Showing posts with label school board. Show all posts
Showing posts with label school board. Show all posts

Shoreline School Board Meeting Monday, November 17, 2014

Thursday, November 20, 2014

By Marianne Deal Stephens

The November 17 meeting of the Shoreline School Board began like most meetings: after a call to order by Board President Mike Jacobs and a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, the board passed several items without discussion.

Most meetings begin with a Consent Agenda, which consists of standard items already processed through appropriate school district channels. This week’s agenda included approval of: 

  • A contract with the Everett Events Center for June 2015 high school graduation ceremonies;
  • A Waiver Renewal Request to the State Board of Education to waive the 180-day regulation for 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18 in order to have up to five professional development days;
  • A Resolution to set aside $500,000 of levy funds annually for curriculum adoption for 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018;
  • A Capital Levy purchase of Chromebooks for use in grades 5-8;
  • Acceptance of gifts from Cascade K-8 PTSA for fall camp, field trips and enrichment, and from Meridian Park PTSA for miscellaneous activities, including 6th grade camp and assemblies;
  • An agreement between the district and the City of Shoreline regarding sidewalks around Einstein Middle School as part of the Safe Routes to Schools Project;
  • Several extended field trip requests, for:  State Cross Country Meet, Shorewood Math Team, Shorewood All-State Music, Shorewood Robotics, and Echo Lake and Highland Terrace Outdoor Education.

Four major items appeared on the main part of the agenda. The first item was a brief introduction of Dr. Cheryl Roberts, who began her duties as the new president of Shoreline Community College on August 1, 2014. See previous article. Dr. Roberts and SCC will continue the college’s well-established pattern of success and focus on helping people live up to their potential. Dr. Roberts noted that, though Shoreline is the smallest college district in the State of Washington, SCC was recently recognized for its success in helping students make the transition to college.

The Shoreline School District and Shoreline Community College have a close partnership. Many Shoreline School District students attend Shoreline Community College as Running Start Students in their junior and senior years of high school, and others attend after graduating from Shorecrest or Shorewood High Schools. The latest ERDC data shows that 47% of 2012 Shoreline School District graduates enrolled in in-state two-year public institutions. This figure includes all in-state public two-year institutions, and is not limited to Shoreline Community College.

Three other major items on the November 17 School Board agenda will be discussed in separate articles: Teachers in STEM Programs; Emergency Preparedness; and School Improvement Plans.

During the Board Reports section of the agenda, several of board members mentioned attending the high school drama productions and encouraged others to attend. Matchmaker by Shorecrest Drama and Anything Goes by Shorewood Drama. 


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Shoreline School Board meets Monday

Monday, June 23, 2014


Shoreline School Board Regular Board Meeting is Monday, June 23, 2014 @ 7:00 p.m.


Agenda highlights
  • 2014 - 2015 Preliminary Budget presented for information purposes only.
  • May 2014 General Fund Cash Flow Report
  • April and May Budget Status Reports
  • Interfund reimbursement
  • State Audit
  • June enrollment report
  • Revisions to Hi-Cap program
The School Board meets at the Shoreline Center, in the Board room off the main entrance on 1st Ave NE.


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Shoreline School Board Meeting 12-10-12

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Devon Vose Rickabaugh
Shoreline School Board Meeting 12-10-12
By Devon Vose Rickabaugh

Shoreline PTA Council is encouraging District parents to become both educated and engaged during this coming legislative session through the “Take 5 For KIDS” project with a PTA goal of collecting 600 cards and drawings from across the district to be sent to legislators during PTA Focus Day and during the presentation of the budget.

Board President Ehrlichman said, “It is a simple idea to get parents to communicate with Olympia.” Through participating, parents will see they have a voice.

The School Board approved an addendum to the Joint Use Agreement with the City of Shoreline for the surplused Sunset School Site. The agreement assigns responsibility for scheduling and maintenance of the site for public recreational purposes to the city of Shoreline and provides that the city pay all costs associated with the site.

It also includes a mandatory clause that allows the school district to recapture the site for school purposes in the future.

Lynn Huston of Friends of Sunset Park, who had helped write the master plan which the City and the School Board both approved, requested the covered play area remain destined for removal when the funding is found. The addendum now states that the covered play area will not be removed and “made available for public use”. This would provide “obstacles” to future planning since in order to remove it the City Council and School Board would have to be involved again. The concrete structure blocks the view and would disrupt the beauty of the future park.


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Shorecrest PTSA meeting to feature school board member

Monday, November 12, 2012

The Shorecrest PTSA Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 13, at 7pm in the Shorecrest Library, 15343 25th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155.

Special Guest speaker Richard Potter, from the Shoreline School Board, will be discussing various topics surrounding our school district, as well as be available to answer questions. 


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Notes from Monday November 5th Shoreline School Board Meeting

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Devon Vose Rickabaugh
Photo by Jerry Pickard
Monday November 5th Shoreline School Board Meeting
By Devon Vose Rickabaugh

Director of Assessments Dr Monpas-Huber said district students outperformed state and national SAT scores. However more analysis and test results are needed to determine why Shorewood’s scores decreased last year. Board President Ehrlichman said she wasn’t surprised since they were encouraging more students to take Advanced Placement classes to prepare for college and that meant a wider range of students testing.

The Board approved a resolution to declare Sunset Elementary School temporarily surplus since it is not currently required for school use. This action meant the city of Shoreline could move ahead with plans to assume responsibility for maintenance, utilities, supervision and scheduling the recreational use of the Sunset site following demolition of the building. The Board unanimously approved the construction bid for $276,075 to demolish the building, footings and concrete slabs.

The District Instructional Materials Committee (DIMC) recommended the board not approve the play “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” until it had been revised to make it more appropriate for a younger audience. The play had been recommended to the committee for approval by staff from Shorecrest High School. Board Vice President Mike Jacobs wondered what the committee’s criteria was for adult content and wanted to see the objectionable parts. Director of Teaching and Learning Teri Poff said there were graphic sexual themes and language. Superintendent Walker said that in the future the parts that the committee judged inappropriate would be sent to the board members so they could judge for themselves. President Ehrlichman said she appreciates what the DIMC committee does.


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School Board unanimously opposes charter schools initiative

Thursday, October 4, 2012



The Shoreline School Board voted unanimously at its Oct. 1 meeting to oppose Initiative 1240, which would allow the creation of public charter schools in Washington state.

The complete resolution follows:

WHEREAS, Initiative 1240, which authorizes the creation of a public charter school system, has been certified by the Secretary of State in Washington and will appear on the November statewide ballot; and

WHEREAS, the position of the Washington State School Directors’ Association is that public education funding should be overseen by school officials elected in their local communities; and

WHEREAS, under Initiative 1240 public education resources would be placed under private management, without the public accountability that our communities and taxpayers expect and deserve; and

WHEREAS, Initiative 1240 will undermine local control by allowing appointed charter boards and out-of-state charter management companies to operate charter schools with little-to-no accountability to Washington taxpayers; and

WHEREAS, in late August 2012, the Washington State School Directors’ Association Board of Directors unanimously voted to oppose Initiative 1240 for its lack of oversight by locally-elected officials;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Shoreline School District Board of Directors opposes Initiative 1240.

Signed by

Deborah Ehrlichman, President
Mike Jacobs, Vice President
Dick Potter, Director
Dick Nicholson, Director
David Wilson, Director


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School board meeting August 20

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Devon Vose Rickabaugh
Shoreline School Board Meeting Monday August 20, 2012
By Devon Vose Rickabaugh

The Shoreline School Board unanimously passed three budgetary items including adopting the budget for 2012-2013 school year, approving the sale of South Woods surplus property to transfer the funds from the sale to the general fund for purchasing instructional material. Also the Board declared an emergency at the Aldercrest Annex which was destroyed by fire on August 8th. Declaring the emergency allows the district to proceed with contracting for demolition services once the cost estimates have been received and evaluated.

The Board voted to support “the continued work of Network for Excellence in Washington Schools (NEWS)” who filed a lawsuit to order the State to fully fund public education. The court ruled the State was in violation of its “paramount duty” to amply provide tor the education of all children. The board authorized $8,270 (one dollar for each projected full time student in the district) to assist NEWS in following up to ensure that the State amply funds K-12 education.

The Board approved an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Shoreline to improve safe walking routes to Briarcrest Elementary School. The City obtained a $385,000 Safe Routes to School Grant and the district will contribute $23,000 of capital funding.

Douglas Shook was introduced to the Board as the new assistant principal at Kellogg Middle School.

Rick Robbins, former Shorewood principal, has been hired as facilitator to plan the framework and implement Naviance, the new college and career planning tool which will be implemented in grades 7-12.

Director of Instructional Technology Jim Golubich reported Shorecrest High School will join Shorewood in implementing school-wide iPad deployment this year. Staff and students are scheduled for training in the next few weeks. Some of the Board requested that they be trained too. Laptops will still be used in the middle schools for another year.


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Shoreline School Board Meeting May 14, 2012

Monday, May 14, 2012


Notes from Shoreline School Board Meeting May 14, 2012
By Devon Vose Rickabaugh

The Shoreline School Board voted unanimously to approve purchasing iPads for Shorecrest High School  students next year. 

Jim Golubich, Director of Information Technology for the school district, said the positive experience at Shorewood High School last year with iPad use and the aging laptops at Shorecrest helped make the decision. 

Director Golubich said the iPads will cost the district significantly less than last year  so money will be available for other district technology needs. Students were charged $45 last year for insurance and iPad cases. He said they need to assess the extent of repairs before settling on a price for insurance for next year.

Superintendent Walker said that school curriculum can now be taught online so students will be able to come to class knowing much of the lesson and be able to concentrate on areas where they have questions. She said it is very exciting.

Now that the iPad purchase has been approved, planning will go ahead for their acquisition and staff orientation and professional development. Shorecrest principal Pat Hegarty said it will be a good challenge for staff.




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Shoreline School Board Meeting April 2, 2012

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Notes from Shoreline School Board Meeting April 2, 2012
By Devon Vose Rickabaugh

Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)
With the goal of increasing the academic achievement of every student this fall Shoreline administered the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) to all sophomores. With the information from the test staff will be able to pinpoint students who scored high enough in language arts, social studies, math and science to take advanced placement classes but who did not. By encouraging these students to take advanced placement classes it is expected that the students will be more challenged, do better on the SAT for college entrance examinations and be more successful in college. By testing early it is hoped underrepresented populations can be encouraged to improve their achievement, and be more prepared for success in college.

Teachers honored as Heroes in the Classroom - Meridian Park awarded $10,000 grant
Nine teachers from Shoreline were honored as Seahawk/Symetra heroes for educational excellence throughout the NFL football season, making their respective schools eligible to compete for an MVP award. Meridian Park School received an MVP award with a $10,000 grant to fund an innovative student achievement program. The materials will provide hands-on exploration of math and science concepts in a new classroom where students can play educational games, use microscopes and build with Lego robotic kits.



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Notes from Shoreline School District meeting March 5

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Shoreline School Board Meeting March 5, 2012
By Devon Vose Rickabaugh

The future of Room Nine
The board heard evidence that Room Nine Community School’s enrollment has been declining over the past five years from 135 students in the 2007-2008 year to 88 students this year and therefore the cost per student has increased. 

The directors agreed that by the next board meeting they would consider either continuing the program as is, reconfiguring it to K-6, or incorporating the school into Meridian Park Elementary. 

Superintendent Walker said that parents need to know how to plan for next year. Director Wilson asked if they could put the 7-8th grade on hold for a year to see if the enrollment increased. Several parents said that part of the appeal of Room Nine came from the K-8 option. The parents wondered if once dropped if grades 7-8 would ever return. Director Ehrlichman said she appreciated the independence of Room Nine School for families who don’t fit into regular programs. Director Wilson said, “We have to figure out a way to make it work so families know they can count on the program.”

Extended Day Kindergarten successful for low performing students
The district’s Extended Day Kindergarten Program to benefit low income low performing elementary students is a success. Dr Ellen Kaje and several Principals from schools qualifying for Title I funds presented data that 70% of students who participated in the Extended Day Kindergarten reached the benchmark goal by the end of kindergarten and 60% remained at benchmark by the end of first grade.

Home Education students win trophies in Robotics tournament
Home Education Coordinator Ron Jones introduced two teams of eight middle school aged students which had won trophies at the LEGO League’s Robotics State Championship Tournament. The students built and programmed a small robot to accomplish specified tasks, investigated a research topic: methods to prevent food contamination, proposed a solution and developed a presentation.

Dads volunteer at Briarcrest
Briarcrest principal Jonathan Nessan and Briarcrest Parent Josh Visser told the board about the Briarcrest Watchdogs who are fathers and father figures who spend time in the school welcoming students, sitting and mentoring students in class, connecting with students at lunch and recess. They become a visible presence in the building and an integral part of the school community.



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Shoreline School Board Meeting Monday February 6, 2012

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Notes from Shoreline School Board meeting February 6, 2012

By Devon Vose Rickabaugh

National Board Certifications
Shoreline School Board members recognized ten teachers from the district who have just received their National Board Certification. This brings the total to 66 teachers in the district which is above the national and Washington State averages. Board Candidate Support Facilitator Marcia Garrett said that the process took at least 18 months to complete during which the candidates must demonstrate a deep understanding of national standards for their specified field. The teachers honored were: Jennifer Altena of Syre, Andrew Bagley of Shorewood, Christi Camp of Einstein, Mikael Christensen of Shorewood, Alisan Tucker-Giesy of Shorewood, Roberta Ruark of Shorecrest, Brynne Saskor of Shorecrest, Marybeth Scherf of Lake Forest Park, Sheryl Zahajko of Lake Forest Park and Clark Youmans of Shorewood.

Math Intervention
The IXL Math intervention program is an online program used by teachers in the district to give students individualized practice and reinforcement of concepts learned in class. It is not diagnostic or tutorial. Linda Smith, Instructional Specialist for Elementary Math gave a demonstration of the program. She said the next step is to evaluate its effectiveness using data comparing a student’s usage with her growth in test scores.

Budget shortfall for Fircrest
A “potentially significant” funding shortfall is looming for teaching students at the Fircrest Residential Habilitation Center (RHC). The program provides instruction through Shoreline School District to the medically, mentally and behaviorally challenged students who come from all over the state to live there. For the past three years the program has been running $500,000 short. Local levies cannot be used for this population and DSHS moneys will fall $l00,000 short this year. Twenty-five students ranging in age from twelve to twenty-one are taught either in Shoreline schools or in classrooms at Fircrest a staff member told board members. This number is expected to increase since Fircrest is the only facility of its kind in the state.

Day on the Hill
Board member David Wilson said he and Superintendent Walker attended the annual Day on the Hill in Olympia where they met with delegates from school boards and school administrators from across the state. They also met with state legislators where they emphasized “no more cuts to K-12” supported by the McCleary Decision which stated that “the state of Washington is violating its constitutional paramount duty to amply fund the education of all K-12 students”. Also they voiced making school construction assistance a priority and finding a long term solution to teaching students at Fircrest Residential Habilitation Center.



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Roll out of iPad program at Shorewood hits a few bumps

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Apple iPad
Director of instructional technology Jim Golubich checked in with the Shoreline School Board Monday evening, January 23, about the roll out of the iPad program at Shorewood High School in September 2011.

Every student at Shorewood was issued an iPad at fall registration. These are for doing school assignments, staying in touch with teachers and class assignments, organizing their work, and online research.

One of the unanticipated problems was how long it took to get an iPad to each student and get them through the initial orientation. It was a week before all students had iPads and this delayed teacher lesson plans that assumed access to the devices.

Another problem was the learning curve for both teachers and students. The iPad runs book readers, email programs, browsers, word processing, and other applications, but there is no operating system or desktop. The learning curve is made more challenging by the demands of deadlines, multiple projects and multiple classes.

Golubich plans to set up regular, more in-depth department training for staff so they can have more information about using the devices as part of their teaching. Tech staff will rotate through the classrooms to provide support. The STAR period will be used to provide help to students, and the librarians will continue to offer help.

Many students did not like using the on-screen keyboard and attached their own external keyboards. Golubich said that according to a survey, students were using the on-screen keyboard for short projects and attaching a keyboard for bigger projects.

He expects that the district may buy a lot of inexpensive keyboards and offer them to students who wish to use them.

The iPads are the replacement for the laptops which have been issued at the high schools since 2006, with the technology bond. Educators realized that students needed to be completely familiar with technology in order to function in today's job environment. With the changes in technology and introduction of new devices, staff have been planning a change.

This year, with the laptops six years old, was decision time. There were enough functioning laptops to supply one high school, so those were given to Shorecrest and iPads were purchased for Shorewood.

The iPads are half the cost of the laptops. In addition, they are book readers and increasing numbers of textbooks are being created digitally. Textbooks for iPad cost $14.99 each and are updated live, so it would be a considerable savings to the district.

All in all, Golubich said that this first three months was very similar to the roll-out of the laptops in 2006. He feels confident that they have plans to solve the initial problems and that students and staff are already adjusting. "Shorewood teachers' spirits are high and they are looking forward to additional professional development on the use of iPads in the classrooms."



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Shoreline School Board, January 9, 2012

Saturday, January 14, 2012

By Devon Vose Rickabaugh

Achievement Gap data
Shoreline School Board met January 9th and heard achievement gap data presented by Dr Jack Monpas-Huber. There is less difference between African American students and Caucasian students graduating and going to college than with Hispanic students in the district. Director Nicholson asked about programs directed at helping Hispanic students. The directors agreed to gather information about programs to close the achievement gap.

Shoreline Virtual Learning program
Shoreline Virtual Learning (SVL) program was updated by Teri Poff and Brian Schultz. The district is partnering with Spokane School District in a web-based instructor-led program. The Spokane teachers have written, taught and tested the program and will be providing the instruction initially. Poff stressed the program is starting slowly to see how it works in the district. For now a student will have to carry a full load of classes in order to take one virtual class. Superintendent Sue Walker said that the statistics on success of Virtual learning are “grim”. She advocated taking it slowly.

Student Smoking Policy
The board voted to approve a minor change to the student smoking policy wherein a first offense for a student using tobacco in an unauthorized place will not include suspension. Rather it will mean a “conference with students and/or parents, notify parent of offense, notify Drug/Alcohol Specialist of offense; and/or disciplinary action (non-suspension).”

Tree cutting at Shorecrest
Director Jacobs said he’d gotten several calls from the community concerned about the cutting down of four large sequoias at Shorecrest High School over the recent holiday. Superintendent Walker said that the design for the new school made it necessary to remove the trees, but that the board had not been informed when it would happen. “It’s definitely a loss and we’re committed to restoring something similar to the area."



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Shoreline school board members sworn in; Debi Ehrlichman elected president

Friday, December 16, 2011

From left, Shoreline School Board members Dick Nicholson, Dick Potter, David Wilson, Debi Ehrlichman and Mike Jacobs.  Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools.

Mike Jacobs, Dick Nicholson and Dick Potter were sworn in as members of the Shoreline School Board on Monday, December 12 following their election to four-year terms as directors.

Mike Jacobs was re-elected to the District 1 position he has held since being appointed to the board in 2001. He is a partner in the Riach Gese law firm, and holds bachelor's degrees from the University of Washington and a law degree from the University of Puget Sound School of Law. Mike and his wife, Janelle, both graduates of Shorewood, have three children attending Shoreline schools and one who graduated from Shorewood.

Dick Nicholson was elected to the District 4 position. He is a 33-year resident of Shoreline and has been active in many civic and non-profit organizations, including as chair of the Ridgecrest Neighborhood Association and as chair of the City of Shoreline's Economic Development Advisory Committee. A Certified Public Accountant, Dick holds two bachelor of science degrees from Oregon State University and recently retired from a career in surety. Dick and his wife, Jean, have a daughter who is a Shorecrest graduate.

Dick Potter was re-elected to the District 5 position. He has worked for the Boeing Company for 33 years, and is a Technical Fellow providing corporate-wide technical advice for database technologies. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics and a master of science in industrial technology from the University of Wisconsin. Dick and his wife, Teri, have a son attending Shoreline Schools and another son who graduated from Shorecrest.

At the December 12 meeting, director Debi Ehrlichman was elected as president of the Board, succeeding David Wilson. Debi is serving her second term on the Board, and previously served as president from 2007 to 2009. Mike Jacobs was elected Board vice president, and David Wilson as legislative representative.

Prior to the meeting, Maren Norton was honored for her four years of service on the Board.


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Forum for school board candidates on October 12, Shorecrest Library 6:45pm

Thursday, October 6, 2011

double click to enlarge

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School Board approves 2010-11 budgets

Sunday, September 26, 2010


 The Shoreline School Board adopted five budgets at its August 30 meeting: General Fund, Capital Projects Fund, Transportation Vehicle Fund, Debt Service Fund and Associated Student Body Program Fund; and approval of the 2010-11 Student Achievement Carryover Spending Plan.

Highlights of the $89.6 million General Fund budget include:
  • A projected enrollment decline of 270 students.
  • The fourth grade student staffing ratio remains the same as last year's despite basic education funding reductions by the State.
  • The budget includes $660,000 for new curriculum adoptions.
  • The 5 percent unreserved fund balance is reflected in both the beginning and ending fund balance.
  • This budget reflects a reduction of the unreserved fund balance of over $900,000.
Items of interest concerning the $37.2 million Capital Projects Fund:
  • The Capital Projects Fund budget only includes current sources and uses of funds and does not include the anticipated fall bond sale proceeds.
  • Collection and expenditure of the first half of the Technology Levy is an addition to the 2010-2011 budget.
  • Expenditures for the K-4 technology portion of the 2006 bond will be completed this year.
  • Shoreline Center fire alarm and roof upgrades and the central kitchen project are slated for completion in 2010-2011.
  • The major focus of the expenditures in the Capital Projects Fund this year will be the two high school projects.
The 2010-11 Shoreline Schools budget spends approximately $2.7 million more than the expected revenue generated, reducing the District's overall fund balance.
The reserves (both unreserved and reserved) will be used for the following items:
  • professional development activities and training for staff;
  • curriculum adoptions and instructional materials;
  • maintenance of all classroom staffing ratios including 4th grade, despite funding reductions by the State;
  • continuation of the CSR model (certificated staff for elementary overload), despite the loss of all I-728 funding;
  • and deferred maintenance of school facilities.

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School Board approves resolution in support of Lake Forest Park levy lid lift

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

The Shoreline School Board has approved a resolution in support of Proposition 1, a property tax levy-lid lift for retention of basic public safety and other services that will appear on the August 17, 2010 ballot. Following is the full text of the resolution:

Resolution No. 2010-13
July 19, 2010

WHEREAS, the City of Lake Forest Park will hold an election August 17, 2010 on Proposition 1, a Levy for Retention of Basic Public Safety and Other Services; and

WHEREAS, approval of this levy lid lift would allow the City of Lake Forest Park to maintain basic public safety, parks, community and other governmental services; and

WHEREAS, the Shoreline School District, having two of its elementary schools, Brookside and Lake Forest Park, within the City of Lake Forest Park, has an interest in retaining those services to the community;

WHEREAS, the Shoreline School District values its nearly 50-year partnership with the City of Lake Forest Park in serving our community and is concerned that additional reductions in the city's budget will further impact its quality of service;

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Shoreline Board of Directors endorses the City of Lake Forest Park Proposition 1 on the August 17, 2010 ballot, and urges voters to support this measure with a Yes vote.

Adopted by the Board of Directors of the Shoreline School District No. 412, King County, Washington at its regular meeting on July 19, 2010.

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Shoreline School Board, March 15

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
March 15, 2010
Submitted by Debi Ehrlichman, Board Member
Complete minutes available on School District website


Mr. Wilson read Resolution No. 2010-4, Declaration of Shoreline Public Schools Foundation Appreciation Week (March 22-26), and extended thanks to Cindy Pridemore, Foundation Co-President and the Foundation for the wonderful things they do for the Shoreline School District.

Reports and Presentations

Extended Day Kindergarten with Title 1 Principals

Dr. Ellen Kaje, Manager of Title I, LAP, ELL, reminded the Board of $185,000 that was set aside to provide transportation and other cost-related activities for students making a Public School Choice (PSC) and transferring to a school that did meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). Only three students took advantage of that provision so costs were very minimal. This provided the opportunity to use those set-aside funds for other Title I purposes.

A group of Title I principals including Cinco Delgado, Mary Koontz, Aimee Miner, Jonathan Nessan, Laura Ploudre´and Paul Shanahan worked together with Dr. Kaje to identify school needs:

  • Make the most of Public School Choice resources for the greatest student impact;
  • Address achievement gaps;
  • Address AYP (reading and math);
  • Increase instructional time for the most at-risk half-day kindergarten students.

It was decided that using the remaining funds for an extended day program for at-risk half-day kindergartners was the best use of funds. The day was extended by up to two hours every day for those students identified as the most at-risk. The program contained 75 minutes of literacy and 30 minutes of math.

In order to determine the effectiveness of the program and whether or not it should be continued, teachers are expected to use the various provisions that were purchased specifically for this program and data will be gathered. Teachers, administrators, and paraeducators meet regularly to review the data and discuss what is working and how the program can be refined.

Currently, there are about 90 students served and parent feedback has been very positive. To determine if the model will continue for 2010-2011, an exit survey will be taken, logistics will be reviewed, and other building needs will be considered.

Ms. Walker reminded the Board that Washington voters passed I-728 with one of its primary focuses being the extended day for all students not meeting standard. Programs like this one could have been funded for all grades, not just kindergarten, if $4.2 million in I-728 monies was still coming to Shoreline School District. The I-728 revenue will most likely not be available for next year’s budget.

Advanced Placement Participation Data

A recent article in the Seattle Times concerning Advanced Placement (AP) courses and scores prompted board inquiry about Shoreline’s offerings. Dr. Monpas-Huber shared some recent transcript data from 2009. The first table indicated AP courses offered in Shoreline high schools, including the number of Fall 2009 grades awarded and pass rates. Of a potential 30 courses listed on the College Board Web site, Shoreline offers 17, whereas the national average is about 10 courses per high school. For Fall 2009, Shorecrest reported 533 students with an AP grade and a pass rate of 99.1 percent. Shorewood reported 682 students with a pass rate of 98.7 percent.

The second table reflected the number of AP grades received by Shoreline high school students in Fall 2009 by school and grade.

A third table indicated the cumulative achievement on all AP exams by school and subject area, taken at any time and potentially over a two or three year period of time, by the Class of 2009.

When the numbers are reduced down to students passing (as opposed to number of exams passed), this represents a pass rate of 79.4 percent. The nationwide pass rate is approximately 15 percent. The Bellevue School District encourages all students to take at least one AP course and claims a 61 percent pass rate (Class of 2009). Shoreline students are passing AP courses at a very high rate, well above the national average.

The fourth and last table reflected the AP course participation by race, grades 10-12, for the Class of 2009.

AP classes are regulated and governed by the College Board but no such regulation exists for Honors courses. The School Board recommended that staff take steps to ensure that AP classes truly are challenging and at the College Board AP standard, and in addition that staff work towards standardization in offerings between the two District high schools. It was suggested that the point of the AP class shouldn’t be just to pass the tests, but to become better-equipped students who are able to perform advanced level work.

Shorewood Modified Site Plan and Building Footprint

As a result of the recent agreement with the Shoreline Historical Museum to move the Ronald School Building to an alternate site, a modified site plan and building footprint was prepared by Bassetti Architects. Marcia Harris, Deputy Superintendent, presented highlights of the draft plan:

1) The entire school building is moved north to the setback at N 175th St. – the performing arts area is assumed to remain in northeast quadrant of site.

2) The school day use parking includes 350 spaces with additional parking available on driveways for evening event capacity of 425 spaces. Some of the parking along Fremont Ave. has been relocated south of the gymnasium on the east side of the site. (Currently there are approximately 350 spaces.)

3) The P.E. field has been relocated to the west side of the site, providing space for javelin, discus, and pole vault areas.

4) The central courtyard is now focused on student lunch and gathering space rather than the P.E. practice field.

5) The bus drop-off loop is extended towards the student courtyard entrances and includes a new connector drive to gymnasium parking area for evening vehicle access.

6) The gain of additional area at south of site allows the baseball field to be enlarged.

7) The main school entry remains facing the NW corner parking area.

8) A secondary (smaller) entry to the theater lobby remains facing N. 175th Street.

February Financials and March Enrollment Update

Marcia Harris, Deputy Superintendent and Mark Spangenberg, Director of Business and Finance, presented the February Cash Flow Report which reflects an increase in levy collections from $58,536 in January to $188,583 in February. February expenditures include the annual sick leave buy back. There was an increase of five students at the elementary level and a decrease in the high school enrollment for the month of March.

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Shoreline School Board, March 8, High School projects, neighborhood meetings

Saturday, April 24, 2010


BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
March 8, 2010
Submitted by Debi Ehrlichman, Board Member
Full Board minutes available on the Shoreline District website


3) High School Projects, Shorewood, Shorecrest - Neighborhood Input Meeting

Marcia Harris, Deputy Superintendent; Brian Schultz, Executive Director of Schools; and Calvin Gasaway, Shorecrest Project Manager, reviewed the six project phases--pre-design, design, bid and award, construction, occupancy, and closeout. The design phase is comprised of schematic design, design development, and construction documents and includes the following steps:

Schematic Design
  • Relationship of rooms to each other (District is at this stage with both high schools)
  • Massing, structure and openings
  • Identify possible building systems
Design Development
  • Internal workings of rooms
  • Materials, finishes, fixtures and equipment
  • Confirm building systems
Construction Documents
  • Details of rooms 
  • Specialties and treatments

It is anticipated that the schematic design portion will be completed at the end of this school year and the remainder of the design phase will be done early in the second half of 2011. Brian Schultz will be the primary person working with the project managers, architects, and the two principals.

One of the City of Shoreline requirements for these two projects is that there be a neighborhood meeting for the neighbors that live within 500 feet of each site. Two meetings were scheduled for March 24 one for the Shorecrest neighborhood at 6 pm and one for the Shorewood neighborhood at 7:30 pm. Invitations were mailed to those neighbors mentioned above as well as to the neighborhood associations. The agendas for each meeting were reviewed with the Board.

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Shoreline School Board, March 8, Elementary Writing Curriculum

Tuesday, April 20, 2010


SCHOOL BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
March 8, 2010
Submitted by Debi Ehrlichman, Board Member
Full Board minutes available on the Shoreline District website


2) Elementary Writing Curriculum

Sue Porter, Director of Teaching and Learning, and Becky Edy, Highland Terrace Teacher, reported on the “Being a Writer” curriculum which is being piloted at Highland Terrace and Parkwood Elementary Schools by 15 teachers. The feedback from teachers and students has been overwhelmingly positive. The daily lesson format consists of 45-60 minutes per day, four days a week. Pilot participants complete a survey after each unit.

The next steps for the pilot are:

• Sample kits rotating through all buildings with feedback forms (March);

• Community preview times to be scheduled (April);

• Possible adoption with August training and materials available for the 2010-2011 school year;

• If adopted, district-wide implementation would occur for the 2011-2012 school year.

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