Putnam City Board of Education Meeting Minutes
January 2009
PUTNAM CITY SCHOOLS
REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Putnam City Schools Board of Education of Independent School District No. One of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, met in regular session Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. in the Board room at the Administration Building, 5401 NW 40th, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The agenda and meeting notice were posted on Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.
Members present: Julie Jenison, president; Jerry Cramer, vice-president; Becky Haliburton, Gail LoPresto, and Mark Bledsoe, members; Superintendent Mr. Paul Hurst; Debbie Baldwin, clerk; and others.
ITEM #1 - INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE, MOMENT OF SILENCE, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – BRENDA DAVIS.
Brenda Davis, Administrative Intern at Western Oaks Elementary, gave the Inspirational Message, Moment of Silence, and Pledge of Allegiance.
ITEM #2 – GOLDEN APPLE AWARDS.
Neil Hill, chairperson for the Golden Apple Awards committee, along with Putnam City Foundation Board members Priscilla Cude, Richard Hinkle, and Mark McCoy presented the Fall, 2008 Golden Apple Awards. Receiving the awards were Scott Allen, an English teacher at Mayfield Middle School; Danny Gering, an Oklahoma City University music student and a 2006 graduate of Putnam City West High School who helps the fine arts program at Putnam City West; Debbie Simmons, a secretary at Putnam City High School; and Larry Winnard, an athletic trainer at Putnam City High School. Each recipient was presented an engraved brass apple and a check for $200.00. Contributions were provided by the Putnam City Schools Foundation.
ITEM #3 - PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.
There was no public participation.
ITEM #4 - CONSENT AGENDA: ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS, WHICH CONCERN REPORTS AND ITEMS OF A ROUTINE NATURE NORMALLY APPROVED AT BOARD MEETINGS, WILL BE APPROVED BY ONE VOTE UNLESS ANY BOARD MEMBER DESIRES TO HAVE A SEPARATE VOTE ON ANY OR ALL OF THESE ITEMS. THE CONSENT CONSISTS OF THE DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION, AND APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
a. Minutes for regular board meeting December 1, 2008.
b. Minutes for special board meeting December 9, 2008.
c. Financial report and bimonthly bills for purchase order numbers 906282135
through 909604540 inclusive for time period from December 4, 2008 to December 19, 2008 except purchase order numbers 908988705, 909105001, and 909446001 for Triangle A & E for the 2008-2009 school year.
d. School Activity Fund Transfer List including Putnam City High School.
e. School Activity Fund Subaccount Request including Hefner Middle School to add
subaccount 877 – FCCLA and Putnam City North High School to add subaccount 898 –
Young Libertarians Club.
f. School Activity Fund Summary for October, 2008.
g. Declaration of obsolete/surplus items.
h. Elementary and Secondary Fundraisers.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY FUND-RAISERS
Board of Education Meeting
January 8, 2008
ARBOR GROVE
Activity / Subaccount Yearbook sale -Jostens / General $ 250.00
Date: January (school projects and instructional supplies)
CENTRAL ELEM.
Activity / Subaccount Camp Read-a-lot Book Fair / Media $1,500.00
Date: January (resources for Library Media Center)
CORONADO
Activity / Subaccount Candy Sale / Fifth Grade fund $2,000.00
Date: January-April (5th grade field trip expenses)
DOWNS
Activity / Subaccount Yearbook sale / Yearbook $ 200.00
Date: January (publishing & distribution expenses)
HILLDALE
Activity / Subaccount Book Fair / Media $1,000.00
Date: January (books, supplies, field trips & furnishings for the
library; author visits)
KIRKLAND
Activity / Subaccount Silent Auction & Raffle / Cancer Fund $ 500.00
Date: January (cancer drive)
NORTHRIDGE
Activity / Subaccount Sell Value Cards / Fundraisers $1,000.00
Date: Jan. 22 – Feb. 3 (misc. supplies and curriculum)
WILL ROGERS
Activity / Subaccount Sell water bottles / General $ 500.00
Date: Ongoing (misc. materials and equipment)
CAPPS MIDDLE
Activity / Subaccount Spirit Week / Leadership $ 300.00
Date: January 12-16 (cancer drive and/or other school needs)
Activity / Subaccount $1 Candy Bar Sale / Band, Choir, Orchestra $1,500.00
Date: January 19-30 (buses, music, supplies, entry fees)
Activity / Subaccount Sell candy grams to students / Leadership $ 250.00
Date: February 5-13 (cancer drive)
COOPER MIDDLE
Activity / Subaccount Matchmaker fundraiser / General $ 200.00
Date: February 9-13 (uniforms, poms, music, etc.)
i. Overnight Travel Requests.
j. Out of State trip:
1. Putnam City High School National Association of Student Council students to
Highland Ranch, Colorado June 24 – July 1, 2009.
2. Putnam City West High School Band students to San Antonio, Texas
April 16-19, 2009.
3. Hefner Middle School Vocal Music students to Dallas, Texas May 8, 2009.
4. Putnam City High School DECA students to Anaheim, California
April 29 – May 3, 2009.
k. Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.
Becky Haliburton made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, abstain; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #5 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON RECOMMENDATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF NEW PERSONNEL AS LISTED ON ATTACHMENT A.
Jerry Cramer made a motion to approve the employment of new personnel as listed on Attachment A. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #6 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER NUMBERS 908988705, 909105001, AND 909446001 FOR TRIANGLE A & E. ($9,920.00 FROM 9-11)
Becky Haliburton made a motion to approve the purchase order numbers 908988705, 909105001, and 909446001 for Triangle A & E. Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, abstain; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #7 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.
• This month is designated as National School Board Recognition Month. On behalf of all of the administrators, faculty, staff, and students I want to extend to each of you our appreciation for the crucial work you do in the governance of this excellent school district. Your commitment to service and public education affects the present and future lives of our children and the community at large. We do hope that you know how much we appreciate your work. The reputation for excellence that we enjoy as a district is a direct result of your involvement and leadership. We do appreciate all that you do.
• It is my pleasure to announce that Dennis Elementary has been named a Great Expectations Model School. This is quite an honor for Ms. Grigsby, the staff at Dennis, and all those involved in the hard work that is required to achieve this status. Dennis will receive recognition proclaiming this honor at the Great Expectations Winter Regional on February 10. I look forward to that event as well as having Ms. Grigsby and others from Dennis Elementary present formally to you regarding Great Expectations.
• Congratulations to Putnam City North junior Bryan Byars for being selected by the National High School Coaches Association and Adidas for the 2008 All-American Soccer Team. Bryan is one of 22 players nation wide to be selected for this honor. Bryan was recognized as one of the best goal keepers in the country and was the only junior awarded this honor. He helped lead his team to the 2007 State Finals and was recognized as the 2007 Defensive Player of the Year by the Daily Oklahoman. He was also selected to the All-Oklahoman Soccer Team both in 2007 and 2008. Congratulations to this fine athlete.
• Congratulations to the Putnam City North Pom Squad who competed at the Oklahoma State Dance Team Directors Association competition conducted on December 12th and 13th. This competition involved over 100 dance/pom squads from across the state of Oklahoma. PCN received the 3rd place runner up trophy in the Jazz Competition. The Junior Ensemble group received 1st runner up in their large group competition. Again, congratulations to Ms. Oswalt and these students.
• As you may know, 18 of the district’s teachers have recently received notice that they have earned National Board Certification. There are now 80 national board certified teachers in the district which represents almost 6% of the teaching force. We do intend to recognize the latest of these at a board meeting in the very near future. We are certainly proud of all 80 of these fine educators and what the process of certification has provided the students in the classroom.
• Overholser Elementary School just received notice that it is the recipient of a $5,000 Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Grant. These grants are funded by the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. The funds will be used to purchase World Trail Exercise Stations for the school’s playground. Congratulations to Ms. Teasley and all at Overholser Elementary School.
• It is a pleasure to announce that the Putnam City North Cheerleaders won their fourth national championship in a row over the holidays at the Dallas Convention Center. Not only were they crowned in their division but also topped more than 150 other cheerleading squads from across the nation to earn the National Grand Championship. I hope we have an opportunity to have these young people at a future board of education meeting so that we may formally recognize their outstanding accomplishments. Congratulations to Putnam City North, Dr. Chastain, Bethany Lorenz, Cathy Keller, all the members of the squad and their families.
• I am pleased to report that Putnam City West has three academic all-state nominees. The students are Katie Bowles, Matthew Gallant, and Michael Short. Good luck to these fine students.
• I would also like to recognize 5 Putnam City High School students who were named to the All State Orchestra. Congratulations to Jake Early, Brendan Bradford, Tae Wook Song, Seungyeon Seo, and Jiwon Song for their outstanding success. Ms. Thrailkill is likewise to be recognized for her work with the orchestra program at Putnam City High School.
• Also earning chairs in the All State OMEA Orchestra from Putnam City West High School were Angela Gregory, Ben Frantz. Mallory Gabus, Kelsey Lowe, Katie Bowles, and Daniel Sharp. Congratulations to these fine musicians and to their director, Ms. Anne Guevara.
• Five students from Capps Middle School have qualified for the state level academic competition. Congratulations to 6th grader Lisa Campbell who placed 1st in science and 7th grade student Zhong Thai who place 1st in science, 1st in social studies, and 2nd in mathematics. Eighth grade students qualifying were Alix Haggard, 3rd place in social studies, Taylor Woodard who placed 1st in math, 3rd in science, and 3rd in social studies, and Ki-Jana Carter who placed 1st in science and in language arts.
• Three 5th grade PEAK students from Northridge elementary were recently chosen for the Future Health Scientists Partnership Program sponsored by the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. The program will focus on academic enrichment and health sciences career information to assist in the development of the next generation of health science professionals. The program supports these students through their high school years and beyond. Congratulations to these students.
• You have at your places this evening the formal copy of the course description guide for 2009-10. We want to thank Dr. Pierce, Dr. Mouse, the curriculum specialists, and all the staff at the buildings for their work on this. I would also like to recognize Putnam City High School student Nathan Wood for the wonderful cover art work.
• Sabrina Nettles, a graduate of Putnam City High School and currently a student at the University of Oklahoma, was selected to attend the university Presidential Inauguration Conference to be conducted in Washington, D.C., on January 17-21. Miss Nettles is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and was selected for this honor based on academic excellence.
• Also in the spotlight this evening is Putnam City North graduate and Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford as he leads the University of Oklahoma in the BCS title game in Miami. We certainly wish him the best and look forward to some activities locally that recognize his outstanding accomplishments. He truly is a fine representative for student athletes and the Putnam City Schools.
ITEM #8 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.
Jerry Cramer congratulated the Golden Apple Award winners and said the recognitions are one of his favorite events. He said he enjoyed the games at the Putnam City Invitational Tournament. Mr. Cramer congratulated Vivian Grigsby and Dennis Elementary for being named a Great Expectations Model School.
Becky Haliburton congratulated Vivian Grigsby and Dennis Elementary for the Great Expectations honor. She noted the positive articles in The Tribune newspaper on the national championship won by Putnam City North cheerleaders and in Friday newspaper about a former Putnam City North student who used first aid skills to save a woman’s life.
Mark Bledsoe congratulated the Golden Apple Award winners. He commented on the lengthy list of accomplishments named in the Superintendent’s Report. Mr. Bledsoe thanked the Putnam City Foundation for supporting the district in so many worthwhile endeavors.
Gail LoPresto said she attended the Windsor Hills Elementary performance at Penn Square Mall. She said students not only sang but they danced, played violins, and told jokes too. She said the Band Concert at Putnam City West High School was spectacular. Mrs. LoPresto thanked Lee Ann Teasley for her note to board members.
Julie Jenison congratulated Dr. Brian Chastain on the many awards won recently by Putnam City North students. She congratulated the Golden Apple Award winners.
ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.
There was no new business.
ITEM #10 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.
Jerry Cramer made a motion at 5:40 p.m. to adjourn. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion.
Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.
_________________________________________________________________
REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The Putnam City Schools Board of Education of Independent School District No. One of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, met in regular session Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the Board room at the Administration Building, 5401 NW 40th, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The agenda and meeting notice were posted on Friday, January 16, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.
Members present: Julie Jenison, president; Jerry Cramer, vice-president; Becky Haliburton, Gail LoPresto, and Mark Bledsoe, members; Superintendent Mr. Paul Hurst; Debbie Baldwin, clerk; and others.
ITEM #1 - INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE, MOMENT OF SILENCE, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – JOHN MURPHEY.
John Murphey, Assistant Principal at Putnam City North High School, gave the Inspirational Message, Moment of Silence, and Pledge of Allegiance.
ITEM #2 – PRESENTATION FROM PUTNAM CITY NORTH STUDENTS WORKING AGAINST TOBACCO (SWAT).
A group of Putnam City North High School students who are members of Students Working Against Tobacco spoke to the board Tuesday night and asked them to create a new district policy that would make all district property a tobacco-free environment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Dr. Tim Jones from the Oklahoma County Medical Society also spoke to the Board encouraging development of the tobacco-free policy.
Current district policy prohibits students from smoking, using, or possessing tobacco products at school or school functions anywhere on property subject to the control and authority of the district. The policy proposed by the students would also apply to district staff and visitors to schools and school events. Students say the policy would send a clear consistent message to all about the value the district places on the health and well-being of students and staff.
ITEM #3 – RECOGNITION OF BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHERS – APRIL GRACE AND STEVE LINDLEY.
Dr. April Grace, Executive Director of Human Resources, and Steve Lindley, Communications Director, recognized the new national board certified teachers.
Teachers honored were:
• Susan Baker, Putnam City North High School
• Lisa Bumpus, Western Oaks Elementary
• Stacey Calton, Putnam City High School
• Susan Emig, Ralph Downs Elementary
• Patricia George, Kenneth Cooper Middle School
• Jason Hasty, Western Oaks Elementary
• Robert Hullet, Hefner Middle School
• Angela Kwok, Ralph Downs Elementary
• Melissa Lehmann, Putnam City North High School
• Bethany Lorenz, Putnam City North High School
• Cristi Miller, Ralph Downs Elementary School
• Michelle Owens, Western Oaks Middle School
• Jennifer Seal, Putnam City North High School
• Stephen Stark, Putnam City High School
• Vicki Vaughan, Kenneth Cooper Middle School
• Kim Whaylen, Ralph Downs Elementary School
• Beth Whipple, Putnam City West High School
• Crystal Wyckoff, Putnam City High School
National Board Certification is a voluntary process established by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. It is achieved through a rigorous performance-based assessment that takes between one and three years to complete. Putnam City now has 80 teachers with national board certification.
ITEM #4 - PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.
There was no public participation.
ITEM #5 - CONSENT AGENDA: ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS, WHICH CONCERN REPORTS AND ITEMS OF A ROUTINE NATURE NORMALLY APPROVED AT BOARD MEETINGS, WILL BE APPROVED BY ONE VOTE UNLESS ANY BOARD MEMBER DESIRES TO HAVE A SEPARATE VOTE ON ANY OR ALL OF THESE ITEMS. THE CONSENT CONSISTS OF THE DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION, AND APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
a. Minutes for regular board meeting January 8, 2009.
b. Financial report and bimonthly bills for purchase order numbers 905472510
through 910231135 inclusive for time period from December 19, 2008 to
January 13, 2009 with the exception of purchase order number 910028705
for Triangle A & E for the 2008-09 school year.
c. School Activity Fund Transfer List including Putnam City West High School.
d. Declaration of obsolete/surplus items.
e. Elementary and Secondary Fundraisers.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY FUND-RAISERS
Board of Education Meeting
January 20, 2009
NORTHRIDGE
Activity / Subaccount Class pictures / Pictures $ 200.00
Date: January 30 (misc. curriculum supplies)
CAPPS MIDDLE SCHOOL
Activity / Subaccount Computer Generated matches / Leadership $ 300.00
Date: February 11 (cancer research)
f. Overnight Travel Requests.
g. Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.
Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Jerry Cramer seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #6 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON RECOMMENDATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF NEW PERSONNEL AS LISTED ON ATTACHMENT A.
Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve the employment of new personnel as listed on Attachment A. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #7 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER NUMBER 910028705 FOR TRIANGLE A & E.
Jerry Cramer made a motion to approve purchase order number 910028705 for Triangle A & E. Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, abstain; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION FOR APPROVAL TO SUBMIT INTERNET ACCESS FOR E-RATE FUNDING. (GENERAL FUND)
Becky Haliburton made a motion for approval to submit Internet Access for E-rate Funding. Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION FOR APPROVAL TO SUBMIT SPRINT CELLULAR SERVICE FOR E-RATE FUNDING. (GENERAL FUND)
Mark Bledsoe made a motion for approval to submit Sprint Cellular Service for E-rate Funding. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION FOR APPROVAL TO SUBMIT PAGING SERVICE FOR E-RATE FUNDING. (GENERAL FUND)
Gail LoPresto made a motion for approval to submit Paging Service for E-rate Funding. Jerry Cramer seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #11 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CISCO SMARTNET SUPPORT AGREEMENT FOR WIRELESS NETWORK COMPONENTS. ($6,856.86 FROM 09-11-076)
Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve Cisco SMARTNet Support Agreement for Wireless Network Components. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #12 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE LOWEST/BEST BID AND ALTERNATE #1 FROM CONNELLY PAVING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TRACK AT HEFNER MIDDLE SCHOOL. ($459,800.00 FROM 24-279/33-279)
Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve the lowest/best bid and Alternate #1 from Connelly Paving for the construction of a track at Hefner Middle School. Jerry Cramer seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.
The track at Hefner will be for all middle schools to use for meets, and will also be used by students at Hefner for physical education classes. The expense is covered by a combination of MAPS for Kids funds and bond funds approved by voters in October 2005.
ITEM #13 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE ADOPTION OF BOARD OF EDUCATION STATEMENT OF VALUES.
Jerry Cramer made a motion to approve adoption of the Board of Education Statement of Values. Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.
The statement of values stemmed from conversations in recent board work sessions. By describing core values and the foundational identity of the board, the statement of values will guide discussion, behavior, strategic planning and decision-making.
Statement of Values
Putnam City Board of Education
2008-2009
1. The decisions we make will enhance the academic, social, emotional, and physical well being of our students.
2. We will do whatever it takes to prepare the district’s students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
3. We will engage our citizenry in open, honest communications regarding the district’s mission and vision.
4. We will maintain a safe, orderly, inclusive learning environment.
5. We will be fiscally responsible and accountable.
6. We will employ and retain the most effective employees possible.
7. We will insist on continuous improvement for all.
8. We will ensure that all students will be successful in school, maximizing the potential of each student.
9. We will ensure that all Putnam City students receive a strong academic foundation.
10. We encourage engagement in the arts and other activities that develop healthy living skills, productive citizenship, and social responsibility.
ITEM #14 - SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.
• Thank you Putnam City North students for the presentation on Students Working Against Tobacco.
• I am delighted to inform you that Angela Kwok of Ralph Downs Elementary School successfully submitted an engineering project proposal, entitled “Engineering for Elementary Students: A Study of Measurement” to the OU Research Experience for Teachers Program that is supported by the National Science Foundation. As a result, Ms. Kwok has been awarded equipment and software for a total value of $2729.00. Congratulations to Ms. Kwok and Downs Elementary School.
• We were informed recently that the Putnam City Schools District has been selected to participate in the Oklahoma State Department of Education Highly Qualified Training Reimbursement Program. I certainly want to applaud Mr. Kastner and Ms. Thompson for taking the initiative in this regard and for the opportunities it will provide our special education teachers in gaining highly qualified status and improving their knowledge base in core curriculum areas.
• I do want to recognize Heather Ryan, a first grade student at Northridge Elementary School as she appeared on the cover of the January issue of the Metro Family Magazine’s Education Guide.
• Amanda Kouri, a fifth grade student from Dennis Elementary, was named the winner of the 2009 Colonial Day at the Capitol Literature Contest sponsored by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. Amanda was recognized and read her award winning essay, “What It Means to be an American”. President George Washington, portrayed by historical interpreter Ron Carnegie of Colonial Williamsburg, presented Amanda with a plaque and a one hundred dollar savings bond during an opening ceremony in the House of Representatives Chamber. Amanda’s moving and award winning essay tells the story of her great grandmother, Alexandra Massad, who, at the age of fifteen, traveled alone from Lebanon to Ellis Island to seek freedom and refuge from hostilities in her homeland. The great grandmother found work and began a new life in Drumright, Oklahoma. We are so proud of this student and the message she conveyed in her essay.
• I too wish to congratulate our latest group of educators as they were recognized for their accomplishments relative to National Board Certification. I realize that it was an extensive process and applaud them for commitment and hard work in this regard. I know that many more of our staff are engaged in the pursuit of this certification and look forward to future recognitions of this kind. We are exploring additional ways to recognize the professional growth of the district’s staff including those who earned advanced degrees.
• I received an update from Georgene Westendorf this afternoon as to the results of our flu shot clinic. Of the 1326 employees who signed up to receive the flu shot, the vaccine was administered to 1223. As you know, the vaccine and the syringes were provided at no charge by the City/County Health Department. We do appreciate all of the district’s nurses who provided this service for the district’s employees.
ITEM #15 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.
Jerry Cramer thanked John Murphey for his inspirational message, saying that district teachers and administrators are heroes for helping students become successful in their lives. He congratulated all the national board certified teachers and said he had seen tremendous growth in those going through the process. Mr. Cramer thanked Mr. Hurst for working with the board on the Statement of Values.
Becky Haliburton congratulated the national board certified teachers and said it was an amazing accomplishment. She congratulated Hefner 6th grade students, faculty, and administration for earning a total of 2,316 passing grades and not a single failing grade in the second academic quarter. Hefner Middle School will be holding its 6th grade academic awards assembly at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, January 22nd. Hefner Middle School administrators will be camping out on the roof of the school building as part of the celebration of the 6th graders’ accomplishment.
Mark Bledsoe congratulated the national board certified teachers. He also congratulated the 6th grade students at Hefner for their accomplishments.
Gail LoPresto congratulated the national board certified teachers. She thanked Mr. Hurst for working with the board on the Statement of Values. Mrs. LoPresto thanked Putnam City High School for doing a great job of hosting the recent Putnam City Invitational Basketball Tournament. She also thanked Putnam City North students for coming to the meeting to advise board members on the district’s current tobacco policy and ask for a change.
Julie Jenison thanked Putnam City North students for bringing the tobacco policy to the board’s attention. She congratulated the national board certified teachers and said it was an amazing commitment. Mrs. Jenison said she appreciated the Hefner Middle School administrators and their celebration of no failing grades for 6th graders.
ITEM #16 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE 2008-2009 SCHOOL YEAR PURSUANT TO 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(1) AND (2).
Jerry Cramer made a motion at 6:50 p.m. to enter into executive session to discuss negotiations for the 2008-2009 school year pursuant to 25 O.S. § 307 (B)(1) and (2). Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #17 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AND TO REQUEST THE BOARD CLERK TO RECORD THE MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.
Becky Haliburton made a motion at 7:10 p.m. to return to open session and to request the Board Clerk to record the minutes of the executive session. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.
MINUTES OF EXECUTIVE SESSION: Board President Julie Jenison; Vice President Jerry Cramer; members Gail LoPresto, Mark Bledsoe, and Becky Haliburton; Superintendent Paul Hurst; Dr. April Grace, Executive Director of Human Resources; and Shannon Meeks, Executive Director of Finance; met in executive session for the purpose of discussing negotiations for the 2008-2009 school year pursuant to 23 O.S. § 307 (B)(1) and (2).
ITEM #18 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON FINAL RATIFICATION OF THE 2008-2009 NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE PUTNAM CITY ASSOCIATION OF CLASSROOM TEACHERS.
Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve final ratification of the 2008-2009 Negotiated Agreement between the Board of Education and the Putnam City Association of Classroom Teachers. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #19 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.
There was no new business.
ITEM #20 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO CONTINUE MEETING ON THE BUS FOR THE PURPOSE OF TOURING CENTRAL ELEMENTARY.
Mark Bledsoe made a motion to continue meeting on the bus for the purpose of touring Central Elementary. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Cramer, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #21 - TOUR NEW FACILITIES.
Board members, administrators, and patrons toured Central Elementary. Due to illness and other obligations, Becky Haliburton did not tour the new facilities.
ITEM #22 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO CONTINUE MEETING IN THE BOARD ROOM AT THE PUTNAM CITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING.
The Board returned to the Administration Building at 7:55 p.m.
ITEM #23 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.
Mark Bledsoe made a motion at 7:56 p.m. to adjourn. Jerry Cramer seconded the motion.
Vote: Cramer, aye; Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.