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Board Minutes

April 15, 2004

Red River Room, State Capitol, Bismarck, ND

The Education Standard and Practices Board (ESPB) meeting was called to order by board chair, Dean U. Koppelman. All board members were present. The board consisted of Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. ESPB personnel present were Diane Weber and Janet Welk. Others present were Anita Decker and Gary Gronberg from the Department of Public Instruction, Bill Peterson and Doug Bahr from the Attorney General's Office, (Doug Bahr was available via conference call.), Jim and Julie Gunkelman, Mike Geiermann, Janel Coles and Sheena Dooley.

Various board members expressed their appreciation on starting the meeting at 9:00.

Since all the board members were present, a board photo was taken.

Janet asked that Beth Moran and Julie Jensen be added to the agenda. A motion was made by Marianna to include Beth Moran and Julie Jensen. Second by Chris. Motion carried. Board members who were in agreement were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad.

A motion was made by Laura to approve the March 11th board minutes. Second by Kirk. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. An amended motion was made by Amy to correct the March 26th conference call minutes. Second by Marianna. Motion carried. Board members who were in agreement were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad.

A motion was made by Kirk to approve the March financial statements. Second by Laura. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. The March financial report showed $29,509.73 in revenue, $22,686.04 in expenses, with a net income of $6,823.69. It was suggested that we move the CD monies into a higher interest bearing account in July when the CD needs to be renewed.

The March teacher licenses issued showed 278 total licenses issued. A motion was made by Kirk to approve the licensure report. Second by Marianna. Motion carried. Board members in agreement were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad.

Janet reported that the computer-programming estimate is approximately $25,000. ITD has left the estimate open since they were not able to put a definitive time allotment on the curriculum codes. Janet indicated that whatever the cost, the programming would be paid through the Teacher Quality Grant due to the standards alignment process.

Janet presented the Teacher Quality Grant audit proposal from Roene Hulsing. The audit estimate is $3500-$3950. A motion was made by Neil to employ Roene Hulsing accounting firm. Second by Kirk. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad.

The board suggested that another press release/postcard be sent regarding the NCLB flexibility, steps and process, and the tests that are available to take. On the ESPB website, information will also be included regarding the tests that are available.

The Personnel Policy Committee met prior to board meeting. Chris reviewed what the group had done. The committee has completed work on Conduct, Disciplinary Action and Grievance Procedures. A motion was made by Dan to approve the 1st reading. Second by Laura. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. The Personnel Policy Committee will meet again on May 11th prior to the board meeting. These policies can be changed anytime.

Program Approval standards were reviewed by PAAC on April 5. A motion was made by Kirk to approve the PAAC recommended standards changes for Agriculture Education 8.01. Second by Amy. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. A motion was made by Marianna to approve the PAAC recommended standards changes for Art 8.2. Second by Laura. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. A motion was made by Kirk to approve the PAAC recommended standards changes for Business Education 8.04. A motion was made by Kirk to approve the PAAC recommended standards changes for English 8.10. Second by Dan. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, and Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. A motion was made by Amy to approve the PAAC recommended standards changes for Foreign Languages 8.12. Second by Marianna. Motion carried. Board members who were in agreement were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. A motion was made by Chris to approve the recommended PAAC standards changes for Health Education 8.13. Second by Marianna. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. A motion was made by Chris to approve the recommended PAAC standards changes for Family/Consumer Sciences 8.14. Second by Kirk. Motion carried. Board members in favor were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. A motion was made by Amy to approve the recommended PAAC standards changes for Marketing Education 8.16. Second by Laura. Motion carried. Board members who were in favor were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. A motion was made by Kirk to approve the recommended PAAC standards changes for Mathematics 8.17. Second by Marianna. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. A motion was made by Amy to approve the recommended PAAC standards changes for Middle Level Education 8.18. Second by Chris. Motion carried. Board members who were in agreement were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. A motion was made by Marianna to approve the recommended PAAC standards changes for Music 8.19. Second by Dan. Motion carried. Board members who were in agreement were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. A motion was made by Kirk to approve the recommended PAAC standards changes for Physical Education 8.20. Second by Laura. Motion carried. Board members who voted in agreement were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. A motion was made by Laura to approve the recommended PAAC standards changes for Science 8.21. Second by Kirk. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. A motion was made by Marianna to approve the recommended PAAC standards changes for Social Studies 8.22. Second by Dan. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. A motion was made by Amy to approve the recommended PAAC standards change for Technology Education 8.24. Second by Kirk. Board members in favor were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad.

A motion was made by Laura to approve the recommended PAAC standards changes for Trade, Industry, Technical/Health Occupations 8.25. Second by Neil. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad.

Major equivalency forms change the wording and remove the number of credit hours. The forms should read "All major equivalencies must meet the ND Teacher Education Program Approval Standards. A major equivalency will not change the level of preparation of the applicant unless completed with a student teaching or clinical practice option."

Janet asked for board approval on Trinity Bible College Program review date of November 24-28th. A motion was made by Pam to approve the November dates. Second by Chris. Motion carried. Board members who agreed were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. Trinity Bible College will be reviewed for their elementary education program plus a new physical education program.

Janet asked for board approval on the University of Mary program review date to be moved from fall, 2004 to spring, 2005. The reason for the new date is that the University of Mary will be adding a social studies program. Amy made a motion to approve the spring, 2005 date. Second by Marianna. Motion carried. Board members who voted in agreement were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad.

After field input and discussion held on the English major equivalency, Janet and Anita Decker will see if programming courses differently could alleviate problems. Journalism, speech/debate, drama is cross reference could be done through moving course codes. No changes need to be done through our administrative rules. This topic will be on the May agenda

A motion was made by Laura to not use the ND Native American studies and multicultural course list. Second by Dan. Motion carried. Board members who were in agreement were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad.

A motion was made by Kirk to have the administrative rules go to the Attorney General's Office. Second by Dan. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad.

From 11:30 to 11:55, the board went into executive session to discuss the Julie Jensen case.

CASES
Jensen, Julie by Doug Bahr
A motion was made by Neil to approve the settlement agreement as presented. Second by Dan. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. Amy Benz voted no. The board and Ms. Jensen agreed to resolve this matter as follows:

1. Jensen waives her right to an administrative hearing
2. Jensen denies that she violated the professional Code of Conduct for Educators and this agreement is not to be construed as an admission of any of the allegations in the complaint
3. Jensen's teaching license will be placed on probation for a period of one year. The probation period will commence on the date this settlement agreement is fully executed. The probation will expire in one year unless during that year a complaint is substantiated thru the administrative hearing process
4. As a condition of probation, Jensen will comply with all laws and rules relating to the profession of teaching
5. As a condition of probation, three times during the probation period, Jensen's principal will provide a report to the board regarding whether there have been any serious complaints regarding Jensen and, if there has, how the complaints were resolved
6. As a condition of the probation, two times during the probation period, Jensen's athletic director will provide a report to the board regarding whether there have been any serious complaints regarding Jensen and, if there was, how the complaints were resolved
7. This settlement agreement resolves any and all allegations in the complaint. The board will not consider any future complaints against Ms. Jensen of a same or similar nature as those alleged in the complaint if the alleged conduct occurred prior to the date of this settlement agreement.
8. If any complaints regarding Jensen are made to the board during the probation period, whether or not the issue was presented to the school board and addressed by the school board, will be considered by the board in determining what, if any, action should be taken.
9. There are no covenants, promises, undertakings or understandings outside this agreement other than as herein specifically set forth.
10. This agreement shall be governed by the substantive laws of the State of ND without regard to conflicts of law principles. NDCC 15.1-13-24, 25 and 28-32

Doug Bahr reminded the board members and visitors that board members should not respond to e-mails or miscellaneous correspondence that they receive. Board members should forward all e-mails and miscellaneous correspondence to the office. The office would then bring the correspondence to the board meeting so the board can respond.

Boschert, Kevin
A motion was made by Chris to issue a two-year, reentry license. Second by Kirk. Motion carried. Board members who voted in agreement were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. Mr. Boschert's license renewal was brought to the board because he had check yes to question #3, on section two of the application form.

Decoteau, Alex
A motion was made by Kirk to issue an initial, two-year restricted, Native American. license. Second by Neil. Motion carried. Board members who were in agreement were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. Mr. Decoteau's license request was brought to the board because he had checked yes to question #3, on section two of the application form.

Fredericks, Monique
Amy made a motion to table board action at this time. Second by Marianna. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. The office had just received Ms. Frederick's license application. The office will research the length of time she was employed as an unlicensed teacher at Standing Rock Community Junior High School. Ms. Frederick's license request was brought to the board for a possible fine.

Greenwood, Brenda
A motion was made by Kirk to dismiss the request for inquiry. Second by Chris. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. Ms. Greenwood is employed at Turtle Mt. Community High School as an English instructor.

Gugel, Duane
A motion was made by Amy to obtain additional information regarding the court documents, police records, and Mr. Gugel's letter of explanation regarding the 2004 charges. Second by Pam. Motion carried. Board members in agreement were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad.

Jensen, Sarah
A motion was made by Kirk to start disciplinary action against Ms. Jensen's license and offer an informal settlement agreement of a $250 fine. Second by Dan. Motion carried. Board members who were in agreement were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. Ms. Jensen is employed at St. Anne's Elementary School in Bismarck as a music teacher. NDCC 15.1-13-25

Lang, Harold
A motion was made by Laura to issue an initial, two-year license. Second by Amy. Motion carried. Board members who voted in agreement were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. Mr. Lang's license application was brought before the board due to his background check.

Lueck, Kimberly
A motion was made by Pam to issue an initial, two-year license. Second by Amy. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. Ms. Lueck's license request was brought before the board due to her background check. Neil Nordquist did not vote.

LaRocque, Darlene
A motion was made by Kirk to issue a two-year, reentry license. Second by Neil. Motion carried. Board members who were in agreement were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. Ms. LaRoque's license request was brought to the board because she had checked question #3, section two of the application form.

Moran, Beth
A motion was made by Neil to dismiss disciplinary action against Ms. Moran's license because the school was on spring break during the time that her license had expired. Second by Dan. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. Laura Carley did not vote. Ms. Moran is employed at South High School in Fargo.

Nowatzki, Janice
A motion was made by Neil to start disciplinary Acton against Ms. Nowatzki's license and offer an informal settlement agreement of a $250 fine. Second by Kirk. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. Ms. Nowatzki is employed at Holy Spirit School, Fargo. NDCC 67.1-01-01-03

Rettinger, Gordon
A motion was made by Neil to issue a five-year, license renewal. Second by Laura. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. Board members who voted no were Amy Benz and Kirk Welstad. Bill Peterson has not been able to complete the investigation. A motion was made by Laura to hire a private investigator. Second by Chris. Motion carried. Board members who agreed were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. Janet and Bill will check into hiring the investigator.

Schaffer, Stacy
A motion was made by Amy to ask Mr. Schaffer for documentation on an evaluation of treatment. Second by Dan. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad.

Ussatis, Amber
A motion was made by Laura to issue an initial, two-year license. Second by Amy. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Dan Vainonen and Kirk Welstad. Ms. Ussatis' license application was brought to the board due to her background check.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:35.

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