Bethel School Board Update, March 26, 2013

By Krista Carlson, Bethel District Communications

The Bethel School Board is committed to advancing student learning opportunities and educational services within the district’s boundaries. At their March 26 meeting, the Board of Directors…

Received a special presentation from Cedarcrest MS Principal Dr. Cheryl Barnett, teacher Stephanie Ovechka and several students who described the school’s use of Glogster as an interactive teaching tool. A “glog” is a blog with graphics, which allows readers to view multimedia images and interactive content. To view the students’ glogs, go to http://edu.glogster.com/presentation/glog-flow/12854502.

Approved, by a 4-0 decision, Resolution 22 (12-13) approving the Danielson Teaching Framework and Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP) Leadership Framework. Both frameworks will be used as part of the new Teacher/Principal Evaluation Pilot (TPEP). For more details on TPEP, go to http://www.bethelsd.org/services/human_resources/TPEP.

Adopted by a 4-0 decision, the following instruction materials: Big Ideas 6th, 7th and 8th grade Math; and Big Ideas 6th and 7th grade Accelerated Math from Big Ideas Learning LLC. The Middle School Math Adoption Committee met several times throughout the school year to select instructional materials. The committee recommended these books because they will align closely with the new Common Core State Standards.

Adopted by a 4-0 decision, the following instruction materials: Child Development by Goodheart-Willcox Company. The Career Technical Education Family and Consumer Sciences Committee met several times through the school year to select instructional materials. By using research and best practices to screen materials, the committee recommended this textbook because it will align closely with the CTE Frameworks and the Common Core State Standards.

Recognized the following School Volunteers of the Year!

Cedarcrest Middle School – Kim Presley (pictured with CMS Principal Dr. Cheryl Barnett)

Camas Prairie Elementary – Russell McNamee (pictured with teacher John Spafford, Principal Sean McKenzie, and Board President John Manning)

Frederickson Elementary – Tina Alphier (pictured with her daughter and Principal Ellen Eddy)

Recognized the district’s Classified Employee of the Year. Public School Employees president, Ed Ammons introduced Aileen ben Mohamed, as this year’s honoree. Ben Mohamed is the secretary to Assistant Director Dave Wells, who oversees the district’s custodial services. She has been active member of the Bethel chapter of PSE and has worked as a volunteer on the Bethel Community’s Daffodil Float.

Accepted by a 4-0 decision, policy 3416: Medication at School for first reading and further study.

Accepted by a 4-0 decision, several policies for second reading and adoption. The policies include: 2000 Student Learning Goals, 2151 Athletic Activities, 2411 Certificate of Educational Competency, 3122 Excused and Unexcused Absences, 4040 Public Access to School District Records, 4210 Dangerous Weapons on School District Property, 6605 Student Safety – Walking to School and Riding Buses, and 6802 Use of Supplies and Equipment.

Adopted by a 4-0 decision, Resolution 24 (12-13) approving the Building Commissioning Report for Pierce County Skills Center Phase 2A.

Approved the Pierce County Skills Center consent agenda, which allocates funding for PCSC summer school at a variety of sites throughout the county.

Approved by a 3-1 margin, the elementary school boundary proposal as recommended by the boundary committee. The decision also includes a provision to allow automatic approval of waiver requests for current fourth grade students who are impacted by the boundary changes, and the approval of similar related waiver requests whenever possible. Copies of the new boundaries are available at http://www.bethelsd.org/news/6379.

Held a public hearing on a resolution that could potentially change language in the 2006 bond. The added language would allow the expenditure of 2006 bond funds, or other capital funds, to investigate and/or, design and/or construct an aquatic center. Passing this resolution would not automatically commit the district to construct an aquatic center or any particular phase of planning or design work. But rather, it would simply allow the use of bond or other capital funds to explore an aquatic center project at any level specifically authorized by the board, such as a community survey, conceptual design work, etc.

Approved by a 4-0 decision, the school district entering into a contract with BNBuilders as the design-builder for the new Transportation Center/Central Kitchen. The project is expected to cost $19.4 million and will be located in the Frederickson industrial area. A groundbreaking for the project is tentatively scheduled for June 17 at noon. More details will be announced soon.

Accepted by a 4-0 decision, the Bethel High School and Spanaway Lake High School science rooms as complete in accordance with plans and specifications for the project.

Authorized by a 4-0 decision, the administration to advertise for bids on construction projects at Bethel Middle School and Evergreen and Rocky Ridge elementary schools. Projects include:

Bethel Middle School Cafeteria & Exterior Improvements

3,000 sq. ft. addition to the commons
Roof replacement

Evergreen Elementary Parking Lot & Site Improvements

Improve site circulation by moving the bus loop to the north side of the school and designating the front of the school as parent pick-up/drop-off
Adding sidewalks for better on-site circulation
Rebuild front parking lot and add rain gardens to treat storm water
Improve the ball fields, add a walking path and add irrigation

Rocky Ridge Elementary Improvements