MINUTES OF MEETING
State Board of Education
November 16, 2004
The November meeting of the Board of Education was held in
the State Board Conference Room, Grimes State Office Building, Des Moines. The following Board members were present: Gene Vincent, Sally Frudden, Jim Billings,
Sister Jude Fitzpatrick, Rosie Hussey, Wayne Kobberdahl, Greg McClain
(telephonically), Mary Jean Montgomery and Megan Srinivas. Charles Edwards – Absent. Also present were Interim Director Judy
Jeffrey and Department staff members Gail Sullivan, Lee Tack, Carol Greta, Jeff
Berger, Pam Pfitzenmaier, Kathi Slaughter, Jackie Crawford, Kathy McKee, Roger
Stirler and Beverlee Adams. Also
present were Governor Thomas J. Vilsack and Kris Bell, Governor’s Office; Diana
Buter, Iowa Teacher of the Year; Jeff Cornett, Barry Wilson, Merrie Schroeder
and Sherry Gable, University of Northern Iowa; Pam Martin and Carolyn Pickrell,
William Penn University; Robin White, Grandview College; Cris Collins, LeMars
Community Schools; Larry Ott, Tim Hood, Sharon Snodgrass, Creston Community
Schools; Buddy Hicks, Paul Breitbarth, Ray Livingston, Sue Moon, Chris Snyder,
Chuck Knight, and Lavon Goodrich, Saydel Community Schools, Larry Molacek,
South Tama Community Schools, Norbert Schuerman, Davenport Community Schools;
Deon Senchina, Dan Smith, and Dean Sinclair, Cedar Falls Community Schools; Dan
Gearino, Lee Newspapers; Madelaine Jerousek, Des Moines Register;
and Rod Boshart, Cedar Rapids Gazette.
President Gene Vincent called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
It was moved by Rosie Hussey and seconded by Sally Frudden to approve the agenda as written.
There was no public comment.
Sally Frudden reported she had been selected as “Guest of the Day” at the Hotel Savery for the November meeting. She was very appreciative of the upgrades it gave her. Frudden said she had been invited by the Student Reading Association at the University of Northern Iowa to talk about the State Board of Education. There were about 30 students and she felt very positive about the caliber of students coming out of the elementary program at UNI.
She noted that the last issue of Educational Leadership had an article “Closing Achievement Gaps-Factors that Correlate with Student Achievement ”. She encouraged all Board members to read the article. Frudden reported that the October 20, 2004 issue of Education Week had an article titled “Iowa Governor Pushes Preschool Expansion.” She felt it was positive to have the Iowa Governor receiving national coverage for his support in the early childhood area.
Mary Jean Montgomery said she had attended the IPTV Board meeting in November. The agenda included budget and legislative information and a discussion about programming, specifically children’s programming. The IPTV Henry Wallace Program had been sold nationally and would be aired across the nation.
Montgomery indicated that she had received a recent NASBE policy update regarding early childhood assessment. She felt this article was good on linking assessment to curriculum development and program quality. She prompted all Board members to peruse the article for possible further discussion. Mary Jean Montgomery requested that the Board hear a report from Greg McClain on the NASBE study group for athletics and achievement. Mr. McClain had served on this study group.
Jim Billings reported he is meeting with a retired group of educators. The group invites persons from the education community to visit with them about current issues. He felt it might be beneficial to the Board to share some of the knowledge gathered from these meetings. Billings also gave an update on the work with the technology committee.
Sister Jude Fitzpatrick said she had attended the first meeting of the Regents’ Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School Task Force. She said the focus of the first meeting was to move all the members to an equal information base. Sister Jude reported on her attendance at the Area 9 Superintendents meeting and indicated that Director Jeffrey was also in attendance.
Rosie Hussey said she had invited Director Judy Jeffrey to speak to the Mason City Rotary Club and she had done an excellent job. She had also invited Mike Morrison, Administrator at North Iowa Area Community College and Troyce Fischer, School Administrators of Iowa to also be Rotary speakers for the month of November. Hussey also gave an update for the 2005 State Board of Education retreat.
Wayne Kobberdahl talked about his attendance at the NASBE Annual Conference. He discussed the Disney management style that was pervasive in the state of Florida and its effectiveness. Kobberdahl indicated he attended several different sessions—each very informative. He felt that one of the most valuable experiences was visiting with other Board members from across the nation.
Board members complimented Mr. Kobberdahl on the supportive letter he had written to the President of the University of Northern Iowa regarding their quality teaching education program. This was reflective of a conversation he had had with an educator he had met at NASBE.
Greg McClain said he had attended the I-JAG Board meeting held at Lewis Central Community School District. He indicated he would be bringing a report card to the Board for 2004 I-JAG activities.
McClain reported he had been asked to serve on an athletic eligibility subcommittee for the Waterloo Community School District. He also agreed to do an overview of the athletics and achievement NASBE study group report at a future date.
Greg McClain shared as follow-up information on the Iowa School for the Deaf discussion that his daughter had completed an internship at that school. He suggested that the Board schedule an on-site visit to the School for the Deaf as part of a Board meeting.
Gene Vincent appointed a committee to develop a comprehensive plan for State Board development and determine how to fit these future agenda items into the Board’s schedule over a two-year timeframe. The committee appointed is Sally Frudden, Wayne Kobberdahl and Sister Jude Fitzpatrick. He recommended using other Board members and staff as resources in gathering ideas for utilizing the State Board agendas efficiently and effectively.
Director Judy Jeffrey reported on the following items:
Megan Srinivas, student member had been selected for an achievement award that honored individuals and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding leadership and contributions to improving the lives of Asian/Americans. She received this award on October 16 at a ceremony at Pioneer-Hybrid. Congratulations to this young woman for the contributions she is making and will make in the future.
Board member Sally Frudden had been recognized by presenting the first ever Sally J. Frudden Ethic of Caring Award by the University of Northern Iowa for her outstanding service to education in Iowa, her devotion to UNI and the college of education and a lifetime of modeling and caring for others. This award was presented to a Price Laboratory School guidance counselor.
Director Jeffrey recognized Greg McClain’s contribution to the National Association of State Boards of Education in serving on the athletics and achievement study group.
The National Center of Educational Statistics presented Iowa with two awards—fiscal and non-fiscal at the Summer Data Conference in recognition of outstanding performance in data quality reporting. This award exemplified work by Lee Tack, Su McCurdy and Alison Radl.
Jeffrey was appointed by Secretary Rod Paige to serve on the U.S. Department Educational Regional Advisory Committee for the North Central Region. This committee will conduct an assessment of the educational technical assistance needs in the region.
Update on Iowa Learns Town Hall meetings.
Continued support of summer food program .
President Gene Vincent had sent a memorandum to school districts to recruit for the nonvoting student member for the Iowa State Board of Education. The application deadline is February 1, 2005. Megan Srinivas’ term would be ending April 30, 2005.
Update on cultural competence for staff and state board members.
The minutes of the September 16-17, 2004 State Board of Education meeting were approved.
Renewal requests for 34 religious groups requesting exemption from the compulsory education and school standards laws under Iowa Code Section 299.24 were approved.
Chapter 43, “School Transportation” rule amendments were approved for adoption as presented.
Jackie Crawford, Administrative Consultant, Practitioner Preparation indicated that a site visit to review the teacher education programs offered by Grand View College had been conducted by a review team. The team activities included: a review of the institutional report; a review of many document exhibits; interviews with faculty, students, administrators, support staff, graduates, and area practitioners; visits to college classes and area schools; and in-depth team meetings. Ms. Crawford stated that based on the team’s findings during the review and institution’s efforts in response to the report of the visit, the institution was recommended for approval.
Motion: It was moved by Mary Jean Montgomery and seconded by Wayne Kobberdahl to approve the practitioner preparation programs at Grand View College through the 2009-2010 academic year.
Vote: The motion carried unanimously.
Jackie Crawford, Administrative Consultant, Practitioner Preparation indicated that a site visit to review the teacher education programs offered by William Penn University had been conducted by a review team. She reviewed the strengths and concerns as well as the improvements that had been made since the visit. Ms. Crawford stated that based on the team’s findings during the review and the institution’s efforts in response to the report of the visit, the institution was recommended for approval.
Motion: It was moved by Sally Frudden to approve the practitioner preparation programs at William Penn University through the 2009-2010 academic year. The motion was seconded by Rosie Hussey.
Vote: The motion carried unanimously.
Administrative Consultant, Jackie Crawford, Practitioner Preparation Preparation indicated that a site visit to review the teacher education programs offered by the University of Northern Iowa had been conducted by a review team. The team activities included: a review of the institutional report; a review of many document exhibits; interviews with faculty, students, administrators, support staff, graduates, and area practitioners; visits to college classes and area schools; and in-depth team meetings. At the conclusion of the visit, the team found much to praise and areas that have benefited from additional attention. Ms. Crawford stated that based on the team’s findings during the review and the institution’s efforts in response to the report of the visit, the institution was recommended for approval.
Motion: It was moved by Wayne Kobberdahl and seconded by Rosie Hussey to the approve the practitioner preparation programs at the University of Northern Iowa through the 2009-2010 academic year.
Vote: The motion carried unanimously with Sally Frudden abstaining.
Jackie Crawford, Administrative Consultant, Practitioner Preparation indicated that a site visit to review the teacher education programs offered by Northwestern college had been conducted by a review team. The team activities included: a review of the institutional report; a review of many document exhibits; interviews with faculty, students, administrators, support staff, graduates, and area practitioners; visits to college classes and area schools; and in-depth team meetings. Northwestern College earned the highest level of praise from the team and met all six of the standards. Many program strengths were identified as well as a few areas for improvement. Ms. Crawford stated that based on the team’s findings during the review and the institution’s efforts in response to the report of the visit, the institution was recommended for approval.
Motion: It was moved by Sister Jude Fitzpatrick that the practitioner preparation programs at Northwestern College be approved through the 2009-2010 academic year. The motion was seconded by Sally Frudden.
Vote: The motion carried unanimously.
Dr. Lee Tack, Administrator, Division of Financial and Information Services reviewed the proposed budget requests required annually by the Code of Iowa to the Department of Management. These requests were submitted in October, 2004. Tack provided information regarding current appropriations as well as appropriations requested for FY06.
In re Whitney Jacobs, Marilyn Jacobs, Appellant, vs. Atlantic Community School District, Appellee, 23 D.o.E. App. Dec. 25.
Motion: It was moved by Jim Billings and seconded by Mary Jean Montgomery that the State Board hold a closed session under Iowa Code section 21.5(1)(f) to discuss a decision to be rendered in a contested case conducted according to provisions in Chapter 17A.
Vote: A roll call vote was taken as follows: Aye-Frudden, Billings, Fitzpatrick, Hussey, Kobberdahl, McClain(telephonically), Montgomery and Vincent. Absent: Edwards. The motion carried unanimously.
Closed Session
Motion: Sally Frudden moved and Wayne Kobberdahl seconded to send a letter to the district to emphasize that coaches and teachers are role models for students and should not engage in belittling behavior toward a student.
Vote: The motion carried unanimously.
Motion: Sally Frudden moved and Wayne Kobberdahl seconded to approve the proposed decision In re Whitney Jacobs.
Vote: The motion carried unanimously.
In re Brittany Holdefer. Missy Holdefer, Appellant, vs. PCM Community School District, Appellee, 23 D.o.E. App. Dec. 34 (Open Enrollment/Harassment)
Motion: Wayne Kobberdahl moved to approve the proposed decision In re Brittany Holdefer. Mary Jean Montgomery seconded.
Vote: The motion carried unanimously.
In re Lauren M. Hales. James A. Hales, Appellant, vs. Burlington Community School District, Appellee, 23 D.o.E. App. Dec. 39 (Open Enrollment/Harassment)
Motion: Sister Jude Fitzpatrick moved and Rosie Hussey seconded to approve the proposed decision In re Lauren M. Hales.
Vote: The motion carried unanimously.
Judy Jeffrey, Interim Director stated the purpose of the Breaking Barriers award was to recognize districts that have made significant, measurable improvements in achievement gaps, specifically improvement in a key achievement gap group (African American, Hispanic, or low SES) by 20% or more in at least one grade level and subject, without allowing a subgroup or the all-student group to decrease by more than 5% in any grade level or subject. She indicated that all Iowa accredited schools are eligible for the award. The awards are based on annual achievement data submitted by districts to the DE as part of their NCLB reporting. The representatives that were in attendance to receive the awards from the following school districts introduced themselves.
Interim Director Jeffrey introduced Governor Thomas J. Vilsack who was presenting these awards with Board President Gene Vincent and Board Vice President Sally Frudden. Governor Vilsack talked about the responsibilities of the State Board, legislature, parents, and the school population in addressing the achievement gap. He indicated these districts were to be honored for the challenge of addressing the achievement gap issues and taking it to a new level and he appreciated the opportunity to acknowledge the following districts:
South Tama Community Schools Saydel Community Schools
LeMars Community Schools Creston Community Schools
Cedar Falls Community Schools Davenport Community Schools
Preview of IASB Conference Presentation-Annual
Condition of Education Report
Judy Jeffrey, Interim Director presented highlights from the 15th Annual Condition of Education Report. The 2004 report included information about Iowa’s education system from prekindergarten through high school. The report includes a preface that provides a contextual setting for education as well as a vast amount of information on education in the state. The report provides information on enrollments, programs, student performance, staff and finance. She indicated the report served as a resource document for educators, legislators and citizens seeking information on Iowa’s education system.
Troyce Fisher, Executive Director, School Administrators of Iowa and Project Director, State Action for Educational Leadership Partnership (SAELP) II and Veronica Stalker, Superintendent, Waukee Community School District and Co-director, SAELP II were present for this agenda item. Dr. Fisher indicated this initiative began with the State Board establishing a priority of improving educational leadership. Recommendations forwarded through community conversations and a committee of practitioners and business leaders resulted in the adoption of the Iowa Standards for School Leaders, a change in principal licensing requirements, and rule changes for State Board approval of administrator preparation programs. Dr. Stalker also said the Department had received three SAELP grants funded by the Wallace Foundation. The latest grant resulted in an award of $600,000 over a three-year period to continue the work to improve educational leadership in Iowa. This presentation focuses on the work to implement SAELP II. The Leadership Partnership has met to oversee the work of the implementation of the grant.
A roadmap for implementation gave us the following three breakthrough ideas:
1. Embed the Iowa Leadership Standards within current practice to reflect the standards throughout the educational system with outcome of improved student learning.
2. Create new governance models in Iowa district(s) by restructuring governance from the classroom to the local school board level while changing the conditions of practice to ultimately improve student learning.
3. Close the achievement gap for Iowa students through scaling-up the knowledge and skill base of school leaders’ behaviors that directly impact student achievement.
Mary Jean Montgomery asked if there were policy issues that the State Board should rethink to assist this very comprehensive project to take place. Stalker suggested that the Board keep the goal in mind and keep coming back to revisit the project and to encourage a strong leadership quality initiative.
Diana Buter, 2003 Ambassador of the Year reported on the focus of her year “Celebrating Education in Iowa.” She indicated that the year had provided her with a wonderful opportunity to step back and observe the entire K-12 educational process as it unfolds from a student’s preschool days through his/her senior year of high school. Buter said she had a much more global view of Iowa education and how each individual educator provides a critical piece of a student’s educational puzzle. She felt that as a classroom teacher you become so focused on your individual curricular area and grade level that you lose sight of exactly how your instructional efforts are tightly woven together with those of your colleagues to create a wonderfully diverse and complete educational experience for each of our students. She indicated one of her surprises at national meetings was that everyone wanted to know what was happening in Iowa—what is Iowa doing about this and having other colleagues know that Iowa cares about teachers and education.
Diana Buter said she would like to leave her year with a message to colleagues not to ever underestimate the importance of what you do every single day. Every time you walk into your classroom, you have the potential to impact students’ lives in transformational ways.
Buter appreciated this opportunity to share with the Board the experiences of her extraordinary year.
President Vincent adjourned the meeting at 3:10 p.m.
Judy Jeffrey, Director and Jeff Berger, Legislative Liaison presented information for this work session.
________________________ _____________________________
Gene E. Vincent Judy A. Jeffrey, Director and
President Executive Officer