Fall 2014 SLATE - Idaho School Boards Association

FALL 2014

Board Development and the Annual Convention - Pg. 7

A Publication of the Idaho

School Boards Association

2 SLATE / Volume 32 / Fall 2014

2 SLATE

3SLATE / Volume 32 / Fall 2014

3SLATE

ISBA Annual Convention• How to Make the Most of Your Annual

Convention Experience - 20• Early Bird and Night Owl Workshops - 23• Workshops - 24• Agenda At-A-Glance - 25• Annual Business Session - 44

More at www.idsba.org/convention

table of contents

in every issue featuresPresident’s Message ....................................................................... 7Board Development Funding and the Annual Convention

Public Instruction .............................................................................8Advanced Opportunities: Widening the On Ramp for College and Career in Idaho

Ask ISBA ...................................................................................................9Quorums and Vacancies

State Board of Education .........................................................10

New Web Portal Helps Students Navigate Credit Transfer

Safety Notes .......................................................................................12

The ISBA Insurance Plan Welcomes New Underwriter

Statistic of the Quarter ..............................................................13

Student Homelessness

Policy Update News ......................................................................14

Administrative Rules

Distinguished Students of the Year .................................17

Mikaela Jensen, Erik Nordquist, McKayla Fahlenkamp, and Kyle Ashby

NEW! The Last Word ....................................................................47

ISBA is Invested in Your Board Development

Reimbursable Training: Your Questions Answered .......................................................26

Following Ethical Standards .................................................30

ISBA Scholarship Recipients ................................................... 31

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy ............................................................32

Meet the Newest ISBA Board Trainers ..........................34

Strategic Planning - What Comes After We Write Our Plan? ........................36

Advocacy and Accountability: Think Alignment! ...40

28

41

30

20

47


Todd WellsISBA PresidentPresident’s Message

Tom LunaSuperintendent of Public InstructionPublic Instruction

Emma AtchleyPresident, State Board of EducationFrom the State Board of Education

Allan RanstromMoreton & CompanySafety Notes

Jessica HarrisonIdaho School Boards AssociationPolicy Update News

Misty SwansonISBA Associate Executive DirectorHow to Make the Most of Your Annual Convention Experience

Karen EcheverriaISBA Executive DirectorThe Last Word

magazine Idaho School Boards AssociationExecutive Committee Board Officers & Executive DirectorExecutive Board Region Representatives, Board Officers, & Executive Director

Executive Board OfficersPresident Todd Wells, Castleford Joint SD #417President-Elect vacantVice President John Menter, Troy SD #287Imm. Past President Anne Ritter, West Ada Joint SD #002

Regional RepresentativesRegion I Reps Archie McGregor, St. Maries Joint SD #041 Tom Hearn, Coeur d’Alene SD #271

Region II Reps Kim Campbell, Moscow SD #281 Jennifer Parkins, Genesee Joint SD #282

Region III Reps Juan (Mike) Vuittonet, West Ada Joint SD #002 Jason Knopp, Melba Joint SD #136

Region IV Reps Dane Higdem, Kimberly SD #414 Lisa Knudson, Castleford Jt. SD #417

Region V Reps James (Jim) Stoor, Soda Springs Joint SD #150 Janie Gebhardt, Pocatello SD #025

Region VI Reps Nancy Arnold, Teton County SD #401 Amy Landers, Bonneville Jt. SD #093

Region VII Reps Eric Jenson, South Lemhi SD #292 Michelle Zettel, Challis Jt. SD #181

Region VIII Reps Margaret (Marg) Chipman, Weiser SD #431 Barbara Dixon, Meadows Valley SD #011

ISBA StaffExecutive Director Karen EcheverriaAssociate Executive Director Misty SwansonPolicy & Government Affairs Director Jessica HarrisonOffice & Finance Coordinator Kristi ToolsonBoard Training Coordinator Krissy LaMontResearch & Policy Coordinator April HoyGraphics & Marketing Coordinator Rochelle Adams

facebook.com/IdahoSchoolBoardsAssociation

@ IDSchoolBoardsA

www.idsba.org

Check your in-box each Monday morning!

connectedstay calendarISBA

Subscription to the SLATE, published four 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.

Fall Executive Board MeetingSeptember 12-13

Fall Region MeetingsSeptember 12 - Oct. 1 see back cover

2014 ISBA Annual ConventionNovember 12-14 see pgs. 18-25, 44-45

Editorial Office

P.O. Box 9797 Boise, ID 83707-4797

222 N. 13th Street Boise, ID 83702

Phone: (208) 854-1476

Toll-Free: (866) 799-4722

Fax: (208) 854-1480

Online: www.idsba.org


1. REGISTER for the ISBA Annual Convention before September 30th for the best rate.

2. RESERVE a hotel room right away, but not later than October 15th, to take advantage of the special room rate at The Riverside Hotel. Call (208) 343-1871 and ask for the ISBA Room Block.

3. ANTICIPATE how you will use the information and insight from the Convention to engage your community and/or improve student achievement. Plan to take notes and engage in discussions accordingly.

ISBA ANNUAL CONVENTION TO-DO LIST

NOV

WELCOME BACK TO

SCHOOL!

STAND UP 4 IDAHO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

STAND UP 4 PUBLIC SCHOOLS

“Education is not a problem. Education is an opportunity.”

Lyndon B. Johnson

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

How can you Stand Up 4 Idaho Public Schools? Demonstrate loyalty and pride, and celebrate both the big and small things.

We are honored to announce that former astronaut and educator Barbara Morgan has agreed to join our “Stand Up 4 Public Schools” national campaign. In our introductory conversation, Barbara described public schools as “the foundation of our democracy,” and expressed her full engagement in helping to “boost the conversation around public education.”

Lisa BusheyNational School Boards Association

Scholarships

Each year at the ISBA Annual Convention, the Idaho School Boards Association Scholarship Trust hosts the Scholarship Auction. Individuals from around the State donate items to be auctioned off. The proceeds are awarded as scholarships, to the children and grandchildren of current or former Idaho school board members. See the 2014 winners on page 35.

5SLATE

www.standup4publicschools.org


© NSBA

Who I am today began

with public education.

Great thinGs happen at public schools


Learn more at

I developed a strong work ethic at home in Lansing, Mich.

My father was an assembly worker and my mother was

a school custodian. I developed my mind and body

at public school—that’s where the “Magic” began.

Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Jr.

© NSBA


Who I am today began with

public education.

Learn more at

Salman Khan Founder, Khan academy

Khan academy is on a mission to provide a free world-class education for anyone, anywhere

Great thinGs happen at public schools.

© NSBA



public education.

Learn more at




Sponsored by the Idaho School Boards Association


7SLATE

© NSBA

Who I am today began

with public education.

Great thinGs happen at public schools


Learn more at

I developed a strong work ethic at home in Lansing, Mich.

My father was an assembly worker and my mother was

a school custodian. I developed my mind and body

at public school—that’s where the “Magic” began.

Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Jr.

president’s message

e are nearly through summer and hopefully you’ve enjoyed the ‘easy’ life of dog days

of summer — a time for vacations, camping, picnics, and all sorts of other fun activities. As school board members, we also can’t forget about preparing for the new school year, returning students and staff, the ongoing development of strategic plans, budgets and audits, and the list continues. In retrospect, I guess that the ‘easy’ life and dog days of summer aren’t always what they are cracked up to be.

By now, you have had the opportunity to consider options of how best to utilize the funds provided by the State for professional board development and strategic plan development. The ISBA has developed professional development packages that will best fit your district’s or charter’s needs through a variety of options. Hopefully, as boards, you have already discussed and thoroughly considered what is best for your district or charter. If questions remain, I encourage you to contact the office so staff can assist you in making sure all your questions are answered.

Of the package options available, help in developing or improving the district’s or charter’s strategic plan has garnered a lot of interest. As we look forward to another school year and work towards the ongoing development and utilization of our strategic plans, I encourage you to use it as an opportunity to improve not only your districts, but also your boards.

The ability to prepay for board trainings is also of interest to many districts, as are

prepaid Early Bird Workshop and Night Owl Workshop registrations. The State funds apportioned to districts can be utilized for any and all of these options.

As we look forward to the Fall and consider our own professional development as Board members, I encourage you to consider, as a board, the importance of the Annual Convention. The Convention will be held November 12-14 in Boise. If you are a veteran of past Conventions, you already realize the opportunities that exist for board member and full board development; if you are a new Trustee or haven’t had the opportunity to attend the Convention, I encourage you to make time and funds available for attendance. There truly is something for everyone.

One of the most important features of the Convention is the Business Session that occurs in conjunction with the Convention. It is important to note that while the meeting coincides with the Convention, it is not part of the Convention. This distinction is important because a district or Trustee does not have to attend the Convention in order to attend the meeting.

I am in no way suggesting that all of the benefits of the Convention are outweighed by the cost of Convention registrations, but districts that may be struggling financially can still have a voice during the Business Session. Additionally, districts may opt to send only certain Trustees to the Convention, but have all Trustees can attend the Business Session at no further registration cost. The Business Session is scheduled for Friday morning, November 14th.

The important thing is that the leaders you elected to the Executive Board want your direction. That direction is initially given to the Board through the development and passage of resolutions, which occurs during this meeting. If your district is not represented, your voice is not represented.

Last year, our Executive Director, Karen Echeverria, published several articles on the resolution process. If you are not familiar with the process or are looking for a refresher course, I would encourage you to review those articles.

I hope reading this your has piqued your interest enough for you to consider your options for the professional development funds from the State. Hopefully you realize the importance of your attendance at the Annual Convention and most importantly at the Annual Business Session. In the meantime, I hope that you find a multitude of ways to enjoy any free time you have remaining in your schedule!

Board Development Fundingand the Annual Convention

BY TODD WELLSISBA President

© NSBA



public education.

Learn more at




The Resolution ProcessLearn more at www.idsba.org/ convention/business-session

Part 1: How Does ISBA Establish the Legislative Platform?

Part 2: Voting on Resolutions

Part 3: How Resolutions Become Legislation

Part 4: What happens when we are successful and a resolution becomes law?


Widening the On Ramp for College and Career in Idaho

ADVANCED OPPORTUNITIES:

BY TOM LUNASuperintendent of Public Instruction

8 SLATE public instruction

Students from across the great State of Idaho, Boise to Bonneville, Wallace to Weiser have access to a multitude of programs,

offered through the State Department of Education, that allow them to get a jump start on their postsecondary education. Advanced opportunity programs such as Fast Forward, 8 in 6, Dual Credit for Early Completers, and the Mastery Advancement Program are in place to support the State Board of Education’s goal for 60 percent of Idahoans between the ages of 25 and 34 to earn a postsecondary degree or credential by the year 2020, a goal that’s good for students, and good for Idaho.

Beginning this fall, high school students attending public schools across the Gem State will have access to new funding to help cover the costs of college-level courses and to help pay for professional-technical certification exams and college credit-bearing exams while in high school. It’s called the Fast Forward program. During the 2014 Legislative Session, the Idaho Legislature passed Senate Bill 1233, which approved funds to cover up to 75% of the cost of these courses and exams.

This new program builds on the progress we have already made to ensure every Idaho student not only graduates from high school but goes on and does not need remediation once they get there. Today, we have a number of options for students to choose from as they work to prepare themselves to pursue education after high school and to reduce the cost of earning a degree or certificate.

Whether they want to earn college credit while they are still in high school or graduate early, we are making these opportunities available to all of Idaho’s public school students, no matter where they live or go to school.

Every high school junior attending one of Idaho’s public high schools may access up to $200 a year. Every high school senior may access up to $400. One way students can take advantage of the Fast Forward program is by enrolling in dual credit courses. Not only does that give Idaho students a jump on college, it also better prepares them for college coursework. There’s a course for everyone interested in dual credit, from

anatomy and physiology to trigonometry and physical education. Every student has the opportunity to get ahead. The key to making the most of dual credit is intentional advising. Students with clear postsecondary goals are best equipped to assure the dual credits they earn contribute to a degree or certificate. It is critical that students carefully plan their postsecondary goals, discuss these with their parents and school counselor, and base decisions on an individual learning plan.

Students can also start preparing for their career by using funds from Fast Forward to take a certification exam or college credit-bearing exam. Many


9SLATEask isba 9

Our district has a question

regarding quorums and

vacancies. We have a vacant seat

on our board and are wondering

if this will affect the quorum.

Does the quorum count the total

number of seats available even

if they are vacant or is a quorum

the majority of members not

counting the vacancies?

Question:

Answer: According to Section 33-510, Idaho Code “a quorum shall consist of a majority of members of the board”. The votes are also determined by a majority of the vote cast (from the quorum of those present at the meeting).

In regard to vacancies on the board, ISBA counsel considers a quorum of the board to be three (3) board members on a five (5) member board and four (4) board members on a seven (7) member board and two (2) board members on the three (3) member board. So, if the board were to go below the quorum level through vacancies, the remaining members of the board would not have a quorum to vote in a new appointed member.

ISBA receives questions from Trustees, superintendents, clerks, and other school district officials on a variety of topics. To help others learn from these questions and answers, previous questions and answers are archived online at www.idsba.org/node/113.

You may submit your question at www.idsba.org/node/91. Your name will remain confidential.

students choose to bank college credits during high school by taking college credit-bearing exams such as Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate. Other students will choose to get a head start on their career with a certification exam, becoming a certified nurse’s assistant, welder, or graphic designer. Often these certifications are required when students enter the labor force and are asked to provide proof of skill to future employers.

It’s easy for parents and students to learn more about Idaho’s Advanced Opportunities programs. Students are encouraged to talk to their school counselor about any programs they’re interested in. The SDE is working with districts and public charter schools throughout the State to maximize advanced opportunities for their students. From increasing flexibility in course offerings to establishing policy and protocol; Idaho schools are rethinking how to best serve students in light of these new resources designed to cultivate continued learning beyond high school. As schools develop tools to support the implementation of advanced opportunities, the SDE will collect examples of these best practices and provide them through the advanced opportunities toolkit, along with webinars, frequently asked questions, and guidance available on our website: www.sde.idaho.gov.

Two simple pieces of advice will prepare students taking advantage of Idaho’s Advanced Opportunities for success: 1.) Choose a path of study and stick to it. General university requirements are a good place to start. Taking dual credit courses unrelated to postsecondary requirements will result in misused time, money, and effort. 2.) Students must commit to doing their best work in dual credit courses because the grades they’ll earn

impact both high school and college transcripts.

By providing more advanced opportunities across the State, we can ensure every student has equal access to the best educational opportunities, no matter where they live or go to school. Students now have the option to complete state high school graduation requirements early and earn a scholarship toward higher education or stay in high school and begin their college or professional-technical education. Student-centered programs like Fast Forward, 8 in 6, Dual Credit for Early Completers, and the Mastery Advancement Program are available today to empower every high school student to get a jumpstart on their future.


10 SLATE state board of education

New Web Portal Helps Students Navigate Credit Transfer

BY EMMA ATCHLEYPresident, State Board of Education

Helping high school and college students chart a course for pursuing and completing a postsecondary degree or certificate continues to be a top priority for the State

Board of Education. One of the most common complaints we hear is how difficult it is for students to transfer credits from one public higher education institution to another. I’m happy to report that we’ve made progress toward addressing that issue.

We know that as many as 60 percent of all students will transfer at least once while pursuing a degree or certificate, and “swirling,” or multiple transfers among institutions is becoming more common. In order to support students as they explore options for continuing and finishing their college education, one of the initiatives under the Board’s Complete College Idaho Plan focuses on communicating strong, clear, and guaranteed statewide matriculation and transfer options to students. As part of this initiative, the SBOE partnered with the Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA) to create a state-level student success web portal with clearly articulated pathways to certificates/degrees and a course equivalency guide focused on multi-institution transfer and matriculation.

This new tool, which can be found at www.idtransfer.org, helps students identify pathways to certificates and degrees and to understand matriculation and transfer options across the

public higher education institutions. Development of the Web Portal involved representatives from each of the eight public higher education institutions along with staff from the State Department and State Board of Education.

The website focuses on two groups of students – college students and high school students. It helps high school students understand how dual credit courses transfer to an Idaho college and helps college students see how credits at one institution

will transfer to another. In addition, the portal contains college planning information and links to helpful resources on each of the colleges’ websites. Currently, the information is limited to Idaho’s public institutions; however, SBOE staff and IDLA are exploring the possibility of adding some of the not-for-profit institutions to the portal.

A second phase of work on the portal is already underway to provide additional information to high school students and parents regarding advanced opportunities including dual credit,

advanced placement, and professional-technical courses.

Emma Atchley is the current president of the Idaho State Board of Education. She is a former teacher and served as a Trustee of the Fremont County Joint School District. Emma makes her home in Ashton.


11SLATE

Two New Members Named to BoardGovernor C.L. “Butch” Otter has appointed Dr. David Hill of Boise and Debbie Critchfield of Oakley to fill vacancies on the State Board of Education.

Hill, a retired executive vice president of the Battelle Energy Alliance and deputy director for science and technology at the Idaho National Laboratory, replaces Milford Terrell of Boise on the eight-member Board of Education. Terrell resigned June 30 from his third term on the Board. Hill will complete that term, which runs until March 2017.

Critchfield, a former member and chairman of the Cassia County School Board and an active community education leader, replaces Ken Edmunds on the Board of Education. Edmunds, then living in Twin Falls, resigned in November 2013 when Governor Otter made him director of the Idaho Department of Labor. Critchfield’s term runs until March 2018.

Guidance on Strategic Planning Training RequirementAn Administrative Rule and guidelines are now available to assist districts seeking professional development in strategic planning, ethics, governance, finance, and administrator evaluation. Legislation passed last year requires that districts engage in continuous process improvement through strategic planning and also provides reimbursement for the training up to $2,000 if a district uses a qualified trainer. A list of qualified trainers, the administrative rule, and the guidelines for training are available on the SBOE’s website at www.boardofed.idaho.gov.

Model Policy on Student Privacy and Data Protection The Data Management Council, established by the SBOE to make recommendations on the oversight and development of Idaho’s Statewide Longitudinal Data System (SLDS) and to oversee the creation, maintenance, and usage of the system, has developed a model policy on student privacy and data protection for school districts. Legislation passed this year requires each school district and public charter school to adopt and implement a policy that establishes procedures for collecting, using, and sharing student information. The model policy is available on at www.boardofed.idaho.gov.

UPDATES FROM THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Charles Shackett

Randy Schrader

bONNEVILLE

sCHOOL dISTRICT

gARDEN vALLEY

sCHOOL dISTRICT

Bonneville School District superintendent, Charles Shackett, was named Idaho’s 2014 Superintendent of the Year.

The award is given annual by the Idaho School Superintendents’ Association (ISSA) to recognize an outstanding individual who is on the frontier of educational leadership in the State. In cooperation with the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), this recognition program is dedicated to the potential and promise of public education in our democracy - that all children have access to a quality education, and that the riches and advantages of education benefit every child.

Garden Valley School District Superintendent, Randy Schrader, was awarded the 2014 District Leadership Award.

The Idaho School Superintendents’ Association sponsors the District Leadership Award. The purpose of this award is to recognize practicing Idaho Superintendents or Assistant Superintendents who have modeled positive effects in promoting public school education in the state of Idaho. The award recipient must have at least three years experience as a superintendent or assistant superintendent in Idaho.

2014 Superintendent of the year

2014 District Leadership Award


12 SLATE safety notes

Moreton & Company helped ISBA create the ISBA Insurance Plan in 1984. One of the basic philosophies of the program has been to carefully choose insurance

companies that are committed to Idaho schools in the long run. In keeping with that philosophy, the program has had only two primary insurance companies in the past 30 years.

Effective July 1st, a decision was reached by Moreton & Company and ISBA to select ICRMP as the primary underwriter for the ISBA Insurance Plan. We are excited about the change and the added benefits for Idaho public schools.

With headquarters in Boise, ICRMP provides liability and property insurance for most local governments in Idaho. Cities, counties, community colleges, and other special districts are among the local governments ICRMP underwrites. ICRMP is a public entity that is both a Joint Powers Authority and a state regulated insurer. Founded collectively in 1985 by Idaho counties, ICRMP is a direct result of Idaho local governments collaborating to address a critical need for specialized insurance and risk management services. Over the last decade, ICRMP has established itself as a financially sound organization and is currently the trusted underwriter of over 800 units of local government statewide.

This change in underwriters offers many opportunities to improve coverage and service for Idaho schools. ICRMP has a deep understanding of Idaho courts and offers the advantage of claims adjusters located here in Idaho.

Just as important, there are many things about the ISBA Insurance Plan that will not change including:

• The expert staff at Moreton & Company will continue to help schools meet their insurance and risk management challenges.

• Brian Julian and Amy White of Anderson, Julian & Hull will continue to provide most of the legal defense work.

• A dividend program will continue to be available based upon the claims experience of the participants.

So, we welcome ICRMP and look forward to many more years of serving the members of ISBA.

ISBA has recently provided the Summer 2014 Policy Update Service Release to subscribing Policy Update Service members. The Release includes updates to policies based law and rule changes including board member spouse employment, classified staff grievances, evaluations, the code of ethics for educators, and student data privacy and security among others.

The ISBA Insurance PlanWelcomes a New Underwriter

For more information about the ISBA Insurance Plan please contact Allan Ranstrom (208) 321-2001 or [email protected].

BY ALLAN RANSTROMMoreton & Company

Contact Jessica Harrison at the ISBA Office for more info

Members of the Policy Update Service receive:• A contact to assist your school in developing a policy in any area.

• Four releases per year of all newly developed and revised policies.

• Policies coded for placement in your school’s policy manual.

• Policies that contain any applicable statutory or procedural references.

• Citations of statutes and court decisions which provide a reference tool for policymakers.

• A resource to answer your policy questions and help guide you through policy adoption.

POLICY UPDATE RELEASE


13SLATEstatistic of the quarter

During the 2012-2013 school year 6,118 students attending Idaho public schools were homeless.

This includes students who:• Were staying in someone else’s

home due to economic hardship; • Were staying at a hotel or motel;• Were staying in shelters, transitional

housing, or were awaiting foster

care placement; or• Had no shelter, and slept in places

like cars, parks, and abandoned buildings.

The number of homeless students in Idaho rose dramatically between the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 school years as the State Department of Education

improved its system for tracking the number of homeless students. The challenge of meeting the needs of students with no stable place to sleep, study, or complete their homework is formidable. Districts and charter schools must serve these students despite sometimes patchy education records, provide transportation to allow them to

remain at their school even if they are forced to seek shelter outside the district, and ensure that they are not stigmatized for being homeless. Improved data collection methods may help individual districts and charter schools, as well as the State as a whole, to gain a clearer view of how many students are impacted by homelessness and may need extra help to achieve the academic excellence we strive for all students to attain.

1 “Cumulative Homeless Education Data by District.” Idaho State Department of Education, 2013, http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/homeless_edu/data.htm.2 “2012-2013 Fall Enrollment: Enrollment Summary.” Idaho State Department of Education, 2014, http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/statistics/fall_enrollment.htm.3 “Best Practices in Homeless Education: Determining Eligibility for Rights and Services Under the McKinney-Vento Act.” National Center for Homeless Education at SERVE & Department of Education, 2012 http://center.serve.org/nche/downloads/briefs/det_elig.pdf p.1.4 Saunders, Emilie Ritter. “Idaho Lands on Top 10 List for Increase in Homeless Students.” Boise State Public Radio, December 13, 2013, http://boisestatepublicradio.org/post/idaho-lands-top-10-list-increase-homeless-students 5 http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/homeless_edu/law.htm.

Student Homelessness

Over 2% of students attending Idaho public schools are homeless.


14 SLATE policy update news

As the scope and complexity of public policy issues such as education increase, legislatures have difficulty keeping abreast of the need to adopt and amend legislation. Furthermore, the slow and cumbersome nature of the legislative process necessitates that government increasingly rely on administrative agencies to carry out its work. To this end, the Idaho Legislature has delegated authority to certain executive agencies to “fill in the blanks” and “flesh out” the legislation it passes through the promulgation of administrative rules. In the education arena, those executive agencies are the State Board of Education (State Board) and the State Department of Education (State Department).

Legal Authority for RulemakingArticle 9 of the Idaho Constitution has two very pertinent sections for education in Idaho. Section 1 directs the Legislature “to establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools” and Section 2 gives the State Board the responsibility for the general supervision of the state educational institutions. Additionally, Section 33-116, Idaho Code establishes that “all school districts in Idaho, including specially chartered school districts, shall be under the supervision and control of the State Board”. Finally, Section 33-125, Idaho Code established the State Department as an executive agency of the State Board responsible for carrying out policies, procedures, and duties authorized by law or by the State Board.

Pursuant to its statutory authority, the State Board can promulgate administrative rules pertaining to K-12 education based upon legislation. State Board staff will also occasionally, depending on legislative or State Board directive, draft rules that go before the State Board for approval. Although the State Board is responsible for ensuring that its policies, procedures, and the laws are followed, it does not participate in the details of the actual rule drafting. The State Board has the authority to adopt, amend, or reject all rules promulgated by the State Department or its own staff. The State Board has adopted the rulemaking process found in the Idaho Administrative Procedures Act as well as the Idaho Rules of Administrative Procedure of the Attorney General, IDAPA 04.11.01 et seq.

POLICY UPDATEBY JESSICA HARRISONPolicy & Government Affairs Director

NEWSADMINISTRATIVE RULES

• Proposed rule means a rule published in the Administrative Bulletin that is being proposed for adoption by the agency.

• Pending rule means a rule that has been adopted by an agency (the State Board) under the regular rulemaking process which remains subject to legislative review.

• Temporary rule means a rule authorized by the Governor to become immediately effective before it has been submitted to the Legislature for review.

• Final rule means a rule that has been adopted by an agency under the regular rulemaking process, reviewed by the Legislature, and is in effect.

TYPES OF RULES

An often overlooked, but very important component of school district policy making is the administrative rules that carry the force and effect of law and contain much of the detail on the legislative requirements imposed on schools.


15SLATEpolicy update news

The Rulemaking Process: The AgencyThe process for making a rule (or rules) is lengthy, but reveals much about the checks and balances in place to ensure that the State Department is following both legislative and State Board intent. All rules are published in The Idaho Administrative Bulletin (Bulletin). The Bulletin is an important document for State agencies and local school districts that will be discussed in further detail below. The following are the steps in the rulemaking process:

• Negotiated Rulemaking: The State Department may, but is not required to, publish a Notice of Intent to Promulgate Rules in the Bulletin This process is used when the agency wishes to negotiate the content of the rule. One or more meetings are scheduled with the affected stakeholders. At those meetings, the stakeholders and the State Department craft the content of the rule.

• Proposed Rulemaking: The State Department staff submits the proposed rule to the State Board for their review and approval. Once the State Board approves the rule, it is submitted for publication. The first required step in the rulemaking process is to publish the proposed rule. The purpose of the proposed rule is to allow a timeframe and forum for those affected by the rule to provide comments. The State Department must provide a comment period of no less than twenty-one (21) days after the date of publication in the Bulletin to gather input from schools, the public, and other interested parties. During this time the State Department may also hold hearings, either in person or telephonically, to allow stakeholders to provide verbal comments.

At the same time the rule is submitted to the Administrative Rules Coordinator, the rule is also submitted to the Legislative Services Office (LSO). After LSO staff reviews

the rule and offers comments, the rule is then forwarded to the legislative germane joint subcommittee to afford them the opportunity to submit data, comments, or arguments in writing to the State Board.

• Temporary Rulemaking: Temporary Rulemaking can only be done if it has been authorized by the Governor. Temporary rules are usually done at the same time as the proposed rule. In addition, there are certain set criteria under which the Governor can approve a temporary rule. A temporary rule goes into effect immediately. In reality, the vast majority of rules are temporary. It can take in excess of one year to fully promulgate a rule. Most agencies and stakeholders want a rule to be in place before that timeframe. As such, the agency will adopt a temporary rule. That rule will remain in place until the rule has been fully promulgated.

• Agency Review: After the comment period closes, the State Department reviews any comments that have been submitted. The State Department may or may not make amendments to the rule based on the comments that were received. It is important to note that the State Department is not required to make amendments, only to review the comments.

• Pending Rule: This is the second required step in the process. The State Department must, once again, present the rule to the State Board for their approval. At that meeting, State Department staff will provide the State Board with a synopsis of the comments that were received and why they are or are not suggesting amendments. Once the State Board has approved the Pending Rule, the full text of the rule is, once again, published in the Administrative Bulletin.

• Amended Temporary Rule: It is important to note that the State

“Awareness and understanding of

the administrative rules currently

in place, as well as what rules are

being considered for future adoption,

are critically important to

school district local governance

policymaking.”

Department may also amend the temporary rule as well as the proposed rule. If that is the case, the rule would be published as a Pending and Amended Temporary rule.

The Rulemaking Process: Legislative ReviewDuring the legislative session, and periodically throughout the year through subcommittees, the Legislature reviews the pending and temporary rules and either approves or rejects them. If the Legislature adopts the rule, it is in full force and effect and becomes a final rule, effective at the end of the legislative session. It would be at this time that the temporary or amended temporary rule would cease to exist. If the Legislature rejects the rule, it has no effect and the process must start over. The legislative review process is in place in order to ensure that both the State Department and the State Board conform to the legislative intent of the laws the Legislature passes.


16 SLATE policy update news 16 SLATE

IS YOUR DISTRICT’S POLICY MANUAL OUT OF DATE? Are you worried that your manual may not be in compliance with state

and federal law? The task of updating an out of date policy manual is

daunting. ISBA’s Policy Rewrite Service Can Help! ISBA staff will bring

your policy manual into legal compliance and guide you through the

murky waters of policy making. We have several options available

through our Policy Rewrite Service to help districts, including an option

that allows you to keep local content specific to your district.

PO Box 9797Boise, ID 83707-4797

phone (866) 799-4722fax (208) 854-1480

web www.idsba.orgemail [email protected]

CONTACT JESSICA HARRISONDirector of Policy & Government Affairs, Idaho School Boards Association

Why Rules are Important to Local District PolicymakingAwareness and understanding of the administrative rules currently in place, as well as what rules are being considered for future adoption, are critically important to school district local governance policymaking. Administrative rules generally contain the details of the requirements placed on local school districts by the Legislature. For example, the vast majority of the requirements for local district teacher and principal evaluations, including what must be included in the district’s evaluation policies, are found not in statute, but in administrative rule. Thus, if district policymakers only reference and/or examine the relevant statutes that reference employee evaluations, their local evaluation policies and procedures would not meet the requirements found in the administrative rules, which are quite detailed.

The best way to keep apprised of all of the happenings with administrative rules is to assign a staff member to review the Administrative Bulletin on a monthly basis. The Idaho Administrative Bulletin is a compilation of all administrative rulemaking documents in Idaho, executive orders of the Governor, and other documents required by State law to be published. It is published on the first Wednesday of every month by the Department of Administration’s Office of the Administrative Rules Coordinator. The Bulletin can be found on the web at www.adminrules.idaho.gov/bulletin/index.html.

Simply click on the relevant month and the pertinent section for review which can be found under IDAPA 08 Idaho State Board of Education.

How You Can Influence RulemakingState law requires that the public receive notification when an agency such as the State Board initiates proposed rulemaking and be given an opportunity to comment to that rulemaking. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that publishes in the Bulletin specifies the time and manner in which written comments and requests for public hearings must be submitted to the State Board on that rulemaking. After the public comment period closes, the State Board must consider fully all information/comments received regarding the proposed rule. The requirement to provide an opportunity to comment to a rulemaking applies to proposed rules only. Additionally, ISBA publishes these notices for comment in our weekly e-newsletter the ISBA Voice. ISBA staff also submits comments on pertinent rules on behalf of our members and we encourage our members to provide input on the administrative rules that will impact their local school districts. Finally, members of ISBA’s Policy Update Service get the added benefit of another set of eyes following the administrative rulemaking process and updating our model policies to reflect changes in the rules. If you have any questions on administrative rules or the Policy Update Service, please contact Jessica Harrison at the ISBA office.


17SLATE 17

17

02

01 McKAYLA FAHLENKAMP

Lakeland High School

Lakeland Jt. School District

02 MIKAELA JENSEN

Firth High SchoolFirth School District

03 ERIK NORDQUIST

Jerome High School Jerome Jt. School District

04 KYLE ASHBY

Bishop Kelly High School

0401

03

McKAYLAFAHLENKAMP

MIKAELA

FIRTH

LAKELAND BISHOP KELLY

JEROME

JENSEN

ERIKNORDQUIST

KYLEASHBY

NURSING

SPORTS MEDICINE WORLD HEALTH

PHYSICS

2014 Distinguished Studentsof the YearSince 2002, Idaho’s dairy farm families began recognizing well-rounded senior students who excel as leaders in academics, athletics, volunteerism, and extracurricular activities.

Each week throughout the school year, four students from each Idaho market (Southwestern, Eastern, Northern and South Central) are selected as Distinguished Student Award winners. Yearly, four students from the winners are selected as DSA Students of the Year. Weekly winners earn their schools a $100 scholarship and yearly winners’ schools receive a $5,000 scholarship thanks to each student’s achievement.

distinguished student award


18 SLATE

Awards will be presented at the ISBA Annual Convention November 12-14, 2014.

Download nomination forms at www.idsba.org/convention. Please submit via email, fax, or mail.

Email: [email protected]

Fax: (208) 854-1480

PO Box 9797Boise, ID 83707-4797

do you

Do you know

knowsomeone

Someone

public education?

who shows

who was

true dedication to

involved in the

about: Every year school district Trustees and superintendents spend a great deal of time advocating to local, state, and national leaders in support of public education. This award is given to an individual whose efforts and participation with ISBA during the legislative session should be recognized and applauded.

For more information on this award, go to www.idsba.org/convention/boardsmanship-award-applications.

Nominations due by October 1, 2014.

2014 legislative session?

about: Each year ISBA recognizes two exceptional individuals from our State whose contributions to education are outstanding. One award is presented to a certificated educator while the other is presented to a non-certificated individual, such as a volunteer, a community member or classified staff.


Nominations due by October 1, 2014.

Nominate them for a citizenship award!

Nominate them for a legislative

liaison award!


19SLATE

about: ISBA is proud to showcase student performing arts groups during

the ISBA 72nd Annual Convention. Inviting students to participate helps

remind us why over 500 board members volunteer to serve the children of

their communities. In years past we have enjoyed a variety of student

performances including bands, jazz bands, choirs, orchestras, dancers, and thespians. All groups were extremely

well-received by the audience.

This tradition will continue at the 72nd Annual Convention, November 12-14, at the Riverside Hotel in Boise, by inviting

student groups to perform. Student performance groups will be announced

in late September.

Please visit www.idsba.org/call-for-student-talent for the application form.

Please apply by September 15, 2014.

Does YourDistrict

have studenttalent?

involved in the

Encourage them to perform at the

annual convention!

about: The Master of Boardsmanship Award is granted upon completion of an application process that demonstrates both boardmanship basics and effectiveness of the six standards of school board operations; governance, continuous improvement, advocacy, accountability, community engagement, and training.


Please submit your Application by October 1, 2014.

submit an application to

receive recognition!

participated

boardsmanshipAward program?

in the master of

have you


20 SLATE

ConventionExperience

Idaho school board members, superintendents, clerks, and others will soon descend upon Boise for the ISBA Annual Convention held on November 12-14 at the Riverside Hotel. This Convention is the premier continuing education program designed especially for school board members. It is here that we will deliver practical solutions to help your board improve student learning and achievement. In order to help you “drink from the fire hose” a little more easily, here are some helpful tips for planning your time at Convention and getting the most out of your experience.

If more than two of your board members will attend the Convention, be sure to post a meeting notice. Although you will probably not be conducting board business, it is wise to let the public know you will be attending Convention and that a quorum will be present. If you need help on what this notice might look like, you can review the “Notice of Quorum of Board in Attendance at Events” form in the Clerk’s Manual on the ISBA’s website.

Early Bird Workshops • These workshops are opportunities for you to extend your

learning beyond the regular workshops that are part of the Convention. Take time to dig deeper or learn a specialty. The workshops are three hours long and presented by various experts in the field.

• These workshops qualify for reimbursement with the State’s new training reimbursement plan.

Workshop Sessions & Tracks• Take time before the Convention to review the workshop

schedule. As a board/district team, discuss which workshops will be the most beneficial for the team. Should you attend the same workshops or break up and attend different workshops?

• Last year we introduced Convention attendees to Workshop Tracks. Due to the great response, we will be offering the Tracks again this year. All of the Workshop Sessions will be organized into tracks. These optional tracks are designed to guide attendees through the many workshop options by the capacity and role the attendee fills, providing a more focused learning experience. We will most likely offer tracks for the following roles: New Board Members, Experienced Board Members, Clerks/Business Managers, Board Chairs, Superintendents, and Charter School Board Members.

• Set a meeting spot after each workshop session or at the end of the day and quickly debrief. Use the “I learned these five things” to quickly identify with each other things you want to remember. It can be overwhelming if you wait to debrief at the end of Convention or when you return to your next board meeting if you don’t have any notes.

Visit www.idsba.org/convention for additional Convention details including the agenda, registration forms, workshop descriptions, and more!

How to Make the Most of Your

BY MISTY SWANSONISBA Associate Executive Director


continued on next page...

Business Session • As a board, review the resolutions

before you arrive at Convention to determine how your board will allocate its votes at the Business Session.

• At least one board member must be present to cast the board’s votes on resolutions.

• Each board member will vote on a candidate for the open positions of the ISBA Officer core (President, President-Elect, Vice President). Take time before the Business Session to read the candidates information in the Convention book and consider visiting with the candidates so you can get to know them better.

• Attend the Business Session! The resolutions are what helps form the legislative advocacy work the ISBA staff does for the rest of the year.

• Robert’s Rules of Order are used for the parliamentary procedure during this meeting. This is a great opportunity for you to see Robert’s Rules used and see how you can strengthen your own board meetings.

• You’ll want to stay to the end of the Business Session! We’ll be drawing a name to win a great prize!

Exhibit Show • Take time to review which

companies will be exhibiting at the Convention. You may want to note those companies whose booths you particularly want to visit regarding products/services for your district.

• This is also a great place to network with other board members from other districts.

• Visit the ISBA booth where you can chat with the staff, receive answers to your questions and learn about any products and services that your district could receive at a discounted rate or free as part of your membership.

Keynote Speakers • Each year the Convention keynote

speakers are carefully chosen so that attendees will receive an informative and inspiring message. This year, Deputy Attorney General Brian Kane will provide a keynote addressing what board members need to know with regard to the legal requirements of board members along with many other dos and don’ts of serving on a school board.

• Dr. Thomas Alsbury will be joining us to share his message on the importance of board continuity and effectiveness. He will teach how you can be more effective and avoid the typical political and interpersonal challenges faced by most board members that can lead to board turnover and negatively affect your effectiveness. The session will allow you to discuss, practice, and apply tools to improve your own and your board’s effectiveness to improve student learning in your district.

• ISBA Officers and Staff will also provide you with the State of the ISBA. This will include an update on the ISBA Strategic Plan, where the Association is headed, and also an opportunity for you to ask us questions. This is a great opportunity to learn more about YOUR Association!

Scholarship Auction• The ISBA Scholarship Trust was

formed by past presidents of ISBA. The purpose of the Trust is to raise money to award scholarships to high school seniors who are the children or grandchildren of current or past school board members. The application process opens each year in September and closes in February.

• The Scholarship Auction is held each year to raise money to fund the scholarships. Anyone may attend, donate to, and bid at the auction.


Auction

The ISBA Past Presidents’ Scholarship Auction raises money to support the ISBA Scholarship Trust Program. The Scholarship Trust awards college scholarships to children and grandchildren of Idaho public school board members (both past and present). For more details, visit the Scholarship Trust page at www.idsba.org.

All registrants and guests are invited to attend to the Scholarship Auction! Come join the fun and support the ISBA Scholarship Trust. Auction items reflect the individualism of the trustees as the items are provided by the trustees from all areas of the State. Every year the attendees get into the excitement as they bid against each other on live auction items and silent auction items.

Auction Item Examples:

over $115,000 awarded in the past 13 years!

thanks to our sponsors

• homemade quilts• crafts• a weekend getaway• paintings• yard decorations• homemade scarves

and gloves

• stuffed animals• gift baskets• children’s toys• framed photographs• jewelry• sports memorabilia

22 SLATE

• The Scholarship Auction is always a fun and worthwhile event during the Convention. Please plan to donate an item towards the Auction and attend this great event. In the past, donations have included, but are not limited to: quilts, pictures, gift certificates, baskets of goods, jewelry, food, bags, clothing items, and much more!

Additional Tips for First-Time Attendees• Be punctual. We value your time. Unless something unavoidable

occurs, our events begin and end on time. We do not have assigned or priority seating, so please plan to arrive at workshops and meetings a little early to reserve your spot and get settled.

• Don’t be shy. Introduce yourself to other school board members. You will find them to be valuable resources for you both at the Convention and in the future. Whatever challenges you are facing on your school board, chances are one or more of your fellow ISBA members has been there before. Name badges give you a wealth of information to help you get to know fellow Convention attendees, including their name, district, and role within the district.

• Introduce yourself to ISBA staff and the Executive Board. If the staff or an Executive Board member does not find you first, please introduce yourself to them. You will see them at the registration desk, the ISBA Booth, and other locations around the Convention. Please don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.

• Ask questions. Don’t worry about asking a “rookie” question. Many of the most important issues facing public education today are raised by new members who are taking a fresh look at situations confronting our schools.

• Take what you learn home. ISBA encourages Convention attendees to report at their next board meeting what was learned at the Convention to any of your fellow board members and key staff who couldn’t attend. Sharing what you learned will help your team grow.

• Complete the post-Convention survey. The ISBA staff will email a link to an anonymous post-Convention survey. ISBA staff appreciates your comments and reviews all of the feedback given. As time and resources allow, staff implement suggestions that improve the event.

• Above all, know that ISBA is your organization. We are a diverse group of people with one goal in mind: providing the best possible education to our students. You will find your fellow school board members and our staff ready to help you reach that goal.

We can’t wait to see you at Convention! We hope these strategies will help you build connections between the content at the Convention and the applicability in your district and schools. Approach this networking and professional development event like any other part of your career — do your research, be ready to contribute, receive information from your colleagues around the State, and have fun. See you there!

ISBA thanks the following companies for their sponsorship at the 72nd ISBA Annual Convention. Their generous support is vital to the ISBA’s continuing efforts to provide a quality convention experience for attendees.

Scholarship

The above sponsors are as of the date of print. See www.idsba.org/convention for current sponsors.

See pg. 31 for the 2014 scholarship

winners!

23SLATE / Volume 32 / Fall 2014 23SLATE / Volume 32 / Fall 2014

Some school boards selected an ISBA Training Package earlier this year. If your board selected Package A (Events) or Package C (Mix-N-Match), you may be entitled to reimbursement from the State of Idaho for the EARLY BIRD WORKSHOPS and/or NIGHT OWL WORKSHOPS.

If you chose Package A or C AND would like to register attendees for the EARLY BIRD WORSHOPS and/or NIGHT OWL WORKSHOPS, please contact the ISBA Office for details on how to proceed.

23SLATE

Scholarship

DATE: Friday, November 14TIME: 12:30pm – 3:30pm

DATE: Wednesday, November 12TIME: 9:00am – NOON

Fiscal responsibility is a major component of good school board governance. This workshop will cover the basics of financial oversight, accountability, and fiduciary responsibilities. A panel will share their wisdom on financial governance and how they give oversight on the monthly budget reports and the budgeting process.

FINANCIAL GOVERNANCE“Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do.” – Potter Stewart. All of us who accept public office, whether elected or appointed, also accept an ethical duty to serve honestly and in the public’s interest. This workshop will focus on ethics and the school board. Attendees will examine behavior scenarios and participate in discussion on what is required to do, and what is right to do, when serving as a school board member.

ethics

New school board members will learn essential knowledge and skills for success. Veteran trustees can share experiences and receive a “booster shot” in their roles and responsibilities. Focus your attention on responsible school governance, beliefs about student learning, supporting student and staff success, accountability, and community engagement.

BOARD ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

What is strategic planning and why does it matter? Dimensional StrategyTM is a fresh way at looking at the subject of strategic planning. It focuses on the leader’s role in the school and executing a strategic plan. This workshop will provide you a basic understanding of the Dimensional StrategyTM framework (leadership, direction, alignment, and execution).

strategic planning

Everyone knows how important it is to evaluate both programs and people. We have all heard the expression, what gets measured gets done, but often we are unsure of exactly how to conduct an evaluation, especially of superintendents! In this interactive workshop, we will explore the importance of the superintendent’s evaluation, how to conduct it, and how to put forth a statement to the patrons regarding the evaluation. Boards are encouraged to attend as a team in order to work together.

SUPERINTENDENT EVALUATIONS

state reimbursement

WORKSHOPSWORKSHOPSNIGHT OWLearly bird

Please Note: your Convention registration does not include the cost of the Early Bird and Night Owl Workshops.

register soon!

EARLY REGULAR LATE/ON-SITE before 9/30 before 10/15 after 10/15EARLY BIRD WORKSHOP $50 $50 $100NIGHT OWL WORKSHOP $50 $50 $100

WORKSHOPS


24 SLATE

• Explore and Compare School Data• Idaho Digital Learning is

More Than You Think• Advanced Opportunities and IDLA• Dual Credit and Other Advanced

Opportunities for Idaho Students• Breaking the Code: Understanding

Education Laws and Rules

• Financing School Maintenance Projects• Preparing Idaho Teachers

for Changing Roles• Restorative Disciplinary Practices:

School Safety Keeping Kids in School and Out of Jail

• Blended Learning• No Money? No Professional

Development Problem!

• Open Meeting Law and Executive Session

• Education Improvement Committees - Task Force Recommendations

• Legal Q&A with Brian Julian and Amy White

• Employment Law: What You Need to Know

• New Requirements for Non-Certificated Grievances

• Idaho’s Rural School Challenges: A Sondeo

• Internet Safety: Real Information from Officer Gomez

• School Levy Basics and Funding Alternatives to Voted Bonds

• Writing Successful Grant Proposals• Patron Input to the Board,

Working with the Community• Are You Getting the Most Out of

the Idaho Education Network?• Five4Kids: Student Friendly

Common Core

• Idaho Public Records Law: Watch What You Put in Writing!

• Self-Funding the Statewide School Program

• K12 School Safety and Security: a Framework for Improvement

• Board and Superintendent Partnerships

• Difficult Board Members & Keeping the District Moving Forward

• The Key Work of School Boards• Community Engagement• Data Privacy and the SLDS• Using and Understanding Data

to Improve Your School• e-Rate Modernization Overview:

How the New Rules Will Impact Your District’s Budget

• Board Survey - Superintendent Searches

• Idaho’s New CM/GC Law; Is it Right For You?

• Successfully Implementing a Concurrent Enrollment Program

• Idaho Academic Decathlon • Federal Lands Transfer• Using Data to Improve Graduation

Rates and Student Support• Getting More Out of Your District’s

HVAC/Lighting Control System • What Really Happens at Your

Schools? What You Don’t Know May Land You in Court

• Maximizing Advanced Opportunities for Your Students

• Understanding the New ISAT: What to Expect from Smarter Balanced Testing

• Improving Teaching and Learning in Rural Schools

• 10 Strategies Proven to Inspire & Engage EVERY Student

• What’s New in Idaho School Finance• Policies Required by Law• PERSI Rules on Sick Leave Transfer

and Rehiring Retired Educators• Records Policy - Custody; Classification

and Maintenance of Records• Clerk of the Board - An

Everchanging Role

• Idaho Principal Evaluation Framework: Who, What, When, Where, and How

• Negotiations 101• Civil Rights in Idaho Schools• School Libraries: Get the Most

from Your Investment• Rethinking Education: Time and Cost

Saving Ideas Using Technology

• Protocol for the Board Chair• Parliamentary Procedure Boot Camp• Changes in School Funding and

How to Talk About Them• Reevaluating Zero-Tolerance Policies• Effective Meetings

The full workshop schedule and descriptions of the workshops on this page are available at www.idsba.org/convention.

SOMETHING for

EVERYONE...

to choose from!

over 60workshops

Experienced Board Members

Additional Workshops

All the workshops on this page are included with your registration!


SLATE 25

8:00 am – 6:00 pm Registration Open Fireplace Foyer

9:00 am – 12:00 pm Early Bird Workshops Various Rooms

12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch on your own

1:15 – 2:30 pm Session 1 Workshops Various Rooms



5:45 – 7:45 pm Opening Ceremonies / 1st General Session with Dinner and Keynote Speaker Brian Kane

Ballroom

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 12

AGENDA AT-A-GLANCE

DAY 1

THURSDAY,NOV. 13

DAY 2

7:00 am – 4:00 pm Registration Open Fireplace Foyer

7:15 am – 8:00 am Breakfast Buffet & Student Entertainment Fireplace Foyer

8:00 am – 9:15 am 2nd General Session / State of the ISBA Presentation

Ballroom

9:30 am – 11:00 am Workshop Session 4 Various Rooms

11:15 am – 2:30 pm Exhibit Show Ballroom

11:30 am – 1:30 pm Exhibit Show Luncheon Ballroom

11:30 am – 2:00 pm Region Meetings Various Rooms

2:30 pm – 3:45 pm Session 5 Workshops Various Rooms

4:00 pm – 5:15 pm Session 6 Workshops Various Rooms

5:30 – 6:30 pm Scholarship Auction Ballroom

5:30 – 6:30 pm ISSA Membership Meeting TBD

6:30 pm – 7:15 pm Networking Time Fireplace Foyer

7:15 pm – 8:30 pm Awards Banquet Ballroom

7:00 am – 8:15 am Registration Open Fireplace Foyer

7:15 am – 8:00 am Breakfast Buffet & Student Entertainment Ballroom

8:00 am – 9:30 am 3rd General Session with Breakfast and Keynote Speaker Tom Alsbury

Ballroom

9:30 am – Approx. Noon Business Session - lunch provided Ballroom

15 minute break

Approx. 12:15 - 3:15 pm Night Owl Workshops Various Rooms FRIDAY,NOV. 14

DAY 3school spirit day

Wear your school colors on Friday and show your school spirit!

For the most current agenda, visit www.idsba.org/convention/three-day-agenda.


26 SLATE

What kind of training is eligible for reimbursement? The dollars can only be used for specific training and there is a specific process that needs to be followed in order to receive reimbursement.

The law passed by the legislature under HB521 specified five categories of reimbursable training, which are Finance, Superintendent Evaluations, Governance, Ethics, and Strategic Planning.

REIMBURSABLE BOARD TRAINING:Your Questions Answered

2.1.Can different workshops in each category be taken to meet the requirements? For the first four trainings, the law is silent on what must be contained in any such training. That means that there could be

several different workshops that will qualify for any of those areas. For instance, under the Governance category, a school district could receive Parliamentary Procedure, Open Meeting Law, or a Basic Governance workshop. All of those would qualify for reimbursement.

F or the first time in Idaho, the Legislature appropriated $2000 per school district and charter school for training. The dollars are appropriated based on the requirements set out in HB521 – Strategic Planning and Training. HB521 also directed the State Board of Education (SBOE)

to draft rules that would set out the requirements for trainers and how to receive reimbursement.

BY KAREN ECHEVERRIAISBA Executive Director

Supt. Evaluations

GovernanceFinance

EthicsStrategicPlanning


27SLATE


3.

5.

4.

Does our entire board need to attend the workshop in order to receive reimbursement? Only one person needs to attend a workshop in each of the first four categories in order to receive reimbursement. So, one

board member could attend an Early Bird or Late Owl Workshop at the Annual Convention, or one board member could attend Summer Leadership Institute. All of those will be reimbursable.

Are travel and per diem expenses reimbursable? No, only the cost of the actual training is reimbursable. Any costs the trainer incurs for travel, hotel, food, or other expenses will need to be paid by the district or

charter school. Similarly, any costs the board member may incur for travel to a workshop is also not reimbursable.

Why is strategic planning different from the other trainings? The main purpose of the legislation was for strategic planning. The other workshops were added to assist in receiving the

necessary funding. Both the Legislature and the Governor’s Education Task Force spent some time focused on good strategic plans for school districts and charter schools. I know that most, if not all, of you already have strategic plans but the Legislature wanted to ensure that others were included in crafting the plan and that the plan contained some specific information.

Who needs to be included? The law states that:

The board of Trustees and the superintendent shall collaborate on the plan and engage students, parents, educators and the community as appropriate. The board of directors and the administrator of a public charter school shall collaborate on the plan and engage students, parents, educators and the community as appropriate.

As such, if you have a plan in place, you need to ensure that students, parents, educators, and the community have been involved in the crafting of your strategic plan.

What needs to be included in the plan? The law further states:

The strategic plan shall:(i) Be data driven, specifically in student outcomes, and shall include, but not be limited to, analyses of demographic data, student achievement and growth data, graduation rates, and college and career readiness;(ii) Set clear and measurable targets based on student outcomes;(iii) Include a clearly developed and articulated vision and mission; and(iv) Include key indicators for monitoring performance.

Hopefully your current strategic plans already contain this information. If not, it will need to be adjusted to include this information.

Two More Things You Need to Know About Strategic PlanningFirst, a majority of the Board and the superintendent/administrator need to participate in the strategic planning process.

This requirement was set out in the Administrative Rule. The SBOE felt that strategic planning was a process for the whole board. One member of the Board can’t craft a strategic plan for the whole Board. It should be the guiding document that sets the course – both short and long term – for the Board. As such, the whole Board should participate in the planning. However, to receive reimbursement only a majority needs to be present.

Second, the strategic plan needs to be posted on the district/charter school website by September 1, 2014 and needs to be updated and reposted annually.

I know this is a very short time frame, especially for those of who have not looked at your plan in quite some time, any plans that were developed without the members required to be included, and those plans that don’t contain the required elements.

The Specifics of Strategic Planning“In order for the training dollars to

continue, school districts will

definitely need to participate.”


28 SLATE

ISBA currently has seven qualified trainers in different areas of the State. We try to schedule a trainer that is lives in your area in an effort to keep the travel and per diem costs down. With that said, we don’t have trainers in every area so some of you will still incur some travel costs. If your district or charter has a favorite trainer and that trainer lives outside your area, we are certainly happy to schedule that trainer for you.

ISBA created five different packages of training that we will provide to your district or charter. Many of your districts/charters have already signed up for one of the packages. If you have not already done so, I would encourage you to consider it. While they now cost slightly more than $2000, they are still a good value and will meet the requirements of the new law.

In order for the training dollars to continue, school districts will definitely need to participate. The last thing I want is to have to go to the legislature next year and tell them that the majority of school districts didn’t use the money they appropriated.

We know that well trained board members make for better run school districts. Reports also indicate that well trained boards have a direct impact on student achievement. In the end, isn’t that what we all want? A well run school district and higher student achievement!

Once again, the Administrative Rule adopted by the SBOE sets out some specific criteria for the trainers.

Trainer Qualifications;i. May not be a current employee of the LEA;ii. Shall have two (2) years of documented experience providing training in the area of training they are conducting for the LEA;iii. Provide at least three (3) recommendations from participants of past training determining qualifications.

Qualified Trainers:Qualifications of all trainers must be determined prior to the submittal by the LEA for the reimbursement of costs. Qualifications will be determined by the Office of the State Board of Education. The State Board of Education will maintain a list of qualified trainers and the subject areas in which they are qualified. Individuals or companies may submit an application for consideration to be placed on the list of qualified trainers or LEA’s may submit the application on behalf of the individual or company. Applications must be submitted to and in a format established by the Executive Director.

I know that many of you had hoped to conduct your own strategic planning and then submit for reimbursement. However, as you can see from the rule above that will not be reimbursable. In addition, the training must be conducted in FY14 in order to receive reimbursement. A district or charter school can’t submit for reimbursement for a training or workshop that was conducted in FY13.

Who Can Provide the Training? ISBA is Ready to Provide Training in all Five Categories

The Future of Training for School Board Members in Idaho

Find the details of your board’s training package through your board clerk. Remember... if you don’t USE it, you LOSE it!

Don’t wait to schedule the training opportunities included in your ISBA training package!

(208) 854-1476(866) 799-4722

[email protected]

KRISSY LAMONTISBA Training Coordinator


29SLATE

Decide what training or workshop the school district/charter school wants to receive. There are five main categories

but there are several workshops in each

category.

Submit the form to the State Department

of Education for reimbursement. The

submission form will be available online soon.

Check the ISBA Voice for updates.

If your district or charter is receiving your training from ISBA, we will assist you with

this process! We will complete and submit the form for you and your reimbursement will

be sent directly to your school district.

Pay your trainer for the workshop. There will

likely be a delay between the time you pay your

trainer and the time you receive reimbursement.

Receive your reimbursement from the SDE.

Choose a qualified trainer for the training

that you wish to receive. Note that some trainers

are only qualified in one area. To find the

qualified trainers, go to the SBOE website.

Contact the trainer or company to schedule your training. They should be versed on the process and able to assist you. Once you have chosen,

schedule the training or time that is convenient for both your district/

charter and the trainer.

Participate in the workshop. This is the fun and easy part. Board members are

becoming better informed and, as such, becoming

better board members the more training they receive.

SelectTraining

Selecta Trainer

Contact Trainer/Company

Participate in Workshop

Submit FormPay Your TrainerBONUS!!BONUS!!Receive Reimbursement

SIMPLE STEPSto Receive Reimbursement for Board Training

Still have questions? We can help! Contact the ISBA Office at (208) 854-1476.


30 SLATE

BY TAYLOR RANEY

Director of Certification and Professional Standards State Department of Education

For more information, please consider spending a little time on our website at www.sde.idaho.gov/site/psc/, calling me at (208) 332-6886 or emailing [email protected].

Ethical Complaints Against Teachers

It is the duty of all educators to hold each other accountable for ethical practice in order to advance our profession and,

by extension, the opportunities we create for the students with whom we work.

The Professional Standards Commission (PSC) is charged with building and maintaining high standards for professional practice in public education in the State of Idaho. This includes monitoring reports of ethical violations, setting standards for initial licensure, maintaining standards for endorsements, and a host of other responsibilities designed to enhance the education system for Idaho students.

I was recently appointed to serve as the Director of Certification and Professional Standards at the Idaho State Department of Education. Early on, it became apparent that there is a lack of understanding regarding what happens with a reported potential ethics violation. As the Director of the Professional Standards Commission, educators are compelled to report violations of the Idaho Code of Ethics for Professional Educators to me. A letter shows up on my desk. What happens next?

I collaborate with three other individuals: the Deputy Attorney General assigned to the Department, the Program Specialist charged with potential ethics violations, and the PSC Program Specialist. The team determines whether the complaint is a local school board (personnel) matter or an incident requiring investigation to determine possible unethical conduct of an educator that would affect certification. This process results in one of two scenarios: further investigation or remanding to the local district.


31SLATE

Remanding to the local district: A letter is sent to the complainant to inform him/her that a case will not be pursued by the Professional Standards Commission. Our office keeps the complaint open for one year on the chance that the complainant might file additional information about the alleged violations which would require further consideration by the Commission.

Further investigation: A letter is sent to the complainant and respondent to indicate an investigation will be conducted and informing the respondent that he/she has the opportunity to respond. PSC staff issues a subpoena to any school districts that may be involved in the case. The Executive Committee of the PSC then reviews the case. If they require more information, they assign an investigator to the case. Once all of the relevant information has been submitted to the committee, they make a determination of whether or not probable cause exists to impose discipline on the educator’s certificate. The Executive Committee provides the Deputy Attorney General with a recommendation for settlement. The Deputy Attorney General works with the respondent (or his/her attorney) to process the case. When an agreement is reached, the stipulation goes before the entire PSC for final consideration and adoption.

Until today, the complainant was not communicated with at the end of this process about the outcome of the case. I understand this led to frustration and uncertainty. In some instances, it led people to believe no action was taken. As educators we all have a significant interest in assuring complainants and allegations are treated very carefully and may be investigated, with follow-through as needed, so they will continue to do so in the future, in the endeavor to keep students safe. Therefore, based on the feedback I have received, complainants will now receive notification that the case is closed, and instructions as to how they can obtain records through Idaho public records law. Should any stipulations be imposed on the certification, the employing school district will also receive notification. It is my hope that this will help those submitting potential ethics violations rest assured that we take the necessary actions to keep our students safe.

Please consider getting in touch with me at 208-332-6886 or [email protected] for any further discussion regarding potential ethics violations, or any of the work done with the PSC to meet the needs of all Idaho students.

Memorial Scholarships:

Janet Orndorff Memorial ScholarshipKeely Snow, Daughter of David Snow

Deb Foster Memorial ScholarshipMcKenzie Calderwood Daughter of Jay Calderwood

Comstock Family Memorial Scholarship Dakota WilsonSon of Emmett Wilson

Smith Family Memorial ScholarshipMadilynn Ogden Granddaughter of Alden Neal

Each year at the ISBA Annual Convention, the Idaho School Boards Association Scholarship Trust hosts the Scholarship Auction. Individuals from around the State donate items to be auctioned off. The proceeds are awarded as scholarships, to the children and grandchildren of current or former Idaho school board members. Over $115,000 has been awarded in the past 13 years.

2014 Scholarship Recipients:

Recipient Region Board Member RelationshipAndrew Hayes 3 Kristine Kingery ParentLindsey Woodworth 5 Eugene Griff GrandparentClancy Johnston 8 Gary Johnston ParentRebekah Bruner 2 Kellie Bruner ParentAbigail Higham 6 James Higham ParentTaylor Petersen 6 Doug Petersen ParentMorgan Howard 2 Gayle Howard ParentTori Overholtzer 1 Dan Goodson GrandparentKelsi King 4 Daniel King ParentHannah McDonald 8 Holly McDonald ParentClay Nielsen 3 Rod Nielsen ParentMegan Stoor 5 James Stoor ParentMarissa Fry 2 James Fry ParentJonathan Daman 1 Paul Daman ParentDevin Krasowski 3 Thomas Krasowski ParentAmy Johnson 6 J. Howard Johnson ParentColby Brock 3 Jennifer Brock ParentMarcus Emerson 4 Karl Emerson Parent

2014 ISBA Scholarship Recipients


32 SLATE

BY DAVID MOSCINSKI

SELF-FULFILLING

PROPHECYUnity among board members and administrators is important and can strengthen student performance. But when you search for how to achieve this harmony, look to yourself first.

s there strength in unity among school board members? Is unity important? Is it even possible? Can’t there be honest differences of opinion?

Of course board members can differ in their beliefs and opinions. That is only natural. However, the key to board unity is that, once members have aired their differences, they are able to defer to others rather than defend their point of view to the death. One of my colleagues had a board member become so enraged during a meeting that he suffered a heart attack, put his head on the table, and died.

Of course, we all can think of less extreme examples, but there’s no doubt that anger and other emotions can surface at board meetings. Emotion is fine as long as cooler heads prevail in governing the district.

As someone who looks at this from the administrative side as a superintendent, unity on the school board is important because of what I call the “top down, trickle down” effect. Board unity sets the tone for the district that can radiate throughout the school system. The media love nothing better than to report a split decision on a crucial vote, with both sides insisting they are correct. (“Mr. Smith, what do you think of the members who supported closing the John Foster Dulles School?”)

Most importantly, however, board unity is significant because of the positive impact it can have on student learning. The results of research conducted by the Iowa Association of School Boards

and NSBA’s Center for Public Education have shown that school boards that consistently express the belief that all students can learn see higher student achievement.

What is the key to unity on the school board? What is the magical component that promotes unity? The answer is not what, but rather who. That who is you.

HOW WE INTERACT Several years ago I attended a seminar focusing on how to deal with difficult people. The presenter set the tone in his opening comments. “Thank you for having the courage to attend this seminar. Right now, your staff members back home are probably saying, ‘Thank goodness he’s out of here today. That seminar may be just what he needs.’”

What expectations do you have about the next

meeting? You might think to yourself, “Well, here we

go again. It’s going to be another night spent just

short of hell.”


33SLATE

To me this observation was surprising, but I decided it was possible I had not learned to play well with others. Could others possibly see me as being the difficult person? I had to admit that one-half of a social interaction is determined by me, including whether or not the interaction is seen as being difficult.

During my 40 years in education, I have observed that a meeting’s outcome often is determined before the meeting even starts. Meetings require interaction with others. How we anticipate that interaction can lead to an expectation that certain behaviors will take place. This expectation can result in behavior on our part that unwittingly reinforces our expectation. We are nurturing our own self-fulfilling prophecy.

For example, we usually look forward to interacting with an infant, child, or grandchild. Our positive expectation is evidenced in our smile, our words, our vocal tone—and it permeates our total physical demeanor. Our expectations are reflected through our behavior.

Now let’s switch to meeting someone, a fellow board member or administrator perhaps, with whom you have found it difficult to interact. What expectations do you have about the next meeting? You might think to yourself, “Well, here we go again. It’s going to be another night spent just short of hell.” If you fail to review your expectations prior to the next time you interact with this person, your behavior will reinforce your expectation that the meeting will be troublesome.

Why should you consider your expectations? Because a divided board yields diminished results from the top—that’s you and your fellow board members—all the way down through the system, and the students’ learning suffers. Remember, what’s on top of the pile tends to trickle on down through the rest.

QUALITIES AND EXPECTATIONSI once was employed in a rural district where a successful and respected farmer was president of the board. When presiding at meetings, he would open discussion on agenda items requiring a vote before a motion brought the item to the floor. After each member had the opportunity to comment, discuss, and comment again, a lull in the process usually would occur. The board president then would ask, “Well, are all the ducks in a row?”

This question was his method of ascertaining if the board members were ready for a unanimous vote. His respect for his fellow board members was so great that he did not want to force anyone to cast a contrary vote. Each member realized he or she had the power to prevent a vote, but seldom was it exercised. Respect for others permeated that district.

How is it possible to review one’s expectations? The framework from which you begin is very important because it sets the tone for your actions. Let me suggest starting with the following exercise. It moves your review from the macro to the micro level, or from the big picture to the boardroom.

Begin by asking yourself the following questions. Remember to review the answers from time to time, as they may change.

• What are the qualities you admire about your community? • What are the qualities you admire about your schools? • What are the qualities you admire about your teachers? • What are the qualities you admire about your students?• What are the qualities you admire about your superintendent?

And now, admittedly the most difficult, but really the most important: • What are the qualities you admire about your fellow board

members—each and every one?

After completing this segment of the exercise, repeat the process, but replace the words “admire about” with the words “expect from.”• What do you expect from your community?• What do you expect from your schools? • What do you expect from your teachers? • What do you expect from your students? • What do you expect from your superintendent?

And, most importantly: • What do you expect from each of your fellow board members?

Now comes the tough part. Ask yourself this question: • “Based on the qualities I admire and my expectations arising

from them, what behaviors will I engage in to reinforce what I admire and expect?”

Be sure to write down these behaviors and follow-through on them.

When your expectations are based on qualities you admire in your community, your schools, your teachers, your students, your superintendent, and each of your fellow board members, your actions will build upon and reinforce these expectations. Under these conditions, it’s good to get what you expect.

You have the best self-fulfilling prophecy of all. Unity on the school board begins with you and ends with better outcomes for students. After all, what did you expect?

Reprinted with permission from American School Board Journal, June 2013. Copyright 2013 National School Boards Association. All rights reserved.

David Moscinski ([email protected] ) is currently the part-time district administrator for Wisconsin’s School District of Stockbridge. He has worked for more than 40 years as a school psychologist, special services administrator, assistant superintendent, and superintendent.


34 SLATE

Meet the Newest ISBA Board Trainers

Bryan Matsuoka

Dr. Mary Ann Ranells

Bryan has been a member of the Twin Falls School District 411 Board of Trustees since 1998. Over those terms of service he considers it to have been a privilege to serve as Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. Bryan’s educational credentials include a B.A. in Education from Boise State University and a

Master’s Degree in Education Administration from the University of Idaho. In 2013 he received his Principal Certification from the University of Idaho as well as he continues his Idaho Teacher Certification for K-8.

He has worked full-time with the College of Southern Idaho at the Idaho Small Business Development Center (Idaho SBDC) since 1996 as a Senior Business Consultant/ CSI Business Incubator Manager; 2006 was his first year as the Idaho SBDC Regional Director. Prior to joining the Small Business Development Center, Bryan was General Manager/ Shareholder/ Secretary Treasurer of a Software firm that worked with Hewlett Packard. Prior to being in business, he enjoyed a teaching career in public education. Jerome and Twin Falls School Districts provided him with six years of teaching opportunities in 4th and 6th grade.

Other learning opportunities includes his service as Regional Director of Idaho Council on Economic Education, Chairman of Historic Old Towne Economic Development, Chairman of the United States Judo Federation’s (USJF) National Teacher’s Institute, USJF Endowment Committee, Junior/ Youth Development Committee, Athlete Scholar Scholarship Committee, Director of the College of Southern Idaho’s Judo Curriculum, Advisory Board Member for: CSI Early Childhood Education, Advanced Regional Technical Education Coalition (ARTEC), CSI Business and Entrepreneurship Departments.

Dr. Mary Ann Ranells, a trainer and researcher, works in the areas of strategic planning, leadership training, standards-based education, curriculum alignment, assessment practices, data-driven decision making, intervention strategies, and supervision of learning. Dr. Ranells recently retired as the Superintendent

of the Lakeland Joint School District #272, in Rathdrum, Idaho. Prior to this assignment, she was an elementary principal in Wallace, Idaho, Deputy Superintendent for the Idaho State Department of Education, and curriculum director for the Twin Falls School District. Dr. Ranells has published numerous articles and has served on state and regional committees.

Debra grew up in Louisiana in a small southern town called Grosse Tete; which is a village in Iberville Parish. Her community is rich in history and French Acadiana culture. The high school she

graduated from, Shady Grove High School, was a former plantation home. Debra enrolled in Louisiana Tech University and studied Accounting; which led her to her field of work today. She moved to Idaho in 1993 to be closer to her family and was hired by the

Jaci Hill began her career in education as a work-based Learning instructor. She transitioned into school counseling, and eventually spent several years as a school

administrator at both the elementary and junior high level. She recently spent time working as an independent trainer/consultant in the capacity of ISEE Navigator for the State Department of Education; providing training on Schoolnet to teachers and administrators. Jaci has an M.Ed. in Occupational Training Management from Idaho State University as well as an M.Ed. in School Counseling from the University of West Alabama. Jaci, also, has a background in criminal justice, having received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Idaho. Prior to her educational career, Jaci worked as a pre-sentence investigator and probation/parole officer for the Idaho Department of Corrections and as an administrative parole hearing officer for the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole. Jaci’s broad and varied background gives her a unique perspective and balance as an educator. In her spare time, Jaci enjoys camping with her family, riding her motorcycle, and helping out on the family ranch.

Jaci Hill

Debra Buttrey

Board Training Coordinator: Krissy LaMont

Contract Trainers:Susan ScherzJackie HopperBryan Matsuoka Dr. Mary Ann Ranells

Jaci Hill Mary Huff Debra ButtreyDr. Heather Williams

continued on opposite page...


35SLATE

Mary Huff

Mary is a Trustee of the Melba School District, where she is honored to serve the community in that capacity. It is a position that she dedicates a great deal of time to and enjoys. Mary has been the Planning Director for Owyhee County for several years, a job and community that she dearly loves!

As a planner, she sees a major connection between healthy schools, and healthy communities. Mary had the opportunity to participate in the Idaho Leads Project, and believes that with great district, administrator, and teacher leadership, Idaho can lead this Nation in the academic arena. She was honored to serve on the Governor’s Task Force for Improving Education, an experience and process that she believes yielded excellent results through collaboration and coordination with all stakeholders.

Mary is happily married to the man of her dreams; they have two children that keep their lives full of fun and excitement. As a family, they are active in many community events and associations.

Mary hopes to continue to use her leadership experience in partnership with other school board Trustees, administrators, and educators to further our common goal of providing outstanding educational opportunities in Idaho.

Dr. Heather Williams is a clinical professor of Educational Leadership at Boise State University. She teaches courses for superintendent certification, as well as courses for aspiring principals. Williams also works as a mentor superintendent for the Idaho Leads project, a professional development team from Boise State University.

Williams has spent over twenty years in Idaho public education serving as a teacher, coach, building administrator, district administrator, professor in teacher education, and as a district superintendent. Dr. Williams served multiple years as the Legislative chair of the Idaho Association of School Administrators and served as a regional officer for the Idaho School Superintendents Association.

Williams holds a bachelor of science degree in secondary education from Idaho State University; a master’s degree in educational leadership from University of Idaho; and a doctorate in education from the University of Idaho.

She has earned several awards during her career, including Idaho Secondary Science Teacher of the Year, American Association of School Administrators Women in School Leadership award, and 40 Most Accomplished Idahoans Under 40.

Dr. Heather Williams

JOB DESCRIPTION

SERVICE

The ISBA Job Descriptions Manual provides qualifications, reporting structures, job goals, scope of responsibilities, and more for the many jobs in your district.

Each job description includes citations of any state laws or administrative rules pertaining to the qualifications, contract length, and evaluation for the position.

Email April Hoy at [email protected] for a complete listing of the positions for which we have job descriptions.

The full set of job descriptions includes more than 100 certified, classified, and

administrative positions. They are in editable Word document form to allow you to customize

them to meet the needs of your district.

Individual job descriptions can also be purchased. Just

specify which description you need.

Full Set of Job Descriptions

Individual Job Descriptions

$425

$45

NEW THIS YEAR!

former Bonner County School District to work in the accounting department. In 1999 the district split into two districts and Debra moved over to her community in Priest River to work for the West Bonner County School District as their Business Manager. Debra is a wife to a wonderful husband and also the mother of two teenage boys. Their family is active in school sports and all the outdoor activities that North Idaho offers.

...continued from opposite page


36 SLATE

During the last few months, most school boards throughout Idaho have been putting together strategic plans in order to fulfill

Section 33-320 Idaho Code. Some have defined a strategy as a “Collection of actions that add value” (Kotter, 2007) or “...the means by which those of one accord continuously create artifactual systems to serve extraordinary purpose. All that is required is strategic organization,

dealing with strategic issues, making strategic decisions, and taking strategic action” (Cook (2004))

Whichever definition you choose to use the experts agree on one thing said best by Lewis Carroll (1898), “if you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there.” More than 88% of businesses engage in some form of strategic planning and since the mid

1980’s more and more school districts are using them as a management tool (Mintzberg 1994). But like any tool that one may use in business or school management, all plans that will bring successful change require a system of monitoring and adjusting. Our legislators realized this as well, and Section 33-320 Idaho Code also requires that the school Board continually review and monitor the strategic plan.

So what does this mean for a school district? How does a strategic plan ensure continuous improvement in the areas of student achievement? What implications does this have for regular Board meetings?

The research team of Tim Waters and Robert Marzano found a positive correlation between district leadership and student achievement. They identified five leadership responsibilities that have a significant statistical relationship with student achievement - all of them relate to goal setting. Districts with higher levels of student achievement have clear alignment of Board, district, and superintendent goals and regularly review them together. (Marzano 2006)

White (2005) and Reeves (2006) also reviewed hundreds of school strategic plans. They discovered three specific dimensions held in common by those with successful implementation and increased student achievement. They are:

Monitoring. Consistent and frequent (at least monthly) analyses of student performance, teaching strategies, and leadership practices.

Strategic PlanningWHAT COMES AFTER WE WRITE OUR PLAN?

BY JACKIE HOPPERISBA Contract Trainer


37SLATE

Evaluation. Every program, initiative, and strategy in the district is subjected relentlessly to the question, “Is it working?”

Expectations. Districts in which leaders and teachers believe their work is the fundamental cause of student achievement perform significantly better than schools in which leaders attribute student achievement primarily to student demographic characteristics.

These four leading educational researchers, Waters, White, Marzano, and Reeves have demonstrated that rigorous analysis, strategic execution, and review are three essential components of successful implementation of the strategic plan. Boards need to make strategy review a habit--it needs to be a topic of conversation at every meeting. Thus, monthly business of the Board will likely have to change. Each month the Board needs to set aside time to examine data, seek to understand the progress toward goals, and ask good questions in the areas of the established goals. The Board Chair and the superintendent should develop a standing agenda item for review of the plan.

The superintendent’s report should include an update on each goal that was set in the plan. This report should include the data necessary for the Board to see what progress has been made. The Board may need to take action to ensure the goal is possible to meet. This alignment of management with outcome is what guarantees success.

The Board agenda should include:1. Reports

• Superintendent• Strategic plan goal 1 update• Strategic plan goal 2 update

• Board Chair• Special Reports related to

Strategic Plan implementation2. Strategic plan data review

• What data has been gathered in the last month that is relevant to the goals of the plan?

Of course this regular review is much easier if the plan is actionable from the beginning. The plan needs to have clearly articulated goals with specific actions steps, responsibilities, accountability, and deadlines. Due to the rapid deadline for the initial strategic plan (IC 33-320 became law July 1, 2014) districts may not have action steps articulating the ensuing responsibilities, accountability, and specific deadlines. The leadership teams that are responsible for the implementation and execution of the goals must tackle this area first. Once these are in place—no later than October, the Board should begin regular monthly review of the goals and seek to understand how to see progress through data.

Part of this monthly review process is the review of data. The Board must systematically and routinely use data to understand instructional decisions and determine if other resources are needed to meet the students’ learning needs. Data use is an ongoing cycle of collecting multiple data sources, interpreting it to formulate hypotheses and strategies to raise student achievement, and implementing instructional changes to test hypotheses. The Board must have a clear understanding of, and a commitment to, the ethical use of this data. Data driven decision making allows collaboration, and increased student achievement when the vision to use data in every level—the classroom to the boardroom exists.

The Board must ask “Is it working?” about every program, initiative, and strategy in the district. They also need to be willing to call for change when it is not. Leaders are not afraid of regular review and changing course when necessary. Ultimately the strategic plan is about the students—the continuous improvement of their academic progress to ensure their academic success.

While a strategic plan itself is not going to change a student, school, or district overnight, it certainly can provide a clear set of expectations and directions to get there. If the district’s leadership team can use this tool to ensure the vision is held by all, they will certainly see their students soar!

References:

Cook, W. J. (2004). When the smoke clears. Phi Delta Kappan, 86(1), 73–75, 83.

Kotter, J. P. (2007, January). Leading change: Why transformation efforts fail. Harvard Business Review, 85(1), 96–103.

Mintzberg, H. (1994). The rise and fall of strategic planning, Free Press: New York

Waters T., Marzano R., and McNulty B. (2006) School District leadership that works, McREL: Aurora CO

Reeves December 2007/January 2008 | Volume 65 | Number 4 Informative Assessment

”While a strategic plan itself is not going to change a student,

school, or district overnight, it certainly can provide a

clear set of expectations and directions to get there.“


ImagePlaceholder

38 SLATE ISBA Business Partners

A non-profit nutrition education organization providing science based materials to health care providers, schools, and consumers throughout the State of Idaho.

A leader in financing school district projects at the lowest overall cost. Since 1994 Zions has assisted Idaho districts in financing over 60 projects totaling over $200 million.

Piper Jaffray is a broker-dealer with a Boise office that specializes in Idaho school bonds. Piper Jaffray’s Idaho based bankers have completed over 100 financings totaling $1.35 billion for Idaho school districts in the past 10 years. Piper Jaffray offers financial expertise and transactional experience, as well as client services with tailored solutions.

Moreton & Company provides property and liability insurance as well as risk management services to member districts through the ISBA endorsed insurance plan. Moreton & Company also provides consulting service for employee benefits and self-funded workers compensation plans.

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.

Hutchison Smith Architects is a full service architectural firm that has been providing responsive, creative, value-driven building solutions for more than 18 years. HSA specializes in educational facility design, having worked with over 20 school districts and completed over 1000 successful education projects. We will assist you on a wide array of project types, from bond passage for new buildings and remodels to systems upgrades, historic renovations, and repair and maintenance work. Each project, no matter how large or small, is important to us. We offer you the commitment to give each project the attention that you expect and deserve.

Zions Bank

Piper Jaffray

Moreton & Company

Hummel Architects PLLC

Hutchison Smith Architects

Idaho Dairy Council

Pohley Richey(208) [email protected]

Cameron Arial(208) [email protected]

Eric Heringer(208) [email protected]

Allan Ranstrom(208) [email protected]

Beth Beechie(208) [email protected]

Sarah McDaniel(208) [email protected]

BUSINESS PARTNER

DIAMONDISBA

BUSINESS PARTNER

DIAMONDISBA

BUSINESS PARTNER

BRONZEISBA

BUSINESS PARTNER

SILVERISBA

BUSINESS PARTNER

DIAMONDISBA

BUSINESS PARTNER

DIAMONDISBA


High-quality national resources designed to keep your district on the leading edge in American public education, brought to you by your state school boards association in partnership with NSBA:

• Get the real story from Washington: In-depth, timely analysis on federal policy.

• Focus on results that matter: Improve student achievement with national research and best practices.

• Meet the experts on innovation: Keep your district on the cutting edge.

• Create commitment: Build support, engage communities.

• Make a difference: Participating helps advance NSBA’s advocacy agenda.

National ConnectionFederal Insider

Federal Insider provides in-depth, timely analysis from NSBA’s legislative and legal experts. NSBA’s team translates federal rules and regulations and delivers “inside the

beltway” insights in a straightforward, easy-to-understand format that can save districts both time and money in understanding and addressing federal policy. The briefing papers cover federal regulations and policy issues, Department of Education and administrative rules, legal issues, and more. Federal Insider includes:

• A quarterly resource package on major federal issues that combines comprehensive legislative and legal analysis, practical implications, detailed resources, and more.

• LegalClips, the weekly source for recent developments in school law.

• Supplemental briefing papers or bulletins with guidance on timely issues.

Public Engagement ToolkitThe Public Engagement Toolkit is a national resource with practical tools to help school boards and school districts

strengthen support for American public education. The toolkit starts with an overview of why engaging the public is imperative, as well as highlights of research and models on public engagement processes. Issue-based toolkits include fact sheets, short articles, graphics, message templates and other tools to help school boards and districts explain national education issues in citizen-friendly language, as well as guidelines for parents and citizens around these issues. In complement with NSBA’s national public relations strategy, the Public Engagement Toolkit is a way to provide consistent messaging on the value of public education and local governance to school board members nationally.Paperless Governance Solutions

Employee Flexible Spending

Nationally Developed Tools for School Boards

Online presentations just for ISBA members:

Thursday, October 17, at 9 a.m. MDTTuesday, November 12, at noon MST

Register at boardbook.org/ISBA or contact Mike Elder at 888.587.2665.

Paper to paperless or somewhere in between.

Streamline agenda preparation and distribute agenda packets in the format your board prefers with BoardBook.®

Paperless Board MeetingsBoardBook

Mike Elder(888) 587-2665Ext. [email protected]

Moreton & Company

Allan Ranstrom(208) [email protected]

Home & Auto Group Insurance

Check Recovery ServiceSolveras Payment Solutions

Rodger Regele(888) [email protected]

39SLATEISBA Business Affiliates

USBA Flex

National Connection

BoardDocs

Michael E. Hanahan(800) [email protected]

Paula Summers(801) [email protected]

Rochelle Adams(866) [email protected]

Online Purchasing CooperativeBuyBoard

Rochelle Adams(866) [email protected]

FEDERAL INSIDER Get the real story from Washington, D.C. with NSBA’s legislative and legal experts.

CPE BRIEFING ROOM Improve your decision-making with practical insights from school improvement research.

PERSPECTIVES Innovative ideas shared by national experts who are shaping public education for tomorrow.

RESOURCE CENTER Strengthen your board’s leadership for student achievement with best practices from across the country.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Create public commitment and strengthen confidence in public education.

MONEY SAVING RESOURCES Maximize resources available to help your district succeed.

AffiliateHighlight

Have you ever hit a pothole really hard with your car—hard enough to cause damage, perhaps causing your tires to wear unevenly?

about the ISBA STANDARDS

The Idaho School Board Association recently adopted professional standards for board members. These standards are the result of a yearlong process led by the ISBA Executive Board and staff. Available now on the ISBA website, the standards provide a tool for guiding and helping board members create the best and most effective board possible. The standards may also serve as a guide for community, teachers, staff, and parents in learning what to expect from the governing board for their school district or charter school. ISBA urges the school board for each district and charter school to consider adopting these standards.

See the standards at www.idsba.org/node/326.

ADVOCACYandACCOUNTABILITY:THINK ALIGNMENT!

A F R A M E W O R K F O R E F F E C T I V E G O V E R N A N C E

Adopted by the Executive Board of the Idaho School Boards Association on February 25, 2014

OUR MISSION

OUR VISION

Provide leadership and services tolocal school boards for the benefit of students

and for the advocacy of public education

Trustee leadership for excellence in Idaho public education

I D A H O S C H O O L B O A R D S A S S O C I A T I O N

40 SLATE


BY SUSAN SCHERZISBA Contract Trainer

If your tires stay out of the groove long enough, they become so resistant to change they cannot be adjusted for a smooth ride. The steering, which guides the car, becomes uneven, veering to the right or the left. Sometimes the misalignment sneaks up on you slowly, and without realizing it you adjusted to the changes in your steering until it was too late and you needed new tires. Does that scenario, per chance, sound like your school district? If so, there may be some issues with alignment—a thread that weaves throughout ISBA Standards Three and Four addressing Advocacy and Accountability.

Before addressing the specifics of these standards, it may be helpful to define alignment. One online resource defined alignment as “the process of adjusting parts so that they are in proper relative position.” The National School Board Association defines alignment as “the degree to which all elements of an education system—standards, curriculum, professional development, resource allocation, assessment, accountability, and stakeholder engagement—are working together to translate standards and goals into classroom teaching strategies that promote student achievement.”

The term advocacy also warrants discussion. According to the National School Board Association, school boards have two main goals. The first one is to improve the achievement of the students within their respective districts.

The second goal reflects advocacy, building support and engagement within and among the community in order to assist the district in supporting student achievement. For the second goal to be achieved, board members must be able to advocate effectively for their schools and the children within their district. Effective advocacy requires a variety of communication skills and techniques. It also requires the ability to network with other individuals and organizations, and knowledge of the dynamics of the system/children for which they are advocating. These dynamics include enrollment demographics, trends and challenges in local student achievement, the role of assessments in measuring student progress, and the relationship of various parts to the whole—vision, mission, goals, strategic plan, etc. If board members are unable to reflect a sense of alignment on behalf of the district, potential supporters will quickly figure out that perhaps their resources and/or efforts may be better spent elsewhere.


SLATE 41


Standard 3:ADVOCACY

The Board champions the district vision by advocating for a thorough and efficient system of public education that reinforces education as a keystone of democracy.

3.1 The Board communicates high expectations for student learning that are aligned with the district vision and mission, have clear goals, and include plans for meeting expectations.

• All students can learn• Non-negotiable goals

communicated

3.2 The Board leads in celebrating achievements of students and accomplishments of others who contribute to education through:

• Recognition ceremonies• Policy to support recognition• Meetings incorporate

recognition

3.3 The Board advocates by establishing strong relationships with families, community, and others to help support students.

• Weigh actions of individuals and groups

• Adopt policy to support relationships

• Maintain legislative awareness• Represent student interests• Support community resources• Support partnerships

3.4 The Board promotes school board service as a meaningful way to make long term contributions to the local community and society.

• Inform community about role of school boards

• Involve interested community• Provide information to

staff and public about school board service

ISBA Professional Board Standard 3, which deals with advocacy, states: “The Board champions the district’s vision by advocating for a thorough and efficient system of public education that reinforces education as a keystone of democracy.”

ISBA Professional Board Standard 3, which deals with advocacy, states: “The Board champions the district’s vision by advocating for a thorough and efficient system of public education that reinforces education as a keystone of democracy.”

To assist in their advocacy role, board members must be able to identify data, share it with others, add meaning to the interpretation of the data, make assumptions about the data, help others draw conclusions about the data, and

then use that information to take action themselves or to guide others in taking action. Advocacy work may include working with local and state elected officials, working with local service clubs and organizations, empowering parents, and keeping the local community informed. Benchmark 3.1 of Standard 3 specifically addresses alignment: “The Board communicates high expectations for student learning that are aligned with the district vision and mission, have clear goals, and include plans for meeting expectations.”


42 SLATE

Values

Purpose

Vision

Mission

Goals

Objective

Actions

•Support our mission

•Support our goals

•Support our objectives

•What we will become

•Why we are here

•What we believe

•How will we attain our vision

In ISBA Standard 4, which addresses accountability, the term alignment drives the focus. “The Board supports the alignment of all district policies, operations, and programs with the district vision, mission, goals, and strategic plan while meeting students’ educational needs”.

Back to the car: if all the parts of the car are aligned properly, it runs more efficiently and smoothly and usually uses less fuel and oil. The same can be said for a thorough and efficient system of education that has all of its components aligned; district vision, mission, and goals, a strategic plan that acts as the axle, holding all the parts together, and an overall ride that meets students’ educational needs. Sound impossible? If so, it may be time to think strategically:

• What needs to happen to align all aspects of a complex school district and its schools?

• How could that alignment be effectively implemented throughout the district or charter school?

• How much influence, control, or direction does the Board really wield in this process?

• How can the Board and its individual members use this process (of alignment) to advocate for education within and outside their communities and to promote transparent accountability?

The cascading diagram provides a visual that maps out the alignment of various aspects of a strategic plan. Although each component can be developed individually and non-sequentially, the actual putting together of the plan should be similar to this diagram.

Board members represent their school district to the larger community. It is important that they know and are able to explain how all aspects of the design, mechanics, and overall production of their schools connect seamlessly. In their advocacy and accountability roles as governing board, how much easier is it to lobby for levies, legislation, community support, and community pride when the Board is able to clearly identify that the system/school district has accountability, excellence, integrity, and transparency intentionally built into its design?

Since strategic plans for school districts were due September 1, there may not have been enough time to get everything done in the way you would have preferred. Realizing that change is a process, not a singular event, continue working on those next steps. Be ready to take whatever time is needed to support your district’s efforts. Fix those potholes. Replace outdated practices. Further develop your leadership skills in order to maximize the impact of your strategic plan. A well-balanced car almost drives it itself.

Be aligned!

References

Eastman, Phil. (2012). Dimensional Strategy: A Leader’s Guide to Building a Strategic Plan. Boise, Id: Leadership Advisors, Inc.

National School Boards Association. (2014). Alignment. https://www.nsba.org/services/school-board-leadership-services/key-work-school-boards/alignment

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/alignment. August 2, 2014.

Gemberling, K.W., Smith, C.W., & Villani, J. (2009). The Key Work of School Boards. The National School Boards Association.

McKay, A.B., & Newcombe, P. (2002). Aligning Resources for Student Achievement. Alexandria, VA: National School Boards Association.

In Standard 4, which addresses accountability, the term alignment drives the focus:

“The Board supports the alignment of all district policies, operations,

and programs with the district vision, mission, goals,

and strategic plan while meeting

students’ educational

needs”.

© Leadership Advisors, Inc


43SLATE

Standard 4: ACCOUNTABILITYThe Board supports alignment of all district policies, operations and programs with the district vision, mission, goals, and strategic plan while meeting students’ educational needs.

4.1 The Board adopts a collaboratively developed district strategic plan focused on learning and achievement outcomes for all students.

• Valid and reliable assessments used to measure student achievement

• Multiple measures of assessment used to monitor student achievement

• Regular updates given to board• Board reports linked directly to vision, mission, goals, and

strategic plan

4.2 Board keeps the district and community focused on educating students.The Board:

• Clarifies actions based on non-negotiable goals• Complies with Open Meeting Law • Conducts annual evaluation of superintendent

performance• Develops written performance expectations for

superintendent

SLATE

• Ensures that non-negotiable goals for student achievement guide all actions

• Monitors district performance towards: vision, mission, goals, strategic plan, and reports to public.

4.3 The Board authorizes the superintendent to establish district-wide management systems for the purposes of:

3. Compliance with local, state, and federal requirements4. Effective decision-making processes5. Enabling personnel, families, and community to help the district and individual schools achieve their vision and mission6. Making recommendations for policies7. Maximizing use of district resources to align with the district’s vision, mission, goals, and strategic plan

• District-wide management systems aligned with vision, etc.

• Evaluation of district operations aligned with vision, etc.• Development of policies supporting strong leadership• Financial and human resources aligned with vision, etc.• Establishment of policy requirement evaluations of

operations and employees• Fiduciary responsibility through alignment of financial and

human resources with vision, etc.

44

44

Join Trustees from across the State as we chart ISBA’s future and legislative agenda at

the 2014 Business Session.

The Business Session will be held during the ISBA Annual Convention, on November 14th,

at The Riverside Hotel in Boise.

Make Your

Voice Heard...

attend the annual business session!

District’s

SLATE

SLATE / Volume 32 / Fall 2014


45SLATE

Even if you aren’t registered to attend the ISBA Annual Convention, the Business Session is always free for members to attend!

That’s right! The voice of your school district, and the vote for or against each resolution is absolutely crucial in establishing ISBA’s position on the issues.

ISBA strictly follows this established platform when advocating for Idaho school districts during the 2015 Legislative Session. Let us advocate on your behalf!

Because YOU determine ISBA’s legislative agenda.

Because It’s FREE to attend!

you attend?Why should


The BuyBoard NationalPurchasing Cooperative lets yousave time and money while purchasingthe products you use every day. Developedto comply with state laws which requiregovernment entities to make purchases from anapproved list of vendors who have gone through a competitiveapproved list of vendors who have gone through a competitivebidding process, BuyBoard gives districts the advantage ofleveraging the cooperative’s ability to get volume discounts and combines it with the ease of online, web-based shopping and ordering.Purchase everything from pencils to relocatable classrooms, and everything in between.

www.buyboard.comISBA Contact: Rochelle [email protected] | (208) 854-1476

SLATE46

[email protected]

ISBA IS INVESTED IN YOUR

BOARD DEVELOPMENT


47SLATE

I don’t know about all of you but I find summer seems to go by faster each year. I remember my mom saying that all the time so it must be my age!

We used to have a down time at the ISBA offices for about eight weeks in the middle of the summer, but that was not the case this year.

Most of that is because of the new Strategic Planning and Training bill the Legislature enacted this past session which included $2000 for each school district and charter school. First of all, our new Training Coordinator, Krissy LaMont, started working for ISBA at the beginning of the fiscal year. Even in this short time, she has become a valued member of our team and a tremendous asset. In addition, we have added a whole cadre of experienced trainers in different areas of the State. If you have not already done so, I hope you will take some time to read about our newest trainers on pages 34-35.

In order to receive reimbursement for board development, you need to receive the training from an authorized trainer. As of the time this magazine went to print, ISBA is one of only two trainers

BY KAREN ECHEVERRIAISBA Executive Director

that have been authorized by the State Board of Education to provide board development to school districts in Idaho. We submitted our application within days of the qualifications being approved by the State Board of Education and we were approved shortly thereafter. Since that time, we have received a phenomenal response to the board development packages we sent out with the dues invoices this year.

I want to clarify something about the $2000 for registrations for Annual Convention and Day on the Hill. As you all know, the registration for both of those events includes dollars for food and functions that are NOT related to training. Further, many of the workshops we have at Annual Convention are not related to one of the five reimbursable categories. As such, registration for one of these events is not reimbursable.

However, the cost of an Early Bird Workshop or Night Owl Workshop at the Convention and/or a workshop at Day on the Hill is reimbursable. (Learn more about this on pages 26-29). It is our plan to assure that all of the workshops associated with these events qualify for

reimbursement by falling into one of the five main categories of training. As a reminder, those are Strategic Planning, Governance, Ethics, Superintendent Evaluations, and Finance.

We have several workshops under each of the five main categories that will qualify for reimbursement. Those workshops will be listed on our Convention website at www.idsba.org. As always, if your Board wants a workshop that we have not already developed, we are glad to do so. Just let us know.

As summer winds to an end and we start focusing on the school year, I hope you will also remember your own learning needs. We look forward to the many hours of Board development our trainers will provide to you over this next school year.

As always, if there is anything that I, or any of the ISBA staff, can do to assist you, please don’t hesitate to call.

the last word

IDAHO SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATIONP.O. BOX 9797 • BOISE, ID 83707-4797PH: (208) 854-1476 • FAX: (208) 854-1480

Non-Profit OrgU.S. Postage

PAIDBoise, ID

Permit No. 136

October 1, 6:00 PMLakeland High School IEN Lab Finger foods provided

September 30, 6:00 PMGenesee School IEN Lab, 330 W. Ash St.

September 16, 6:00 PM West Ada School District Building, Lochsa Room 1303 East Central Drive, Meridian Dinner provided

September 25, 7:00 PMJerome Middle School, 520 10th Street Dinner provided at 6:30 PM

September 24, 6:30 PM Perkins Restaurant, 1600 Pocatello Creek, Pocatello

September 23, 6:30 PM Jefferson #251 School District, 3850 East 300 North Rigby September 29, 7:00 PM Via Teleconference, call: (877) 366-0711 Enter Participant Code: 30395480# September 29, 7:00 PM Via Teleconference, call: (877) 366-0711 Enter Participant Code: 30395480#

See the ISBA Voice newsletter or visit www.idsba.org

FOR UP-TO-DATEINFORMATION:

Documents

Fall 2014 SLATE - Idaho School Boards Association