I.

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m.

II.

Pledge of Allegiance

III.

Roll Check

All board members were present.

IV.

Welcome Visitors and Acknowledgments

A.

Vision and Mission Statement

Board members read the vision and mission statements.

Chair Marr introduced Gary Fisk, the new Facilities Coordinator.

The president of AHAA promoted the upcoming Winter Fine Arts Festival scheduled for January 13 & 14.

V.

Consent Agenda

It was recommended that the Board approve the consent agenda as presented. 

A.

Approve minutes of the Capital Project Advisory Committee meeting of November 3, Budget Committee work session of November 24, regular session of December 8, and Board Work Session of December 31, 2008. 

B.

Personnel

I.

Request for Leave of Absence

Leigh Jones, Speech and Language Pathologist requested a leave of absence for the 2009-10 school year.  Ms. Jones has been on leave this year.  It was recommended that her request for leave be approved as presented.

VI.

Hear Public Requests not a part of the agenda

VII.

Reports

A.

Student and Staff Representative Reports

Toni Knox reported on AHAA, MLK celebration, the AHS Musical, the Pajama Game musical starting March 25, and AMS activities.

Amy Korth reported on the maintenance staff and custodial staff being busy over the vacations. 

B.

Review of HIV, AIDS, HBV and HCV Health Education Curriculum

In accordance with Board Policy IGAEA, the Board-adopted curriculum for HIV, AIDS, HBV and HCV Health Education will be reviewed biennially. 

Michelle Zundel and Allison French reported on the curriculum for HIV, AIDS, HB, and HCV.  Ms. Zundel reported that we have made much progress on our goals for this curriculum.  Students from K-9 receive developmentally appropriate instruction. Ms. French spoke about the instruction at AMS and AHS and responded to questions of the Board.

C.

Oregon Statewide Assessment Report

Michelle Zundel reported on a four-year summary comparison of the Oregon Statewide Assessment data for the Ashland School District.  She highlighted some of Ashland’s data and explained how the district meets the needs of students.

D.

Update on Reclassification of Sports

Karl Kemper reported that there is a movement to make more classifications because of the large difference in the size of high schools.  A final decision should be made by the Oregon School Activities Association in October of 2009.    Mr. Kemper further explained that Athletic Directors in Southern Oregon are recommending that the current classifications not be changed.   

E.

Report on Annual School Report Cards for Each School

Juli Di Chiro reviewed the district’s state report cards for the 2007-08 school year.  All of our schools were strong academically; all schools with the exception of Walker were satisfactory overall.  Attendance was the element that kept Walker from being strong. 

F.

Project Management Update

Gary DeDock reported on the status of the construction projects and responded to questions of the Board.

G.

District Financial Report

Jill Turner reviewed the November financial report and responded to questions.

H.

Review Snow Day Policy

Juli Di Chiro reported that, in accordance with our board policy, the snow day before the winter break was a paid day for employees even though most did not work.  Discussion has arisen in light of the potential reduction of days to balance this year’s budget.  Ms. Di Chiro reported that if additional snow days occur, they will be made up at the end of the year. 

I.

Superintendent Report

Juli Di Chiro explained that the district has been working collaboratively with employee groups to reduce this school year by 5 days to balance the budget.  The current proposal is to eliminate school the five days before Spring Break and the cancel the Spring Conference days.  We hope to have this finalized before the February regular session so parents can be notified.

The Board recessed at 8:44 p.m. and reconvened at 8:53 p.m.

VIII.

Unfinished  Business

There was no unfinished business.

IX.

New Business

A.

Appoint Members for Class Size Study Group

The Board discussed the status of the Class Size Study Group.   Director Alexander moved to table this discussion until July.  Director Massie seconded and the motion passed with the following roll call vote:  Alexander – yes; Massie – yes; Marr – yes; Parker – yes; Patton – yes.

B.

Adopt Criteria for Evaluation of Superintendent

Director Marr recommended that the Board use the 2007-08 criteria for the superintendent's evaluation for this year.  The Board made minor changes to the 2007-08 criteria.  Director Massie moved that the Board use the superintendent’s evaluation criteria as modified and the chair and vice-chair develop a schedule for the evaluation.  Director Alexander seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

X.

Board Report

Board members reported on the AHS Redesign Team, state legislators, the Fine Arts Fair at Willow Wind, and the community meeting on immunization.

XI.

Announcements and Appointments

A.

The Board will hold an executive session in accordance with ORS 192.660(2)(a) on Monday, January 19, 2008, at 9:00 a.m. in the district board room to review executive, administrative, and certified personnel. 

B.

A Board Work Session will be held on Monday, January 26, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. in the Ashland High School Theater for a community meeting on the Ashland High School Redesign.

C.

The next Capital Projects Advisory Committee meeting will be held on Monday, March 2, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. in the District Board Room.

D.

The next regular session will be held on Monday, February 9, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Ashland Council Chambers.

E.

A Work Session will be held on February 23, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. in the Helman Library to discuss 2009-10 budget proposals.