BOARD
OF TRUSTEES
Minutes from Board of Trustees
Meeting
May 5, 2011
Conference Call
Board Members Participating: Sherry Perry, Ed Snook, Yang-su
Cho, Annabelle Fitts, and Chuck Nelson.
Board Members Absent: Denise Colley, Jim Kemp, Lorna
Walsh, and Steve Rainey.
Ex-Officio Members Participating: Michael
Freeman (National Federation of the Blind of WA).
Ex-Officio Members Absent: Berl Colley (
WSSB Staff Members Participating: Dr. Dean O. Stenehjem (Superintendent), Craig Meador
(Principal) and Janet Kurz (recording secretary).
Dr. Stenehjem called the
meeting to order at 7:35 pm.
Business Meeting
Old
Business
Board
of Trustees meeting minutes–March 4-5, 2011:
Chuck moved to approve the minutes as submitted; Sherry seconded the
motion. The minutes were approved
unanimously.
New Business: Legislative/Budget/Next
Year Update
Legislative: Dr. Stenehjem stated he was hoping that he
could provide an update regarding the legislature, but he has not received
updates lately. The legislators are
currently in a special session.
Operating Budget: Dr. Stenehjem reported that the current
budget status remains positive partly due to the fact that WSSB is no longer
able to carry forward funds and they must be expended before June 30. Therefore, WSSB has incorporated a spending
plan for items that will help take the financial pressure off for the next
biennium. Dr. Stenehjem reiterated that ideally either the Governor’s proposed
budget or Senate’s version of the proposed budget would be adopted. The House’s proposed budget, which has
$952,000 in reductions to WSSB, would be detrimental to programs and services
at WSSB.
Capital Budget: WSSB has the authorization to carry forward
$188,000 in capital budget funds in case all projects are not complete by June
30. However, Dr. Stenehjem feels that
all projects will be complete. WSSB has
the ability to pay up to $188,000 in Operating Funds for Capital Projects, so
that will give WSSB more flexibility for Irwin building roof repair in the next
two years if we are able to carry forward some capital dollars.
Job Vacancy Status:
Chuck
asked what the status was regarding the Assistant Principal position. Dr. Stenehjem stated it was posted nationally
and our Human Resource Manager, Jessica Sydnor stated that all inquiries
received to date did not meet the minimum qualifications. Dr. Stenehjem feels that with the current
budget situation, WSSB may receive inquiries from school districts if they have
reduction in force.
Dr.
Stenehjem stated that two Outreach Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) staff
have been hired; one who is dual certified having an endorsement in TVI and Orientation
& Mobility (O&M). One person
will be hired to serve the Eastside of the state and the other individual will
be working in the southwest
Dr.
Stenehjem stated when all hires are finalized a formal announcement will be
sent to the Board.
Student Awards:
Mr. Meador reviewed the
nominations for the Board of Trustees, Roy J. Brothers and Rodney B. Humble awards.
Roy J. Brothers Award:
Discussion was held
regarding nominations. Annabelle nominated
Sarah Bair for the Roy J. Brothers award.
Ed seconded the motion. A vote
was held for two candidates. The motion passed unanimously.
Board of Trustees Award:
Discussion was held
regarding nominations. Ed nominated Jackie
Patching for the Board of Trustees award.
Chuck seconded the motion. The
motion passed unanimously.
Rodney B. Humble Outreach Award:
Discussion was held
regarding nominations. Chuck nominated Brian
Hergert for the Rodney B. Humble Outreach award. Ed seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The next Board meeting
will be held on June 10 at 12:00 pm. There
being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm.
Dr.