SLATE A PUBLICATION OF THE IDAHO SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION
v o l . 2 9 | n o . 1 | f e b ruar y.2011
ALSO: STUDENTS COME FIRST / 9 LESSONS FROM LOSSES / 12 BULLYING, VIOLENCE & VANDALISM / 28
Day on the
Hill
2011
FEBRUARY 16-17
Day
ISBA
on the
Hill
February 16 & 17, 2011
Highlights February 16
(afternoon)
• Senate Education Committee Meeting • Legislative Q&A
February 17
(morning)
• House Education Committee Meeting • Luncheon with Legislators
Accommodations The Grove Hotel - $85 room rate, plus tax 245 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise Reservations: (888) 961-5000 Ask for the ISBA Room Block
For More Information Go to www.idsba.org for a full schedule and registration information.
2 FEBRUARY 2011 • SLATE
ISBA Office: (208) 854-1476 or (866) 799-4722 or misty@idsba.org
in this issue
FEBRUARY v o l . 2 9 n o . 1 f e b r u a r y. 2 0 1 1
A PUBLICATION OF THE IDAHO SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION
IN EVERY ISSUE
FEATURES
5
16
Citizen School Boards
22
Annual Convention Review
18
Advocacy Tips for School Board Members
23
Awards Banquet
19
Connect Students to Hagerman Resources
23
Scholarship Trust Auction
24
Business Session Report
8 9 11
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR Who, What, When, Where, How, and Why is ISBA? PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE A Great Leader PUBLIC INSTRUCTION Students Come First: Three Pillars of a Customer-Driven Education System FROM THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION New Ideas; Is the World Really Flat or Just from Our Vantage Point?
12
SAFETY NOTES Lessons from Losses
14
ASK ISBA Trustee Zone Boundaries and Census Data
15
GETTING TO KNOW THE ISBA EXECUTIVE BOARD Meet Todd Wells
20
Executive Board Meeting Highlights
26
Ten New Year’s Resolutions for School Board Members
28
The Financial Cost of Bullying, Violence, and Vandalism
2010 CONVENTION
Editorial Office Mailing Address: P.O. Box 9797, Boise, ID 83707-4797 Phone: (208) 854-1476 • Toll-Free: (866) 799-4722 • Fax: (208) 854-1480 Visit our Website: www.idsba.org Subscription to the SLATE, published five times per year, is by membership to the Idaho School Boards Association. The material contained herein is for informational purposes only and may be quite divergent in point of view and/or controversial in nature. It is the belief of the Association that the democratic process functions best through discussions which challenge and stimulate thinking on the part of the reader. Therefore, this material does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Association or its members. SLATE • FEBRUARY 2011 3
SLATE Contributors I D A H O S C H O O L B O A R D S A S S O C I AT I O N
E X E C U T I V E C O M M I T T E E Board Officers & Executive Director
Karen Echeverria Executive Director
E X E C U T I V E B O A R D Regional Representatives,
Board Officers & Executive Director
EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS PRESIDENT
Dallas Clinger
PRESIDENT-ELECT
ISBA President
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
Dallas Clinger, American Falls Jt. School District Vacant Anne Ritter, Meridian Jt. School District Wayne Freedman, Council School District
REGIONAL R E P R E S E N TAT I V E S Tom Luna
REGION I REPRESENTATIVES
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Larry Brown, Lakeland School District Margie Gannon, St. Maries Jt. School District
REGION II REPRESENTATIVES
Dawn Fazio, Moscow School District John Menter, Troy School District
Richard Westerberg President, State Board of Education
REGION III REPRESENTATIVES
Jackie Hopper, Caldwell School District Richard Cook, Notus School District
REGION IV REPRESENTATIVES
Todd Wells, Castleford Jt. School District Lucinda Rogers, Gooding Jt. School District
REGION V REPRESENTATIVES REGION VI REPRESENTATIVES
Nancy Arnold, Teton Co. School District J.D. Tolman, Blackfoot School District
REGION VII REPRESENTATIVES
Judy Lish, Butte Co. Jt. School District Deb Foster, South Lemhi School District
REGION VIII REPRESENTATIVES
Allan Ranstrom Moreton & Company
ISBA Calendar
!
MARKETING & EVENTS MANAGER
nda
Feb 16-17, 2011 Day on the Hill Apr 9-11, 2011 NSBA Annual Conference Nov 10-12, 2011 ISBA Annual Convention
4 FEBRUARY 2011 • SLATE
Barbara Dixon, Meadows Valley School District Margie Chipman, Weiser School District
I S B A S TA F F EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Cale
Susan Fletcher, American Falls School District David Andersen, Oneida Co. School District
r
POLICY & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COOR. COMMUNICATIONS & BD. TRAINING COOR. BOARD TRAINERS
Karen Echeverria Misty Jones Jessica Harrison Shoni Pegram Liz Killpack, Donagene Turnbow, Drew Meyer
I D A H O S C H O O L B O A R D S A S S O C I AT I O N 222 N. 13th Street | Boise, ID 83702 PO Box 9797 | Boise, ID 83707 PH: 208.854.1476 | FAX: 208.854.1480 | TOLL FREE: 866.799.ISBA (4722) WEB: www.idsba.org
from the director’s chair
Who, What, When, Where, How, and Why is ISBA? This article, a message from the ISBA Executive Director, is reprinted from the 68th ISBA Annual Convention book. The Convention was held November 11-13, 2010 in Boise.
Welcome to the 68th Annual Convention of the Idaho School Boards Association. We are glad to see you here and hope you find the convention informational and worthwhile. We appreciate you made the decision to be here despite the cutbacks in education funding. We all know and appreciate that training for board members is an important aspect of your continued success. We are confident that the program we have put together will provide you with some very pertinent, time-sensitive, and important information. We hope that you feel the same way.
to write about the basics of ISBA. For those
20 member board. The officers consist
of you who do not have the opportunity to
of the Vice President, President-Elect,
read this article in the Convention book, it is
President, and Immediate Past President.
going to be reprinted in the February issue
The Vice President and President-Elect
of the SLATE.
are elected each year at the Business Session of the Annual Convention by the
Who Is ISBA?
trustees in attendance. The President-Elect
So let’s start at the beginning. Who is
automatically accedes to the President
ISBA? ISBA was formed in 1942. It was
position. All of these positions are volunteer
formed by board members such as you
positions. They receive no remuneration for
so that board members would have a
the time they spend meeting on behalf of
professional organization. An organization
the Association. They are only reimbursed
where you could meet with other board
for travel expenses.
members to discuss issues pertinent to the work you do. It was also an attempt to form an organization that could lobby on your behalf for education issues and funding. Since ISBA’s inception, we have continued to provide those two major functions. In
While all of the information you will
addition, we have also grown to take on
gain here at the Convention is critically
other functions as well.
important, I would also like to take some time to discuss the structure of ISBA.
How is ISBA Structured?
During the last ISBA Board meeting, the
ISBA is made up of eight regions. Each
members of the Board had a discussion
Region has a Chair and Vice Chair that
about ISBA. Who we are? What is ISBA?
are elected by the trustees in that region.
When and where do we have meetings?
The Vice Chair serves a two year term
Why do we exist? How do we operate? In
and then automatically accedes to the
other words, the Board had a discussion
Chair position for another two year term.
about the basics of ISBA. With the new
The ISBA Executive Board is made up
Board members being elected or appointed
of those sixteen Chairs and Vice Chairs
and changes that have occurred with ISBA,
and four officers. That makes a total of a
we thought it might be a good idea for me
by Karen Echeverria
The function of the Executive Board is to make governance decisions about the operation of the Association. They approve the yearly budget, review and approve the yearly audit, hire the Executive Director, make
recommendations
on
programs
and services and legislative issues, meet with
legislators
and
other
education
stakeholders on behalf of the association, and make decisions on funds and buildings. Essentially, they do the same things you do in your local districts, just on a statewide level. The Executive Board meets in Boise in February in conjunction with Day on the Hill; they meet in late April or early May, and again in September. They usually have one short meeting during the Convention, and an occasional special meeting. Continued...
SLATE • FEBRUARY 2011 5
from the director’s chair What Does ISBA Provide?
Those programs include a property and
for you to meet together. We conduct the
In addition to the meetings listed above,
liability insurance program for your district,
Annual Convention in November of each
ISBA also provides many other services
home and auto insurance for you and your
year. The convention used to be held in
and programs. Our services include legal
employees, as well as a telecom and utility
Boise, Coeur d’Alene, and Sun Valley. As
consultation – a free 20 minute consult
cost recovery program, board meeting
Idaho has grown, so too have the number
on any topic; policy services – quarterly
management software, payment recovery
of members attending the convention. As
policy updates, policy manual review, and
assistance,
such, there are only three venues large
complete policy rewrites; Ask ISBA – a Q&A
selection process.
and
an
online
employee
enough to handle the Convention so it is now only held in Coeur d’Alene and Boise.
that posts questions on the website for your review; training – we have three trainers
When and Where Is
ISBA also conducts our Annual Day on the
positioned around the State that can provide
ISBA Available To You?
Hill in late January or early February, three
training for your board, administrators, and
The easy answer, of course, is that we
Summer Leadership Institutes around the
staff. In addition, we also provide some
are always available to you! However, in
State some time in July, and 16 Regional
programs that are available to the district,
addition to the services ISBA provides,
Meetings – one in each region in the fall
your staff, and you as a board member.
we also provide several opportunities
and one in each region in the spring.
Who and What ISBA is NOT? With all the different educations associations, things sometimes
get confusing and turn into an alphabet soup of acronyms.
organization that supports most of the local unions in your
With that in mind, I will try to shed some light on some of those
district. The IEA is made up of BOTH certified staff (teachers)
organizations.
and classified staff (maintenance workers, cooks, clerical, and
Idaho School Boards Association Foundation (ISBAF)
Idaho Education Association (IEA) This is the statewide
bus drivers.)
It is important to note that the Foundation is a separate entity from ISBA. It has its own non-profit status, its own board, and
its own function. For the most part, the board consists of past
agency and the office run by the elected Superintendent of Public
presidents of ISBA. It is staffed and run by these past presidents
Instruction. SDE staff is responsible for the distribution of both
who are all volunteers and receive no payment for their time or
state and federal funds, for the budget that is presented to the
work. Their purpose is to provide research and research data
Legislature every year, and for many of the programs operated in
to the trustees of Idaho. It is our hope that they will someday
your district.
State Department of Education (SDE) This is a state
become a fund raising arm of the ISBA.
United States Department of Education (USDE) This
Idaho Association of School Administrators (IASA)
is the federal arm of education run by Secretary Arne Duncan.
This is the professional association for superintendents,
This office is responsible for all federal funds and programs.
principals, and special education directors. This association
For instance, No Child Left Behind, Race to the Top, Stimulus
has several sub-groups that make up the bigger group. For
(ARRA) dollars, all Title Programs such as Title I programs.
instance, there are two different groups for elementary and
Dollars from the federal government flow to the SDE. While the
secondary principals. Their purpose is to support the efforts of
SDE distributes the dollars to school districts, they have very little
their membership. These are essentially the people that trustees
say in how those dollars are distributed or the restrictions placed
employ to run their school districts.
on them should you decide to utilize them.
6 FEBRUARY 2011 • SLATE
from the director’s chair
State Board of Education (SBOE) This is an eight
three must be current or former charter board members, and
member board made up of seven appointed members and the
one member at large. Their responsibility is to oversee the
Superintendent of Public Instruction. The seven members are
operation of all charter schools they authorize. They currently
appointed by the Governor and, while not required to be, are
oversee the vast majority of charter schools in Idaho. Except for
usually appointed on a regional basis. The SBOE is primarily
virtual charter schools, all charter schools must first go to their
responsible for all higher education issues but also have some
local school district for authorization. For the most part, school
input into K12 issues. For instance, all rulemakings proposed
districts have been forwarding these petitions to the PCSC. It is
by the SDE must be approved by the SBOE before being
important to note that, in accordance with state law, the PCSC
implemented.
MUST authorize any school that submits a petition unless they
can find a defect in the actual petition.
Public Charter School Commission (PCSC) This is
a seven member board appointed by the Governor. Three members must be current or former school board members;
I hope this helps to clarify what ISBA does NOT do and who it does NOT govern.
Why Is ISBA Important?
Learn, Communicate, Exchange
With all that information about what we
Information, Rekindle
don’t do, I hope after reading my comments
Friendships, But Most of All,
above, you will agree that ISBA is an
Have Fun
important and integral part of the board
Thank you again for being here. We are
members and school districts in Idaho.
really glad you could make it. We hope you
Not only are we here to provide the
learn a bunch and have an opportunity to
programs and services that are essential
interact with your colleagues. We also hope
to the betterment of trustees and the
that you are able to have a little fun and
management of school districts, but to stay
enjoy yourself while you’re at it.
in close contact with all the other education stakeholders in the state as well. With all the differing opinions and associations, it is important that trustees have a voice as well.
As always, if you need anything while you are here, please feel free to find one of the staff members or an executive board member to assist you. S
Trustees are statutorily responsible for running their districts – for hiring staff, setting budgets, and conducting negotiations. I have said it over and over again, and I
ISBA Executive Director karen@idsba.org
truly mean it. Board members have a tough job and, I think, the most important in the State. You do all of that on a volunteer basis. All of the other organizations listed above are either paid for their service or paid a per diem amount for the time they spend working on issues related to the board on which they serve. You are all to be commended and congratulated for the service you provide. SLATE • FEBRUARY 2011 7
president’s message
A Great Leader Edgar Guest said, “The things that haven’t been done before are the tasks worthwhile today; are you one of the flock that follows, or are you one that shall lead the way.” by Dallas Clinger
A
nyone can lead in times of stability
are on our doorstep. Even more vision may
sees the opportunities to learn and grow. We
and prosperity, but it is particularly
be required for the unforeseen challenges
can learn much from others.
challenging to be a great leader in times
that have not yet presented themselves. We
of
Constantly
have to develop vision to see beyond the
developing leadership skills will prepare us
current problems and focus on the future
to be better leaders.
opportunities. People need to have a picture
turmoil
and
uncertainty.
A great leader needs to be honest. Webster defines honesty as “fairness and
of what their hard work will create. A great leader helps people visualize success.
A great leader is fair-minded. As school board members, we need to always be fair. Being aware of our own biases and partialities allows us to be just leaders. It is equally important to know all the alternatives. We must make sure we are unbiased in our
straightforwardness of conduct”. We need
A great leader inspires others to greater
decisions and that we have weighed all
to be honest with ourselves; with our fellow
heights. There is synergism in our service
options carefully.
board members; with our students; with our
together. As we serve together as leaders
administration, teaching staff and support
in our individual districts, the whole of
personnel; and with our patrons. Truth is
our members are greater than the sum
our greatest ally. It is said that “Truth lasts
of the individual parts. A leader creates
forever. She is always strong; she never
experiences that inspire people to take
dies and is never defeated.” We need to
action. We as board members around the
make sure that we are always honest in all
State, inspire each other to greater heights
our dealings. Deceptive behavior will never
as we act to improve our schools.
inspire trust.
A
great
leader
communicates.
Great
communications starts with listening. As
members, it is important to be constantly
school board trustees, we need to listen
learning. How can we be the education
to the ideas of others and not think of our
leaders in our districts if we ourselves are
own idea as the only plausible one. Imagine
not always striving to learn and improve?
that everyone is enlightened except for us.
We, as school board trustees, need to make
In doing so, we become open to the ideas
good, sound decisions based on study,
of others. When we speak, it’s important
thought, reason, and moral principle not
to be careful and express ourselves in a
on childish emotional desires or feelings.
deliberate, clear, and concise manner.
service.
A great leader is broad-minded and seeks out diversity. A great leader will come into
A great leader has vision. We will definitely
a room, extend his hand to someone he
need vision in the upcoming years to find
doesn’t know, and strive to make them feel
resolutions to the challenges that we know
important. At the same time, a great leader
8 FEBRUARY 2011 • SLATE
criticize and complain, but it takes character and self control to be understanding and optimistic. We need to always look for the good in all people and in all things. When we look for the good, we will find it. The opposite is also true. That is why it is imperative that we constantly look for the good and avoid
A great leader is competent. As school board
It is essential that we are competent in our
A great leader does not criticize. Anyone can
criticizing. A great leader is courageous. Courage is a very important trait in these times of uncertainty. As school board trustees, we can’t look for the easy way to resolve problems but rather the right way. It is essential to be courageous and make the right decisions even if it is difficult. We need to be “Davids” when we are facing our “Goliaths”. A great leader is constantly training others to take his place. A great leader expects much, inspires greatly, and sets on fire those he is called to lead. We need to train others with continued on page 11...
public instruction
Students Come First: Three Pillars of a Customer-Driven Education System by Tom Luna
Superintendent of Public Instruction
O
n January 12, Governor C.L. “Butch”
The plan focuses on three pillars: 21st
Otter and I unveiled Students Come
Century Classroom, Great Teachers &
First, a comprehensive plan to improve Idaho’s public education system by ensuring
Leaders, and Transparent Accountability.
students will be required to take online courses to graduate. Idaho will raise the bar
Here are the elements of the Three Pillars:
by implementing college- and career-ready
educates more students at a higher level
The 21st Century Classroom: The 21st
with limited resources.
with any country in the world. If a student
Century Classroom is not limited by walls, bell
meets graduation requirements early, the
schedules, school calendars or geography.
state will pay for dual credit courses in the
In a 21st Century Classroom, every student
student’s senior year.
we have a customer-driven system that
In Idaho, we must send a message that students come first. While we have made significant
progress
in
raising
student
achievement in recent years, it’s clear the current system is not sustainable. Consider this: over the past two years, Idaho has cut or shifted $200 million from the K-12 public schools budget. Even based on optimistic revenue growth, it will take us the next 10 years to backfill the budget
has access to a highly effective teacher, the necessary technology, and high academic
academic standards that are comparable
Great Teachers & Leaders: Students will
standards comparable with any in the world.
have a highly effective teacher every year
To create the 21 Century Classroom, the
of every school.
st
state will invest $50 million over the next two years in both hardware and software for every Idaho classroom. Every 9th grader will be given a laptop, and high school
and a highly effective principal at the helm
The current way the State of Idaho pays teachers,
based
on
experience
and
education only, is archaic. To recruit and
hole created in the past two years. That’s 10 years. We cannot allow a whole generation of students to go through an underfunded system, just so we can keep the current
The Three Pillars of a Customer-Driven Education System
system. We all know the current system isn’t meeting our students’ needs. We are trying to prepare Idaho students for the 21st century using a
The 21st Century Classroom: Not limited by walls, bell schedules, school calendars or geography. In a 21st Century Classroom, every student has access to a highly effective teacher, the necessary technology, and high academic standards comparable with any in the world.
19th century model. It doesn’t make sense. With input from locally elected school board
Great Teachers & Leaders: Students will have a highly effective teacher every year and a highly effective principal at the helm of every school.
trustees across Idaho, the Governor and I have proposed a comprehensive plan that will change the system to match our current economic demands, and more importantly,
Transparent Accountability: Parents, taxpayers, and policymakers have current, accurate information on all student achievement results and financial matters in their schools and districts.
to meet our students’ needs.
SLATE • FEBRUARY 2011 9
public instruction retain a great teacher and leader in every
achievement results and financial matters in
millions of dollars to restructure our public
classroom and school building, the state
their schools and districts.
schools.
The state must ensure school district
By adapting the funding formula so money
leaders are held accountable for student
follows the student and increases the
achievement results and taxpayer dollars
student-teacher ratio by less than two
at the local level. To do this, the state will
students per teacher, on average, the state
empower parents by giving them input
can now invest in state-of-the-art technology
on teacher evaluations and access to
for every classroom, meaningful teacher
understandable fiscal report cards for each
training, laptops for every 9th grader, fully
district. Locally elected leaders now will
restored teacher pay, pay-for-performance
have more flexibility to manage from year
to reward excellence, and dual credit for
to year by streamlining collective bargaining
high school seniors.
will fully restore the instructional salary grid, raise the minimum pay for new teachers to $30,000, and implement a pay-forperformance plan that builds on base salaries to reward excellence. The state will continue to empower great teachers and leaders by ensuring all professional development if focused and meaningful. The state will phase out tenure in Idaho schools by offering every new teacher and administrator a two-year rolling contract. School districts will no longer be able to use seniority as the only criteria in determining teacher layoffs. Districts must tie at least a portion of teacher and administrator performance evaluations to student academic growth. Transparent
Accountability:
Parents,
taxpayers, and policymakers have current, accurate
information
on
all
student
practices. In addition, the state will work with every local district to ensure they take full advantage of statewide purchasing contracts, and will require that all taxpayer dollars follow the student. The Students Come First plan will be funded through existing state dollars. Under this
Together, as elected leaders in the state of Idaho, we can get this done. We can ensure Students Come First in our public schools and in academic achievement. For more information, please visit our website at www.sde.idaho.gov. S
plan, the state will use efficiencies and cost savings found in the current system to invest
Group Auto & Homeowner INSURANCE PROGRAM HELP EMPLOYEES SAVE TIME AND MONEY
For immediate information on the ISBA Group Auto & Homeowner Program, please call Moreton & Company at (800) 341-6789 and ask for Allan Ranstrom or (800) 594-8949 and ask for Greg Killilea.
Two years ago the Idaho School Boards Association announced its Group Auto & Homeowner Program for public education employees and school board trustees in the State of Idaho. Many of us are currently purchasing insurance for our personal auto, homeowner, renters, boat, recreational vehicle, and other kinds of personal property/ casualty coverage. Through this program these types of coverages can be purchased more conveniently and often less expensively.
The ISBA Program currently offers a choice of three well known and highly respected insurance companies: MetLife Auto & Home, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, and Travelers Insurance Company. The broker partner in the Program is Moreton & Company, one of the largest property/casualty and benefits brokerages in Idaho. School employees can have their insurance coverage directly withdrawn from their paychecks. Plus, school board members can take advantage of this great opportunity! This Program is set up to be convenient and easy for the school staff and provides a less expensive option for school employees and school board members.
ISBA
DIAMOND BUSINESS PARTNER
See what one satisfied participant of this program said: “I received quotes from two of the participating insurance companies. One quote was over $600 less than I am currently paying each year for my home and auto coverage. I was very pleased to see such a competitive price for the same amount of coverage. Plus I will have coverage with a well-known company.” - Karen Echeverria ISBA Executive Director
10 FEBRUARY 2011 • SLATE
from the state board of education
New Ideas; Is the World Really Flat or Just from Our Vantage Point?
J
by Richard Westerberg President, State Board of Education
anuary brings many things to our lives; snow, cold temperatures,
our education system to ensure that our students are prepared to
thoughts of vacation somewhere nice and warm, the start of the
enter the global job market that awaits them upon graduation.
Idaho Legislature and this year- some new ideas.
We must remember that students who enter our school doors as wide-
And while we may have differences in whether or not we agree with
eyed, oft times timid kindergarteners will compete with not only those
some of the new ideas presented during this year’s Legislative session
who live in neighboring cities and states, but in countries around the
we must keep in mind the point of view from which we view these
globe. Increased rigor in math and science is just one area where we
issues. Trustees see things differently than educators who often see
must push ourselves to improve.
it differently than the administrators who supervise them. We certainly have a unique perspective as the governing board of all education in Idaho as set forth in the Idaho Constitution. I have talked in this column before about keeping our discussions civil and respectful and now more than ever, we need to keep our discourse beyond reproach.
And we must push ourselves to remember that the view of the world changes depending on where one finds themselves. The Idaho State Board of Education encourages each of you to engage your patrons, engage those local, regional and state-wide stakeholders. Their perspective, while potentially different than yours may just open your eyes. You might learn the shape of the world is
The thought of massive reform to any system in which we are involved can lead to uneasiness at best and cries of protest certainly. However, we can look to history to see that we must continually work to improve
changing. Richard D. Westerberg is the President of the Idaho State Board of Education and a former trustee in the Preston School District.
...continued from page 8 the expectation that they will surpass our
and not expressing it is like wrapping a
capacities as local educational leaders. May
own abilities to lead.
present and not giving it. Acknowledge
we, as in the words of Edgar Guest not be
others and thank them for their efforts.
“one of the flock that follows” but be “one
A great leader is imaginative. We should make timely and appropriate changes in
As the president of the Idaho School Boards
our thinking, plans, and methods. We are
Association, I am proud to be a part of this
imaginative as we think of new and better
great organization and humbled to serve in
goals, ideas, and solutions to problems. We
a leadership role. In interacting with board
must be innovative.
members around the state, I have been
A great leader is generous with appreciation. We need to always recognize that we don’t do anything alone and that everyone is important. Expressing gratitude is one of the strengths of a great leader. Feeling gratitude
that shall lead the way”. I look forward to serving you this year.
S
impressed with your example of natural leadership, your willingness to serve and better your community. We are truly blessed to belong to this association that provides
DALLAS CLINGER ISBA President
resources for us to better function in our
SLATE • FEBRUARY 2011 11
safety notes
Lessons from LOSSES
by Allan Ranstrom and Pat Pinkham
Old man winter certainly has been tough on Idaho schools already this year. Here is just a sample of the property damage claims we have experienced since November:
South Lemhi School District # 292
Butte County School District #111
On the evening before Thanksgiving an electrical short sparked a
On November 27th, a sprinkler valve broke resulting in water damage
fire in the boiler room coal bin that poured black smoke throughout
to the school. The cause of this claim appears to be that a wet sprinkler
the building. Even though the call came in over the holiday, Moreton
system was run through an unheated area of building. The district
& Company claims representative Vicky Elam and adjusters from
acted quickly and extracted the water. The electronic paging system
Intermountain Claims were able to help the district meet this challenge.
and computers were damaged and the district is waiting to see what
Wade Wilcox at Intermountain Claims spoke to school personnel that evening and made sure an electrician got the wiring problem in the boiler room patched up so they could get heat in the building. That was important, since the thermometer dropped to 17 below zero that night.
else may have been affected by this claim of approximately $10,000.
Wendell School District # 232
On November 29th, the school alarm went off at 1:00 am, but responders could not determine what the problem was. School administrators called the sprinkler company, who came out about
Meetings with Intermountain, Tobin Restoration, and school leaders
4:30 am. When they arrived there was approximately an inch of water
took place that Friday and plans were made for cleanup and repair.
throughout the building. A frozen sprinkler line was discovered.
Cleanup started Saturday, with several local community members assisting. Cleaning of the heating chases was a major problem due to a lack of access, but a plan was devised and carried out with excellent results. Two auxiliary buildings that were not in use were made ready as classroom space by installing new heating systems and getting the existing bathrooms functioning. Thanks to the quick action of everyone involved only two days of school were missed and as of January 6th, 99% of the repairs are completed on a total claim of approximately $200,000.
Cascade School District #422
On November 27th a pipe burst in the ceiling resulting in water damage to the school. This occurred on the Saturday of the Thanksgiving holiday. Once again, Moreton & Company, Intermountain Claims, and CNA Insurance acted quickly to help the district solve the problems. The district has elected to have some repairs postponed until the school is out for the year. The initial cleanup, repairs of pipes, and replacement of damaged property has been handled, all without the closure of school. The total claim cost is estimated to be about $40,000.
12 FEBRUARY 2011 • SLATE
Moreton & Company got the call from the school district and claims representative, Barb Knapp, dove in to solve the problems. Intermountain Claims was assigned immediately and the cleanup crews went to work. Ultimately one week of school was missed. The majority of the repair work was completed over the Christmas break. The gym floor is the only major item left to be repaired/replaced. 98% of the other work is completed. The total cost of this claim is estimated at over $600,000.
Cascade School District #422
Who says lightening can’t strike twice in the same place? On November 30th, a heating pipe separated resulting in water damage to the north end of school building. The system is only four years old with no prior problems or sign of leakage etc. Once again, the ISBA Insurance Plan responded quickly and again, there was no school closure due to loss. This claim is estimated at $35,000.
safety notes
Murtaugh School District # 418
On December 1st, a water line in the ceiling above the cafeteria froze
ISBA
Moreton & Company
DIAMOND BUSINESS PARTNER
and burst. This allowed the dry sprinkler system to fill with water
If you would like assistance in helping your district prepare
and it froze also. Water damage was confined to the cafeteria, one
for winter’s challenges, please contact Allan Ranstrom or Pat
classroom and a hallway.
Pinkham at Moreton & Company. They can be reached at 1-800-341-6789 or at 208-321-9300.
Thanks to a quick response no school days were missed. The repair work is complete and the final paperwork is being wrapped up. Total cost is expected to be about $30,000.
Moreton & Company and the ISBA Insurance Plan have proven its ability to help districts solve problems when crises happen at schools. You can count on us. S
Pat Pinkham
Allan Ranstrom
How to Avoid Costly Claims There is still plenty of Idaho winter ahead of us; so with that in mind, here are some ideas to help you avoid these costly claims this year and in the future.
• Schedule your heating systems regular maintenance and repairs prior to the start of our cold weather. • Establish a testing schedule of the building’s heating equipment, controls, and safety equipment. • Implement a self-inspection process to insure the proper working condition of the buildings heating system during
• Establish a procedure to monitor snow depth on roofs and have a removal plan in effect. • If you have either added or are considering additional insulation to existing buildings be sure to consider how that added insulation may affect snow loads. • If your school campus is equipped with an automatic fire
periods that the campuses are unoccupied-- including
sprinkler system that has a partial “Dry Pipe” system,
weekends, and especially during holiday school breaks.
inspect the system daily to insure that proper air pressure is
• Maintain proper building temperatures during times schools are unoccupied. • Inspect the building windows and doors for proper weather sealing. • Inspect gutters and downspouts to insure that they are not clogged. • Insure that concealed spaces that contain plumbing lines have adequate heat, and are maintained to temperatures of
maintained in the system, and the dry valve enclosures are adequately heated. • If your fire sprinkler system uses an anti-freeze solution to prevent frozen pipes in areas exposed to the elements, be sure that the anti-freeze solution is of a proper solution strength. • Inspect the fire hydrants, valves and fire department connections to insure that they are clear of snow and easily visible and accessible.
at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
SLATE • FEBRUARY 2011 13
ask isba
Ask ISBA
Q:
Can you provide guidance on how to manage the 2010 census data and how to proceed with trustee zone boundaries relative to population data? Also, if the data is released in January and school districts have 120 days to make changes, that puts us long past the required publication dates to announce candidacy for each zone. Is there an expectation that the new zones/candidates will be in effect for the election in 2010? Or will that need to occur in 2012?
A:
The Secretary of State’s Office indicated that it is their understanding the Census Bureau is to present the census data to the President by December 31, 2010. The general
about
Ask ISBA
census data will be released to the public sometime in
Ask ISBA is one of the newest services
January, but some data will come out in phases -- as late
ISBA offers to its membership. ISBA
as March or April.
staff receive questions from trustees,
The only change that was made in I.C. 33-313, regarding
superintendents, and clerks on a variety
school zones is that a copy of the legal description and a
of topics. To help others learn from
map is to be filed with the county clerk. The rest of the
these questions and answers, the Ask
section has not changed. The responsibility of redefining
ISBA web feature has been added to
or changing trustee zones still lies with the board of
the ISBA website at www.idsba.org.
trustees.
Subsection 4 says that any changes are to
be made within 120 days of the census. The changes are then submitted to state board of education, who will approve or reject the proposed changes. The short answer is that the individual school boards are responsible to make any changes needed within 120 days of release of the 2010 census data – which should be available in February. Regarding the second part of the question, the 2011 election for board members will have to be with the school zones as defined at the time of candidate filing. If the school zones cannot be redrawn and approved by that date, the changes will have to go into effect for the 2013 election. S
14 FEBRUARY 2011 • SLATE
We encourage you to check this site if you have questions. It is possible that someone else has asked the question. If not, you can ask the question so that everyone else will benefit from the answer as well.
getting to know the isba executive board
Todd Wells CASTLEFORD JT. SCHOOL DISTRICT #417 ISBA REGION 4 CHAIRMAN
> ABOUT MY SERVICE
After being approached by the retiring trustee from my zone and running unopposed, I was elected to the Castleford School Board in 2008. At the following convention, I was elected as Region IV Vice-Chair. I had served on various “ad-hoc” committees at the local school level, been exposed to some school board activities, and had relatives that had served in trustee positions, but I still encountered the steep learning curve of the new trustee. The past three years have been full of learning, questions, and change, and now serving as the Region IV Chair, I look forward to what the future holds.
My initial reason for serving on the Castleford School Board was simply because “it was my turn.” Serving as a trustee has become much more. I feel that it is my civic duty and parental responsibility to be involved with
On My Local Board
the education of not only my children, but the children of my community and State. As a trustee, I hope that I can strengthen my school and community, while being an important part of building tomorrow’s leaders.
> MY BEST ADVICE
> A LITTLE ABOUT ME
I believe that most conflicts and problems come from poor communication
I am fortunate to have grown up and graduated from the school where I
(especially men, I’m told). By being open and honest and having integrity,
currently serve as a trustee. Castleford, like most small districts, is a tight-
many of the issues that we face as trustees can be resolved or avoided
knit, agricultural-based community with most activities and gatherings
altogether. No one wants to feel like they’re being left in the dark,
centered around the school and kids. My wife, Genaura, and I have
especially if it involves their kids or their job.
two sons, Travis (7) and Justin (4). As a predominantly large animal veterinarian, my schedule can often be uncertain, but we find time as a family to enjoy the outdoors hunting, fishing, motorcycling, and camping.
SLATE • FEBRUARY 2011 15
Citizen School Boards
by John J. Cassel
School boards reflect the values of their communities, and that’s where their greatest strength lies
T
he Illinois School Code (like many
•
The second level is strategic. Does the
state codes) lists two key eligibility
district have a focus, a few goals, and a
requirements
path forward?
for
school
board
members: They have to be U.S. citizens and residents of their districts for least one year
•
district has a clearly articulated identity,
background or education level. Just residency
direction, and purpose. Because it requires
and citizenship.
high-level reflection, generative work is
While these two requirements seem obvious,
a challenge for all boards. However, it is
it’s helpful to think about the work of school
this aspect of school board governance for
boards as essentially the work of citizens. They
which citizens are most ideally suited.
are residents who have been asked by their community to gather regularly and provide direction and guidance to the community’s schools. What kind of conversations do these citizens have? How does the citizen school board contribute to the success of their schools? At
best,
a
school
board’s
essential
conversation is about what the community needs and expects from its public schools. The
intimately to the work of the professional
equal
educational
or ability. •
A commitment to high standards and high expectations for all students.
•
Governance
that
ensures
public
accountability. •
A benefit to society by teaching democratic principles and common values.
required by the questions and answers above, today’s boards have to apply their citizen-
these districts have engaged in substantive
based perspectives and work within a clearly
conversations enabling the district to clarify its
defined board role.
purpose: • • •
our schools care about and what our districts
schools?
are trying to do. Matters of fact are best left
What do our students and their families
to the staff, although board members often
What values do we teach? What values do we live?
•
How can our schools remain accountable to the community for the mission with which they have been charged? How can our community and its schools stay connected?
•
Generative governance is about values—what
What does our community want from its
want from the schools?
Recently, there has been much thoughtful
In Governance as Leadership, authors Richard
of
key generative questions. The boards in
educators. They sit first as citizens.
(school boards, nonprofit boards, and beyond).
promise
opportunities, no matter the race, religion,
To consistently do the kind of generative work
staff, board members do not sit as amateur
consideration regarding board governance
The
around powerful answers to a number of
who hold the district in trust for their entire community. While board work is connected
•
Successful school districts have come together
board members become, over time, informed community leaders. They serve as trustees
A tuition-free education for all students.
The third level is one they call generative— substantive conversation ensuring the
before their elections. Nothing about training or
•
What is the appropriate amount to spend on the educational task of the community?
are tempted to engage in them because those facts are familiar in their nonboard professional or personal roles. However, most issues of significance are based on values, not facts. The board is charged to do the values piece, and wise boards refrain from the “facts work” because they have confidence in their staff’s professional expertise. But, even more important, only the board has the community-based perspective necessary to
Chait, William Ryan, and Barbara Taylor make
Citizen-based perspective
effectively take on matters of value.
a case for three types of governance and
Citizen leaders are ideally positioned to
School boards in our democracy are about
suggest that successful boards practice all
help answer these questions. Today’s board
balancing values. We can never have too
three:
challenges come from the “common school
much liberty or too much equality. We can
•
reformers” of the 19th century. The reformers
never have too much community or too much
were responding to the huge challenges of
prosperity. However, most program decisions
industrialization and immigration, and came
call for some effort to find the proper balance
to certain understandings and commitments
between competing values. There simply
about public education:
aren’t enough resources to do everything well
The foundational level is typically fiduciary. Are we being responsible and accountable with the resources the district has been given?
16 FEBRUARY 2011 • SLATE
all the time, so questions around competing
School board members as advocates for
questions: “How well are we doing? Are we
values need to be addressed.
education.
see
moving toward our vision? Are our teaching
themselves in this role. In a time when public
and organizational methods and strategies
education must compete for scarce resources,
effective?”
The board is the agency in the system where the value questions are addressed. It is the work of the community, done by citizens. “School board members as citizens” becomes one conceptual frame that typically competes with other frames such as: School board members as experts. Many board members take satisfaction in the expertise they bring to the board table: finance, management, political acumen, etc. Indeed, many boards are rich in experience and knowledge. A common way to think about the purpose of board development is to further enrich the experience and diversity of a given board. However, you could argue that such expertise can get in the way of the generative work because it focuses on operations and not on values. If the primary function of the board is generative conversation about the district purpose, attention to operations becomes a distraction. It also confuses board vs. staff roles. The board should be focused on the “what,” and the staff on using their expertise on the “how.” “What” is the values conversation: What is most important to our school district and how
Many
board
members
we need board members who can make the case for the importance of quality schools. However, we sell our community short when we start with the student and assume the community must be convinced to do the right thing. Most communities care deeply about future generations and only need help understanding what that commitment means.
themselves, citizens of the district, the state,
This dynamic allows boards to degenerate
and the country.
into a political rut of “we get ours.” As citizens of the same community, with each sharing accountability to the whole, school boards must rise above such partisan bickering and provide important moral leadership, allowing the district to be focused on the common good. While these various ways of thinking all have some application, “school board members as citizens” may be our most powerful and overarching metaphor. Helpfully, it avoids some of the pitfalls inherent in the other images.
conversation does the staff have? The essential
and applications expertise. Board members
staff question is: “How do we achieve what the
may be experts, but they sit as citizens. Their
community has hired us to deliver?” As trained
expertise serves the board when it’s used to
educators and administrators, the district staff
help members better understand the issues,
is well suited to deliver on the community’s
not to provide volunteer help in the district’s
expectations.
To fulfill our democratic ideal, we need some fundamental outcomes from our public schools. To remain vital and free, our society must be educated, able to make informed decisions about government and committed to democratic values. In our democracy, we elect a few citizen leaders and charge them to make sure it happens. And focused, intense, generative conversations represent one of the most potent and compelling board tools available in meeting that charge.
John J. Cassel is director of field services for the Illinois Association of School Boards. Reprinted
with
permission
from
the
American School Board Journal December 2010. Copyright © 2010. National School Boards Association. All rights reserved.
In most districts, the staff can deliver whatever
School board members as watchdogs. Ensuring
the community wants, but no staff can deliver
public trust requires districts to be accountable
everything. Therefore, staff work and wisdom
for the resources they use. Governance as
must be partnered with board work and
leadership assumes school boards that can
wisdom.
unaddressed.
end up with a complex and layered system of
integrating piece, as board members are,
staff members are hired for their planning
more powerful contributions unattended and
nation have a stake in public education. So we
particular program, project, or constituency.
district purpose and direction, what kind of
that stop at this foundational level leave their
share in wider communities. Both the state and
members as citizens provide an appropriate
to address those priorities. In the “how” domain,
area of fiscal and legal oversight. But boards
are located in a particular community, they also
members see themselves as advocates for a
If the citizen board discussion is focused on
allies in the board’s work, especially in the
education. However, while all public schools
state and federal requirements. School board
Values and facts
Transparency and common sense are key
local determination about the shape of public
for children is the broad example. Many board
making the plans and carrying out the actions
assure the public of their fiduciary responsibility.
makes is a strong argument for local control—
School board members as partisans. Advocacy
do we make them priorities? “How” is about
operations.
The contribution a school board of citizens
The work of the board and staff comes most powerfully
together
around
data.
What
evidence do we have that our values are being upheld and taught? What evidence do we have that our students are growing academically and as citizens? The right data allows the school system to answer the simple but profound
SLATE • FEBRUARY 2011 17
Advocacy Tips
for School Board Members
by Karen Echeverria ISBA Executive Director
R
ight now, things are beginning to heat up at the Idaho Capitol. Majority and Minority Leadership have been selected, Chairs and Vice Chairs have been appointed, and committees have been established. Legislators are
thinking about bills they are going to introduce this session. Now is a critical time for board members who want to serve as resources for legislators during the 1st Regular Session of the 61st Idaho Legislature and advocate on behalf of trustees and their work. Here are a few activities you can do now and up until the end of the session: 1. Meet With Your Legislators. For those of you who were at the convention, our Vice President, Anne Ritter, asked that each of you take some time and call your local legislators. Introduce yourself and congratulate them on their election. It is important to meet with them. Since the election, some of your legislators may be new and some may be the same legislators you’ve had for years. Either way, take the time to learn (or relearn) where they stand on education issues and teach them about your district. Tell them your story, because if you don’t, someone else will, and it may not be accurate. You should also discuss the role of a trustee and your decision making authority at the district level. We want them to understand that you are elected to represent the same constituency that they are elected to represent. Invite lawmakers to a Board meeting or to one of your schools so they can see how well your district is doing and so they can get a sense of the issues of greatest interest to your district. 2. Form a monthly lunch or beverage group with board members from surrounding districts. ISBA has already created the email list serve as a means for you to communicate with the trustees in your Region. You may also want to consider forming a group to meet monthly over lunch or beverages with legislators and/or other policymakers. The goal of the group is to build relationships with legislators and educate them about issues facing local school districts. 3. Compile district data for legislators and their staff. Begin to collect information that will help legislators learn about your district. Information such as ISAT scores, graduation rates, IDLA and dual enrollment courses taken by your students, percent of low income students, and percent of special needs students. This kind of data helps legislators understand the trials that school districts face while still achieving some good results in your schools. 4. Understand ISBA’s Resolutions. ISBA staff will provide legislators with our resolution platform within the first two weeks of the session so they will be somewhat aware of what we will be pursuing. As such, you should be prepared to discuss ISBA’s resolutions, their purpose, what we hope to accomplish if they are passed into law, and why they are necessary.
Advocacy Resources ISBA Staff members are available to answer any questions you may have regarding advocacy, the Legislature, or ISBA’s Resolutions. Our contact information is listed below. Additionally, ISBA can provide the following: • Assistance in creating a template to write a letter or email to your legislator. • Assistance in creating a template to write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper on important issues affecting your district. • Information and/or guides to help prepare you to testify, participate in a meeting with your newspaper’s editorial board, and bring you up-to-speed on how the legislative process works.
Contact Information Karen Echeverria
Jessica Harrison
karen@idsba.org
jessica@idsba.org
Call 208-854-1476 OR 866-799-4722
Excerpted with permission from the November 2010 edition of Texas Lone Star, published by the Texas Association of School Boards. Copyright 2010 TASB. All rights reserved.
18 FEBRUARY 2011 • SLATE
Connect Students to Hagerman Resources The Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, Hagerman National Fish Hatchery and Thousand Springs State Park System are pleased to announce that funding is available to help assist with the cost of student busing for field trips. Budget cut backs do not have to mean an end to field trips. Funding will be available on a first come first serve basis. Hands-on educational programs offer students an outdoor education opportunity that meets Idaho State Teaching Standards in science, social studies, geology and history. Field trips can be arranged for programs at one, two or all three locations. Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument offers a variety of free, curriculum-based, ranger-led programs for students, kindergarten-8th grade, concerning fossils or the Oregon Trail. Teachers and students will discover a new dimension in learning beyond their classrooms. Park staff can present formal guided programs or help you plan a special program. The Hagerman National Fish Hatchery rears threatened steelhead which migrates from Idaho to the Pacific Ocean and return. Come experience steelhead from the egg to smolt stage, visit fresh spring water, and take a walking tour that will delight all ages. Learn about steelhead, trout, and sturgeon. Study the Snake River Aquifer, nuisance species, and wildlife. Thousand Springs State Park has much to offer Idaho students. At Malad Gorge- step back in geologic time to the creation of the gorge. Walk along the historic Kelton Trail, learn about animal species found within the park, water usage and native plants, including a rare plant found in only four parts of the state. Don’t limit the education of our youth simply because you think the school cannot afford it! Please share this good news with other local schools and contact us today.
Annette Rousseau Education Specialist, Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument Phone: (208) 933-4126 Email: Annette_rousseau@nps.gov Hagerman National Fish Hatchery (208) 837-4896
SLATE • FEBRUARY 2011 19
Executive Board Meeting Sept. 10-11 and Nov. 10, 2010
Highlights
ISBA’s Executive Board conducts a lot of important business at their meetings that is similar to the work done by local school boards. Executive Board members and ISBA staff tackle a variety of agenda items and hear reports from specialized committees such as Government Affairs, Scholarship, and Audit/Finance among others. Here are some of the highlights from the meeting held in September:
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (GAC):
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
The main focus of the September GAC meeting is always a discussion
previous ISBA members renewed their membership. ISBA also signed
and review of the Resolutions submitted to ISBA throughout the summer.
several new charter schools, some of which are paying their dues prior
The GAC makes recommendations to the full Board for a pass or do not
to opening to receive training services. New ideas for ISBA services were
pass.
presented.
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE:
BUDGET REVISIONS:
The Scholarship Committee reviewed the application, guidelines, and
ISBA made some revisions to its 2010-2011 budget due to a change in
scoring process and discussed ways to make this process better for both
how its legal services are provided. These revisions were approved by
students and the Committee.
the Board.
AUDIT / FINANCE COMMITTEE: The Committee reviewed the independent audit report and was pleased that the audit this year was cleaner and more efficient than last year. ISBA continues to lower its expenses and run on a tight budget.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE: The Committee received one nomination for each office and selected Anne Ritter as its candidate for Vice President and Mark Moorer as its candidate for President-Elect.
20 FEBRUARY 2011 • SLATE
The Executive Director was very encouraged by the fact that all of the
RESOLUTION RECOMMENDATIONS:
STRATEGIC PLANNING & GOAL SETTING:
The Executive Board carefully considered each Resolution submitted to
The ISBA provides leadership and services to local school
ISBA and voted on whether to support or not support each Resolution on
boards for the benefit of students and for the advocacy of public
the floor of the Annual Convention. The Board supported an overwhelming
education. Goal accomplishment requires communication,
majority of the Resolutions submitted.
commitment, and cooperation. Performance accountability is important
IDAHO HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION REPORT: The public can go to www.idshaa.org for a report on each meeting. This is the first year of the classification changes and IHSAA is considering amendments to the changes. They are also working on an agreement with a licensing group to get national retailers to put the IHSAA logo
for improvement. In order to meet goals, they must be well defined and understood by everyone. Boards must self manage and ensure that they have goals and that those goals are being actively worked on. Sharing information is vital to accomplishing goals and creating cooperation. Board members were asked to update their goals and indicate if their previous goals have been accomplished.
on certain products to increase revenue. There has been work done to
NEW STAFF POSITION:
create eligibility for alternative school athletics. IHSAA is getting more
ISBA’s Executive Board held a brief meeting at the Annual Convention in
involved in cheerleading and dance. All coaches and officials are required
November to authorize a new part-time staff position in the ISBA office.
to take a mandated concussion course.
The new staff member will oversee written and verbal communications
SUMMER LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE REPORT: The changing of the New Board Member Workshop to the Summer Leadership Institute (SLI) was a success. The SLI was held in three
with the media, coordinate all statewide training functions with other ISBA trainers, conduct training on an as needed basis, and act as liaison to other education entities in reference to training issues.
different locations around the State. Costs were kept low and more districts participated as well as some charter schools. The feedback has been very positive.
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THANK YOU Thanks to everyone who was able to attend the ISBA Annual Convention in Boise in November. It was great to see all of you. We were pleased with the turnout and the variety of workshops and keynote speakers we were able to provide. We hope you enjoy these photographs that capture many of the Convention experience.
Newly Elected Regional Representatives & Board Officers During the Region Meetings held at the Convention, several regions elected new region representatives. The newly elected regional representatives include: John Menter (Troy SD) as Region 2 Vice Chairman, Jackie Hopper (Caldwell SD) as Region 3 Chairman, Lucinda Rogers (Gooding SD) as Region 4 Vice Chairman, Nancy Arnold (Teton SD) as Region 6 Chairman, J.D. Tolman (Blackfoot SD) as Region 6 Vice Chairman, Margie Chipman (Weiser SD) as the Region 8 Vice Chairman. Officers were also selected at the Business Session of the Convention. Those Officers are: Dallas Clinger (American Falls SD) is President, Mark Moorer (Potlatch SD) is President-Elect, Anne Ritter (Meridian SD) is Vice President, and Wayne Freedman (Council SD) is Past President. Please see page 4 of this SLATE for a full list of the ISBA Regional Representatives and Board Officers. We encourage you to stay in close contact with your region representatives. They are your voice on the ISBA Executive Board. In order form them to represent you well, it is important that they know your needs and concerns.
22 FEBRUARY 2011 • SLATE
AWARDS BANQUET The following individuals were recognized during ISBA’s 2010 Annual Convention. ISBA congratulates these award winners. Each recipient went above and beyond to make contributions that will improve public education in Idaho. Congratulations! 20 Years of Board Service
Master of Boardsmanship Award
Ann Young, Cascade SD
David Andersen, Oneida SD
Janet Orndorff, Boise SD
Tracie Anderson, Gooding Jt. SD
David Van Wassenhove, Marsing SD
Nancy Arnold, Teton SD Christine Ashmead, St. Maries Jt. SD
Citizenship Award
A.J. Balukoff, Boise SD
Kathy McRea, South Lemhi SD
James Barker, Buhl SD
Vana Richards, Emmett SD
Barbara Bremers, Buhl SD
Kathy Jo Nygaard, Potlatch SD
Larry Brown, Lakeland Jt. SD
Larry Dahle, West Side SD
Elaine Bryant, Gooding Jt. SD Dallas Clinger, American Falls Jt. SD
Legislative Liaison Award
Richard Cook, Notus SD
Eric Exline, Meridian Jt. SD
Samuel Alton Cummings, St. Maries Jt. SD
Mark Cotner, Canyon-Owyhee School
Julie Dahlgren, Blaine Co. SD
Service Agency
Heidi Davis, Potlatch SD Brian Duncan, Minidoka Jt. SD
Award of Merit
Susan Fletcher, American Falls SD
Todd Wells, Castleford SD
Deb Foster, South Lemhi SD
Tim Skubitz, Lakeland SD
Wayne Freedman, Council SD
Kent Mann, Parma SD
Margie Gannon, St. Maries Jt. SD
Brian Duncan, Minidoka SD
Steve Guthrie, Blaine Co. SD
Judy Lish, Butte Co. SD
Bill Hemenway, Coeur d’Alene SD Dane Higdem, Kimberly SD Jackie Hopper, Caldwell SD Judy Lish, Butte Co. Jt. SD John Menter, Troy SD Mark Moorer, Potlatch SD Vernon Newby, Coeur d’Alene SD Janet Orndorff, Boise SD Brian Patterson, Vallivue SD Lucinda Rogers, Gooding Jt. SD Maria Salazar, Emmett SD Douglas A. Scoville, Potlatch SD Oscar Tiegs, Nezperce Jt. SD Donagene Turnbow, Post Falls SD
ISBA SCHOLARSHIP TRUST AUCTION
OV ER $1 0,2 50 RA ISE D!
The ISBA Scholarship Trust would like to thank all sponsors, online donors, school districts, and individuals who participated in the auction by contributing to this worthwhile cause. Your involvement strengthens the commitment to Idaho’s school children and increases the long-term potential for their educational advancement. A very special “thank you” is extended to our auctioneer and ISBA Past President, Alden Neal. Without his energy and enthusiastic commitment to supporting Idaho’s school children, this event would not have achieved such a successful outcome! Thank you to the Idaho Dairy Council for providing the milk, cheese, and yogurt for the Auction!
SLATE SLATE••FEBRUARY FEBRUARY2011 2011 23 23
BUSINESS SESSION REPORT from the 68th Annual Convention During the Business Session at the Annual Convention, trustees voted on the 2011 Resolutions. Resolutions adopted by the membership serve as the agenda for the 2011 legislative session. According to ISBA bylaws, Resolutions adopted by the membership are in effect for two
years unless otherwise acted upon. The full text of the 2010 and 2011 Resolutions may be found at www.idsba.org under the Government Affairs section of the website.
No.
2011 Resolutions
Ayes
Nays
No. 1
Discontinuing a School. The ISBA supports the ability for boards of trustees to discontinue any school in their district so long
2820
468
2304
1064
2752
614
2035
1318
3199
239
3409
40
2992
447
2835
628
199
3234
as the trustees make a finding that it is in the best interest of the district and the pupils therein.
No. 2
Appropriate State Funding for Schools. The ISBA supports appropriate state funding for schools. Patrons throughout the State realize the need to more fully fund our public schools and are voting to raise local taxes to make up the shortfall in State funding. It is clear that the patrons of Idaho wish to support their schools more fully. The passage of local levies in some districts is causing unequal support for schools across Idaho. This will continue until State revenues are enhanced and equalized school funding is provided.
No. 3
End of Course Assessments. The ISBA supports education stakeholders working cooperatively to construct needed end of course assessments. These assessments would be available to all districts in Idaho. Secondary schools are slowly making greater use of formative assessments and data driven instruction, and this will supply them with much needed tools. Also, this effort will provide progress towards developing performance aspects of these assessments.
No. 4
Public School Effectiveness. The ISBA supports the development and use of data compiled from the IRI and ISAT information that measures: 1) student achievement on a scaled mean (ISAT), percent proficient (IRI); 2) that takes into account percentages of subpopulations without identifying groups of students less than five in said group; 3) that includes year to year growth. These three types of information are in addition to the data which is currently reported as proficiency and AYP. Idahoans need objective data on the relative effectiveness of public schools and a means by which to evaluate public school and public charter school effectiveness.
No. 5
Budget Flexibility. The ISBA supports legislation that will continue the flexibility granted in the 2010 legislative session through Senate Bill 1422 and that moved certain line-item funds to discretionary funds in order to allow school boards more control in addressing local needs.
No. 6
Define Meet and Confer. The ISBA supports legislation that will provide further definition for the use of meet and confer. The term meet and confer is used in two different contexts in Idaho Code and clarity is necessary.
No. 7
School Election Dates. The ISBA supports the addition of an another election date for public school districts, to be at the choice of the district, for either February or April of each year in order to run a supplemental levy or school plant facility election. An additional date will increase flexibility for school districts to balance budgets for the future.
No. 8
School Unemployment. The ISBA supports school districts ability to have increased flexibility to address contractual and employment relationships as well as serving the educational purposes of interns and other such similarly situated individuals. In determining whether or not to employ individuals on a Category I contract, supplemental contract, or to participate in an internship/student teaching experience, a district needs to have a full understanding of the legal obligations, not just during the period of the actual relationship, but subsequent to the cessation of that relationship with regard to unemployment compensation.
No. 9
Student Fees. (By vote of ISBA’s membership, this Resolution did not pass.)
24 FEBRUARY 2011 • SLATE
No.
2011 Resolutions
Ayes
Nays
No. 10
Financial Emergencies. The ISBA supports the expansion of financial emergency criteria to include a significant reduction
3246
217
3237
156
3248
0
in federal funds. Many school districts were able to use the financial emergency legislation to help mitigate their fiscal difficulties brought on by the economic crisis and the consequent state appropriation reductions. While this legislation served districts well, it could be expanded to help districts continue to avoid financial hardship. The included criteria should specifically allow districts to declare a financial emergency if they meet the fund balance and other stated requirements, or be able to use a significant reduction in federal funds in place of the current provision of a significant state funding reduction. The goal is to allow districts to respond to the loss of federal stimulus dollars that are currently being provided to districts to mitigate the fiscal impact of reduced state appropriations.
No. 11
Non-Certificated Personnel Grievance. The ISBA supports the amendment of Section 33-517, Idaho Code to limit the scope of non-certificated employees’ grievable actions to alleged violations of Board policies and/or procedures. Noncertificated employees are at-will employees and school districts need to have the flexibility to make appropriate personnel decisions without court intervention based upon the ambiguous term found in Section 33-517, Idaho Code regarding “unfair treatment”.
No. 12
Dissolution of Public Charter Schools. The ISBA supports legislation that will provide a mechanism, either through law or rule, that allows school districts to qualify for the additional staffing required to serve students from a dissolved public charter school. Currently there is no mechanism by which funding can follow students from a dissolved charter school to the school district(s) where the students enroll after dissolution.
Thank You
TO OUR SPONSORS
ISBA thanks the following companies for their sponsorship at the upcoming ISBA Annual Convention. Their generous support is vital to the ISBA’s continuing efforts to provide a quality convention experience for attendees.
Thank You Vern! A very big thank you to Vern Newby, former Trustee of the Coeur d’Alene SD and ISBA Past President, for taking photographs of ISBA events. We appreciate Vern’s talent and the time he takes to capture ISBA’s events in photos.
SLATE • FEBRUARY SLATE • FEBRUARY2011 201025 25
10
New Year’s Resolutions
for School Board Members 10
6
2
children have less absenteeism, concentrate
procurement process and negotiating volume
Secondary Education Act on the horizon,
better, and perform better on tests. Make sure
discounts for participants. Many are free to
now is the time for you to speak up for local
your policies and practices support healthy
join and give rebates based on purchases.
school board governance. Add your voice
options and physical activity for all students.
If your state association does not offer
to your state school boards association’s
one, consider a national program like the
and NSBA’s National Affiliate districts who
BuyBoard Cooperative Program.
are calling for the end of unfunded federal
Get in shape by developing an obesity action plan for your
district. Studies have shown that healthy
9
Get organized by reviewing your district policies. The New Year is a
great time to make sure your policies are current, especially those on hot topics
Save money on district purchases. Buying cooperatives can save your
district time and money by streamlining the
5
Improve your relationship with your school board team. Start the year off
Become
a
champion
for
local
school board governance. With the
reauthorization
of
the
Elementary
and
mandates and the return of local control.
1
Join
NSBA’s
National
Affiliate
Program. Working with and through your
like bullying, which will be a focus for the
right by clarifying roles and responsibilities for
Department of Education in 2011. You can
every member of your team. The Key Work
turn to your state school boards association
of School Boards guidebook and training
National Affiliate program advocates for
for policy guidance and support should your
programs, offered by your state association
increased federal funding and local school
district need assistance.
and NSBA, provide tips for developing a
board
good working relationship.
and information, and offers professional
8
Learn
something
new,
like
how
technology can improve student and
community
engagement.
Professional
development opportunities, conferences, and
4
Discover best practices in school governance. Your state school boards
association’s
publications
and
NSBA’s
webinars offered by your state association,
American School Board Journal , included in
the National School Boards Association, and
NSBA’s National Affiliate benefits package,
NSBA’s National Affiliate program can show
highlight success stories from public schools
you how.
which may be applicable to your district.
7
3
Identify additional funding sources. With today’s tight budgets, every
dollar counts. Take advantage of grant
Connect with school board colleagues from across your state and the
nation. Conferences and social networks
services like GrantsQuest, free to NSBA
offered by your state association and NSBA
National
funding
provide great opportunities to learn how your
opportunities for your district and get grant
colleagues are coping with the challenges of
writing tips.
public education today.
Affiliates,
to
26 FEBRUARY 2011 • SLATE
discover
state school boards association, NSBA’s
governance,
provides
resources
development opportunities to help your district succeed. A complete list of benefits is available at www.nsba.org/na. Enroll your district in the National Affiliate program today at a 25% discount and make 2011 the best year ever. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and applies only to districts not currently enrolled as an NSBA National Affiliate. Districts must enroll online at www.nsba.org/na using promotional code 2011 to receive the discount. To participate in the National Affiliate program, your school district must be a member in good standing of your state school boards association. Your annual fee includes subscriptions to American School Board Journal at the nondeductible discounted rate of $30 per subscription, for your full school board and superintendent. Current American School Board Journal subscriptions will be converted upon expiration.
The Financial Cost of Bullying, Violence, and Vandalism by Rick Phillips
D
uring times of economic crisis, school climate issues, such as
truancy, or dropping out. An increasingly negative climate can also lead to
bullying, violence, and vandalism, can grow more intense and
more vandalism as students look for an outlet to express their frustration,
frequent as economic and family stressors worsen.
powerlessness, despair, anger, or fear.
At the same time, budget cuts leave many schools with less money to
address these issues as well as fewer counselors, school resource officers, administrators, and teachers. Staff members have more responsibilities and less time to handle problematic situations. It’s a recipe for disaster.
Truancy/Low Attendance A recent study noted that 8% of middle school students reported skipping school at least once due to fear of bullying. In addition, one out
School climate is an important determinant of a school’s ability to deliver
of four middle schoolers reported taking other actions, such as skipping
on its mission; however, the impact of school climate on a school’s budget
class or going home sick, to avoid encountering a bully (Perkins, Perkins,
is often largely ignored or underestimated, chiefly because there is no
& Craig, 2009).
standardized way to track and assess the losses and costs associated
There is a financial consequence associated with students missing
with negative student behaviors. But that doesn’t mean that the financial
school. One way to calculate this loss is to look at truancy rates. Truancy
impact is insignificant.
is generally defined as an unexcused absence of at least one day per
School Climate Loss and Cost Calculator
month per truant student (each truant student is absent at least nine times in a nine-month school year). Truancies can then be multiplied
Community Matters has developed an auditing tool, called the School
by a school’s reimbursement rate—in most states, this is defined as the
Climate Loss and Cost Calculator, to help administrators more accurately
Average Daily Attendance (ADA) rate—to compute the average financial
identify the cost of behaviors associated with a negative school climate.
loss due to truancy.
The calculator is available at no cost to all schools at www.community-
For example, if a school has 1,000 students and a truancy rate of 6%
matters.org/safe-school-ambassadors/documents. The calculator uses
(lower than most sources estimate the national average to be), there will
data that most schools routinely track to make reasonable assessments
be 60 students absent at least nine times per year, resulting in at least
of the financial losses and costs that schools incur each year because of
540 days of lost ADA funding. The approximate national average ADA
students’ negative behaviors and assess their financial impact. Although
rate is $40/day (Phillips, Linney, & Pack, 2008); multiplying that rate by
the example in this article is based on averages and statistical trends in
the 540 missed days, the sample high school would experience a loss of
a fictional high school, the online calculator can be adjusted for any level
at least $21,600 per year because of truancy.
by ignoring any unneeded categories or adjusting figures to match an actual school’s data. For this purpose, the calculator includes an active spreadsheet for the user to input a school’s actual or estimated data.
Suspensions When negative behaviors, such as fighting, bullying, or harassment,
We all know that data drive decisions, especially at times when every
increase, so do suspensions. There is both a cost and a loss associated
dollar’s use is hotly contested. The data from this calculator will help
with suspensions and a formula for estimating this amount (Phillips,
administrators make a solid financial case for investments in preventing
Linney, & Pack, 2008). On the basis of conversations with school
bullying, violence, and vandalism and fostering a more positive school
administrators nationally, we calculated an average cost of approximately
climate.
$170 of combined staff time per behavioral incident that leads to a
Loss and Cost Drivers
suspension. In addition, assuming that each suspension results in three days out of school (the average length of one suspension), there is a
As school bullying and violence increases, so do suspensions,
$120 loss of ADA funds per suspension ($40 ADA multiplied by 3 days).
expulsions, and alternative education placements as schools are
Combining the $170 cost with the $120 loss leads to an average negative
compelled by policies and safety concerns to take disciplinary action. In
financial impact of $290.
addition, when students feel emotionally or physically unsafe, attendance and grades can fall because of actual or psychosomatic illnesses, elective 28 FEBRUARY 2011 • SLATE
For the sample high school with 1,000 students, a 6% suspension rate
(the 2006 national average) (National Center for Education Statistics [NCES], 2009) gives 60 suspensions, which is then multiplied by $290 (financial impact per suspension). This results in an annual loss plus cost
Putting it All Together When we add up the losses and costs for this sample school, the totals are staggering:
of $17,400 due to suspensions. Expulsions
LOSSES
COSTS
Truancy/Low Attendance
$21,600
losses from expulsions. If the average administrative cost is the same for
Suspensions
$17,400
expulsions as it is for suspensions ($170) and the 1,000-student sample
Vandalism
$15,200
Dropping Out
$2,160,000
As with suspensions, there are both administrative costs and ADA
school has a 2% expulsion rate (lower than the 3.06% average for 2006) (NCES, 2009), multiply 20 expulsions by $170 to get an annual cost of $3,400 for expulsions. In addition, assuming the midpoint of the school year as the average expulsion date, multiply 90 days (180 student attendance days is the average length of a school year) by the ADA rate ($40) by the number of expulsions (20) to show an annual ADA loss of $72,000 due to expulsions
Mandatory Disciplinary Alternative Education Placements
$25,000
Expulsions
$72,000
$3,400
Total
$2,253,600
$61,000
for an average high school. For the sample school, therefore, the total annual losses and costs due to expulsions are estimated to add up to $75,400. Dropping Out
Total annual fincancial impact of both losses and costs: $2,314,600 How does your school compare? What are your losses and costs due to
Academic problems and a fear of going to school can lead to a student’s
bullying, violence, and vandalism? Can your school actually afford to cut
decision to leave school prior to graduation. Drop-out rates vary widely
violence-prevention and early-intervention programs and staff members?
and are not derived consistently. The national drop-out rates as of 2009,
If the sample school was able to reduce its suspension rate from 6%
therefore, range from 7% to 55% (Barton, 2005) for students who leave
to 3%, it would save $8,700 in one year alone. If the sample school
without completing high school. Because most students who drop out leave in the middle of 10th grade, the average school would have a total of 450 days of missed school per dropout. Looking at the sample high school of 1,000 students, if the dropout rate
also reduces its truancy rate from 6% to 3%, it would save an additional $10,800. In this way, many violence-prevention programs more than pay for themselves. Conclusion
is in the low part of the range, 12%, multiply 120 by the ADA rate ($40)
Using the data compiled and analyzed through the School Climate
by 450 days. The total annual loss, therefore, could total $2,160,000 as a
Loss and Cost Calculator, administrators and school districts will have a
result of students dropping out.
clearer choice: pay the costs and incur the losses from bullying, violence,
Alternative Educational Placements When violent or negative behaviors (being in possession or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, possessing weapons, or engaging in fights or assaults) dictate that a student must be placed in a continuation or pre-expulsion secondary school, it can be costly to a school or district. For Clear Creek Independent School District in Texas, for example, the cost per student per year for one mandatory disciplinary alternative educational placement (MDAEP) was $2,500 in 2008–09. Using this figure for the sample high school of 1,000 students, if 1% (10 students) require MDAEP, the cost is $25,000.
and vandalism or invest in fostering a more positive school climate and thereby reduce financial losses and costs. Having more specific information about actual costs and losses due to negative student behaviors can help school leaders make more-informed choices when faced with difficult budget decisions. Information is power, and I hope that this information will help decision-makers see that violence-prevention programs and social-emotional student services are not merely a line-item expense. Decreasing negative student behaviors is ultimately a cost savings measure that helps schools accomplish the overall mission of ensuring that all students are given the chance to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Vandalism Students who don’t feel connected to their school are more likely to commit vandalism. (U.S. Department of Education, n.d.) Feelings of powerlessness, despair, anger, or fear related to social status and school experiences lead students to vandalize school property. Perceptions of physical and emotional safety and belonging go hand-in-hand. The estimated average cost for an incident of vandalism (the combination of staff time, materials, and replacement equipment or repairs) is $400. Assuming a conservative vandalism rate of one incident per week, 38 weeks in a school year, and an average cost of $400, the sample high school would incur an annual cost of $15,200 because of vandalism.
Author’s note: To calculate your school’s own annual losses and costs due to bullying, violence, and vandalism, download a free School Climate Loss and Cost Calculator at www.community-matters.org/safeschool-ambassadors/documents. Article first published as a Web only Principal Leadership article by NASSP: www.principals.org Rick Phillips (rick@community-matters.org) is the executive director of Community Matters.
SLATE • FEBRUARY 2011 29
Our Valued ISBA
Business Partners For more information regarding these Business
ISBA’s Business Partners & Affiliates offer a variety of services and products that can assist Idaho’s public schools in cutting costs and finding cost-effective options.
Partners, or to become an ISBA Business Partner, please contact Misty Jones at the ISBA Office.
Phone: (208) 854-1476 Toll-Free: (866) 799-4722 Fax: (208) 854-1480 Web: www.idsba.org Email: misty@idsba.org
BUSINESS PARTNER LOGOS Look for these logos in SLATE articles &
DIAMOND Business Partners
SILVER Business Partners
IDAHO DAIRY COUNCIL A non-profit nutrition education organization providing science based materials to health care providers, schools and consumers throughout the state of Idaho. Crystal Wilson (208) 327-7050 cjwilson@udidaho.org www.idahodairycouncil.org
HUMMEL ARCHITECTS PLLC Established in Boise in 1896, Hummel Architects PLLC is a general practice architectural firm whose history touches nearly every Idaho community. Over the decades Hummel has built a solid reputation on the design of educational, institutional, civic, industrial, governmental, retail, office, and corporate structures. Jenifer Huff (208) 343-7523 jhuff@hummelarch.com www.hummelarch.com
MORETON & COMPANY Moreton & Company provides property and liability insurance as well as risk management services to member districts through the ISBA endorsed insurance plan. Most recently, Moreton & Company launched a group auto and homeowner insurance program that is available to district employees as well as school board trustees. Allan Ranstrom (208) 321-9300 allan@moreton.com www.moreton.com
LARSONALLEN Same high-quality professionals. Same commitment to Idaho schools and those who make them successful. Brand new name. LeMaster Daniels is now LarsonAllen CPAs, Consultants, and Advisors. Ed Savre (208) 658-8200 esavre@larsonallen.com www.larsonallen.com
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ZIONS BANK A leader in financing school district projects at lowest overall cost. Since 1994 Zions has assisted Idaho districts in financing over 60 projects totaling over $200 million. Cameron Arial (208) 344-9522 cameron.arial@zionsbank.com www.zionsbank.com
BRONZE Business Partners SEATTLE-NORTHWEST SECURITIES CORPORATION SNW is an investment bank and broker-dealer specializing in tax-exempt bond underwriting and sales. SNW provides financing solutions custom tailored to their clients’ capital financial needs. With a Boise-based office, no other firm can match their experience and knowledge related to the political, economic, and financial issues impacting Idaho school district bond financing. Eric Heringer (208) 344-8577 eheringer@snwsc.com www.seattlenorthwest.com
SILVER
TIMECLOCK PLUS TimeClock Plus accurately tracks employee time and attendance which greatly assists in maintaining compliance and offers your district huge savings of your time and money. Carol Barton (800) 749-8463 sales@timeclockplus.com timeclockplus.com
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30 FEBRUARY 2011 • SLATE
Kizmet Beasley, Abigail Staley (208) 319-2756 kizmet.beasley@gocorptech.com abigail.staley@gocorptech.com www.gocorptech.com
Our Valued ISBA
Business Affiliates MORETON & COMPANY
NWCRG
ISBA INSURANCE PROGRAM
TELECOM & UTILITY COST RECOVERY PROGRAM
Moreton & Company provides property and liability insurance to member school districts through the ISBA Insurance Program. Since the Program’s inception, school districts have received over $4.6 million in dividends from the Program. Moreton & Company also offers a Home & Auto Insurance Program. School employees and school board members can participate through their local school district. This Program offers a great opportunity to participate in group insurance coverage.
Allan Ranstrom allan@moreton.com (800) 341-6789
If you were being overbilled, wouldn’t you want to know? ISBA has joined forces with Northwest Capital Recovery Group, a Pacific Northwest consortium since 1994, to offer our members a valued program that analyzes utility and telecom bills for overbilling of services. NWCRG specializes in recovering overcharges for clients in the areas of telecommunications, electricity, natural gas, garbage and water/sewer/storm.
Steve Rhea steverhea@comcast.net (866) 545-0976
APPLITRACK (BY GENERAL ASP) APPLICANT TRACKING & RECRUITING SOFTWARE Finding the perfect teacher for your school isn’t always easy. AppliTrack is an affordable online solution that revitalizes the teacher selection process. AppliTrack takes the work out of collecting applications, checking references, and everything in between, so you can focus on hiring the best people. Use a next generation tool to find teachers who will inspire the next generation of leaders. Choose your future with AppliTrack.
Dr. Fred Schroeder fred@generalasp.com (866) 667-1277
BOARDBOOK SOFTWARE FOR ORGANIZING MEETING MATERIAL BoardBook is a web-based software application that streamlines the preparation, distribution and publishing of agenda packets. BoardBook builds a searchable archive of meeting packets and approved minutes. It opens the door to electronically distributing the agenda to the board, posting selected materials online, and conducting paperless meetings. BoardBook can assist your district to: »»Save on costs for printing and copying. »»Reduce staff time required for preparation and distribution of agenda and supporting documents. »»Improve timeliness and availability of board meeting materials to school board members.
Mike Elder mike.elder@boardbook.org (888) 587-2665 Ext. 6413
SOLVERAS PAYMENT SOLUTIONS CHECK RECOVERY SERVICE
Please contact Misty Jones at the
School districts are facing difficult times and are experiencing an increase in the number and frequency of NSF checks. Collection of these items can be time consuming, difficult and embarrassing to both parents and staff.
ISBA Office for more information.
Solveras returns lost funds to the district by electronically recovering bad checks and direct depositing those recovered funds to your district’s bank account on a weekly basis. Best of all, the service is FREE to the school district, FRIENDLY to the check writer, and recovers your funds FAST.
Web: www.idsba.org
Phone: (208) 854-1476 Toll-Free: (866) 799-4722 Fax: (208) 854-1480 Email: misty@idsba.org
If you are interested in saving your district staff time and easily recouping funds from insufficient fund checks, contact Solveras Payment Solutions!
Rodger Regele rodger.wa@comcast.net
Contact these Business Affiliates to find out
(888) 726-0015
how they can assist your school district!
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IDAHO SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION P.O. BOX 9797 • BOISE, ID 83707-4797 PH: (208) 854-1476 • FAX: (208) 854-1480
Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Boise, ID Permit No. 136
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