AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Carruth Administration Center

REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 12, 2004

Presiding Officer
President Doyle A. Valdez

On this the 12th day of February 2003, at 6:00 p.m., the Board of Trustees of the Austin Independent School District convened in the Carruth Administration Center Auditorium, 1111 West 6th Street, Austin, Texas, and announced that it would convene in Executive Session under the provisions of Chapter 551 (Open Meetings), Sections 551.074, 551.076, and 551.071. The following members were present, to wit: Cheryl Bradley (arriving at 6:32 p.m., in attendance until 8:06 p.m., returning at 8:34 p.m.), Johna Edwards, John Fitzpatrick, Rudy Montoya, Jr. (arriving at 6:15 p.m.), Robert Schneider, Ingrid Taylor (arriving at 6:26 p.m.), Doyle Valdez, and Patricia Whiteside. The following member was absent, to wit: Ave Wahrmund.

President Valdez called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m.

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

President Valdez called the Executive Session to order at 6:10 p.m. to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee; to deliberate the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property including, but not limited to, the sale of AISD property located at Webb Middle School; and to consult with legal counsel regarding pending or contemplated litigation or on a matter which the school district’s legal counsel determines should be confidential. The Board adjourned the Executive Session at 6:58 p.m.

President Valdez reconvened the meeting at 7:07 p.m.

Approve Agenda

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

Ingrid Taylor amended the motion that the Board of Trustees approves the Agenda, with the exception of Consent Agenda Item 9, Clarification of Advanced Academic Courses and Honors Weighted Credit, for a separate vote. John Fitzpatrick seconded the motion.

The amendment passed unanimously.

Ingrid Taylor made a motion that the Board of Trustees approves the Agenda as amended. President Valdez seconded the motion.

The motion passed unanimously.

Pledge of Allegiance

Students from Pillow Elementary School led the Pledge of Allegiance and Pledge to the Texas Flag. Pillow Elementary School administrators, Principal Linda Webb, and Assistant Principal Jackie Banks accompanied the following students: John David Banks, Saskia Colon, David Freid, Moritz Freid, Garrett Garcia, Daria Grabhorn, Bailey Kyler, Cole Kyler, Samara Neto, Leila Nyandusi, Akshatha Puthuraya, Andrew Ward, Mason Ward, and Barry Williams. The Trustees presented certificates and t-shirts to the students.

Recognitions

· School Board Recognition Month

Dr. Pat Forgione, Superintendent, recognized the AISD Board of Trustees for its contributions to educational excellence in the Austin Independent School District.

Bryker Woods Elementary School students, members of The Shaded Rain Opera Company, presented AISD Board of Trustees Survival Kits to the Trustees. Bryker Woods Elementary School Principal Artie Arce, Music Specialist Melody Long, and Fifth Grade Teacher Susan St. Germain, accompanied the students: Remi Brousseau, Aron Coffey-Barnett, Zach Lewis-Hill, Thomas Litrell, Molly Lyon, Hannah Minton, Connor Moreno, Aaron Pellowski, Lena Ray, Grace Robinson, Madeline Romeu, Lauren St. Germain, Sue Carol Thompson, and Morgan Tullos.

· Recognition of Pillow Elementary School as Texas Education Agency Nominee for the U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Program for 2003-2004

Johna Edwards made a motion that the Board of Trustees recognizes and congratulates Pillow Elementary School for being selected as one of only 26 schools nominated for the U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Program for 2003-2004. Ingrid Taylor seconded the motion.

The motion passed unanimously.

Dr. Linda Webb, Principal of Pillow Elementary School, recognized the staff, students and community of Pillow Elementary School.

· LBJ Student Newspaper Won the “Pulitzer Prize” of High School Journalism, the Pacemaker Award

Cheryl Bradley made a motion that the Board of Trustees recognizes and congratulates the LBJ High School Student Newspaper, The Liberator, for winning the Pacemaker Award, which is the “Pulitzer Prize” of high school journalism. Patricia Whiteside seconded the motion.

The motion passed unanimously.

The Liberator student staff; accompanied by Janet Elbom, The Liberator advisor, and Brenda Burrell, principal of LBJ High School, were presented certificates by the Trustees.

· 2003 National Board Certified Teachers

Dr. Forgione introduced the nineteen AISD teachers receiving National Board Certification in 2003:

Brenda Beams, Cowan Elementary School
Sara Bechtold, Houston Elementary School
Cindi Beenken, Bowie High School
Katie Brown, Cowan Elementary School
Yolanda Capuchino, Rodriguez Elementary School
Betsy Davis, Casis Elementary School
Janice Day, Oak Springs Elementary School
Diana Garcia, Allan Elementary School
Mary Ellen Garcia, Reagan High School
Laura Garrett, Cowan Elementary School
Tracy Graham, Houston Elementary School
Michelle Jordan, Blanton Elementary School
Jo Mikels, Small Middle School
Brian Miller, Rosedale School
Martha Olvera, Casis Elementary School
Yolanda Ramirez, Dawson Elementary School
Stacey Ross, Casis Elementary School
Debbie Tannert, Mills Elementary School
Dwayne Wasson, Austin High School

Doyle Valdez made a motion that the Board of Trustees recognizes and congratulates nineteen AISD teachers who have earned the highest professional credential in the field of teaching, National Board Certification, for the 2003-04 school year. Johna Edwards seconded the motion.

The motion passed unanimously.

The Trustees presented certificates to the teachers, who were accompanied by their school principal.

President Valdez acknowledged the assistance provided by the following staff, Terry Morganti-Fisher, Director of Educator Development; Frank Pool, Anderson High School teacher; and Merlinda Rodriguez, Professional Development Specialist.

(Cheryl Bradley left the meeting at 8:06 p.m.)

Citizens’ Communications

Laurie Allen, representing the Lamar Middle School Campus Advisory Council (CAC), provided a letter to the Trustees and expressed concerns regarding the exclusion of parents and staff in the proposed principal selection process.

Janie Stephens, president of the Mathews Elementary School PTA, expressed concerns of the parents, staff, PTA and Campus Advisory Council regarding the proposed principal selection process and offered an amendment to step six of the policy to include co-chairs of the CAC on the interview committee and have the CAC appoint an alternate representative if one or both of the CAC co-chairs are unable to serve.

Jane Hedgepeth, an AISD parent, expressed concerns regarding the elimination of parent involvement in the proposed principal selection process.

Michelle Dean, representing Mathews Elementary School and as a professional familiar with recruiting processes, commended the use of assessment centers in the proposed principal selection, stressed the importance of campus involvement in selecting a principal, and recommended adding the CAC co-chairs to the interview committee.

David Doscher, a District parent and member of the Veterans Day Parade Committee, expressed appreciation for the participation of the District All City Marching Band in the Veteran’s Day Parade and discussed finding ways to educate students about serving in the military.

Dawna Boudreaux, LBJ High School teacher, presented members of the LBJ Cheerleading Team, Latoya Blake and Cherelle VanBrakle, to perform a special cheer for the Trustees in honor of Board Recognition Month.

Reagan High School students, representing the Double RR Dance Team, Theater Arts Department, and the Athletic Department, presented gift baskets to the Trustees as tokens of appreciation from the Reagan students, teachers, and staff for the support and dedication provided by the Trustees.

Betty Weed, president of the Travis Heights Elementary School PTA, reviewed the process used at Travis Heights Elementary for the selection of a new principal with the involvement of parents and staff in more than the principal profile.

Susan Moffat, representing Lee Elementary School PTA, addressed the Board regarding strong parent and staff representation needed in the selection process for principals.

Tracey Marchbanks, a parent of students attending Austin High School, O.Henry Middle School and Casis Elementary School, expressed appreciation for the two-tier vs. three-tier system in middle school and high school and inquired about the origin of data tied to performance.

Louis Malfaro, president of Education Austin, applauded the collaborative effort provided for the National Board Certified teachers, commended the professional development staff for the support provided, and recommended a higher salary for certified teachers.

Marcy McNeil, vice president of Austin Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE), extended congratulations to the National Board Certified teachers and to the Trustees and administration for supporting and facilitating the endeavor, and provided gift bags to the Trustees in recognition of School Board Recognition Month.

(Cheryl Bradley returned to the meeting at 8:34 p.m.)

Bruce Banner, vice president of Education Austin representing classified employees, recognized the National Board Certified teachers, and addressed concerns the Education Austin Executive Board had related to the removal of parents and teachers from the principal selection process.

Cynthia Knox, president of Austin Classroom Teachers Association (ACTA), congratulated the National Board Certified teachers, specifically Mr. M. of Rosedale School for educating her child; expressed appreciation to the Board for their commitment to work with District staff; spoke with concerns regarding what the proposed principal selection process will do to site-based management; and presented TCTA coffee mugs as a token of appreciation during Board Recognition Month.

Clarification of Advanced Academic Courses and Honors Weighted Credit

The panel of staff to participate in discussion and address concerns with the Trustees included the following: Dr. Darlene Westbrook, Chief Academic Officer; Dr. Denise Collier, Executive Director of Curriculum; Dr. Rosalinda Hernandez, Associate Superintendent of High Schools; and Dr. Peggy Gordon, Associate Superintendent of Middle Schools.

Board discussion included the following issues: the systematic offering of advance academic offerings in middle school; the development of curriculum, ensuring teacher training and adding resources once the policy is revised; the comparison to other school districts; the prerequisites for course work; the middle school recommendation for a single advanced academic track of courses in all subject areas; the high school recommendation with pre-advanced placement and advanced placement courses; the experiences students have in classes align with performance; the need to increase the challenge and rigor of advanced classes; the link between what is presented and the ability to define the curriculum support for students to increase their proficiency; the identification of students in special education or honors curriculum; the enrollment of students in advanced academics by collaboration with parents, teacher and principal; and the impact if decision is delayed. Additional discussion included: the review, reflection, and feedback from the middle school and high school principals; the District Advisory Council (DAC) review of the proposal; the timeline for choice sheets; the development of equity across the District; the inclusion of magnet courses with pre-advanced placement, advanced placement and international baccalaureate; the clarification of the Young Scientists program while moving sixth grade to Kealing Junior High School; the concern regarding “watered down” courses; the recommendation for phasing in the implementation in sixth and ninth grade in the fall semester; the summer institute for advanced placement to train teachers; the stacking of pre-advanced placement and honors classes as a campus based decision.

Rudy Montoya made a motion that the Board of Trustees approves the revisions to Policy EIA (LOCAL), Academic Achievement: Grading/Progress Reports to Parents; and Policy EHDC (LOCAL), Extended Instructional Programs: Honors Program, regarding the clarification and standardization of honors weighted credit courses. Patricia Whiteside seconded the motion.

The motion passed unanimously.

Ingrid Taylor requested that staff provide additional information regarding the comparison of the AISD middle school advanced academics program to other school districts. Robert Schneider requested that a comparison of magnet programs be included.

Consent Agenda

Patricia Whiteside made a motion that the Board of Trustees approves the Consent Agenda. Johna Edwards seconded the motion.

The motion passed unanimously.

In summary, the following items were approved:

Board Meeting Minutes
November 24, 2003, Regular Meeting
December 6, 2003, Board Retreat
December 8, 2003, Regular Meeting
December 15, 2003, Special Meeting
December 17, 2003, Work Session

Bids on Equipment, Services and Supplies
Purchase of TeacherInsight Screening Services
(EL-4) from the Gallup Organization $68,667.00
(shown as Attachment A of the Official Minutes)

Routine Personnel Actions

Adoption of Resolution Declaring End of Financial Exigency and Successful Implementation of Program Changes – Adopted the Resolution Declaring End of Financial Exigency and Successful Implementation of Program Changes (Reductions in Force), shown as Attachment B of the Official Minutes.

Annual Interlocal Cooperation Agreements for the Department of School, Family and Community Education – Approved the 2003-2004 Interlocal Agreements between Austin ISD and the City of Austin, shown as Attachment C of the Official Minutes; Travis County, shown as Attachment D of the Official Minutes; and the University of Texas at Austin, shown as Attachment E of the Official Minutes.

Approve Interlocal Agreements with the University of Texas AmeriCorps Program – Approved four contractual arrangements with the University of Texas AmeriCorps Program, totaling $60,000.

Approval of Sale of AISD Property Located at Webb Middle School – Authorized the administration to enter into a contract of sale with Austin Christian Educational Foundation for the purchase of an approximate 0.47 acre portion of the Webb Middle School property located at the northeast corner of Huntland Drive and Twin Crest Drive, declared the subject property to be considered surplus, and approved the use of the sale proceeds to fund capital improvement projects and site acquisitions.

Revision to Board/Superintendent Relation (B/SR) Policies – Approved the Board/Superintendent Relation (B/SR) Policies as agreed by the Trustees at the December 17, 2003, Board meeting, including an additional revision to B/SR-1. The B/SR Policies are shown as Attachment F of the Official Minutes.

Revision of Policy FD (LOCAL), Admissions – Approved the revision of Policy FD (LOCAL), Admissions, shown as Attachment G of the Official Minutes, allowing students entering grades seven through twelve and exhibiting a classroom performance in a foreign language that indicates he or she should be placed in level two or higher of the same foreign language, the student should be given a course final examination in order to determine level of proficiency for placement.

Interlocal Agreement with The University of Texas at Austin for Advanced Placement Initiative Grant Impact Evaluation – Approved the Interlocal Agreement between Austin ISD and the University of Texas at Austin, shown as Attachment H of the Official Minutes, to provide the impact evaluation for Project SOS, a U.S. Department of Education Advanced Placement Incentive Program grant project. The impact evaluation will take place each year for up to three years, contingent on funding of the project each year. The cost of the impact evaluation for the three years is not to exceed $161,881. The cost of the impact evaluation for the current grant award year (10/1/03 through 9/30/04) is not to exceed $55,518.

2004-2005 Budget Calendar – Adopted the 2004-2005 Budget Calendar, shown as Attachment I of the Official Minutes, which closely resembles the process and timelines for previous years.

Agreement for Purchase of Attendance Credits from the State – Adopted the Agreement for the Purchase of Attendance Credits from the State for the 2003-2004 school year, shown as Attachment J of the Official Minutes.

Results Policy R-7: Health and Safety – Discuss Indicators, Benchmarks and Performance Targets

John Moore, Executive Director of Education Support Services; Tracy Diggs, Coordinator of Student Health Services; Michele Rusnak, Coordinator of Physical Education; and Dr. Collier led the discussion on how it is the District is teaching through the curriculum and working with the campuses and community in developing safety plans and assessment in monitoring safety behaviors.

Board discussion with staff included the following: the involvement of the School Health Advisory Committee in the process; the teen nutrition program, CATCH; the collaboration with the Health/Science Institute at Lanier High School; the consideration of the Capital 10,000 or Run-Tex Marathon as an indicator; the award of a $5 million grant to AISD from the Center of Disease Control to decrease incidents of obesity, asthma and diabetes; the inclusion of bullying, violence prevention and dating safety in the indicators; the vague criteria and discrepancies regarding physical education waivers; the development of new criteria for physical education waivers including two categories 1) meeting 15 hours in one week and missing one class period during the school day for Olympic type training, and 2) meeting two – ten hours per week for ranking athletics in high level competition or a sport that is not offered in the District; the evaluation of outside district athletic instruction for criteria met, including TEKS and wellness concepts; and the Fitnessgram middle school pilot used to develop class reports, school reports and district reports.

John Fitzpatrick requested that staff follow-up with Monica Morales at the Diabetes Association. Mr. Fitzpatrick also requested that staff provide data on pregnancies in the District.

Robert Schneider requested that staff confirm if The University of Texas offers a correspondence course in physical education which is acceptable by waivers.

Rudy Montoya requested that staff take under consideration that students may apply for a physical education wavier as an opportunity to expand for an additional elective, to ensure that league sports are reviewed for waivers, and the difference between classroom instruction for five hours and ten hours away from school.

Principal Selection Process

Dr. Forgione reviewed the proposed principal selection process. Board discussion regarding the proposed principal selection process and feedback to the Superintendent included the following: the value of community/parental involvement in selection of principals; possible revisions to include parents and accomplish a pool of candidates; the importance of matching a principal with the community; the accountability of the superintendent; the timeline for the current principal selection process; and the consideration of amending step six to include members of the Campus Advisory Council.

Dr. Michael Houser, Executive Director of Human Resources, and Pam Hall, Director of Recruiting and Staffing, responded to questions from the Trustees regarding the current and proposed principal selection process.

The Trustees requested that Dr. Forgione come back to the Board with a strengthened proposal that has parent and staff involvement.

At 11:35 p.m., President Valdez announced that the Board of Trustees would now move to Board Debriefing.

Board Debriefing

President Valdez announced that the Wednesday, January 14, 2004, Special Board Meeting has been cancelled. With the cancellation, Johna Edwards, Robert Schneider and Patricia Whiteside would be registered to attend the TASB Grassroots Advocacy Meeting on the same date.

Johna Edwards requested an update on establishing a link to the ACPTA website on the AISD website.

John Fitzpatrick requested thirty additional copies of the AustInSiDer and recommended having copies at the Board Community Meetings.

After discussion, the Trustees completed six Board Self-Assessment Forms with an overall rating of Acceptable: three rated Commendable and three rated Acceptable.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 11:48 p.m.

________________________________
Doyle Valdez, President of the Board

___________________________________
Ave Wahrmund, Secretary of the Board

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