell phones in the schools. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
E It was moved by Lawrie Kobza and seconded by Lucy Mathiak that, pursuant to Wis. Stat. Section 118.30(2)(b)(3) and School Board authority, the Board approve the requests that were made by the parents and/or guardians of 12 Madison School District pupils to excuse such 12 pupils from taking, during the 2007-08 school year, the examination required by Wis. Stat. Section 118.30(1m) or the analogous grade-level-based examination. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
F It was moved by Lawrie Kobza and seconded by Lucy Mathiak that, pursuant to the provision of Section 118.15 of State Statutes, nine 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.
G It was moved by Lawrie Kobza and seconded by Lucy Mathiak that 14 students be granted diplomas of graduation based on completed requirements. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
H Old and New Business
There was no old or new business.
XI ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Johnny Winston, Jr. and seconded by Lucy Mathiak to adjourn the meeting at 11:22 p.m. Student Representative advisory vote was aye. Motion unanimously carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Steve Hartley
Secretary to the Board of Education
bl
Previous: 2007-11-05 || Regular Meetings || Next: 2008-01-14