Board Meeting Dates

Additional Details

Board of Education Meeting

AGENDA

 

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

5:00 PM

John Milne Community Board Room, Alice and Bruce King Educational Complex, 6400 Uptown Blvd. NE

Albuquerque, New Mexico

 

I.	Call to Order
A.		Pledge of Allegiance / Moment of Silence
B.		Roll Call
C.		Adoption of the Board of Education December 4, 2013, Meeting Agenda and Approval of the November 20, Board of Education Meeting Minutes and the November 18, and November 21, Special Board of Education Meeting Minutes (Discussion/Action)
II.	Recognition of Students, Staff and Community
A.		Celebration of the APS Education Foundation’s Fall 2013 Horizon Award recipients representing 37 innovative grants in 25 schools and more than $75,000 in awards for innovative work with students
III.	Public Forum
IV.	Matters of Information
A.		Superintendent's Report
V.	Special Issues
A.		Consideration for Approval of Standardized Testing Informational Letter (Discussion/Action) Presenter: Shelly Green, Chief Academic Officer; Carrie Robin Menapace, Policy Analyst and Legislative Liaison, and Art Melendres, Modrall
B.		Consideration for Approval of the APS 2014 Legislative Agenda (Discussion/Action) Presenter: Carrie Robin Menapace, Legislative Liaison and Policy Analyst
C.		Consideration for Approval of Albuquerque Public Schools Alternative Demonstration of Competency Pursuant to 6.19.7.10 NMAC for 2014 Graduates (Discussion/Action) Presenter: Shelly Green, Chief Academic Officer and Carrie Robin Menapace, Policy Analyst and Legislative Liaison
I.			Consideration for Approval of New Policy Board of Education Policy IH6.A Alternative Demonstration of Competency for Graduating Class of 2014 (Discussion/Action)
a.				Review of Alternative Demonstration of Competency for Graduating Class of 2014 Procedural Directive (Discussion)
VI.	Approval of Consent Calendar Items (Discussion/Action)
A.		Consideration for Approval of Policy and Instruction Matters (Discussion/Action)
I.			Approval of Temporary Transportation Boundary Agreement between the Albuquerque Public Schools and the Bernalillo Public Schools
II.			Approval of Proposed 2014-2015 School Year Calendar
III.			Approval of  Administrative Recommendation to Renew the Charter for Montessori of the Rio Grande for a Five Year Term and Approve their Charter School Performance Contract
IV.			Approval of Administrative Recommendation to Renew the Charter for the School for Integrated Academics and Technologies (SIA Tech) for a Five Year Term and Approve their Charter School Performance Contract
VII.	Board Member Comments
VIII.	President's Report
IX.	Announcement of Upcoming Board Meetings
A.		The next Special Board of Education meeting will be held on Friday, December 13, 2013, at 7:30 a.m., in the DeLayo Martin Community Room.
B.		The next Board of Education meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2013, at 5:00 p.m., in the John Milne Community Board Room.
X.	Consideration for Approval to Convene in Executive Session Pursuant to the Open Meetings Act NMSA 1978, § 10-15-1 (H) (2) (Limited Personnel Matters) for the Purpose of Discussion of the Superintendent’s Performance Improvement Plan   (Action)
XI.	Reconvene to Open Session
XII.	Statement of Closure
XIII.	Adjournment

 

Minutes of Board of Education Meeting

Albuquerque Public Schools

 

A Board of Education meeting of Albuquerque Public Schools was held Wednesday, December 4, 2013, beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the John Milne Community Board Room, Alice and Bruce King Educational Complex, 6400 Uptown Blvd. NE.

 

I.          Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m.

A.        Color Guard provided by West Mesa High School Navy Junior ROTC

Pledge of Allegiance / Moment of Silence

B.         Roll Call

Present: Dr. Analee Maestas, Kathy Korte, Steven Michael Quezada (by phone), Dr. Don Duran, and Dr. David Peercy. Lorenzo Garcia and Martin Esquivel arrived after roll call.

 

C.        Adoption of the Board of Education December 4, 2013, Meeting Agenda and Approval of the November 20, Board of Education Meeting Minutes and the November 18, and November 21, Special Board of Education Meeting Minutes (Discussion/Action)

Dr. Peercy motioned to adopt the agenda and approve the minutes.  Dr. Maestas seconded the motion.  Board members Korte, Maestas, Duran, Quezada and Peercy voted to adopt the Board of Education December 4, 2013, meeting agenda and approve the November 20, 2013, Board of Education meeting minutes and the November 18, and November 21, Special Board of Education meeting minutes. Board members Garcia and Esquivel were not present for the vote on this agenda item.

 

II.          Recognition of Students, Staff and Community

APS Education Foundation’s Fall 2013 Horizon Award recipients were recognized celebrating 37 grants in 25 schools and more than $75,000 in awards for innovative work with students.

 

III.         Public Forum

Public forum participants shared concern about teachers not being trusted with the information that their students are being tested on in end-of-course exams, concern about the quality of end-of-course exams and support for communicating formally about teacher excellence by writing letters to be put in their employee file.

 

IV.       Matters of Information

1. A. Superintendent's Report

Superintendent Brooks reported on the following:

• Curriculum and Instruction and the APS Foundation partnering to host a Scholastic Book Fair with proceeds from the sale of books going to the elementary summer reading program
• Sandia High School International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme informational meeting and IB testing techniques
• APS volunteers provided 29,000 hours of service to 53 schools worth more than $500,000 so far this school year
• KANW 89.1 FM, APS radio station’s,  launch of New Mexico’s first high definition radio channel devoted to news, entertainment and information programming from NPR, commercial and subscription free
• Manzano Mesa Elementary School’s Homework Diner collaborative community partnership with CNM and business partners, such as Sandia Labs featured on NBC Nightly News by reporter Chelsea Clinton
• Albuquerque High School graduate Erin Mauldin named a Rhodes Scholar and is planning to finish her Master of Science in nature, science and environmental policy at Oxford

 

V.        Special Issues

A.        Consideration for Approval of Standardized Testing Informational Letter (Discussion/Action)

Shelly Green, chief academic officer; Carrie Robin Menapace, policy analyst and legislative liaison, and Art Melendres, Modrall, presented sample letters for parents and rubrics of consequences of students’ opting out of testing as requested by board members.  The sample letters for elementary, middle and high school parents regarding end-of-course (EOC) exams and standardized tests were presented to the board along with rubrics for consequences of opting out of standardized and/or end-of-course on the evaluation of student progress, teacher evaluations and school grades.

 

Board members commented on the following:

• Clarification from Superintendent Brooks that APS is supplying the sample letters at request of board members, not as an administrative recommendation
• Concern that sending out the letters seems to suggest that APS recommends opting students out of testing
• Concern about the number of tests that students take and the effect of tests on students’ learning experience, student achievement, the public education system and the creation of curriculum
• Importance of educating parents so they can make informed decisions about their students’ education
• Importance of giving critical information in a timely manner as part of engagement with parents
• Concern that parents may not be familiar with the acronyms and terminology in the letters
• Clarification that the option for parents to opt their students out of testing has always been available
• Clarification of how teachers can use EOC in evaluation of a student’s grade
• APS does not allow teachers to use EOC’s as final exams
• Importance of students and parents understanding which tests need to be taken so that students can graduate
• Request clarification of what a “certificate of completion” is and what it allows a student to do in the future
• Reminder that the APS alternative demonstration of competency is only available this year Recommendation that high school counselors inform parents and students about the process and ramifications about opting out of testing
• Support for information about the process and option to be available on the APS website
• Concern about parents who lack internet accessibility to view information
• Verification from legal counsel  that care was taken to develop the letters to present a neutral view; however, these letters could be interpreted as neutral or as an encouragement to opt out
• Clarification of the availability of the test in other languages, such as Spanish
• New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) did not translate any of the tests
• Clarification that students are only tested in the subject areas they are actually taking as a class
• Verification that NMPED has been informed about the creation of the sample letters
• NMPED guidelines for parent refusal as source of information for creating the consequence rubrics
• Importance of continuing to be in civil dialog with NMPED to change policies
• Reminder that APS has been dialoguing with NMPED with less than satisfactory results
• Clarification that teachers are teaching the standards set by NMPED, but the teachers don’t know what will be tested
• Added workload for teachers who would need to create an alternate assignment for students who opt out of any assignment or test
• Concern about the significant and detrimental consequences on school grading if students don’t take the tests
• Clarification of how these tests affect special education students with accommodations based on their Individual Education Plan (IEP)

 

Kathy Korte motioned that APS administration be directed to send letters regarding testing as information tools for parents to make adequate decisions on behalf of their students. Lorenzo Garcia seconded the motion.  Mr. Esquivel requested a roll call vote, which resulted in the motion failing with Dr. Maestas, Mr. Quezada, Dr. Duran, Dr. Peercy and Mr. Esquivel voting against the motion.  Kathy Korte and Lorenzo Garcia voted for the motion.

Superintendent Brooks advised that information will be made available on the website.

 

B.         Consideration for Approval of the APS 2014 Legislative Agenda (Discussion/Action)

Carrie Robin Menapace, legislative liaison and policy analyst, reviewed the 2014 APS legislative agenda:

• Appropriately funding any and all new statutory and regulatory requirements for public schools
• Prioritizing “above-the-line” funding for new revenue available in FY15 and preserving local control for school boards to budget and expend those funds
• Guaranteeing adequate resources are available to school districts to eliminate class size waivers and return class sizes to 2008 statutory levels
• Supporting public school employee salaries by:
• Recognizing the need to celebrate the best teachers and support  struggling teachers through mentorship programs and advanced professional development
• Funding statutorily required increases to employer contributions to educational retirement pension plans
• Acknowledging the importance of instructional materials in the classroom and increasing funds available for schools to purchase those materials
• Solving the state’s school transportation issues and ensuring there are adequate school buses and support for those buses available to transport students to and from school
• Fostering leadership in schools by continuing support for homegrown principal mentorship and leadership programs which capitalize on existing partnerships between public education and higher education institutions
• Expanding career and technical education programs which build relationships between city and county governments and local business leaders
• Recognize the need to care for the well-being of the entire student, not just the academic student by:
• Understanding the growing costs of testing students and guaranteeing school districts have the financial support necessary to administer and score those assessments and report the data to education stakeholders
• Tackling the growing technology gap in schools and providing both the technological infrastructure and the hardware necessary to make sure students receive a 21st century education
• Respecting New Mexico’s state equalization guarantee funding formula and providing significant time to analyze the impact of changes to the funding formula so we may understand those changes, fiscally plan for those changes and ensure there is appropriate funding available to implement those changes
• Rethinking the demonstration of competency required by high school students to receive a diploma of excellence because there are multiple ways high school students can continue to meet a high bar for excellence other than standardized assessments
• Delaying consequences of the new state-mandated teacher evaluation system—flexibility available from the U.S. Department of Education— so districts may fully understand the teacher evaluation system, teachers may have experience with the new standards created for them and there may be continued conversations between education stakeholders and the state

• Considering an across the board percentage salary raise to keep up with increasing employee liabilities to retirement pensions and increased cost of living
• Increasing minimum salaries paid to educational assistants
• Funding the rising cost of health care so employees may continue to carry quality insurance coverage without experiencing plan design changes or premium increases

• Providing access to professional counseling services when a student suffers from mental health issues, including but not limited to substance abuse
• Providing access to quality health and dental care by continuing support to school-based health clinics
• Assisting families when needed through the services of trained social workers

 

Board members expressed concerns about what items will be germane during the upcoming session and the bullet point referring to “delaying consequences of the new state mandated teacher evaluation system.”

Dr. Duran motioned to accept the agenda with the removal of the second bullet, “Delaying consequences of the new state-mandated teacher evaluation system—flexibility available from the U.S. Department of Education— so districts may fully understand the teacher evaluation system, teachers may have experience with the new standards created for them and there may be continued conversations between education stakeholders and the state.”

Dr.  Maestas seconded the motion.  Board members approved the motion to accept the legislative agenda with the change as board members Quezada, Maestas, Duran, and Esquivel voted to approve the motion and Peercy and Garcia voted against the motion.  Board member Korte was not present for the vote on this agenda item.

President Esquivel requested clarification on the frequency and method of relaying information to board members during the legislative session.

 

C.        Consideration for Approval of Albuquerque Public Schools Alternative Demonstration of Competency Pursuant to 6.19.7.10 NMAC for 2014 Graduates (Discussion/Action)

Shelly Green, chief academic officer, presented the policy, procedure and checklist for accepting an alternative demonstration of competency for 2014 graduates.  This would apply to 2014 graduates only because NMPED intends to change the rule for future years. Documentation was created by collecting input from the Superintendent Teacher Advisory Council (SUPERTAC), principals, curriculum assistants, counselors, CNM and UNM.

1. I. Consideration for Approval of New Policy Board of Education Policy IH6.A Alternative Demonstration of Competency for Graduating Class of 2014 (Discussion/Action)

Dr. Peercy motioned to approve the policy.  Dr. Maestas seconded the motion.  Board members Maestas, Garcia, Quezada, Esquivel, Duran and Peercy voted to approve the New Policy Board of Education Policy IH6.A Alternative Demonstration of Competency for Graduating Class of 2014. Board member Korte was not present for the vote on this agenda item.

 

a.         Review of Alternative Demonstration of Competency for Graduating Class of 2014 Procedural Directive (Discussion)

Dr. Peercy and Dr. Maestas recommended that the asterisk and applicable note regarding enrolling in college ready courses be removed from the checklist.

 

Carrie Robin Menapace, legislative liaison and policy analyst, clarified that information regarding this decision does not need to go to the NMPED for further approval.

 

VI.       Approval of Consent Calendar Items (Discussion/Action)

Dr. Peercy motioned for approval of the Policy and Instruction matters on the consent calendar.  Dr. Analee Maestas seconded the motion. Board members Maestas, Garcia, Quezada, Esquivel, Duran and Peercy voted to approve the agenda items VI. A. I. through IV. Board member Korte was not present for the vote on this agenda item.

A.        Consideration for Approval of Policy and Instruction Matters (Discussion/Action)

I.          Approval of Temporary Transportation Boundary Agreement between the Albuquerque Public Schools and the Bernalillo Public Schools

II.          Approval of Proposed 2014-2015 School Year Calendar

III.         Approval of Administrative Recommendation to Renew the Charter for Montessori of the Rio Grande for a Five Year Term and Approve their Charter School Performance Contract

IV.        Approval of Administrative Recommendation to Renew the Charter for the School for Integrated Academics and Technologies (SIA Tech) for a Five Year Term and Approve their Charter School Performance Contract

VII.      Board Member Comments

Board members commented on the following:

• Request that APS Board of Education send a letter of gratitude to Commissioner de la Cruz for securing $2 million for renovation of South Valley pool
• Gratitude for dedication of principals who are using the evaluation process to improve the performance of students, teachers and schools
• Gratitude for city, county and APS collaboration to make improvements for everyone
• Grand re-opening of Roosevelt Middle School Health Clinic supporting the community in the East Mountains
• Gratitude for the IB programme and consideration for a letter of gratitude to the city for supporting the programme
• Support and pride for Van Buren Elementary School for creating 500 cards for service men and women
• Recognition for the School on Wheels teachers and students and concern for more students who  will need the school’s services and programs
• Gratitude to the Maintenance & Operations Department and Dr. Winter for consistently reliable hard work

 

VIII.     President's Report

President Esquivel requested information on Rhode scholars, specifically, how many kids go to urban public high schools.

 

IX.        Announcement of Upcoming Board Meetings

President Esquivel announced that the next Special Board of Education meeting will be held on Friday, December 13, 2013, at 7:30 a.m., in the DeLayo Martin Community Room and the next Board of Education meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2013, at 5:00 p.m., in the John Milne Community Board Room.

 

X.         Consideration for Approval to Convene in Executive Session Pursuant to the Open Meetings Act NMSA 1978, § 10-15-1 (H) (2) (Limited Personnel Matters) for the Purpose of Discussion of the Superintendent’s Performance Improvement Plan (Action)

The motion was made to convene in executive session and seconded. President Esquivel requested a roll-call vote, which resulted in agreement of board members to convene in executive session for the purpose of discussing the superintendent’s performance improvement plan.  Board members Maestas, Garcia, Esquivel, Quezada, Duran and Peercy voted in favor of the motion. Board member Korte was not present for the vote on this agenda item. Board members met in executive session beginning at 7:17 p.m.

 

XI.        Reconvene to Open Session

The meeting reconvened in open session at 7:51 p.m.

 

XII.       Statement of Closure

President Esquivel stated that the APS Board of Education met in executive session on December 4, 2013, to discuss the superintendent’s performance improvement plan and the matters discussed in the executive session were limited only to those specified.

 

XIII.      Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPROVED: ____________________________

Martin Esquivel, President

 

 

 

 

 

ATTEST: __________________________________

Steven Michael Quezada, Secretary