Putnam City Schools

January 2010 Board Minutes

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Thursday, January 7, 2010

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 7, 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 Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

Members present: Julie Jenison, vice president; Tammy West, Becky Haliburton, and Mark Bledsoe, members; Superintendent Paul Hurst; Debbie Baldwin, clerk; and others. President Gail LoPresto was absent.

ITEM #1 - INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE, MOMENT OF SILENCE, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – DREW EICHELBERGER, WESTERN OAKS ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL.

Drew Eichelberger, Western Oaks Elementary Principal, gave the Inspirational Message, Moment of Silence, and Pledge of Allegiance.

ITEM #2 – INFORMATION AND STAFF REPORTS:

 ESL PRESENTATION – DR. JEAN LAINE′, WORLD LANGUAGES PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Dr. Jean Laine′, ESL/World Language Coordinator, reported on services provided to the
district’s 1,762 English Language Learners (ELL).
o Putnam City District identifies ELL students through the home language surveys and placement tests.
o Rigorous English as a Second Language is provided to ELL students.
o ELL students are assessed annually.
o Student proficiency of year 1 and year 2 students are monitored.
o Language interpretation and translation for parents of ELL students are provided.
o Training is provided for mainstream classroom teachers in ELL strategies and second language acquisition.

 GRANTS – KARLA FINNELL, GRANT WRITER

Karla Finnell, District Grant Writer, told board members that Putnam City is forming partnerships with community agencies and pursuing grants to improve student health, expand early childhood education efforts and maintain and increase after-school programs.

She told board members about a new Variety Care Family Health clinic location on N.W. 10th near Tulsa Avenue, and an Oklahoma City-County Health Department initiative to launch anti-tobacco and anti-obesity programs in schools. She said the district is working on a grant application for AmeriCorps workers to help in after-school programs and is in the process of developing a request to a local foundation for adding an off-site pre-k program and adding resources to after-school programs.
Dr. Joe Pierce, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, told board members that Race to the Top is the U. S. Department of Education’s innovative and voluntary grant competition between the states designed to foster education innovation and reform that will lead to dramatic gains in student achievement. Oklahoma is in a category that would make the state eligible for a grant of $60 million to $175 million should it be selected to receive a grant. At least 50% of such a grant would be sub-granted to local education authorities.

ITEM #3 – PUBLIC PARTICIPATIONS.

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:

Becky Haliburton made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, abstain; West, aye; Jenison, aye;

a. Minutes for special board meeting December 2, 2009.
b. Minutes for regular board meeting December 7, 2009.
c. Financial report and bimonthly bills for purchase order numbers 004529001
through 008844090 inclusive for time period from December 1 – 17, 2009
for the 2009-2010 school year.
d. School Activity Fund Transfer List for Windsor Hills Elementary, Putnam City
North, and Putnam City West.
e. Declaration of obsolete and/or surplus items.
f. Special Education Contract with The Holloway Group, Inc.
(Project 622 ARRA Stimulus Funds)
g. Downs Elementary Contract with Lifetouch National School Studios.
h. Elementary and Secondary Fundraisers.

ELEMENTARY & SECONDARY FUND-RAISERS
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
January 7, 2010


OVERHOLSER
Activity / Subaccount Sonic Night – receive a % of sales one night a month / $ 500.00
Date: January-May General Fund (office supplies)

CAPPS MIDDLE SCHOOL
Activity / Subaccount Purchase tickets for free throw during basketball games / $ 300.00
Date: January- March Activity (student incentives)

Activity / Subaccount World’s Finest Chocolate / Music Department $ 8,000.00
Date: January-February Music, contest entry fees, transportation, instrument repair)

WESTERN OAKS MIDDLE SCHOOL
Activity / Subaccount Festival Under the Oaks / School-wide $ 5,000.00
Date: May 1, 2010 (Classroom and office supplies/materials)

i. Overnight Travel Requests.
j. Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.

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 employment of new personnel as listed on Attachment A. Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #6 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE THE COURSE DESCRIPTION GUIDE FOR 2010-2011.

Tammy West made a motion to approve the Course Description Guide for 2010-2011. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; Jenison, aye;

ITEM #7 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE MAPS REQUEST FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SOFTBALL COMPLEX AT PUTNAM CITY HIGH SCHOOL. ($1,093,550 FROM 24-000)

Tammy West made a motion to grant an easement to Oklahoma Gas & Electric at Arbor Grove Elementary. Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote: Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #8 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE LOWEST/BEST BID WITH POPE CONTRACTING FOR CONSTRUCTION ON THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AT PUTNAM CITY NORTH HIGH SCHOOL.

Tammy West made a motion to approve lowest/best bid with Pope Contracting for construction on the Performing Arts Center at Putnam City North High School. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #9 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE LOWEST/BEST BID FROM HUNTER MECHANICAL TO REPLACE VARIOUS AIR HANDLER UNITS AND HOT WATER LOOP AT PUTNAM CITY NORTH HIGH SCHOOL. ($1,171,477 FROM 33-259,34-259,24-158)

Becky Haliburton made a motion to approve lowest/best bid from Hunter Mechanical to replace various air handler units and hot water loop at Putnam City North High School. Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, abstain; West, aye; Jenison, aye;

ITEM #10 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE LEA MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE STATE AND/OR U. S. DEPARTMENTS OF EDUCATION IN SUPPORT OF THE RACE TO THE TOP GRANT PROJECT.

Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve LEA Memorandum of Understanding with the State and/or U. S. Departments of Education in support of the Race to the Top Grant Project. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #11 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY. ($250,000)

Becky Haliburton made a motion to approve Memorandum of Agreement with Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote: Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #12 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO GRANT AN EASEMENT TO THE CITY OF OKLAHOMA CITY AT ROLLINGWOOD ELEMENTARY.

Tammy West made a motion to grant an easement to the City of Oklahoma City at Rollingwood Elementary. Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote: Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #13 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE CHANGE OF EVENING ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION HOURS.

Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve change of Evening Alternative Education hours. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #14 – INFORMATION ON THE ACHIEVING CLASSROOM EXCELLENCE (ACE) PLAN AND THE TITLE I ANNUAL REVIEW.

Information was given to Board members on Achieving Classroom Excellence (ACE) Plan and Title I Annual Review.

ITEM #15 – SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

• Congratulations to the Hefner Middle School 8th Grade Knowledge Master Team for taking third place in a recent state competition. Knowledge Master is an online competition conducted twice a year. Students work together to answer 200 questions within a given time frame and accumulate points based on speed of responses as well as correct answers. Congratulations to these students.
• The Putnam City Concert Choir will be singing the National Anthem at the Harlem Globe Trotters game to be played on January 24, 2010, at 3:00 p.m.
• Esme Lopez from Putnam City High School has been named OKC’s Latino Youth Leader of the Month. Also named recently, OKC Latino Youth Leader for the month of October is Diana Castilleja of Putnam City West High School. These students will be featured in individual 30 second vignettes on both Spanish and English speaking networks emphasizing the virtues of leadership, community service, and academic achievement.
• Congratulations to the Putnam City North Pom Squad who competed in a state competition conducted in December. The squad received 2nd runner up in the 6A Hip Hop category and was named the State Runner Up in the Mix competition. Senior squad member Katie Roberts won a $500 academic scholarship.
• Hannah Kinsey and Dylan Evans, students from Putnam City West High School, were recently selected to participate in the 2010 OMEA All State Band. The students will participate in the OMEA convention in Tulsa and will perform on Saturday, January 23.
• It gives me great pleasure to announce that the Putnam City North High School cheerleading squad won their fifth national championship in a row over the holidays, taking first place in the small advanced division of the National Cheerleaders Association Senior and Junior High School National Championships December 28-29 at the Dallas Convention Center. The Putnam City North cheerleaders were not only the champions in their division, but also won awards for Best Showmanship and Best Use of Partner Stunts. Again, the 2009 championship is the latest in a string of successes for the Putnam City North’s cheerleading squad. In addition to the string of five national championships, the team has also won state championships in 2009, 2008, and 2006. The 2005 team won the state academic championship as well.
• I am pleased to announce that eight Putnam City teachers have earned National Board Certification. Those earning certification were:
o Carla Alexander, Putnam City West High School
o Robin Bachus, Rollingwood Elementary
o Rebecca Burrows, Overholser Elementary
o Carla Carter, Hilldale Elementary
o Kyle Farnham, Kenneth Cooper Middle School
o Rick Harris, Putnam City North High School
o Mikel Ibarra, Northridge Elementary
o Jeni James, Will Rogers Elementary
Congratulations to these fine educators for this marvelous accomplishment. There are now 74 national board certified teachers in the district.
• I want to thank Mr. Jim Hooper for his work with the Department of Environmental Quality to acquire a grant that will reimburse the district up to 25% of the replacement cost of buses that have improved emission standards. The reimbursement money will be invested in additional vehicles that meet the new emission characteristics. In this specific case, we are able to apply a reimbursement of approximately $250,000 to improve and expand our fleet.
• The district is to be presented some rebate monies from OG&E for conservation efforts at Western Oaks Middle School, Central Elementary, and Mayfield Middle School. This results primarily from the installation of energy efficient lighting at these schools. I would like to thank Everett Blasingame and Mike Bass for their efforts in this regard.
• I do wish to commend all of our staff who responded to several situations over the holidays. Many worked tirelessly to overcome some weather induced situations in some of our facilities. If you would, Mr. Hooper, please pass on our collective appreciation to the various departments for their fine work. I also wish to complement our police department dispatchers, Jason Smith, Warren Hopkins, Maddie Beckner, and Biff Parker, for their service over the holiday period in some very interesting conditions. Their monitoring of district systems was critical during this time.

• I wish to spend a little time this evening speaking to the current and future revenue situation in the state and how that has and might affect the district. As you know state revenues have been in a free fall for several months, and the general prognosis is that this trend will continue. Because of the revenue shortfall at the state level, the district to date has experienced reductions in state funding approaching 1.4 million dollars. The assumption is that shortfalls will continue at least at an average of five percent since the State Department of Education has annualized a reduction of that percentage in the latest state aid numbers expressed in our mid-term allocation. That represents a loss of roughly 2.35 million dollars as compared to the district’s initial allocation provided in July. This loss would have been worse if not for growth in the district’s weighted average daily membership (WADM) – specifically, growing weighted counts for special education, grade weights, bilingual, and economically disadvantages.

The shortfall in this year’s state funding was not unanticipated. Because of some planning in the spring and some conservative budgeting, we will not feel the full brunt of this severe reduction.

While challenges do exist this year, our primary focus is on the next two to three fiscal years. As you have read, the State Equalization Board has certified 1.3 billion dollars less (20%) for the legislature to appropriate for next year. The impact on schools next year will likely be, at a minimum, twice the reduction we have experienced this year. There are some who are suggesting that it could even be three times what has been realized. We will learn more about this in the coming weeks.

What the following years may bring is unknown though the Oklahoma Policy Institute has projected weak though recovering revenue through fiscal year 2013. We must remember that federal stabilization revenue was applied to common education funding this year to keep our reductions at the projected average of five percent. There is an equal amount to apply for the upcoming fiscal year if the governor decides to do. After fiscal year 2011 those monies are not scheduled to be available for state use. This will compound the state problem even though revenues may improve over time.

The major thing that we can do this year to prepare for the trials of future years is maintain and grow our general fund balance. While expenditures have been restricted this year, there are still things that we can do to get all that we can out of this year’s revenue. In this regard, we have instituted the following practices:

A general hiring freeze;
The elimination of overtime situations; and
A reduction in the use of paid substitutes wherever possible.

Also in term of cost avoidance this year, I will bring to you for formal consideration a furlough plan for the balance of the school year. What we would offer at this time has to do with administrative staff and a two or three day furlough between now and the end of one’s contractual year. Whether an administrator would experience a two or three day furlough will likely be a function of base salary.

Later this month we would also like to bring for your consideration a voluntary separation program. This is sometimes referred to as a retirement incentive. The purpose of this voluntary separation program is to serve the needs of the district as they may relate to future salary expenditures.

The proposal will suggest that participation in the program will be limited to full-time certified employees who are eligible for retirement by the rules established by the Oklahoma Teacher Retirement System and have seven years of consecutive service with the district. The proposal will include suggested monthly payments to participating employees, as well as a death benefit clause.

Again, such a proposal serves the needs of the district as it relates to future staffing needs and salary expenditures. We believe it to be a benevolent program and one that provides the potential for reduction in personnel costs over time.

We believe all of the above to be in the best interest of the district given the current conditions in the state. We are not at all unusual in attempting to preserve and grow a reserve or in anticipating gloomy future revenue situation. Much more will be required of all of us as future reductions in funding to state agencies are a certainty. As we move forward with these immediate concerns, we will also be preparing and presenting some other cost saving measures in the months to come.

ITEM #16 – COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Becky Haliburton thanked Dr. Jean Laine׳, Karla Finnell, and Dr. Joe Pierce for their presentations. She thanked staff, parents, and students who participated in the Care Share program. Every one of those kids had Christmas provided for them, thanks to the ladies who started Care Share many years ago. Mrs. Haliburton thanked the Fine Arts Department for the fine performances during the holiday season. She said Putnam City is so blessed to have these fine programs in all of our schools.

Mark Bledsoe thanked Drew Eichelberger for the Inspirational Message. He also thanked Dr. Jean Laine׳, Karla Finnell, and Dr. Joe Pierce for the presentations.

Tammy West thanked Dr. Jean Laine׳, Karla Finnell, and Dr. Joe Pierce for the presentations. She said she enjoyed the holiday performances at the schools and said she was very blessed by the performances.

Julie Jenison echoed comments about Christmas programs at schools. She said she would attend every one of the programs if she could, especially elementary. Mrs. Jenison also thanked Paul Hurst for his update on state revenue shortfalls and the district budget and commented on the tough job ahead for administrators.

ITEM #17 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ENTER INTO
EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING THE
EMPLOYMENT/RESIGNATION OF JULIE MAY PURSUANT TO 25 O.S. §307 (B)(1).

Mark Bledsoe made a motion at 7:05 to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing
the employment/resignation of Julie May pursuant to 25 O.S. §307 (B)(1). Becky Haliburton
seconded the motion. Vote: Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #18 – 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.
Julie Jenison made a motion at 7:30 p.m. to return to open session and to request the Board Clerk
to record the minutes of the executive session. Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote:
Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; Jenison, aye.

MINUTES OF EXECUTIVE SESSION: Board Members Becky Haliburton, Tammy West, Mark
Bledsoe, Julie Jenison; Attorney Laura Holmes; Executive Director of Human Resources, Dr.
April Grace; and Superintendent Paul Hurst met in executive session for the purpose of discussing
Employment/resignation of Julie May pursuant to 25 O.S. §307 (B)(1).

ITEM #19 – CONSIDERATION OF AND POSSIBLE VOTE TO APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE
A RESIGNATION AGREEMENT WITH JULIE MAY.

Becky Haliburton made a motion to approve a Resignation Agreement with Julie May. Tammy
West seconded the motion. Vote: Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; Jenison, aye.

ITEM #20 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.

There is no new business.

ITEM #21 – CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.

Mark Bledsoe made a motion at 7:32 p.m. to adjourn. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion.
Vote: Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; Jenison, aye;
___________________________________________________________________

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Tuesday, January 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 Tuesday, January 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, January 15, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. in accordance with 25 O.S. § 311.

Members present: Gail LoPresto, president; Julie Jenison, vice-president; Becky Haliburton, Mark Bledsoe, and Tammy West, members; Superintendent Mr. Paul Hurst; Carolyn Shirley, deputy clerk; and others.

ITEM #1 - INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE, MOMENT OF SILENCE, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – DUB GRISHAM, NORTHRIDGE ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN.

Dub Grisham, Northridge Elementary administrative intern, gave the Inspirational Message, Moment of Silence, and Pledge of Allegiance.

ITEM #2 - INFORMATION AND STAFF REPORTS:

 INDIAN EDUCATION PRESENTATION – GEORGE SHIELDS
• Mr. Shields stated the basic purpose of the Indian Education program is to help with the academic success of Native American students.
• The program is funded by two Federal Grants.
• Many services are offered to the 800+ Native American students; some of which are tutoring services for K-12th grade, student advisors; cultural classes, field trips, incentive programs, etc.

 FINANCIAL REPORT – SHANNON MEEKS
• District budget may be reduced by a possible $15.5 million over the course of two years due to state revenue shortfalls this year and projected cuts in funding to education next year.
• Total shortfall in state funds to Putnam City district for this fiscal year is expected to be more than $4.7 million.
• The next fiscal year is expected to see revenue reductions which may cost the district an additional $10.7 million.
• The district has set savings goals, one of which is starting each fiscal year with a fund balance of at least $4 million.

ITEM #3 - PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

There was none.

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:

Julie Jenison made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto aye.

a. Minutes for regular board meeting January 7, 2010.
b. Financial report and bimonthly bills for beginning purchase order numbers
00973006 through ending purchase order 119087421 for December 17, 2009
through January 12, 2010 with the exception of purchase order 08804133 for
Triangle A & E for the 2009-2010 school year.
c. School Activity Fund Transfer List including Cooper Middle School and
Putnam City North High School.
d. Declaration of Obsolete and/or Surplus Items.
e. Elementary and Secondary Fund-raisers.

PUTNAM CITY SCHOOLS
ELEMENTARY & SECONDARY FUND-RAISERS
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
January 19, 2010

APOLLO
Activity / Subaccount Singing Valentine cards / Vocal Music $ 175.00
Date: February 4-11 (music, program and chorus supplies)

WILL ROGERS
Activity / Subaccount Square 1 Art – students make artwork for $ 400.00
Date: Jan. 19–Apr.21 parents to purchase / Art (art program)

CAPPS MIDDLE
Activity / Subaccount Students pay $1 to get a computer gener- $ 200.00
Date: February 8-12 ated compatibility list of their peers /
Cancer (cancer fund)

Activity / Subaccount Book Fair / Library Media Center $ 500.00
Date: February 15-19 (library books, supplies, cords, labels, and
misc. library media center)

WESTERN OAKS MIDDLE
Activity / Subaccount Sonic Night / General $ 500.00
Date: January-May (classroom and office supplies)

PC WEST
Activity / Subaccount Restaurant night at Earl’s / CFD $ 60.00
Date: January 19-22 (cancer fund)

Activity / Subaccount Pom Clinic / Pom Clinic $ 200.00
Date: February 6 (Pom account)

ADMINISTRATION
Activity / Subaccount Bingo and $5 Jean Day / Cancer $ 500.00
Date: February-April (cancer fund)

f. Overnight Travel Requests.
g. Out of State Trips:

1. Putnam City High School Student Council members to National Association
of Student Councils Convention in Greenwood, Indiana, June 23-30, 2010.
h. Retirements and resignations as listed on Attachment A.

ITEM #5 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON RECOMMENDATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF NEW PERSONNEL AS LISTED ON ATTACHMENT A.

Becky Haliburton made a motion to approve the recommendation of employment of new personnel as listed on Attachment A. Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #6 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER NUMBER 8804133 FOR TRIANGLE A & E.

Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve Purchase Order number 8804133 for Triangle A & E. Julie Jenison seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, abstain.

ITEM #7 - CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION UPON A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF PUTNAM CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 1 OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY, OKLAHOMA, TO LEASE CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY TO THE OKLAHOMA COUNTY FINANCE AUTHORITY, A PUBLIC TRUST; AND AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT TO EXECUTE THE GROUND LEASE UPON BEHALF OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AS LESSOR, IN SEVERAL MULTIPLE ORIGINALS, AND AFTER THE SAME SHALL HAVE BEEN ATTESTED BY THE CLERK, TO DELIVER SUCH GROUND LEASE TO THE AFORESAID AUTHORITY, AS LESSEE AND DIRECTING THE PRESIDENT, UPON BEHALF OF SAID SCHOOL DISTRICT, TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL ANCILLARY DOCUMENTS RELATED TO THE GROUND LEASE.

Mark Blesoe made a motion to approve a Resolution authorizing the Board of Education of Putnam City School District No. 1 of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, to lease certain real property to the Oklahoma County Finance Authority, a public trust; and authorizing the President to execute the Ground Lease upon behalf of the School District as lessor, in several multiple originals, and after the same shall have been attested by the Clerk, to deliver such Ground Lease to the aforesaid Authority, as lessee and directing the President, upon behalf of said School District, to execute any and all ancillary documents related to the Ground Lease.

Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM # 8 - CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION UPON A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE BY PUTNAM CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 1 OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY, OKLAHOMA, OF A SUBLEASE AGREEMENT WHEREBY THE OKLAHOMA COUNTY FINANCE AUTHORITY WILL SUBLEASE CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY TO PUTNAM CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 1 OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE PRESIDENT, UPON BEHALF OF SAID SCHOOL DISTRICT, TO EXECUTE THE AFORESAID SUBLEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE OKLAHOMA COUNTY FINANCE AUTHORITY, AS LESSOR, AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, AS LESSEE, AND AUTHORIZING THE CLERK TO ATTEST AND AFFIX THE SEAL OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT TO THE SUBLEASE AGREEMENT AND TO DELIVER THE SAME TO THE OKLAHOMA COUNTY FINANCE AUTHORITY, AS LESSOR AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE PRESIDENT, UPON BEHALF OF SAID SCHOOL DISTRICT, TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL ANCILLARY DOCUMENTS RELATED TO THE SUBLEASE AGREEMENT.

Julie Jenison made a motion to approve a Resolution authorizing the acceptance by Putnam City School District No. 1 of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, of a Sublease Agreement whereby the Oklahoma County Finance Authority will sublease certain real property to Putnam City School District No. 1 of Oklahoma County; and authorizing and directing the President, upon behalf of said School District, to execute the aforesaid Sublease Agreement between the Oklahoma County Finance Authority, as lessor, and the School District, as lessee, and authorizing the Clerk to attest and affix the seal of the School District to the Sublease Agreement and to deliver the same to the Oklahoma County Finance Authority, as lessor and authorizing and directing the President, upon behalf of said School District, to execute any and all ancillary documents related to the Sublease Agreement.

Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #9 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPOINT A DEPUTY BOARD CLERK TO SERVE AT THE PLEASURE OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO BE EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 1, 2010.

Julie Jenison made a motion to accept Mr. Hurst’s recommendation to appoint Sandy Lemaster as the Deputy Board Clerk effective February 1, 2010. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #10 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE THE NEGOTIATIONS TEAM.

Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve the Negotiations Team. Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #11 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE FISCAL YEAR 2008-2009 AUDIT REPORT SUBMITTED BY EIDE BAILLY INDEPENDENT AUDITORS.

No action was taken.

ITEM #12. CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE PUTNAM CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT CALENDAR FOR THE 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR.

Mark Bledsoe made a motion to approve Putnam City School District Calendar for the 2010-2011 school year. Julie Jenison seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, nay; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #13 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE VOLUNTARY SEPARATION PROGRAM.

Julie Jenison made a motion to approve the Voluntary Separation Program. Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #14 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE VOLUNTARY FURLOUGH PROGRAM.

Julie Jenison made a motion to approve a Voluntary Furlough Program. Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM # 15 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO SET TIME AND DATE FOR A HEARING REGARDING THE SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATION FOR THE MANDATORY FURLOUGH OF ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL.

Mark Bledsoe made a motion to schedule a hearing on March 11th, Thursday, at 6:00 p.m. regarding the superintendent’s recommendation for the Mandatory Furlough of Administrative Personnel. Julie Jenison seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM # 16 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE MAPS REQUEST FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ATHLETIC STORAGE/MECHANICAL VAULT AT PUTNAM CITY NORTH HIGH SCHOOL.

Tammy West made a motion to approve MAPS request for the construction of an athletic storage/mechanical vault at Putnam City North High School. Julie Jenison seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #17 - SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.

• I first wish to congratulate the district’s three high schools and the outstanding instrumental music programs for the jazz festival conducted last week. The talent exhibited that evening was extraordinary and greatly appreciated. Our gratitude is extended to all the talented musicians and to the directors at each of the high schools. We would also like to thank the Putnam City North Jazz Vocal Ensemble for their outstanding vocal presentations.
• Lake Park Elementary is the proud recipient of a $1,500 Local Community Grant presented by the Wal-Mart located at Reno and MacArthur. We appreciate the support of our schools via this grant program.
• The disaster in Haiti pulls at all our hearts. We realize that many in that country have been affected by the most catastrophic event. It is localized even more in the fact that our own Dr. Jean Laine has lost family members in this calamity.

A massive relief effort is underway by scores of government agencies and non-profit organiza-tions that have a history of working with those affected by disasters such as this, a history of working with the citizens of Haiti, or both. Most organizations are using donated money to take care of immediate needs such as food, water, shelter, and medical care. People who wish to contribute to that effort should have no trouble finding these agencies and organizations by seeking information online or in the newspaper. This is in no way intended as a comprehensive list, but just a few of the organizations assisting in relief are:

American Red Cross
Americares
Convoy of Hope
Direct Relief International
Doctors Without Borders
Food for the Poor
International Relief Teams
Operation USA
Power Mission, Inc. - A 501 C3 chaired and managed by Dr. Laine and his brother, also Dr. Laine.
Save the Children

• The information presented by Mr. Shannon Meeks earlier this evening represents a con-stantly changing yet persistently gloomy picture of the state revenue picture and its impact on the district. At the recent CCOSA/OASA Legislative Conference we heard from fifteen or so legislative leaders as well as the state treasurer, Scott Meacham. That which was expressed had common themes…one, that this is the worst financial crisis in our state’s history… two, it will be lengthy in its duration…and three, we need to plan for the worse case scenario.
Analysis such as was offered cannot be glossed over. It does, however, provide us with urgency to do whatever is necessary to mitigate the damage that such a shortfall would bring. As I mentioned at our last formal meeting, we must do whatever we can to maintain and grow, if possible, our fund balance this fiscal year. When asked what is a target number in that regard my response is “whatever we can get.” For in the end, it appears quite clear that no matter what the district’s fund balance might be at the end of the year, it will be insuffi-cient in terms of the fiscal conditions anticipated for the next school year and the years to follow.

Again, the important point to remember for next school year is that the legislature has at least one billion dollars less to appropriate this session. With common education receiving 35% of the state budget, severe cuts in revenue are a certainty. We must also remember that federal stabilization revenues were injected this year to bolster the revenue to schools. This funding is not expected to continue after next fiscal year.

I must also say that the situation is quite fluid and recently not in a good way. It is certain that the situation will change over time. We will keep you and the public updated.

ITEM #18 - COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS.

Julie Jenison thanked Dub Grisham for his inspirational message, and George Shields and Shannon Meeks for their presentations. She expressed sympathy to Dr. Jean Laine’s family on the tragic loss of family members in the Haiti earthquake. Ms. Jenison gave appreciation to Dr. Mouse for the opportunity to attend the Boys in Crisis Conference. She also thanked Mr. Hurst, the administrative team and district employees for their hard work on the budget in finding solutions for the state revenue shortfalls.

Becky Haliburton thanked everyone present for coming to the board meeting. She appreciated the wonderful attendance.

Mark Bledsoe thanked Dub Grisham for his inspirational message and George Shields and Shannon Meeks for their reports. Mr. Bledsoe encouraged everyone to make their funding priorities known to the legislators when they come back in session the first week of February.

Tammy West concurred with Mr. Bledsoe. She also expressed great appreciation for the teachers in our district and how they have changed the lives of her children, as well as others. She thanked teachers for loving our children and touching their lives. Mrs. West stated it is important to show thanks to and take care of our teachers She also mentioned that she appreciated the well-run Putnam City Invitational tournament and felt it was good fun. Mrs. West attended the Boys in Crisis presentation and said it was right on. She also enjoyed and appreciated the Putnam City Jazz Festival and mentioned it added culture to our students.

Gail LoPresto welcomed some Boy Scouts who were in attendance. She enjoyed the Jazz Festival and thought it was an exceptional program. She was especially impressed at the end when many students from all three high schools were on stage. Mrs. LoPresto said it was nice that Barbara Gable was recognized at that event.

ITEM #19 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONDUCTING AN EVALUATION AND/OR THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT PURSUANT TO 25 O.S. §307 (B)(1).

Julie Jenison made a motion at 7:20 p.m. to enter into executive session for the purpose of conducting an evaluation and/or the employment of the Superintendent pursuant to 25 O.S. §307 (B)(1). Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #20 - 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.

Julie Jenison made a motion at 7:54 p.m. to return to open session and to request the Board Clerk to record the minutes of the executive session. Becky Haliburton seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.

MINUTES OF EXECUTIVE SESSION: Board Members Gail LoPresto, Tammy West, Becky Haliburton, Mark Bledsoe, and Julie Jenison; Superintendent Paul Hurst, and Attorney Laura Holmes met in executive session for the purpose of conducting an evaluation and/or employment of the Superintendent pursuant to 25 O.S. §307 (B)(1).

ITEM #21 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO APPROVE THE SUPERINTENDENT’S CONTRACT.

Julie Jenison made a motion to approve the Superintendent’s contract. Mark Bledsoe seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.

ITEM #22 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON NEW BUSINESS.

There was no new business.

ITEM #23 - CONSIDERATION OF AND VOTE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN.

Julie Jenison made a motion to adjourn at 7:55 p.m. Tammy West seconded the motion. Vote: Jenison, aye; Haliburton, aye; Bledsoe, aye; West, aye; LoPresto, aye.