Board Meeting Dates

I.

Call to Order

A.

Adoption of the Policy Agenda and Approval of the Minutes of December 11, 2012 (Discussion/Action)

II.

Hooked on Books Project Proposal (Discussion)
Presenter: Manuel Marquez, Early College Academy Student

III.

Consideration for Approval of the Albuquerque Youth Symphony Memorandum of Understanding (Discussion/Action)
Presenter: RoseAnn McKernan, Luis Delgado

IV.

Consideration for Approval of the 2013-2014 Alternative School Year Calendar (Discussion/Action)
Presenter: Andrea Trybus

V.

Consideration for Approval of Section I. Instructional Policies (Discussion/Action)
Presenter: Carrie Menapace, Shelly Green

A.

Section I. Instructional Procedural Directives (Discussion)
Presenter: Carrie Menapace, Shelly Green

VI.

Distribution of Debt Management Policy to be Discussed at the February Policy and Instruction Committee Meeting (Discussion)
Presenter: Carrie Menapace

VII.

Future Topics: Various topics will be presented as time allows.

VIII.

Announcement of the Next Policy Meeting - the next meeting will be held Tuesday, February 12, 2013, 5:00 p.m., in the DeLayo-Martin Community Room.

IX.

Adjournment

I.

Call to Order - the meeting was called to order at 5:00  p.m.

A.

Adoption of the Policy Agenda and Approval of the Minutes of December 11, 2012 –

The agenda was changed – Item VI. Distribution of Debt Management Policy to be discussed at the February meeting was pulled from the agenda.  Kathy Korte motioned for approval of the agenda as modified and approval of the minutes.  David Robbins seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

II.

Hooked on Books Project Proposal – Manuel Marquez, an Early College Academy student, was there to present the proposal.  He presented the background information: The program began in Santa Fe, New Mexico by a group that wanted to do something about the 50 percent dropout rate and the New Mexico ranking of 49^th in the nation.  The program was very successful in Santa Fe.  The idea was to use positive peer pressure to increase literacy and interest in reading.  He went over how the program worked and the plan to begin with a few APS schools, then go city-wide and eventually go state-wide.   They were partnering up with the Afro-American Affairs but said they did not have much money to get started (Santa Fe had $10,000).  He asked the committee for input and ideas for partnerships.  The board suggestions were to ask businesses for support; ask the APS Education Foundation and/or go through some of their partners; combine efforts with the library system in the summer.  Mr. Brooks suggested they work with the APS grant writer, Michele Tigelaar and Joseph Escobedo. Mr. Garcia thanked Mr. Marquez and gave the suggestion of perhaps asking other students to volunteer and become mentors. Mr. Marquez said the Santa Fe program began with 50 students ranging in age from 14-16.  He also said they had gone to the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SuperSAC) to ask for help and other high schools had committed their services.  Ms. Korte said APS librarians conducted numerous drives and could collect books.  She also suggested going to the community centers and high school student senates.

III.

Consideration for Approval of the Albuquerque Youth Symphony Memorandum of Understanding – Dr. Peercy introduced Gabriel Gordon, director of the symphony, and Dale Kempter, music director laureate for life.  RoseAnn McKernan stated they were there to present a few changes to a long-standing agreement.  Mr. Luis Delgado, director of the fine arts department, presented the background information and gave a rundown of the agreement.  The Memorandum of Understanding reaffirms the long-standing relationship between the Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) and the Albuquerque Youth Symphony (AYS).  The MOU sets forth the history of the AYS andits unique relationship to the APS, the educational mission and goals of AYS, and the parameters for the scope of services to be provided by AYS for the benefit of APS and its students, and the scope of support that will be provided by the Albuquerque Public Schools.  The MOU is an update from the last one approved in 2007.  Paula Maes motioned for approval of the MOU.  Analee Maestas seconded the motion. All were in favor. The committee applauded the effort to include APS students and thanked the symphony people in the audience.  Dr. Peercy suggested that everyone visit the new AYS facility on Menaul Blvd.

IV.

Consideration for Approval of the 2013-2014 Alternative School Year Calendar – Andi Trybus presented.  This calendar affects eight schools.  She went over the calendar.  Kathy Korte motioned for approval.  Lorenzo Garcia seconded the motion.  Ms. Maestas asked if the instructional hours were the same as the traditional schools calendar, which they are.  All were in favor with the exception of David Robbins who stated he voted against because of the budget issues.  He felt they were giving special treatment to certain schools. Discussion followed.

V.

Consideration for Approval of Section I. Instructional Policies –

IA Academic Goals – This is a new policy and reflects the new goal one of the district. It states that APS will implement an academic plan that improves academic achievement for all students with an intense focus on the achievement gap.  There was some discussion regarding the procedural directive.  Ms. Menapace said they would go through the policies and have a special meeting in regard to the procedural directives.  Kathy Korte motioned for approval of this policy.  Lorenzo Garcia seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

IC Instructional School Year Calendar- This is a revision to Board of Education policy I.02 Instructional School Year Calendar.  It was renamed, IC Instructional School Year Calendar.  The title of this policy has been changed to reflect the new alpha-numeric organization system.  The policy had been redone in August, 2012.  Kathy Korte motioned for approval.  David Robbins seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

ID School Day – This is a new policy that establishes that school days shall operate within the time frame established by the superintendent.  David Robbins motioned for approval.  Kathy Korte seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

IF Instructional Class Sizes – This is a new policy that establishes that APS shall comply with state law regarding class sizes.  Kathy Korte motioned for approval.  David Robbins seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

IG Curriculum Development, Adoption & Review –

This is a new policy that establishes that APS shall have a district curriculum consistent with state requirements and district goals. Schools are responsible for implementing the curriculum. The superintendent will develop a process for review and adoption of curriculum.  Ms. Menapace said the wording was embedded in different places.  Discussion followed regarding how the board could provide input into the curriculum.  Ms. Menapace suggested maybe adding a sentence about reviewing the curriculum.  It was decided that the policy would need editing – add curriculum involvement and procedural directive.  Ms. Menapace will edit and change.  Kathy Korte motioned to approve the policy with the changes indicated.  David Robbins seconded the motion.  All were in favor (Mr. Esquivel did not vote – was temporarily out of the room).

IH Instructional Program –This is a revision of Policy I.01 to be renamed IH Instructional Program.  Revisions to this policy were to remove material the administration believed should be in the procedural directive while preserving the essential guidance about the programs APS shall provide to its students.  Additional suggested changes were made by the board members.  David Robbins motioned for approval with the suggested changes. Kathy Korte seconded the motion.  All were in favor (Mr. Esquivel did not vote as he was temporarily out of the room.)

IH1 Treatment of Religious Issues- revisions to policy I.03 to be renamed IH1 Treatment of Religious Issues - Revisions to this policy included updated language as part of the reorganization process. It also added language to not allow a student to be penalized for perfect attendance due to religious absences at the request of the community.  We currently count it as an absence but no longer penalize students for reward programs.  There was discussion as to how it was determined if it was a religious holiday and if there was a maximum allowed. Ms. Menapace said it was in state law that we do have to allow for religious holidays.  Further discussion followed.  Mr. Brooks asked if Ms. Menapace had met with Mr. Melendres.  She had and he had indicated it was in state law (regarding what was excused).  Mr. Brooks suggested the item be tabled. Dr. Peercy felt they should relook at the policy.  Ms. Menapace said she would bring back the policy with more clarification.  The item was tabled.

IH2- Teaching about Controversial or Sensitive Issue -

Revisions to Board of Education policy I.09 Teaching about Controversial or Sensitive Issues to be renamed IH 2 – Teaching about Controversial or Sensitive Issues.

Revisions to this policy were made to update language as part of the reorganization process. Mr. Esquivel asked how “controversial” was defined; it was not clear who designates what a controversial subject was.  Discussion followed about students’ rights and teachers’ rights to teach.  Currently in the teachers’ negotiated agreement, if they are teaching controversial things, they do need to inform their principals.  The procedural directive explains the students’ rights.  A suggestion was to frame it as “academic freedom.”  Mr. Garcia asked if the item could be tabled.  He felt it was dangerous as presented currently and was putting us in a defensive posture. It was decided the item would be tabled.

IH3 Distance Learning –Revisions to Policy I.01B to be renamed IH3 - Revisions to this policy was to update language as part of the reorganization process.  Kathy Korte motioned for approval.  Discussion followed as to what 21^st century learning skills were.  It was decided that they would add language indicating what distance learning courses APS would accept.  Ms. Menapace indicated the distance learning policy would be cross referenced on this policy.  Kathy Korte again motioned for approval but with the amendments suggested.  Paula Maes seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

H4 Establishment of Magnet Schools - Revisions to Board of Education policy I.04 Establishment of Magnet Schools to be renamed IH4 – Establishment of Magnet Schools. Revisions to this policy were to update the language as part of the reorganization process – the revisions did not change the intent.  David Robbins motioned for approval.  Kathy Korte seconded the motion.  Discussion followed about some suggested changes.  It was decided that Ms. Menapace would send the board members the policy with the suggested changes to review before final vote at the board meeting.  Kathy Korte motioned for approval with changes.  Paula Maes seconded this motion.  All were in favor,

IH5 Special Services in Delivery of Instruction -This policy is new and expresses APS’ commitment to accommodate all students in their styles of learning and circumstances when completing the APS instructional program. Home and hospital instruction is made available to students. David Robbins motioned for approved.  Kathy Korte seconded the motion.  All indicated they were in favor.

IH6 Graduation Requirements – This is a new policy.  The policy takes language from the previous instructional program policy and removes contradictory language to state law.  David Robbins motioned for approval.  Analee Maestas seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

IH7 Instructional Credit Acceptance -  This is a revision to Board of Education policy I.12 Instructional Credit Acceptance to be renamed IH7 – Instructional Credit Acceptance.

The title was updated to match the alpha-numeric system of reorganization.  David Robbins motioned for approval.  Kathy Korte seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

IJ Instructional Resources and Materials – This is a revision to I.05 to be renamed IJ Instructional Resources and Materials.  The revision is to update language in the policy in accordance with the reorganization process.  It removes the requirement that every student have a textbook to take home in light of adoption of digital content and techbooks. There were basically only editorial changes done.  A discussion followed about textbooks and the fines associated with losing them.  Ms. Korte made the suggestion that they use the word “other instructional materials” instead of “techbook”.  Kathy Korte motioned for approval with revisions.  Lorenzo Garcia seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

IJ1 Student Travel:  Field & Activity Trips – Revision to policy I.07 to be renamed IJ1 - Revisions update the policy to current practice in APS.  It requires that any trip be directly correlated to the instructional program of the district.  The policy has been changed to remove information to the procedural directive.  There was discussion about some of the wording and its meaning.  Ms. Menapace will reword accordingly.  Discussion followed regarding senior trips and senior parties sponsored by PTAs.  Ms. Menapace suggested adding trips/functions sanctioned by anyone else besides the school not be allowed as liability becomes an issue.  Ms. Korte suggested this item be tabled to add the appropriate language.  The item was tabled.

IK Academic Accountability – this is a new policy which establishes that APS will comply with accountability measures and may institute an alternative accountability system if it deems necessary.  Paula Maes motioned for approval.  Analee Maestas seconded the motion.  Questions and discussion followed regarding assessments. The board members made several suggested edits to the policy and procedural directives.  Ms. Korte asked about electronic grade books.  Ms. Green said once EduPoint is up and running in 2014, all grade levels will have access to the grade books.  Ms. Maes called the question.  There was more discussion in regard to reporting to families in their home language or in the way they could understand. Ms. Korte made a motion to amend with the change to take out the word “periodically” and keep in procedural directives more specific systems of alternatives and what that means. This provides implementation flexibility. David Robbins seconded Ms. Korte’s motion.  All were in favor with the exception of Mr. Garcia who was opposed.  Motion carried.

JI8 Acceptable Student use of Education Technology – Revisions to I.10 to be renamed JI8 This policy will be moved out of Section I and into Section J with the acceptable use of personal electronic devices policy.  Kathy Korte motioned for approval.  David Robbins seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

A.

Section I. Instructional Procedural Directives – there was discussion regarding the procedural directives when the policies were being discussed and acted upon.

VI.

This item was pulled from the agenda -

Distribution of Debt Management Policy to be Discussed at the February Policy and Instruction Committee Meeting

VII.

Future Topics: Various topics will be presented as time allows.  Ms. Korte asked for more discussion on the subject of algebra.  It was decided that they would hold a separate meeting for this.  Mr. Brooks acknowledged Ms. Menapace for her work on all of the policies and said we had come a long way with her help.

VIII.

Announcement of the Next Policy Meeting - the next meeting will be held Tuesday, February 12, 2013, 5:00 p.m., in the DeLayo Martin Community Room.

IX.

Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.