1 PASCO SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 1 Board of Directors’ Regular Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2020 6:30 p.m. DIAL IN ACCESS: Call (669) 900-9128 Meeting ID: 867 9604 3472 Password: 573230 A G E N D A IMPORTANT MEETING NOTICE: Pursuant to the Governor’s Proclamation No. 20-28, Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act, any public agency subject to RCW 42.30 is prohibited from meeting in person. The agency must provide, at a minimum, telephonic access and the ability for meeting attendees to hear the meeting at the same time. Therefore, the April 28, 2020 regular meeting of the board of directors will be conducted through ZOOM. Furthermore, public comments will be taken in written form only and no in-person public comments will be permitted. Public comments may be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to the Office of the Superintendent, 1215 W. Lewis Street, Pasco, WA 99301. Members of the public who wish to attend the public meeting are will need to call in to the meeting by dialing: (669) 900-9128 Meeting ID: 867 9604 3472 Password: 573230. The live audio will be streamed through the Pasco School District’s YouTube. 1. CALL TO ORDER Ms. Amy Phillips 2. ROLL CALL Jesse Campos Steve Christensen Sherry Lancon Scott Lehrman Amy Phillips Maksim Karazhbei Isaac Marroquin Edgar Quiroz 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Regular Meeting of April 14, 2020 4. AGENDA REVIEW 5. AUDIENCE COMMENTS Ms. Amy Phillips (Written Comments) 6. CONSENT AGENDA A. Personnel Ms. Kelli York B. Warrants Mr. Kevin Hebdon 7. ACTION ITEMS A. Board Policy 5270 (NEW): Temporary Telework Assignments Ms. Sarah Thornton 8. REPORTS A. Pasco School District’s COVID-19 Response Update: Grading Approach Mrs. Michelle Whitney 9. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 10. ADJOURN
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PASCO SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 1 Board of Directors’ Regular Meeting
Tuesday, April 28, 2020 6:30 p.m. DIAL IN ACCESS: Call (669) 900-9128 Meeting ID: 867 9604 3472 Password: 573230
A G E N D A
IMPORTANT MEETING NOTICE: Pursuant to the Governor’s Proclamation No. 20-28, Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act, any public agency subject to RCW 42.30 is prohibited from meeting in person. The agency must provide, at a minimum, telephonic access and the ability for meeting attendees to hear the meeting at the same time. Therefore, the April 28, 2020 regular meeting of the board of directors will be conducted through ZOOM. Furthermore, public comments will be taken in written form only and no in-person public comments will be permitted. Public comments may be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to the Office of the Superintendent, 1215 W. Lewis Street, Pasco, WA 99301. Members of the public who wish to attend the public meeting are will need to call in to the meeting by dialing: (669) 900-9128 Meeting ID: 867 9604 3472 Password: 573230. The live audio will be streamed through the Pasco School District’s YouTube.
1. CALL TO ORDER Ms. Amy Phillips
2. ROLL CALL Jesse Campos Steve Christensen Sherry Lancon Scott Lehrman
Amy Phillips Maksim Karazhbei Isaac Marroquin Edgar Quiroz
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Regular Meeting of April 14, 2020
Pasco School District No. 1 Board of Directors’ April 14, 2020, 6:30 p.m.
C. L. Booth Education Service Center, 1215 West Lewis Street, Pasco, WA 99301M I N U T E S
CALL TO ORDER Board President Amy Phillips called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
PRESENT Board of Directors Booth Administrators Amy Phillips, President Sherry Lancon, Vice President Scott Lehrman, Member Jesse Campos, Member Steve Christensen, Member Maksim Karazhbei, Student Representative Isaac Marroquin, Student Representative Edgar Quiroz, Student Representative
Michelle Whitney, Superintendent Sarah Thornton, Assistant Superintendent Jennie Richardson, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Christensen moved to approve the minutes of the regular board meeting of March 10 and the March 13, 2020 as presented. Mr. Scott Lehrman seconded the motion; the motion carried.
Mr. Christensen – Yes Ms. Phillips – Yes
Ms. Lancon – Yes Mr. Lehrman – Yes
Mr. Campos – Yes
AGENDA REVIEW There are no additions or changes to this agenda. There will not be a request for an executive session this evening.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS Audience comments submitted via email was read aloud, available in attached Addendum I.
• Personnel• Warrants• Columbia River Elementary School Construction Change Order No. 003• Ray Reynolds Middle School Construction Change Order No. 007• Stevens Middle School Replacement Construction Change Order No. 004• Approval of the memorandum of Understanding between Franklin County Emergency
Management and Pasco School District for Emergency Response and Training
Board Meeting Minutes April 14, 2020 2
Mr. Scott Lehrman approved the consent agenda as presented. Ms. Sherry Lancon seconded the motion; the motion carried. Roll call was as followed:
Mr. Christensen – Yes Ms. Phillips – Yes
Ms. Lancon – Yes Mr. Lehrman – Yes
Mr. Campos – Yes
There were no audience comments.
ACTION ITEMS Resolution No. 986 Emergency Action and Suspension of Policy During the State of Emergency – Ms. Sarah ThorntonThe purpose of this action item is to gain Board approval of Resolution No 986 pertaining to the State of Emergency.
On February 29th, 2020, the Washington Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency in all counties of our state under Chapter 38.08, 38.52 and 43.06 RCQ and directed implementation of the plans and procedures of the state’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
On March 13, 2020, the U.S. President declared a national state of emergency and Governor Inslee ordered closure of all public and private K-12 schools in Washington State to contain the spread of COVID-19. The order has been extended through the end of the 19-20 school year.
District staff requested action by the Board of Directors on the emergency resolution as presented.
Ms. Sherry Lancon moved to approve Resolution No. 986 Emergency Action and Suspension of Policy During the State of Emergency. Mr. Steve Christensen seconded the motion; the motion carried. Roll call was as followed:
Mr. Christensen – Yes Ms. Phillips – Yes
Ms. Lancon – Yes Mr. Lehrman – Yes
Mr. Campos – Yes
Board discussion followed.
There were no audience comments.
REPORTS COVID-19 District Response Report – Mrs. Michelle Whitney The purpose of this report is to provide an update regarding the District’s response to COVID-19 and subsequent school closure. On March 17, 202 Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal issue guidance outlining the five (5) priorities for district focus during the COVID-19 emergency. The priorities should be considered with the “health and safety of your staff and communities.” The priorities include:
Board Meeting Minutes April 14, 2020 3
• Ensuring the provision of school meals• Developing plans to be a childcare provider of last resort for priority groups• Providing graduating seniors with the content they need• Continuing learning for students and professional learning• Continuing payroll for all employees
On March 23 a Stay Home Stay Healthy order was issued by Washington State Governor Jay Inslee through April 9th. On April 6th, the Stay Home Stay Healthy order was extended through May 4th and Governor Inslee along with State Superintendent Chris Reykdal announced that in-school instruction was cancelled for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.
Board discussion followed.
There were no audience comments.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS The next Board Meeting will be on April 28th, 2020. The agenda items will be determined at a later date.
ADJOURNMENT The Board of Directors adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
President of the Board Secretary of the Board
Board Meeting Minutes April 14, 2020 4
Addendum I Audience Comments
From: Ingrid Gallegos
Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2020 2:23 PM To: PSDBoard <[email protected]> Subject: Items on agenda
Hello good afternoon! Subjects I would like to be cover during the meeting.
How are teachers helping student to continue progressing with their education?
How are teachers communicating with parents to make sure the student is on track?
How come not all pasco schools not using google classroom?
Are teachers being accountable for students academic progress?
What to do when no one from the school answer your emails?
Can the kids have more variety of lunch bags. We are very grateful for everything you guys can do for us. It will make difference in the kids if they can eat something else other then wowbutter sandwich with jelly. Since the school started giving out lunches only 1 time cheese sandwich 1 time ham sandwich. Weeks after weeks it has been wowbutter sandwich.
Can the school provide school material for students at home?
Weekly packages can be done in 1 day can spectrum student receive more or different homework according to their level.?
4/10/20 – 4/23/20 Request Board approval of the following personnel actions. All salary amounts are based on the negotiated agreement between the Pasco School District and the Pasco Association of Educators.
OBJECTIVE: Obtain board approval of accounts payable warrants for 2019-2020 General, Capital Projects, Associated Student Body, and Transportation Vehicle funds. BACKGROUND: All district warrants are subject to board approval. Policy 7322 allows the district to issue accounts payable warrants in advance of board approval. In the event any claim is disapproved, the auditing officer and superintendent will cause the claim to be recognized as a receivable and pursue collection until the funds are collected or until the board approves the claim.
POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVES: N/A
PROJECTED COSTS: N/A BUDGET CODE: N/A
SUGGESTED MOTION: Warrant Date: March 19, 2020 General Fund warrants numbered 296585-296748 in the amount of $442,338.21 Capital Projects Fund warrants numbered 296749-296756 in the amount of $2,690,123.27 Associated Student Body Fund warrants numbered 296757-296761 in the amount of $13,429.08
Warrant Date: March 25, 2020 General Fund warrants numbered 296762-296860 in the amount of $590,403.64 Capital Projects Fund warrants numbered 296861-296865 in the amount of $12,143.28 Associated Student Body Fund warrants numbered 296866-296874 in the amount of $5,006.68
Warrant Date: March 31, 2020 Payroll Fund warrants numbered 296875-296883 in the amount of $10,943.49
Warrant Date: March 31, 2020 General Fund warrants numbered 296884-296930 in the amount of $11,801,326.43
Warrant Date: April 2, 2020 General Fund warrants numbered 296931-297004 in the amount of $601,286.75 Capital Projects Fund warrants numbered 297005-297015 in the amount of $1,773,408.33 Associated Student Body Fund warrants numbered 297016-297026 in the amount of $23,139.46
Warrant Date: April 16, 2020 General Fund warrants numbered 297027-297116 in the amount of $679,749.30 Capital Projects Fund warrants numbered 297117-297123 in the amount of $5,311,990.93 Associated Student Body Fund warrants numbered 297124-297137 in the amount of $14,291.03
OBJECTIVE: Board approval of proposed policy 5270, authorizing the Superintendent to make temporary teleworking assignments during an emergency, and establishing the conditions of teleworking assignments.
BACKGROUND: In accordance with the Governor’s Stay Home-Stay Healthy order and OSPI guidance for the provision of at-home learning and continuation of other district services, many district staff members have been transitioned to teleworking for some or all of their work functions.
Policy 5270 would codify the conditions for temporary teleworking assignments. The policy gives the Superintendent authority to determine when and if teleworking is necessary, and establishes that teleworking is not a benefit or entitlement in employment. The policy also establishes conditions for teleworking consistent with the principles of public accountability, and delineates responsibility for safety and confidentiality.
Because this policy is directly applicable to the current conditions of the COVID-19 emergency, immediate adoption of the policy is in the best interest of the district. As allowed by policy 1310, district staff request that the board waive first reading of the policy and take action on the policy at the board meeting on April 28, 2020.
POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVES:
PROJECTED COSTS: BUDGET CODE: SUGGESTED MOTION: I move to approve board policy 5270 as presented and without first reading because immediate adoption of the policy is in the best interest of the district.
NEXT STEPS:
PASCO SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 1 5270
PERSONNEL
Temporary Telework Assignments
To ensure continuity of operations during an emergency, the board of directors authorizes the superintendent to approve temporary teleworking assignments. For purposes of this policy, existence of such emergency is determined by the superintendent and authorization of teleworking assignments may be modified or revoked by the superintendent at any time at their discretion.
Telework is a temporary, alternative work arrangement in which part of, or all, weekly scheduled work is performed at an alternate work location. Telework is neither a benefit nor an entitlement and in no way changes the terms and conditions of employment. Positions eligible for temporary telework will be determined by Employee Services in consultation with the applicable supervisor(s).
Continuation of Operations
The assignment of qualified employees to temporary telework is a strategy that may be implemented to maintain continuity of district operations, render mutual aid to other agencies, or reduce risks to staff members during an emergency. The scope, availability, and duration of telework in an emergency is at the sole discretion of the superintendent.
Conditions of Temporary Telework Assignments
Teleworking requires, at a minimum, communication between the teleworker and the supervisor in a manner and frequency that is appropriate for the job assignments involved. Routine contact should occur to verify the teleworker is active and to resolve any problems that may arise. The employee’s district work site will remain the employee’s official duty station. The employee may be required to report to the official work site when the nature of the workload requires it.
Employees who do not accept a temporary telework assignment may be placed on leave of absence for the duration of the telework assignment. Terms of the leave of absence will conform with applicable law and policy, including whether the leave is paid or unpaid.
Pasco School District policies and procedures remain in effect while teleworking. All employees are expected to adhere to all applicable policies while performing work at the alternate work location. Under no circumstances shall employees perform work while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or controlled substances while teleworking.
The principles of public accountability must be applied in the performance of telework schedules and duties. While teleworking schedules may be flexible, teleworkers will be expected to request a leave if they wish to be absent from their alternate work location for personal reasons. Paid work time will be exclusive of personal business and activities.
Employees will be responsible for documenting time and attendance as required by the supervisor. Employees will not exceed their normal working hours in a week without prior approval of the supervisor. Overtime while teleworking is not authorized without advance approval by the supervisor.
Confidentiality
Employees are required to abide by all applicable policies, regulations, and laws governing the confidentiality of student and staff information, including paper records and electronic information. Confidential materials will not be removed from the regular work site without proper security measures taken by the employee, including protection of confidential data. The employee will take reasonable steps to protect any district-owned equipment, to ensure the confidentiality of district information, and to use district resources for district purposes only. District equipment must be properly maintained and protected from damage, theft, or cyberattack.
Safety, Liability, and Worker’s Compensation
The teleworking employee will provide and maintain a safe alternate work area that is adequate for performance of official duties. The district will not be liable for damages to the employee’s personal or real property while the employee is teleworking. The district is not liable for any injuries sustained by family members or third parties at the employee’s alternate work location.
Injuries sustained by the employee at the designated alternative work site are normally covered by worker’s compensation. The employee will immediately notify the supervisor of any accident or injury that occurs at the alternative work site and will complete any forms as required by the district. Investigation of the accident or injury may require the supervisor or district designee to inspect the premises of the alternate work site.
The employee shall act in a responsible manner to avoid injury while teleworking. Failure to take reasonable health and safety precautions will result in discontinuation of the teleworking assignment.
Cross Reference: Board Policy 1000 Legal Status and Operations 2180 Technology and Electronic Resources 3600 Student Records 4100 Confidential Communications 4411 District Relationships with Law
Enforcement and other Government Agencies
5021 Applicability of Personnel Policies 5223 Conflicts of Interest 5320 Personnel Leaves 8300 Risk Management 8301 Employee Safety 8332 Workers Compensation 8350 Privately Owned Property 8400 Data Management 8410 Records Management and Retention
Legal Reference: RCW 28A.400.030 Superintendent’s duties Ch. 28A.635 Offenses relating to school property and
personnel Ch. 40.14 Preservation and Destruction of Public
Records Ch. 42.56 Public Records Act Ch. 49.17 Washington Industrial Safety and Health
Act (WISHA) 49.51.910 Construction of chapter—Effect of existing
agreements—Collective bargaining agreement prevails where conflict
WAC 180-87 Professional Certification—Acts of Unprofessional Conduct
181-87-090 Improper remunerative conduct 32 USC Sec. 1232g Family Education Rights and Privacy Act 34 CFR, Part 99 Regulations—Family Education Rights and
OBJECTIVE: To provide an update regarding the Pasco School District’s approach to grading rules provided by OSPI as a result of the COVID19 closure.
BACKGROUND: On March 17, 2020 Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal issued guidance outlining the five (5) priorities for district focus during the COVID-19 emergency. The priorities should be considered with the “health and safety of your staff and communities.” The priorities include:
· Ensuring the provision of school meals· Developing plans to be a childcare provider of last resort for priority groups· Providing graduating seniors with the content they need· Continuing learning for students and professional learning· Continuing payroll for all employees
On March 23 a Stay home Stay Healthy order was issued by Governor Jay Inslee through April 9. On April 6 the Stay home Stay Healthy order was extended through May 4th and Governor Inslee along with State Superintendent Chris Reykdal announced that in-school instruction was cancelled for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.
On April 22, 2020 State Superintendent Chris Reykdal held a press conference releasing rules to govern grading for students who are impacted by the COVID19 closure.
POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVES:
PROJECTED COSTS: BUDGET CODE:
SUGGESTED MOTION:
NEXT STEPS:
This document is designed to provide a high-level overview by highlight excerpts from OSPI’s Students Learning and Grading Guidance document. The guidance and rules established by OSPI underpin Pasco School District’s approach to grading during the COVID-19 closure.
Introduction
Every aspect of our American experience has been impacted by the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. Around the world, 1.6 billion students are out of “traditional” school, including 53 million U.S.students; 1.1 million of whom are Washington state public school students. We are not alone,and we are not losing ground to other nations or other states—the entire planet is facing thiscrisis. (OSPI Student Learning and Grading Guidance, April 21, 2020. pg. ii)
This is a time of learning and transition for educators, for families, and for the 1.1 million public school students across our state. We are facing unprecedented challenges, identifying solutions, and engaging flexibly as the uncertainty around the pandemic continues. When making these decisions, the agency has considered both the immediate and the long-term implications for instruction and for learning statewide. (OSPI Student Learning and Grading Guidance, April 21, 2020, pg. 13)
This guidance and subsequent rule adoption will focus on the following framework:
1. Students in grades K–8 will be challenged to demonstrate effort and success in learningstandards established by their teachers. Students will move on to the next grade, unless bymutual agreement between parents/guardians and teachers they agree to repeat a grade ora portion of learning missed. Districts will retain complete decision-making on middle schoolgrading practices for students not taking high school credit-bearing courses.
2. Grades 9–12 and middle school students taking credit-bearing high school level work will begraded using the following principles:
a. Do no harm!
b. Every student will get an opportunity to improve their grade with their March 17status as a baseline.
c. No student will receive a “pass,” “fail,” or “no credit” grade for any course.
d. Teachers will assign grades or assign an “incomplete” for students that cannotengage in an equitable way.
e. Every class taken during the closure period will be given a statewide designator onthe high school transcript to demote the unique environment in which the coursewas taken.
f. Students assigned an “incomplete” for a course will be given opportunities to re-engage in the learning standards based on local school district decisions inconsultation with the student/parents/guardians, including but not limited to:
i. Summer school,ii. Courses in the following term or year,iii. Independent study,iv. Competency-based courses,v. Online courses, orvi. Backfilling the incomplete grade with the letter grade obtained in the next
course taken in that subject area.
g. All students will be given an opportunity to engage in continuous learning tomaintain or improve their mastery of essential standards.
This statewide framework will create more consistency across the state, but districts will still decide which letter grade system to use. However, “F’s” will not be an option. This is a very complex problem…(OSPI Student Learning and Grading Guidance, April 21, 2020, pg. iv)
EMERGENCY RULEMAKING The Superintendent of Public Instruction will adopt emergency rules that will require school districts to continue using grades to assess student learning for the purpose of high school credit-bearing courses for the last semester or trimester of the 2019–20 school year. The rules prohibit a binary pass/no-credit system, and they prohibit failing grades from being issued to students.
Several state statutes authorize OSPI to adopt the emergency rules, including RCW 28A.150.290(2) (OSPI can set the terms and conditions for allowing a school district to receive state basic education moneys when school facilities are closed due to an epidemic), RCW 28A.230.100 (OSPI may grant temporary exemptions from and special alterations to course requirements), and RCW 28A.230.125 (OSPI must develop a standardized high school transcript for the use of all public school districts).
As part of a school district’s continuous learning efforts, school districts should proceed in a manner which causes no harm to students in terms of grading. Throughout the school facility closure, OSPI has committed to three primary principles: compassion, communication, and common sense. These decisions and guidance for student learning and grading are grounded in equity, fairness, and accuracy.
Local determinations must be consistent with the following principles:
• Do no harm. Student grades will not be negatively impacted as a result of the March 17building closures or of continuous learning through the end of the 2019–20 school year.
• Districts will continue using grades as a means of communicating student progress anddetermining high school credit (RCW 28A.150.240). However, no student will receive afailing grade for any class during the COVID-19 closure period.
• Districts are obligated to provide students multiple opportunities to demonstrate theirproficiency in order to earn a passing grade. Districts can consider awarding anIncomplete (I) to students not on track for course completion or not yet proficient duringthe period of March 17 through the end of the 2019–20 school year. In such instances, aplan for course completion should be developed and followed.
• Attendance will not be a factor when determining student grades (RCW 28A.600.030).Districts will be expected to take attendance consistent with their continuous learningplan; however, attendance will not be a factor when determining student grades or as acondition of receiving apportionment.
• Districts, teachers, and principals determine which Washington State Student LearningStandards, skills, and knowledge are most essential for success in the next course,content, or grade level for the remainder of the 2019–20 school year. Learning will bedifferent, and content will have to be pared back and adjusted.
• Teachers will continue with their responsibility to evaluate and communicate studenteducational growth and progress to families and to administrators on a periodic basis(RCW 28A.150.240).
• All transcripts for a grading term, semester, quarter, or trimester that included closuredays in the 2019–20 school year due to the COVID-19 emergency will have a COVID-19designation.
• School districts should not hold students and families accountable for truancy rulesthrough the end of the 2019–20 school year.
• Competency-based credit as adopted by school boards are not affected by thisemergency rule.
Any determinations that rely on the professional judgment of the building principal or designee in determining whether or not a credit meets the district's standards for recognition and acceptance of a credit must be consistent with the principles above. (OSPI Student Learning and Grading Guidance, April 21, 2020, pg. 16)
Required by Emergency Rule Local Flexibility
Districts must identify essential standards, skills, and knowledge for success in the next course content or grade level.
Districts determine which essential standards are needed for the next grade level or course and the process through which those standards are identified
Must use a locally determined letter grade or numerical standards-based (1–4) grading system which will not include “F”
Districts may determine the letter grades or numerical decision (e.g., A, B, C, Incomplete; or A, B, Incomplete; or 4, 3, 2, Incomplete, etc.)
Must provide feedback from teachers for students to improve their proficiency and grades
Identify Incomplete or Not Proficient to determine whether a student needs more support before moving to the next grade level or course
Implement Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 accommodations
Determine how spring 2020 student learning and grading will impact grade level and course placement for the upcoming 2020–21 school year.
Districts determine how non-credit-bearing K–8 courses will be graded
Equity is First Education policies, practices, and decisions impact students. Washington’s decisions on student learning and grading should lessen, not ignore or worsen, disparities. A lack of uniformity (on student learning and grading) will harm historically underserved students and families. Students and families do not have universal access to technology and supports. Students and families are experiencing an unprecedented pandemic, which may impact their mental, physical, and emotional health and create trauma. School buildings act as a leveling factor for many students. School districts are responsible for monitoring the impact of decisions on individual student groups.
Communication is Key Student learning and grading necessarily involves families whether school facilities are open or closed. Decisions need to be transparent and communicated effectively to families as partners in student success. Avoid jargon and focus instead on describing recommended practices and behaviors.
All are Learning For the remainder of the 2019–20 school year, students, families, and educators will all be learning together. Grades communicate student progress on content standards and how students are acquiring the skills and knowledge that are most essential for success in the next course, content area, grade level, or pursuit. (OSPI Student Learning and Grading Guidance, April 21, 2020, pg. 7-8)
