TOPEKA—February 9, 2010—The Kansas State Board of Education met February 9, 2010, in the boardroom at the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), 120 SE 10th Ave., Topeka. Nine Board members were present with John Bacon arriving later. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Janet Waugh. Following the statement of the mission of the Kansas State Board of Education, the State Board observed a minute of silence, followed by the pledge of allegiance. The agenda was approved as amended, and the January minutes were approved 8-1 with Chappell voting in opposition.
Interim Commissioner’s Report: Dr. DeBacker presented a revised version of the Kansas Education Summary (accountability report) to reflect suggestions and changes of the Board during January’s meeting. It was briefly reviewed and discussed.
DeBacker also presented the Kansas School Wellness Policy Model Guidelines. The information is currently being considered in Senate bill 499 regarding health standards of food sold in school vending machines. The packet of information will be discussed in detail at next month’s Board meeting.
Chairman’s report: Janet Waugh recognized Deputy Commissioner Dale Dennis as being selected as one of the 2009 Distinguished Kansans of the Year and also for his selection as an Icon of Education. Judi Miller, Assistant Director of Title Programs and Services, was recognized for her election as President of the Title I Association.
Chairman Waugh briefly updated the Board on the current commissioner search being conducted by the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE), and discussed the Board budget.
Other Board Member reports: Kathy Martin handed out literature and membership applications for the Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, and discussed the progress of the teacher leaders program. Dave Dennis briefly discussed the NASBE conference he attended last month. Jana Shaver brought the Board up to date on her attendance at the Kansas Advisory Committee for Career and Technical Education’s Workforce Summit last month. Sally Cauble discussed matters regarding the Common Core Standards and the pending reauthorization of Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
Other agenda items:
It was moved to approve the monthly attorney’s bill. Motion passed 8-2 with Chappell and Martin in opposition. The status of physical education, virtual schools, department budget, CTE progress and graduation requirements were listed as future agenda items. It was moved that the Kansas State Board of Education approve State Board member travel requests. Motion carried 10-0.
Citizens’ Open Forum: The Citizen’s Open Forum was declared open at 10:35 a.m. Five constituents addressed the Board on a variety of topics. Kelly Tuel, discussed several findings by the Spring 2009 Kansas Biology Teacher Survey, one of which reflected how funding and liability concerns are effecting what students are being taught.
John Richard Schrock spoke of the same survey, highlighting teachers’ views on evolution and Intelligent Design.
Charma Craven spoke against the pending transfer of land between USD 407, Russell County, and USD 299, Sylvan Grove.
Douglas Hickman also expressed concerns of the land transfer between USD 407, Russell County, and USD 299, Sylvan Grove.
Jack O’Leary, Attorney in Luray, spoke of legal concerns related to the land transfer between USD 407, Russell County, and USD 299, Sylvan Grove, citing building closing procedures.
The Citizens’ Open Forum closed at 10:50 a.m.
Recognition of the 2010 Kansas Teacher of the Year Team: Deputy Commissioner Dale Dennis presented the eight members of the 2010 Kansas Teacher of the Year team. Karen M. Tritt, a Spanish teacher at Shawnee Mission West High School, Shawnee Mission USD 512 was designated as the 2010 Teacher of the Year and talked with the Board about her experiences teaching and mentoring.
The 2010 Kansas Regional Teachers of the Year also spoke about their own passions in the classroom.
Arthur R. Commons, science teacher at Baxter Springs High School, Baxter Springs USD 508
Cathy Durano, third-grade teacher at Cottonwood Elementary School, Andover USD 385
Jeline D. Harclerode, eighth-grade computer technology teacher at Emporia Middle School, Emporia USD 253
Joan L. Moore, first-grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School, McPherson USD 418
Rose M. Nemchik, special education teacher at Riverview Elementary School, De Soto USD 232
Beth Slawson, Title I reading specialist and Reading Recovery teacher at Cottonwood Elementary School, Paola USD 368
Tracey B. Repp, seventh-grade mathematics teacher at Andover Central Middle School, Andover USD 385
The Kansas Teacher of the Year Award recognizes and utilizes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state. Its mission is to build and utilize a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance, and the teaching profession.
Act on consolidation agreements and territory transfer: It was moved that the Board approve the Agreement for Consolidation submitted by USD 328 (Lorraine) and USD 354 (Claflin) which will allow an election to be held on the proposed consolidation. Motion carried 10-0.
It was moved that the Board approve the Agreement for Consolidation submitted by USD 228 (Hanston) and USD 496 (Pawnee Heights) which would allow an election to be held on the proposed consolidation. Motion carried 10-0.
It was moved that the Board approve the Agreement to transfer territory from USD 407 (Russell County) to USD 299 (Sylvan Grove) to be effective July 1, 2010. Motion carried 9-1 with Chappell voting in opposition.
Kansas School for the Deaf/National Education Association request for recognition: The National Education Association applied for recognition as the exclusive representative of the Kansas School for the Deaf in relation to the professional bargaining unit of all classroom teachers, counselors, library media specialist, school psychologists, social workers, and speech language pathologists. The Board will vote on this issue during the March Board meeting.
Update on the nine Board initiatives for Career and Technical Education: Tom Foster, Director of Research and Evaluation and Career Standards and Assessment Services, explained to the Board how the Kansas State Department of Education has been working to lead career and technical education into the 21st century via nine policy motions set in place by the Board in February 2008. Foster mapped out how the motions were put in place, the early returns on the motions, and the projected next steps necessary to achieve success. The Board expressed their excitement over the progress that has been made so far and will continue to monitor the Career and Technical Education policies.
Legislative Matters: Dale M. Dennis, Deputy Commissioner for Fiscal Services, shared a list of selected Senate and House education bills. Mr. Dennis also presented the Governor’s recommendations for Fiscal Year 2011 as well as possible budget reductions in the agency.
Act on Consent Agenda: It was moved that the State Board of Education approve the consent agenda as amended. Motion carried 10-1.
Executive Session: It was moved that the State Board of Education go into executive session for a period of 15 minutes from 6:25 p.m. to 6:40 p.m. to discuss personnel matters. Once commenced, it was moved that the Board suspend the search for a new commissioner citing budgetary concerns, as well as satisfaction over the progress being made with Dr. Diane DeBacker serving as Interim. Motion carried 10-0.
Meeting adjourned. The next Board meeting will be March 9, 2010 in Topeka.