May 2010 Volume 8, Number 5
Carter’s Comments
MSBA
Unprecedented budget challenges. Staff reductions. Cuts to programs serving students. And next year may be even worse. If you were just elected in April, welcome to school board service! In this environment, it’s critical that newly elected board members hit the ground running. That means not only completing the required 16 hours of training as soon as possible, but also an orientation to school board service in your school district. At a minimum new school board members need to have a copy of the district’s governing documents including the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan, the district’s professional development plan, the current budget, a blank copy of the superintendent evaluation with current goals and a sample board agenda. Other important documents for new board members are the district’s Annual Performance Review, the district’s accountability report card, the Annual Secretary of the Board Report, a list of current board members’ phone numbers and e-mails, board minutes from the current year and a schedule of board meetings. It’s also important for board presidents to review some procedural issues with new board members including the process for putting items on a meeting agenda and the procedure used to conduct meetings, among other things. Superintendents may want to spend some time with new board members reviewing the budget, including an explanation of specific budgeting codes and providing an overview of district programs. Another important resource for new board members is MSBA. We not only provide you with high-quality board training, we also allow you to network with your colleagues from similar districts in the state. You’ll also want to take advantage of the numerous learning opportunities we offer throughout the year beyond the 16 hours of essential training. One such event is the Leadership Summit June 11-12 in Columbia where you can sharpen your leadership skills. Don’t forget the MSBA web site as a source of information, especially the section specifically designed for new board members. And remember, MSBA is only a toll-free phone call or e-mail away. If your board is not a member of MSBA (Continued on next page)
Missouri School Boards’ Association Free New Board Member Training
Since 1993 state law requires all school board members in Missouri receive 16 hours of training in their first 12 months of service. MSBA has been offering school board training for more than 40 years. Our Certified Board Member (CBM) programs have evolved and expanded to meet state requirements and the ever-changing needs of school board members. CBM Essential training addresses all the state-required content: • Student Achievement • School Law • School Finance • Board Policy • Board Relations • Board Operations • Goal Setting Diverse presenters deliver the content based on research in effective board governance. The CBM Essential Program is FREE to all school board members. Offered throughout the year at locations around the state, we strive to make it convenient for you. Sessions scheduled for the remainder of 2010 are as follows: • June 11 & 12 – Columbia • September 24 & 25 – Sedalia • July 9 & 10 – St. Louis • October 21 & 22 – Osage Beach • August 20 & 21 – Cape Girardeau • November 12 & 13 – Columbia A board member who fails to obtain certification may cost their district two points on the Missouri School Improvement Program audit that occurs every five years. Please do your part to help your school meet accreditation standards and ensure effective board governance. To satisfy your state requirement, register now for the session most convenient for you. Register on the MSBA web page at www.msbanet.org, or print and fax a registration form. Contact the Academy of Public School Governance by phone, 800-221-MSBA (6722), ext. 304, or email, Academy@msbanet.org, if you have questions about CBM Essential Board Member Certification training.
Spring Meetings Focus on Education Concerns Board members throughout the state had an opportunity to discuss critical education concerns at the MSBA Regional Meetings held during April and early May. Parts of the program dealt with the financial situation, pay for performance and superintendent and staff evaluations.
In this issue... l l l l l
Compliance with Title IX in Tough Financial Times COBRA Subsidy Extended District Spotlight - Brentwood School District MSBA Opposes Plan to Consolidate Education Agencies Spring Meetings Focus on Education Concerns
“Carter’s Comments” continued
and you are receiving this issue of Board Bulletin, I urge your board to consider the many benefits of membership, especially now. “Challenging times” does not adequately describe our current environment. These are the times that require strong leadership from the entire board and superintendent. If you are a board president or superintendent, I urge you to do everything you can to ensure your new board members become contributing members as soon as possible. If you are a newly elected board member, congratulations and thank you for your willingness to serve in one of the most important elected positions a citizen can hold. Carter D. Ward, Ph.D. MSBA Executive Director
MSBA Membership Has Value As evidence, consider our policy, legal and labor relations assistance. Policy - Membership in MSBA entitles your district to free model board policies, administrative procedures and administrative forms. These policies, procedures and forms do more than make your district legally compliant – they are actually structured to provide education and guidance to those who use them and, where possible, are based on academic research on student improvement. Those districts who use our Full Maintenance and Policy Online services say it is like having an extra staff person who serves as an administrative assistant, attorney and technology assistant, and for most districts this assistant/attorney/tech person costs less than $3000 per year! Legal - Membership in MSBA allows your district access to attorneys who answer thousands of questions about school law from folks just like you every year. Sunshine Law, residency, tenure – chances are if you have a question, we’ve heard it before. MSBA attorneys are not intended to replace your local attorney but we work in concert with your local attorneys through our Missouri Council of School Attorney’s group to provide you an efficient source for legal information. Just call – toll free, 800221-MSBA (6722). Labor Relations - Missouri is entering a new phase in labor relations and MSBA has developed the resources and training you need to make informed decisions about pay, benefits, contracts and other personnel issues. Chances are you invest 80% or more of your budget on personnel. MSBA membership provides you resources that help protect your investment. Membership gives you access to sample contracts, job descriptions, and the legal articles and guidance you need to address most personnel issues. For those of you who are already members, make sure you are using our available services. For those of you who are not, maybe you should check out what you are missing.
Sign Up NOW for Daily News Alerts If you want to keep current on education news throughout Missouri on a daily basis, you need to sign up for MSBA’s Daily News Alert. The alert is an e-mail message containing the day’s education news highlights from media outlets throughout the state. It’s a free service provided by MSBA. Simply send your e-mail address to ghan@msbanet.org.
MSBA Opposes Plan to Consolidate Education Agencies The Missouri School Boards’ Association opposes the proposal that would consolidate the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education with the Department of Higher Education. The MSBA Board of Directors, comprised of local school board members from school districts throughout the state, voted unanimously to oppose the measure during a meeting in Columbia, April 25, 2010. “We have serious concerns about this idea,” says MSBA President Peggy Taylor, a school board member from Nixa. “It’s difficult to see how this proposed merger will improve the equality of education for the 900,000 public school students in our state. A decision of this magnitude deserves much more study in order to understand its implications for education in Missouri.” Specifically, the MSBA Board has concerns about a provision in the measure approved by the Senate that would provide for the confirmation of the commissioner of the new agency by the Missouri Senate. MSBA also believes the six-member board that would govern both higher education and K-12 education is not sufficient. A constitutional amendment to merge the agencies has passed the Missouri Senate and will soon be considered by the Missouri House.
COBRA Subsidy Extended to May 31 Under federal law, employees who are involuntarily terminated and lose insurance coverage by May 31 are now entitled to a 65% subsidy of insurance premiums if the employee decides to remain on the district’ insurance plan. Under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), employees are entitled to stay on an employer’s insurance as long as the employee pays the premium. Although COBRA does not apply to public school districts, a similar federal law does. The federal stimulus bill initially mandated that employers provide a 65% subsidy to employees who were “involuntarily terminated” by December 31, 2009. This subsidy has now been extended to May, 2010. Please note that although non-renewed employees or employees that resign in the face of a layoff or non-renewal are considered “involuntarily terminated,” an employee is not entitled to the subsidy unless they would lose insurance coverage by May 31. Because many districts pay for insurance benefits in the summer even for non-renewed employees, the extension may not apply to some of the district’s departing employees unless the subsidy is extended again. For more information, contact Susan Goldammer at 800-221MSBA (6722).
Springfield NEA Withdraws Appeal of MSBA Collective Bargaining Policy The Springfield National Education Association (SNEA) has withdrawn its appeal to a court decision finding that the Springfield R-XII School District’s collective bargaining policy is constitutional. Springfield’s policy, based on a model MSBA policy, allowed teachers to vote on whether or not one—or more than one – union should represent the teachers in collective bargaining. The SNEA claimed that the policy violated the Missouri Constitution, but the court disagreed. As the appeal was pending, the policy was implemented and elections were held. The teachers voted for exclusive representation with SNEA. For more information on Springfield NEA v. Springfield R-XII School District, contact Susan Goldammer at 800-221-MSBA (6722).
District Spotlight Brentwood School District • Region 7
Atchison
Holt
Worth Nodaway
1
Andrew
Harrison
Putnam
Mercer
2
Gentry Daviess
Adair
Linn
Livingston Buchanan
Schuyler Scotland
Sullivan
Grundy Dekalb
Clinton
Chariton
Carroll
4
Jackson
Lewis
Marion
Shelby
Ralls
Monroe
Randolph
Pike
Ray Lafayette
Johnson Cass
5
16
17
Audrain
Howard
Saline
Lincoln
Boone
Cooper
Pettis Moniteau
Henry
Bates
Knox
Caldwell
Platte Clay
Clark
3
Macon
6
Cole
Morgan
Montgomery Callaway
7
St. Louis City
St Louis Gasconade
Benton
St Charles
Warren
Osage
Franklin
8 The new Brentwood Early Childhood Center (BECC), located at 1201 Hanley Industrial Court, opened 13 on January 4, 2010. The new facility, which occupies over 21,000 square feet, brings under one roof the 10 15 9 11 district’s preschool, Parents as Teachers program (PAT), and its early childhood special education programs. 14 Dr. Charles Penberthy, Superintendent of the Brentwood School District, had the vision of bringing early childhood education to the forefront several years ago. After district committee on student learning recommended increasing early childhood education as the best way to improve student achievement, Dr. Penberthy asked a committee to bring back more in-depth research. Backed by their research, he drafted a proposal to the Brentwood Board of Education to expand early childhood programs in the district. He also shared that information in presentations throughout the community in support of the proposition. In November 2008, Brentwood residents overwhelmingly passed a bond issue to build a new early childhood center despite an economic downturn. A proper environment is crucial to supporting each child’s imagination, enthusiasm, and creativity and to encourage active participation in their learning. The new facility has been designed to fully support a child-centered curriculum that draws from early childhood education approaches recommended by DESE and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Just as in the K-12 program, early childhood teachers will be fully certified by the state and trained in best practices in educating young children. Almost every day, new research confirms the importance of early education. However, continual education of adult leaders and community stakeholders is also necessary to ensure that school programs receive the funding they need. The Brentwood Early Childhood program will lay a solid foundation for life-long learning. For more information about the Brentwood Early Childhood program, contact Nancy Stoverink at 314-262-8521 or nstoverink@brentwood.k12.mo.us. St Clair
Miller
Hickory
Vernon
Pulaski
Cedar
Dallas
Polk
Barton
Phelps
Laclede
Crawford Washington
Dent
Iron
Greene
Jasper
Webster
Wright
Reynolds
Texas
Shannon
Lawrence
Christian
Stone
Howell
Taney
Ozark
Oregon
Cape Girardeau
Bollinger
Wayne
Carter
Douglas
Barry
Ste Genevieve St Perry Francois Madison
Dade
Newton
McDonald
Jefferson
12
Maries
Camden
Ripley
Scott
Stoddard
Mississippi
Butler
New Madrid
Pemiscot
Dunklin
Compliance with Title IX in Tough Financial Times Title IX is a federal law that prohibits gender discrimination in schools. This law prohibits what were once common areas of discrimination such as excluding pregnant students from school or activities and requires equal opportunities for male and female students to take academic courses. However, the law is best known for opening the doors of athletic programs to female students and occasionally requiring districts to scale down athletic offerings to male students as a consequence. As districts face tough financial times and consider cutting back or eliminating athletic programs, school board members and administrators need to carefully maintain the appropriate balance between female and male sports. Although exact equality is not required, if challenged the district must be able to demonstrate that the interests and abilities of female students have been met to the same extent as the male students. Previously, school districts could simply survey students to demonstrate that there was not enough interest to create additional athletic opportunities for female students. However, on April 20, 2010, the U.S. Department of Education released a guidance setting new standards on how a school must demonstrate its compliance that requires more evidence than a survey. For more information see http://www.2.ed.gov/about/ offices/list/ocr/letters/colleague-20100420.html. In addition, school officials and community-support organizations such as booster clubs need to be aware that districts must meet Title IX compliance regardless of the source of funds. If a district decides to eliminate baseball and softball, but the booster club steps in to pay the expenses to keep baseball, the district could be found in violation of Title IX. Likewise, if a basketball booster club provides new uniforms annually to the male team, but the female team does not receive new uniforms annually, the district may not be in compliance with the law. MSBA encourages school officials to learn more about district obligations under Title IX while making decisions regarding extracurricular activities. For more information, contact MSBA School Laws Department at 800-221-MSBA (6722).
MSBA Assists Rural Districts in Securing Distance Learning Equipment During the last year, MSBA provided direct assistance to four rural districts to obtain grant funding for the purchase of distance learning equipment. The four MSBA member districts were McDonald Co. R-I, Reeds Spring R-IV, Spokane R-VII and Wheaton R-III. Through the leadership of MSBA, each of the districts received sufficient funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Schools Distance Learning and Telecommunications Grant Program to obtain the equipment. The equipment will be used by the districts for distance learning for students, staff, and others – including professional development for teachers on topics mandated by law or regulation. The equipment can also be use for video conferencing for community groups. The equipment facilitates two-way, full motion video and audio. This was MSBA’s first experience with this federal program. MSBA is currently assisting a larger group of rural, member districts interested in obtaining distance learning equipment that will be funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture program. The program provides significant opportunities for districts interested in starting, or expanding, various distance learning options for students and others at minimal district expense. For more information on this grant program, member districts can contact Jeanie Rhoades, Director, Distance Learning at rhoades@msbanet.org.
This issue of MSBA’s Board Bulletin is being sent to all board members in Missouri. Members of MSBA receive the Board Bulletin monthly. We are pleased to provide this complimentary issue to non-members, as well. For more information on MSBA membership, contact Jeanie Gordon at 800-221-MSBA (6722) or Gordon@msbanet.org.
The MSBA Store for Member’s Needs June 11-12, 2010 Holiday Inn Select & Executive Center Columbia, MO
Summit
For more information on the topics to be presented or to register on-line go to www.msbanet.org. For additional assistance call 800221-MSBA (6722).
The
Conference Theme – Enhancing Prevention and Emotional Support in Challenging Times Thursday and Friday, July 22 -23, 2010 Tan-Tar-A Resort, Osage Beach, MO For further information about the Conference and for online registration visit: www.schoolsafetyconference.com Registration OPEN on May 1
The MSBA Store makes it easy to locate and purchase materials that support board service in Missouri. Visit the store web site, www.msbanet.org/store to select from the following categories of materials. Book Studies – Check out the first of our facilitated book studies in which board members and the superintendent all read and discuss how the contents of the book relate to local effective governance. Board members earn CBM credits upon completion. Booklist for Board Members – Many essentially certified board members continue their training by working toward Advanced or Master certification. The MSBA Store makes it easy to obtain books from the approved booklist to meet the reading requirement for these certifications. Members may order directly from our Amazon store or purchase books at discounted prices through MSBA. ESGN -- The Education Solutions Global Network (ESGN) is the video production/distribution division of MSBA. ESGN offers a variety of video programming for purchase or for free download. Logo Shirts – Display pride in your district by purchasing logo shirts from MSBA. Select the style and color from a wide array of choices. You district logo or symbol is embroidered on the chest or pocket along with a smaller MSBA logo elsewhere on the shirt. MSBA Media & Publications – Order MSBA publications, informational CD’s or the Educator’s Desk Reference.
The Educator’s Desk Reference Cost: $500 for registrations by June 14; after June 14 $600 Accomodations: Call Tan-Tar-A at 573-348-3131 for special MSBA hotel rate made on or before June 14, of $94.
“The Educator’s Desk Reference is both informative and very user friendly. The issues guides are well organized and easy to understand. I would highly recommend that this book become a part of your resource library.” – Russ Moreland, Superintendent of Schools, Pierce City R-VI School District
Upcoming Web Casts & Audio Conferences
MSBA continues to provide excellent opportunities to expand your knowledge and understanding in crucial areas. The upcoming schedule for web casts and audio conferences: Web casts: May 13 - Ledger Basics Audio Conferences: June 1 - Conflict of Interest and Nepotism Rules For more information call 800-221-MSBA (6722) and ask for Jeanie Rhoades, ext. 418 for web cast assistance and Jamie Fessler, ext. 303 for audio conference assistance.
“As a new board of education member, I have found that the Missouri School Boards’ Association has continually been a resource of up-to-date and accurate information related to school boards. I look forward to receiving and using the new edition of The Educator’s Desk Reference to provide ready access to data covering the realm of issues brought before a school board. The type of information contained in this reference book is essential to providing good governance to the students of the district that I serve.” – Paul L. Nenninger, Board Vice President, Cape Girardeau 63 School District
“The Educator’s Desk Reference has been one of the most valuable tools I have used as a school administrator. With every topic imaginable—from foreign exchange students to cell phones, from part-time attendance to hazing—the topics are easily referenced and are written clearly in a format that is easy to understand. Many topics contain references to comprehensive studies that cite statistics and have authentic examples that make it easier for a school official to relate to the material. It seems that every topic relates to something we face every day as administrators, and it’s comforting to know that we have a comprehensive, easy-to-use, reliable resource to guide us through making decisions about those ‘hot’ issues we face!” – Georgiana L. McGriff, High School Principal, Carl Junction R-I School District
800-221-MSBA (6722) www.msbanet.org
The educaTor’s desk reference
To Register: Phone 800-221-MSBA (6722), Fax 573-445-9981 or Email registration@msbanet.org
MSBA is pleased to announce the release of the twelfth edition of The Educator’s Desk Reference: A Guide to Navigating Policy and Legal Issues in Missouri Schools. The Educator’s Desk Reference is designed to provide guidance in navigating the often confusing and complex issues facing educators at all levels. Each edition contains a series of timely and relevant articles drafted by policy experts, educators and school law attorneys. The book includes the most current discussions of recent legislative changes and court decisions as they pertain to education in Missouri, and many articles provide references for further study of each subject. 12 E MSBA member districts have received The educaTor’s a complimentary digital edition of The desk reference Educator’s Desk Reference. Traditional paperback books are available for $20 A Guide to Navigating Policy and Legal each, and digital editions of the book Issues in Missouri Schools are available on CD for $10 each. To place an order, call 800-221-MSBA (6722), ext. 312, or e-mail Sherry Dyke at dyke@msbanet.org. 12TH EDITION
th
dition
MISSOURI SCHOOL BOARDS’ ASSOCIATION HELPING PUBLIC SCHOOLS SUCCEED
Help Feed the Banks! The Labor Agreement Bank and Salary Schedule Bank are two online tools created to assist member districts in learning more about collective bargaining and to provide comparative information and examples for districts when making difficult personnel decisions. However, the success of this program depends on all school districts participating. When your district finalizes its collective bargaining agreements and salary schedules for the 201011 school year, please e-mail those documents to labor@servcon. net. To access the Labor Agreement Bank or the Salary Schedule Bank, go to http://www.msbanet.org/law_policy/labor_relations.
board bulletin is published monthly by the missouri school boards’ association. address all correspondence to: Editor, 2100 I-70 Drive SW, Columbia, MO 65203, 800-221-MSBA (6722), Fax 573 445-9981 or email info@msbanet.org Vol. VIII, NO. 5. Copyright 2010 MSBA. All Rights Reserved.