UPDATED: Notes on tonight's school board meeting

OPINION:   I walked into the School Board Chambers tonight to walls decorated with creative, colorful art drawn by elementary students from Benjamin Franklin Elementary in Kirkland.   The Principal and her staff gave glowing reports.

Award-winning Mike Town was on the agenda but couldn't make it.  His video was played. 

Three citizens spoke during the "Public Comment" period -- a Co-Chair of Lake Washington School Foundation advertising his Legacy Luncheon fundraiser, a new Council PTSA officer and myself.

Updated:  I urged the School Board (five elected officials) to work harder at selling the Capital Improvement Bond next time.  The few times Directors actively campaign are when they run for office and sell district funding measures to constituents.  Based on my observations at 4 input sessions, over 5 Work Sessions, and 4 Board meetings, the Board majority didn't appear to work hard or smart in selling the bond.  They relied heavily on a Levy Committee phone bank, chaired by Board President Pendergrass.  With the exception of Ravi Shahani and possibly Pendergrass, it appears from my polling of the Administration, that several dropped the ball.  Ravi assertively and effectively addressed the City of Redmond Council and Mayor.  He also attended a community input meeting at Redmond Junior High, though did not participate.   Clearly, Ravi demonstrates he cares about the District in which he lives - Education Hill, Redmond, WA. -- better than most.  Pendergrass met with the Levy Committee twice/month for several months.  I asked President Pendergrass to try to "speak as One Voice" in the next election (and work harder in their home-district).  Hopefully, the Board will write a joint Letter to local newspapers, attract TV media and hold a public forum.  What do you think they could do better?   Or, is something else needed?

Next, the Board reviewed an internal report on "governance process".   The results were hard "to read" and generated little enthusiasm.  However, one item kindled the Board to think about organizing additional constituent groups into a 2-way dialogue with the Board. 

Superintendent Chip Kimball gave insight into the District's budget needs.  The district will collect about $4.5 million more in the 2010-11 school year, based on the levy authorized in February’s election. That increased local levy revenue will restore the $3.5 million in state revenues lost and about $800,000 lost in federal Title I dollars. The result is a flat budget for next year.

Even though the District could collect an additional 1.5% next year from taxpayers if they wanted, Dr.Kimball recommended against it owing to survey results and the economy.  Dr. Kimball and his School Board made a prudent decision.  The City of Redmond had a similar choice last year but raised their taxes by 1% (the maximum) under the prodding of Mayor John Marchione.  Comments? 

Opinion by Bob Yoder

L.W. School District has "Board Certified" teachers! Should you want to know their names?

Updated:  Physicians attaining the highest standard in their profession are considered "Board Certified".  Many people look for this credential when selecting a doctor.

Did you know professional teachers get Board Certified, too?   Yep!   Had I known this before, I'd make a point to sign up my child to their classes when possible.  Washington School District students are lucky.  The district has 135 full time Board Certified teachers - the 4th highest number in the state! 

During the January 11 School Board meeting, forty new Lake Washington district teachers from the Class of 2010 were awarded "Board Certification", by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.  Almost 10% of all L.W. professional teachers in the district are now certified.

It was thrilling to hear two of  my daughter's teachers recognized during the award ceremony - Ms. Shannon Leonard and Ms. Mary Marsh!!    I remember Lexie contributing some Bio-Chem research homework for Ms. Marsh's University of Washington board project.  Under Ms. Leonard's tutelage and from their close relationship since 6th grade, Lexie discovered a love for teaching.

The certificate training program lasts one year and takes up to 600 hours of work.  Teachers get a $2500 loan from the District to pay for the program.  Teachers must pay off the loan at completion.  Administration supports the program with district staff and grants "release days".

THE BOTTOM LINE:   Students, and especially those with high needs, respond favorably to Board Certified teachers.  It's been extrapolated that students taught by Certified teachers gain the equivalent of twenty additional school days in a year.  Do you know which teachers are Board Certified in your kid's school? 

by Bob Yoder
source:  LWSD video archives, January 11, School Board Meeting.

How does local government recognize and show appreciation for our local elected officials?

OPINION:   Updated:  This blog covers the process, behaviors and actions of our local governments, including the City of Redmond, Lake Washington School District, and Evergreen Public Hospital.  I'm of the opinion the City of Redmond sets the "gold standard" for governments in our community.

One of the positive elements of city behavior is the recognition the CEO/Mayor gives councilmembers.  Mr. Marchione always gives the Council Committee Chairs the opportunity to explain and be recognized for their committee work.  Councilmembers work very hard outside of their Regular and Work Study meetings at chairing various committees.   The viewing public learns from these council committee reports and develops an appreciation and respect for the councilmembers' hard work.

No doubt, the viewing public would appreciate similar recognition for our Lake Washington School Board members, but we are not getting it.  CEO/Superintendent Kimball has been working hard to get the word out on the funding ballot issues.   But,  by law, only School Board members are allowed to "sell" the funding measures.  Maybe I'm wrong, but I've never seen Dr. Kimball and President Pendergrass recognize Board members by name for their individual work in promoting the bond and levies.  Without open recognition of specific efforts by individual school board members, the viewing public can't appreciate what our School Board members are doing to promote the bond. 

President Pendergrass gave accolades to three citizen-lobbyists' efforts at the last school board meeting, but didn't mention the name or effort of a single Board Member promoting the bond.   Superintendent Kimball appears as remiss about recognizing Board Members ballot efforts, but for the most part President Jackie Pendergrass is responsible for crediting the Superintendent and Board members.

I personally know Board member Ravi Shahani did some great work selling the bond to Redmond City Council.  I watched his presentation on TV.   But, what are the rest of the Board members doing?  And has Ravi done other work for which he is not being recognized? 

by Bob Yoder

Work Study Sessions - The LW School Board's "Diamond in the Rough".

Interested public, including PTSA members and board candidates may observe from seats to the right.   

Have you ever wanted to know who your School Board members are and what they do?  Perhaps you're thinking of running for a school board office and want more information about the job?  Perhaps a concerned PTSA member?  Or a member of  the community at large.  Attending a "Work Study Session" is just the ticket!

This fascinating learning experience isn't well known or attended because the public work session meeting times aren't announced during Chair Pendergrass's Regular Meetings.  The sessions are held in a back room from the Board Room.  Some of the study Topics from this year are:

1)  Vision 2020,  2) Technology & Science, 3) Graduation Policies, 4) Special Education, 5) Quest & AP, 6) Bond and Levy "Advisory Committee" Recommendations, 7)  Meet Bob Hughes, State Board of Education and past LS Board member, 8)  Culminating Projects in H.S. and Beyond,  9) Culture. 10) Planning for a meeting with the legislatures. 

Don't worry about having to speak.  Public isn't allowed to comment.  Superintendent Kimball usually does most of the talking in these sessions, while staff listens.  Sometimes he'll present slides with helpful handouts; the sessions aren't taped.  These meetings are held during the dinner hour and last about an hour, so feel free to bring something to eat.  The Board Members and staff eat while in session, too.

Work Study Sessions are held the 1st and 3rd week of the month at 5:30pm.  For exact times and room location go here.  Both study sessions and regular board meetings are held at L.E. Scarr Building in Redmond Town Center.  162050 NE 74th Street.  The Regular Board Meeting usually follows at 7PM.

This meeting is a 'diamond in the rough' opportunity for anyone curious or wanting to know more about District governence and our elected.  Three Board Members will be up for election in 2011.  Do you want to learn more?

Work Study Session - Agenda
Work Study Session - Minutes

Board Packet  (budget items, Minutes, PTSA donation list, grants, agenda, etc.)  Pick these up at the reception desk counter.    Quesstions:  contact  Kathryn Reith at kreith@lwsd.org

Redmond High Principal Jane Todd and associates report to the School Board

Updated, 11/11:  It's Superintendent Chip Kimball's practice to host one school per month and today was Redmond High School's opportunity.   Redmond High School Principal Jane Todd (speaking) and her associates, Ms. Pointer and Mr. Higgins, gave their presentation during the  October 12 regular meeting.

According to Superintendent Kimball, Redmond High ranks in the top 85 high schools in the country.  Ms. Todd celebrated the achievements of her students and teachers.  83% of Redmond High graduates go directly onto a post-secondary institution.  854 students took AP tests in 27 subject areas.  The SAT mean score is 40 points above the state mean for the last five years.  PSAT testing has taken a huge jump.

Surprisingly, despite Redmond High's obvious success, the school is  "under improvement" for Annual Yearly Progress (AYP)!  Why?  They fell below standard in one of 37 areas -  "Special Education of Students."  The Federal program, 'No Child Left Behind' is decidedly askew. Kimball anticipates the law will be  changed in a couple years.

When Einstein and Redmond Elementary fell below standards this year, 100 students opted to transfer to other schools.  Federally supported Title One schools have a transfer option.  Even if Redmond High was a Title One school it's highly doubtful students would transfer because the school is so highly rated.

Jane and her associates talked of their efforts in "building culture" at the school.  Several programs are implemented:

•  "RHS HELP" - 160 students 'in need' receive financial support from Microsoft, the PTSA, and other groups for everything from lunches to school supplies. 
•  The Latino demographic -  Latinos meet once a month - usually on college tours - to build leadership to establish better connections and fill in social gaps with the student body.
• Afro-Americans have started a Black Student Union with similar goals as the Latinos. 
• A sophomore core of teachers and students meet regularly to smooth the transition into high school.
• A new attendance and vacation policy holds the students and parents accountable for absences.  

Chip recognized Ms. Todd for her progress in "building culture".  Ms. Todd experienced a general culture of "NO" at the start.  A "can do" attidtude is the status quo today.

by Bob Yoder

Lake Washington School District Board Votes NO on I-1033

Updated:  Opinion:  Though the goal of I-1033 is to lower property taxes, the School Board resolved that the measure would prevent the District from making new investments and undermine funding into the future.   Under I-1033, State funding for basic education to LWSD would be cut by approximately $17.5 million by 2015. 

During last night's October 26 School Board Meeting, President Jackie Pendergrass (left) read Resolution 2043 declaring the Board of Directors' NO position on I-1033.  The Mail-Only Election is only a week away! Their public deliberation, decision and resolution, though helpful, comes a little late to the voters.

During the 10/12 Regular Board Meeting two weeks go, Superintendent Kimball advised the Board that $17.5 Million would be cut from LWSD funding by 2018 if I-1033 passed.  This cut would translate into a loss of 219 teachers and a 7 student increase in class size.  Despite Kimball's 10/12 advisory, the Board did not vote on a resolution owing to a procedural question; and it appeared they weren't prepared with a resolution in hand.  (I attended this meeting and made public comment). 

The Superintendent stated "Public Comment" from both sides of the issues had to be requested and put on record for a resolution to pass.  I'm not sure why the Board President didn't know this.  President Pendergrass invited the Public to comment only one time.  And just one public comment was made (by Ms. Lewis.)  Pendergrass stated no emails were received on the issue. (I sent two emails to the District last week suggesting NO on I-1033.)

In last night's 10/26 Regular meeting, Superintendent Kimball led the conversation saying by 2015 State cash receipts would be reduced by approximately $5.9 Billion if I-1033 passed.  I-1033 would cut $17.5 million from LWSD basic education funding by 2015.

District #5 Director Shahani and Vice President weighed in saying I-1033 appeals to the voters' wish for lower property taxes but the measure is a "huge mistake" that takes advantage of the public's short term needs vs. the long term hurt caused by loss of revenues.  Mr. Shahani said it doesn't make a lot of sense to use inflation as a guide when teacher's salary growth is much higher than inflation.  Shahani lives in Redmond.

District #4 Director Eglington reminded the Board that I-2261 was passed 9 years ago reforming how revenues are generated and allocated.  Revenue would be lost by I-1033.   I-1033 can be recalled within two years but it's a "rotten way to legislate".  Eglington lives in Sammamish.

District #1 Director and President Pendergrass warned I-1033 appears simplistic at first glance but it's impact on government is far more complex and impactful.   Pendergrass lives in Kirkland.  

District #3 Director Nancy Bernard (Kirkland) was absent from the meeting.

District #2 Director Carson was upset by the "obscene language" of the Initiative.  He said measures are supposed to be boring and sober.  The Board chuckled.  Carson lives in Kirkland.

The meeting was short, lasting 49 minutes.  President Pendergrass said this was a "record" and reminded the viewing public of the Directors' time and attendance at the recent Levy/Bond input meetings.  Of the three meetings I attended, no Directors were present.

reported by Bob Yoder

October PTSA Donations & "a little bit more..."

October PTSA Donations to LWSD schools...and a little bit more (scroll below)

Emily Dickinson Elementary PTSA to Dickinson El - $2420.00 - to support 5th & 6th grade community building program @Camp River Ranch

Rachel Carson PTSA to Carson Elementary - $4022.72 - to purchase Accelerated Reader and Star Reading Program, copier supplies.

Samantha Smith PTSA to Smith Elementary - $3470.00 - to purchase Read Naturally Program and student council.

Redmond JH PTSA to Redmond Junior -$3830.87 - to provide academic enrichment mini-grants (supplies and equipment).

H.D. Thoreau PTSA to Thoreau Elementary - $4944.75 - stipends for Honor Choir Program ($1977.90), Outdoor Education ($1977.90), and Chess Program ($899.95).

John Muir PTA to Muir Elementary - $5100.00 -  to provide curriculum enrichment ($3500.00) and field trip transportation ($1600.00).

Stella Schola PTO to Stella Schola - $3018.90 - to provide stipends for extracurricular programming work.

Margaret Mead PTSA to Mead Elementary - $3168.90 - to provide stipends.

AND A LITTLE BIT MORE:    School Board President Jackie Pendergrass came up with an interesting explanation tonight for their record short, 49 min. Board meeting.  Jackie indicated the Board had worked especially long this month attending the Levy/Bond input meetings. Oh?  Interesting!  I went to half (3) of Levy Input meetings this month and didn't see a single School Board member!   Lake Washington High School had one of the largest turnouts (over 20) and not one Board Member attended.   Conspicuous absences at Redmond High and Junior High, too.   They'll need a better reason, next time....