April 2010 Board Minutes
REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, April 5, 2010
The Putnam City Schools Board of Education of Independent School District No. One of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, met in regular session Monday, April 5, 2010 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, April 2, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.
Members present: Julie Jenison, president; Becky Haliburton, vice-president; Gail LoPresto, Mark Bledsoe, and Tammy West, members; Superintendent Mr. Paul Hurst; Debbie Baldwin, clerk; and others.
ITEM #1 - INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE, MOMENT OF SILENCE, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – DR. APRIL GRACE.
Dr. April Grace, Executive Director of Human Resources, gave the Inspirational Message, Moment of Silence, and Pledge of Allegiance.
ITEM #2 – RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHERS.
Dr. April Grace introduced eight teachers who earned National Board Certification earlier this year. Teachers honored were Carla Alexander, Putnam City West High School; Robin Bachus, Rollingwood Elementary; Rebecca Burrows, Overholser Elementary; Carla Carter, Hilldale Elementary; Kyle Farnham, Cooper Middle School; Rick Harris, Putnam City North; Mikel Ibarra, Northridge Elementary; and Jeni James, Will Rogers Elementary.
ITEM #3 – INFORMATION AND STAFF REPORTS:
SUMMER SCHOOL COST COMPARISONS
Shannon Meeks, Executive Director of Finance, reported summer school cost comparisons for the last two years. The local funding picture for summer school in 2009 showed higher expenditures and lower revenue as compared to 2008.
Summer school was held at 13 schools in 2009 compared to five schools in 2008, and the district served 395 more children in 2009 than in 2008. Costs for administrators and teachers were roughly the same for the two years. However, costs for support staff, supplies and utilities were more than $21,000 higher in 2009. Bus driver wages were about $21,000 higher in 2009, too, because the district was not reimbursed through federal funds as it was in 2008.
The district took in about $23,000 fewer tuition dollars in 2009 as compared to 2008. The difference may be attributable to a higher number of students in 2008, 25% of whom were from outside the district, and a higher percentage of tuition discounts in 2009.
ITEM #4 - PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.
Bob Olmstead, a Putnam City bus driver, told the board that quality and customer service would be best if transportation remained a district function rather than being outsourced.
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 March 8, 2010.
b. Minutes for special board meeting March 11, 2010.
c. Minutes for special board meeting March 30, 2010.
d. Financial report and bimonthly bills for purchase order numbers 008964102
through 013573094 for the time period March 2-30, 2010 for the 2009-2010
school year with the exception of purchase order numbers 11673710, 11674710
and 12909705 for Triangle A & E.
e. School Activity Fund Subaccount Request List for Rollingwood Elementary.
f. School Activity Fund Transfer Lists including Dennis Elementary, Hefner Middle
School and Putnam City High School.
g. School Activity Fund Summary for January 2010.
h. Declaration of obsolete and/or surplus items.
i. Lake Park Elementary contract with Dalmarc Signs to install new Marquee.
($5,200 from activity fund)
j. Putnam City Even Start Evaluation Contract with Sharilynn Carter. ($2,500 from 514)
k. Contract Amendment with the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma, Health
Sciences Center.
l. Contract for author visit at Western Oaks Middle School.
m. Elementary and Secondary Fundraisers.
ELEMENTARY & SECONDARY FUND-RAISERS
April 5, 2010
DOWNS
Activity/Subaccount 5th Grade BB game vs. Oklahoma $400.00
Date: April 15th Impact/Cancer Drive (Cancer Drive)
HILLDALE
Activity/Subaccount Author Visit Book Sales/Media $0
Date: April (No profit—books are purchased by
students and teachers for autographing)
LAKE PARK
Activity/Subaccount Jump for Heart/General $600.00
Date: April/May (Donation-Jump for Heart)
PUTNAM CITY NORTH
Activity / Subaccount Sponsorship letters / Business Professionals of America $ 500.00
Date: April – May (Student expenses for competition)
PUTNAM CITY WEST
Activity / Subaccount Car wash / Class of 2012 $ 200.00
Date: April – May (Prom, Graduation, class activities)
n. Overnight Travel Requests.
o. Out of state trips:
1. Putnam City Silver Strings students to Chicago, Illinois, St. Louis, Missouri and
Kansas City, Missouri June 6-11, 2010.
2. Putnam City North business students to Anaheim, California May 5-9, 2010.
3. Putnam City North Key Club students to Dallas, Texas April 15-18, 2010.
p. Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.
Becky Haliburton made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote: Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.
Superintendent Paul Hurst said the Overnight Travel Report should be corrected to show no funding for trips from the General Fund.
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 recommendation of employment of new personnel as listed on Attachment A. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Vote: Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #7 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER NUMBERS 11673710, 11674710 AND 12909705 FOR TRIANGLE A & E. ($615.14 FROM 10-11)
Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve purchase order numbers 11673710, 11674710 and 12909705 for Triangle A & E. Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, abstain; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #8 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO MODIFY THE VOLUNTARY SEPARATION PROGRAM TO REFLECT CHANGES TO MINIMUM NUMBER (72) OF RETIRING EMPLOYEES AS LISTED ON ATTACHMENT B.
Gail LoPresto made a motion to modify the Voluntary Separation Program to reflect changes to minimum number (72) of retiring employees as listed on Attachment B. Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM # 9 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT FOR SPEECH PATHOLOGY SERVICES WITH HEARTS FOR HEARING.
Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve contract for Speech Pathology Services with Hearts for Hearing. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Vote: Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #10 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE THE ADDITION OF MATH ANALYSIS TO THE 2010-2011 COURSE DESCRIPTION GUIDE.
Becky Haliburton made a motion to approve the addition of Math Analysis to the 2010-2011 Course Description Guide. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Board members asked questions and voiced some concerns. Vote: Haliburton, nay; Bledsoe, aye; West, nay; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #11 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.
• I want to begin this evening’s report with a reminder about the Putnam City Teacher Job Fair scheduled for April 13. The job fair will begin at 2:00 pm and go well into the evening. Please join all of us in spreading the word about this most productive activity. We look forward to meeting the many potential applicants in attendance that day.
• The Oklahoma Music Educators’ Association has a new award this year. Receiving the inaugural “Outstanding Young Educator Award” is Western Oaks Middle School’s orchestra instructor, Regina Kenton. Congratulations to Ms. Kenton.
• Putnam City psychologist Lissa Wright was recently named the Oklahoma School Psychologist of the Year by the Oklahoma School Psychologist Association.
• Michael Adams of Putnam City’s Curriculum Department has been chosen to receive the Outstanding Graduate Award from the University of Central Oklahoma. Michael has been working on his Masters Degree within the College of Education.
• Putnam City High School AP English teacher, Kelli Davis, has been accepted into the Fulbright Teacher Exchange program and will be teaching next year in Scotland.
• Jamie Ring, special education teacher at Overholser Elementary, is being honored with an Education Merit Award presented by the Professional Educators Foundation. The award recognizes Ms. Ring for her commitment to her students, strength of character, and excellence in teaching.
• Western Oaks Elementary will receive a 2010 National Educational Association’s “Books across America Library Award.” This is one of only 43 awarded and provides one thousand dollars to bring the gift of reading to the students.
• Congratulations to the Putnam City North Pom Squad who traveled to Orlando, Florida, to compete in the NDA National Dance Competition against over 175 other teams. The Putnam City North squad finished 6th in the Hip Hop competition and 3rd in the Team Performance. This was indeed outstanding work by the students and sponsors.
• The Putnam City North boys’ soccer team is ranked number one in one national poll and number six in another. They had great success in a recent out of state tournament winning a championship against some outstanding national competitors. Congratulations to Coach Pecore and the student athletes.
• The Kenneth Cooper Middle School band, orchestra, and choir all received superior ratings at the recent OSSAA district contest with the band the only group at the competition receiving a superior rating in concert performance. All three groups also received Outstanding Achievement Awards. Congratulations to all these groups, students, and instructors.
• Congratulations to Putnam City West High Schools’ Business Professionals of America chapter for the many successes at the recent State Leadership Conference. Kayla Hayes, Kevin Tran, Kayla Walker, Kasey Wilcox, and Anthony Nguyen were all top 20 finalists. BPA chapter president Kasey Wilcox placed first in Administrative Support Concept. Margaret Shelley and Vi T Ngo from the Putnam City North BPA chapter also captured award at the leadership event with Margaret placing 4th in Accounting and Vi T Ngo placing 4th in Financial Analysis and 1st in Accounting.
• Eight Putnam City middle students won honors in the recent Junior Talent in Oklahoma Exhibit. Congratulations to Cara Higgins and Christina Nguyen (Capps Middle School), Anita Kemp, Keisha Crutchfield, Sandy Nguyen all from Mayfield Middle School, Nate Wiewel (2 awards) and Mateo Pettyjohn (Western Oaks Middle School), and Breanna Smith (Hefner Middle School).
• The Western Oaks Elementary fifth grade PEAK students participated in the Thinking Caps Quiz Bowl which is a national computer team competition. This outstanding team placed 1st in the district and 4th in the southwest region. Great stuff!
• Putnam City High School senior Julius Iboni has received the State Youth of the Year award form the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Julius received a $3500 scholarship and competes for the regional award in Dallas in May. This award is presented for outstanding character, proven leadership, and meritorious service to family, community, and school.
• Congratulations to the Western Oaks Middle School Warriors who participated in the Crossings Christian School Scholastic Meet. My Lam placed second in 7th grade Social Studies and Aleesha Eidson placed third in 8th grade Language Arts and will represent the school in state competition.
• Putnam City West senior Mario Caballeros has been selected as the McDonalds Latino Youth Leader of the Month for February. Mario is involved in many activities in the school, at Francis Tuttle Career Technology Center, his church, and serves as a volunteer at a downtown homeless shelter…a well deserved recognition for this outstanding young man.
ITEM #12 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.
Mark Bledsoe thanked Dr. April Grace for her inspirational message. He congratulated the National Board Certified Teachers. Mr. Bledsoe congratulated those mentioned in the Superintendent’s report and thanked Mr.Olmstead for speaking to the board.
Gail LoPresto reminded everyone that the Foundation Banquet is April 20, 2010. She said she is sympathetic to concerned parents of students affected by budget cuts, but she has confidence in the expertise of administrators and appreciates their hard work. Mrs. LoPresto thanked Mr. Olmstead for speaking to the board.
Tammy West expressed appreciation for hard work done by district administrators. She congratulated teachers receiving National Board Certification.
Becky Haliburton recognized William Bryant, a 5th grade student at Downs Elementary and a member of Boy Scout Troop 164, for leading legislators in the Pledge of Allegiance before the State of the State address. She congratulated Hefner teacher Robin Wall, lead actors Jill Pullen and Broderick William, and other students and staff for a “phenomenal” production of The Music Man.
Julie Jenison noted the loss to the district from the upcoming retirement of many district employees. She specifically said that the retirement of Information Technology Executive Director Bettie Estes-Rickner would leave “quite a vacancy.” Mrs. Jenison also thanked Foundation board members present at the meeting for serving Putnam City students. She thanked Dr. Grace for her inspirational message.
ITEM #13 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.
There was no new business.
ITEM # 14 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.
Mark Bledsoe made a motion to adjourn at 7:05 p.m. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye; Jenison, aye.
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REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Monday, April 19, 2010
The Putnam City Schools Board of Education of Independent School District No. One of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma, met in regular session Monday, April 19, 2010 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, April 16, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.
Members present: Julie Jenison, president; Becky Haliburton, vice-president; Gail LoPresto, Mark Bledsoe, and Tammy West, members; Superintendent Mr. Paul Hurst; Debbie Baldwin, clerk; and others.
ITEM #1 - INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE, MOMENT OF SILENCE, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – BRENDA CHAPMAN.
Brenda Chapman, Social Studies Curriculum Specialist, gave the Inspirational Message, Moment of Silence, and Pledge of Allegiance. Since today is the 15 year anniversary of the Oklahoma City Murrah Building Bombing, Mrs. Chapman paid tribute to the bombing victims and their families with a slideshow and a moment of silence.
ITEM #2 – INFORMATION AND STAFF REPORTS:
THE KENNEDY CENTER ALLIANCE FOR ARTS EDUCATION NETWORK AND NATIONAL SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION AWARD – GAIL LOPRESTO AND BARBARA GABEL
Board member Gail LoPresto and Fine Arts Specialist Barbara Gabel reported to the board on the national award they accepted last week in Chicago.
The Putnam City School Board received the 22nd annual Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network and National School Boards Association Award, signifying outstanding support of high quality arts education. The award included a $10,000 prize to be used to enhance arts education in the district.
Barbara Gabel said the recognition of the school board’s record of support for arts education was appreciated by school art specialists.
Gail LoPresto said the commitment to arts education is one thing that sets Putnam City apart from other school districts.
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 April 5, 2010.
b. Financial report and bimonthly bills for purchase order numbers 010214092
through 013714385 for the time period March 30 – April 13, 2010 for the
2009-2010 school year.
c. School Activity Fund Transfer List including Cooper Middle School, Putnam City High
School, Putnam City North, and Putnam City West.
d. Declaration of obsolete and/or surplus items.
e. Cooper Middle School contract with OSP Oklahoma Pictures.
f. Elementary and Secondary Fundraisers.
ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY FUNDRAISERS
April 19, 2010
DOWNS
Activity/Subaccount Author visit-book sales/ Media $350.00
Date: May (classroom/curriculum/media supplies)
HARVEST HILLS
Activity/Subaccount Super Kids’ Day t-shirts/Physical $250.00
Date: May Education (oranges, drinks and
ribbons for Super Kids’ Day)
Activity/Subaccount Track Meet/Physical Education $150.00
Date: May (track expenses, t-shirts, ribbons
and bus transportation)
HILLDALE
Activity/Subaccount Video Yearbook sales/General $300.00
Date: May (funding for Camp Dakani field trip
Fall-2010)
Activity/Subaccount Half price Book Fair/Media $0
Date: May (no profit, allows students to
purchase low priced books)
Activity/Subaccount Race for the Cure-students donate $200.00
Date: May monies to race grade level “cars”/
Cancer Fund (donation for PC Cancer
Drive)
OVERHOLSER
Activity/Subaccount Dinner Theater/Vocal Music $1,500.00
Date: May (books, materials, etc. for use in
vocal music)
ROLLINGWOOD
Activity/Subaccount Sno-cones for Super Kids’ Day/ $400.00
Date: May Physical Education (P.E. equipment
materials & supplies)
Activity/Subaccount May Festival/Art Club $100.00
Date: May (Art Club, classroom activities, and
equipment)
WESTERN OAKS
Activity/Subaccount Selling sno-cones and sticker tattoos $500.00
Date: May on Super Kids’ Day/Special-Project
Carnival (Physical Education)
WILL ROGERS
Activity/Subaccount Author book sales/Media $50.00
Date: May (purchase of books)
WILEY POST
Activity/Subaccount Students vs. Teachers BB game/5th $200.00
Date: May grade activity/camp (5th grade recognition
napkins, cake, punch and programs)
HEFNER MIDDLE SCHOOL
Activity/Subaccount Carhopping at Johnnies/Volleyball $350.00
Date: May (Volleyball equipment)
g. Overnight Travel Requests.
h. Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.
Becky Haliburton made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #5 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON RECOMMENDATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF NEW PERSONNEL AS LISTED ON ATTACHMENT A.
Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve the recommendation of employment of new personnel as listed on Attachment A. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #6 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO REVISE POLICY BF – DISTRICT SERVICES TO REFLECT CHANGES IN WALKING BOUNDARIES.
Gail LoPresto made a motion to revise Policy BF – District Services to reflect changes in walking boundaries. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
Elementary and middle school walk boundaries will increase by ¼ of a mile next year. For many years, the walk boundary has been ¾ of a mile for elementary and middle school students. Next year, walk boundaries will be 1 mile for elementary and middle school students. The 1 ½ mile walk boundary for high school students will not change.
ITEM #7 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE REDUCTION IN CONTRACTUAL DAYS FOR 261, 236, 216, 200, 196, AND 182 DAY EMPLOYEES.
Gail LoPresto made a motion to approve reduction in contractual days for 261, 236, 216, 200, 196, and 182 day employees. Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM # 8 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE LOWEST/BEST BID FROM POPE CONTRACTING TO CONSTRUCT A NEW SOFTBALL COMPLEX AT PUTNAM CITY HIGH SCHOOL. ($985,180 FROM 24-253)
Tammy West made a motion to approve the lowest/best bid from Pope Contracting to construct a new softball complex at Putnam City High School. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #9 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH MATH PERSPECTIVES TEACHER DEVELOPMENT CENTER FOR INSERVICES JULY 6-8, 2010. ($28,000 FROM TITLE I STIMULUS)
Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve contract with Math Perspectives Teacher Development Center for inservices July 6-8, 2010. Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH STAFF DEVELOPMENT FOR EDUCATORS FOR INSERVICE ON FOUR SQUARE WRITING JULY 20-21, 2010. ($6,525 FROM TITLE I STIMULUS)
Becky Haliburton made a motion to approve contract with Staff Development for Educators for inservice on Four Square Writing July 20-21, 2010. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #11 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH SOLUTION TREE, INC. FOR INSERVICES ON BUILDING COMMON ASSESSMENTS JUNE 29-30, 2010. ($17,000 FROM TITLE I STIMULUS)
Tammy West made a motion to approve contract with Solution Tree, Inc. for inservices on Building Common Assessments June 29-30, 2010. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #12 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH STAFF DEVELOPMENT FOR EDUCATORS FOR INSERVICES FOR BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT AND BRAIN BASED LEARNING JULY 26-27, 2010. ($6,815 FROM TITLE I STIMULUS)
Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve contract with Staff Development for Educators for inservices for Behavior Management and Brain Based Learning July 26-27, 2010. Gail LoPresto seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #13 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CONTRACT WITH STAFF DEVELOPMENT FOR EDUCATORS FOR INSERVICES FOR DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION AUGUST 2-3, 2010. ($6,900 FROM IDEA STIMULUS)
Becky Haliburton made a motion to approve contract with Staff Development for Educators for inservices for Differentiated Instruction August 2-3, 2010. Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #14 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH CONCENSUS CONSULTING FOR COMPUTER NETWORK UPGRADES. ($14,000 FROM 10-11-772)
Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve agreement with Concensus Consulting for computer network upgrades. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #15 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO REVISE THE VOLUNTARY SEPARATION PROGRAM TO PERMIT AN ADDITIONAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD TO BEGIN AT 8:00 A.M. ON TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010 AND TO CONCLUDE ON FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010.
Tammy West made a motion to revise the Voluntary Separation Program to permit an additional enrollment period to begin at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 and to conclude on Friday, April 23, 2010. Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.
ITEM #16 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.
• I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all of the district personnel who assisted with the Putnam City Job Fair conducted last week. We had almost 350 applicants participate and interview with our building leadership. So many people contributed to this effort. I would like to extend special thanks to the PTA Council, the Putnam City Schools Foundation, our student workers, and the PCACT for their help.
• Just another reminder about the Foundation Banquet tomorrow evening. We are looking forward to a wonderful evening. Dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. and the program will begin at 8:00.
• Congratulations to Putnam City High School senior Eric Ruhlmann and Putnam City North senior Wesley Thomas for being named to the 2010 Academic All State Class by the Oklahoma Foundation of Excellence. These students are among the 100 top high school students in the state and will be recognized at the Foundation’s Academic Awards Banquet on Saturday, May 22, in Tulsa. In the 24 years of these awards, 106 Putnam City students have been so honored.
• Seventy-one Putnam City students have been named Oklahoma Academic Scholars by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Congratulations to these fine students. Putnam City, the fifth largest school district in Oklahoma, has the third highest number of Academic Scholars in the history of the award.
• Apollo Elementary has been awarded a $1000 Schools for Healthy Lifestyles award submitted by Apollo teacher, Star Gomez. Congratulations to Apollo Elementary School.
• Congratulations to the 5th grade Dennis Dolphin Knowledge Master Team as they earned first place in the state in a recent electronic academic competition.
• Putnam City North High School had three choirs receive superior ratings in concert performance and two choirs receive superior ratings in sight reading. The school was also awarded the OSSAA Class 6A Sweepstakes award. Putnam City North had 23 entries advance to the state level of the solo and ensemble competition.
• Congratulations to Putnam City Academy, a member of Oklahoma’s A+ Network, who has been named the recipient of the “Keeping Score” grant. This grant will provide travel for three faculty members to San Francisco to study with the music director of the San Francisco Symphony. The training is an innovative, research-based approach to teaching and learning via classical music.
• The North Star, Putnam City North’s monthly student newspaper, received highest honors and was named one of four All Oklahomans at the recent Oklahoma Interscholastic Press Association Spring Convention. Individual awards were presented to Alyson Stejskal, Felicia Holcomb, and Carson Williams. Congratulations to all.
• Hefner’s 7th grade Quiz Bowl Team captured first place in the recent state competition. Congratulations to the team members and sponsors.
• The Putnam City North Jazz Band(s) have successfully auditioned to perform as the pre-show musicians for the “Acrobats of China” who perform nightly in the New Shanghi Theater in Branson, Missouri. Congratulations to these musicians.
• The student councils at all three district high schools have been awarded the 2010 National Gold Council of Excellence awards by the National Association of Student Councils. Congratulations to the leadership groups at Putnam City West, Putnam City North, and Putnam City High School.
• Six Putnam City transportation employees recently competed in the 2010 Oklahoma Association for Pupil Transportation School Bus Road-E-0. Syliva Nettles, Melody Clark, Calvin Porterfield, Robin Dragoo, Donnie Ryan, and Bob Olmstead represented the district in this competition. Donnie and Bob’s combined scores earned them a first place finish as a conventional team with Donnie finishing second overall. The competition consists of an obstacle course as well as inspection and transportation knowledge tests.
• Western Oaks Middle School PTA is sponsoring “Festival Under the Oaks”, a craft show with additional carnival fun. There will be over 60 craft vendors plus a Velcro wall, rocket bounce, and other fun activities. The event will be Saturday, May 1, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Western Oaks Middle School.
• Along the same theme, the PTA’s of Will Rogers Elementary and Ralph Downs Elementary are coming together to host the “May Madness Bazaar” from 9 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 1, at Will Rogers Elementary School. Event organizers expect a wide variety of arts, crafts, and other items for sale at the bazaar. A bake sale will also be conducted in conjunction with the craft fair.
ITEM #17 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.
Mark Bledsoe thanked Brenda Chapman for her Inspirational Message. He thanked Barbara Gabel and Gail LoPresto for picking up the Kennedy Center award. Mr. Bledsoe said he appreciated Barbara Gabel’s hard work as well as fellow school board members for their commitment to arts education. He said the awards and accomplishments listed in Paul Hurst’s superintendent’s report point to a depth and breadth of talent in district staff and students. Mr. Bledsoe said he is looking forward to the Foundation Banquet Tuesday night.
Gail LoPresto said district students will be honored Tuesday night at the Oklahoma Alliance for Arts Education and State Superintendent’s Arts Awards in Guthrie. She also thanked Brenda Chapman for the Inspirational Message.
Tammy West thanked Brenda Chapman for the Inspirational Message. She thanked Barbara Gabel for representing our district so well. Mrs. West thanked Jennifer Strong and Sodexo for staging the high school culinary celebration, saying it was good education for students. She noted that the University of Central Oklahoma’s top graduate student was Language Arts Curriculum Specialist Michael Adams and top undergraduate student was Lauren West who is Mrs. West’s daughter.
Becky Haliburton congratulated the Putnam City North orchestra and choir and the Downs Elementary choir for a “phenomenal” program Friday night. She thanked orchestra director Molly Baugh, and choir directors, Stephanie Moring and Cristi Miller for the wonderful job they do.
Julie Jenison thanked Brenda Chapman for the Inspirational Message. She thanked Barbara Gabel for her amazing dedication and said she appreciated the district’s longstanding commitment to arts education. Mrs. Jenison recognized Nate Connelly, a boy scout who was attending the board meeting to earn a merit badge.
ITEM #18 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.
There was no new business.
ITEM #19 – CONDUCT A WORK SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION ON POSSIBLE BUDGET CUTS TO BE IMPLEMENTED FOR THE 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR.
Mr. Hurst and administrative team members presented possible budget cut proposals to the board. Areas of possible savings suggested:
Hourly Pay Rates
Gifted/Talented Staffing
Curriculum & Instruction Department
Campus Police
ITEM # 20 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.
Mark Bledsoe made a motion at 7:15 p.m. to adjourn. Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Bledsoe, aye; LoPresto, aye; West, aye; Haliburton, aye; Jenison, aye.