About ESPB
Board Minutes
August 12, 2004
Sakakawea Room, State Capitol, Bismarck
The Education Standard and Practices Board (ESPB) meeting was called to order by board chair, Dean U. Koppelman. Board members present were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Kathy Kiedrowski, Neil Nordquist and Kirk Welstad. ESPB personnel present were Diane Weber and Janet Welk. Others present were Anita Decker and Gary Gronberg from DPI, Bill Peterson from the AG's Office, Andrea Domaskin from the Associate Press and Janell Cole from the Fargo Forum, Doug Johnson from the ND Educational Leaders, Jim Kindschi, Dan Houston and Suzi Brynjolfson from Bismarck Public Schools, Kurt Hayes from Munich Public Schools and Dianna Schneider from Williston Public Schools.
Board members who did not attend were Chris Douthit, Marianna Malm and Dan Vainonen.
Janet asked that Stacy Armstrong, Autumn Elliot, Robert BearCub and Brent Offerdahl be added as board cases. A motion was made by Kirk approve these additions to the agenda. Second by Neil. Motion carried. Board members who voted in agreement were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Neil Nordquist and Kirk Welstad.
The discussion of election of officers was held. Janet informed the board that for two years, the past policy has always been to continue the slate of officers for two years, but past policy could be changed. A motion was made by Pam to have Dean serve as chair and Kirk to serve as vice-chair for the 2004-05 general board and that Kirk serve as chair and Chris serve as vice-chair for the 2004-05 administrative board. Second by Neil. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Neil Nordquist and Kirk Welstad.
A motion was made by Neil to approve the June board retreat minutes. Second by Amy. Motion carried. Board members who were in favor were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Neil Nordquist and Kirk Welstad.
A motion was made by Laura to approve the June financial reports. Second by Neil. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Neil Nordquist and Kirk Welstad. The fine report was also included with standard financial statement. The 2003-04 fine report showed $6,900.00 in fines collected. The June financial reports showed total income as $59,567.55 in revenue, $32,442.41 in expenses with a net income of $27,125.14. The June teacher licenses report showed 540 total licenses issued. The June report showed a high revenue amount. This high revenue amount could possible be due to applicants trying to take advantage of the old fee prior to the rate increase of July 1, 2004.
A motion was made by Amy to approve the July financial reports. Second by Laura Carley. Motion carried. Board members in agreement were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Neil Nordquist and Kirk Welstad. The July financial report showed $26,616.86 in revenue, $35,003.35 in expenses with a net income of minus $8,386.49. The July teacher licenses report showed 103 total licenses issued. Diane pointed out that $11,250.00 of national board dollars were actual dollars for 2003-04 but the dollars did not reach the bank until early July. Revenue was very low for July due to the reprogramming, no new licenses being issued in July. The office started issuing new licenses on August 10th.
Diane and Janet had the opportunity to view various office spaces throughout Bismarck. Janet recommended to the board that the office move into 2718 Gateway Ave., #303. A blueprint of the floor plan was available for the board. It is approximately 960 square feet at $8.75 per square foot. This would be twice as much square footage as what the office is currently utilizing. The rent would be $700 per month, which would include all utilities (except for telephone expenses) and janitorial services. Because of the good rental rate, the board suggested that ESPB possibly sign a lease for more than a year, requesting two, two-year options. A motion was made by Kirk to approve the signing and giving Janet the power to negotiate the term of the lease. Second by Laura. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean Koppelman, Neil Nordquist and Kirk Welstad. The lease agreement will need to be reviewed by the Attorney General's Office and Facility Management. It was also suggested that a check be done on the lease regarding the electrical rider. Kirk thanked Janet and Diane in their efforts in search of new office space.
The office has requested bids from three moving companies. At the time of the board meeting, Janet did not have any estimates from the moving companies. Office packing date would be September 30th. The board asked Janet to negotiate the moving agreement.
BNC National Bank would be across the street from the new office building and moving the banking services would be utilization of staff time. Janet and Diane were asked to check into comparable services versus the present accounts at Capitol Credit Union.
Bill Peterson reported that ESPB could share information with a retirement program (TFFR). This research was done regarding a request from TFFR to read social security numbers from our data file to match with DPI license numbers. NDCC 45-04-28.2.A
Discussion was held on upcoming 2005 legislative issues. Janet presented the first draft of legislation including acting in the profession of education without a teaching license as a class b misdemeanor and special education credentials. After further research, this will be on the September agenda.
A motion was made by Pam to approve Minot State University's teacher education program. Second by Laura. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Dean U. Koppelman and Kirk Welstad. Neil Nordquist did not cast a vote. PAAC recommended approval of Minot State University and provide information to ESPB on the development of the Master of Education in English in their NCATE/State Annual report due in December.
A motion was made by Pam to approve the teacher education program at Dickinson State University with conditions. Second by Kirk. The Theatre and Communication Education (7-12) major combines the standards for 8.06 Drama/Theatre and 8.23 Speech and met the standards for each of the areas but as stand alone majors did not meet the required 32 semester hours in each content area. The board offered the suggestion that changes be made to either develop each of the program areas into stand alone minors or add additional coursework to meet the standards for major level programs. The board asked that these changes be submitted with the NCATE/State annual report in December for the Board's review and reconsideration. If the conditions have been met at that time, the status will change to approved.
PAAC recommended approval of Dickinson State University of the technology major/minor. This technology program is a cooperative with Valley City State University. A motion was made by Pam to approve Dickinson State University technology major. Second by Neil. Motion carried. Board members who voted in agreement were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Dean U. Koppelman and Kirk Welstad.
A motion as made by Pam, effective 2005 to approve the recommended changes of the NCATE/State partnership protocol. Second by Amy. Motion carried. Board members who were in agreement were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Dean U. Koppelman, Neil Nordquist and Kirk Welstad.
The PAAC also provided a matrix of the review of our ND ESPB 2004 teacher education program approval standards and the NCATE SPA standard alignment review. The following were standards reviewed: early childhood, elementary, middle school, technology education, instructional technology, special education, physical education, educational leader, reading, health, English, psychology, social studies, math, and science. The elementary, middle, technology, math, and science standards were aligned. The other standards were not aligned.
Kathy reported for the Testing Committee regarding the ETS validation test score recommendations. A motion was by Amy to accept cut scores for biology: content knowledge (0235) at 153. Second by Neil. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Neil Nordquist and Kirk Welstad. A motion was made by Neil to accept cut scores for music: content knowledge (0113) at 149. Second by Amy. Motion carried. Board members who voted in agreement were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Neil Nordquist and Kirk Welstad. A motion was made by Kirk to accept cut scores for social studies: content knowledge (0081) at 156. Second by Neil. Motion carried. Board members who were in favor were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Neil Nordquist and Kirk Welstad.
The ESPB research team gave a presentation. This group worked out of Horizon Middle School's computer lab from June 29 - August 6th. The group compiled a report of commonly asked questions regarding licensure from other states. This summary will be a useful tool during the upcoming legislative session.
CASES
Armstrong, Stacy
Ms. Armstrong did not have a passing PPST math score. It was suggested that Janet contact the school district for documentation that Ms. Armstrong is considered as part of the English shortage area. Ms. Armstrong would then be able to obtain an interim (emergency) one-year license. ND CC 67.1-02-04-02
BearCub, Robert
A motion was made by Laura to issue an initial, two-year license. Second by Amy. Motion carried. Board members who were agreement were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Neil Nordquist and Kirk Welstad. Mr. BearCub's license application was brought to the board because he indicated that he had previous misdemeanor charge.
Coe, Emily
A motion was made by Laura to issue an initial, two-year license. Second by Pam. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Neil Nordquist and Kirk Welstad. Ms. Coe's license application was brought before the board due to her background check.
Cordova, Paul (update)
Bill Peterson provided information to the board. Mr. Cordova is appealing his conviction of March 17, 2004. If Mr. Cordova's conviction were reversed on appeal, the grounds upon which the board denied Mr. Cordova's application would no longer exist. It would be a waste of time and resources to conduct a hearing before the appeal of Mr. Cordova's conviction is decided.
Crouse, Mike
A motion was made by Amy to issue an initial, two-year career and technical education license. Second by Laura. Motion carried. Board members who were in favor were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Neil Nordquist and Kirk Welstad. Mr. Crouse's license application was brought to the board due to his background check.
Elliot, Autumn
Ms. Elliot did not have a passing PPST writing score. It was suggested that Janet contact the school district to obtain documentation so that Ms. Elliot may be considered for the art shortage area. Ms. Elliot can then be issued an interim (emergency) one-year license. NDCC 67.1.02-04.02
Gray, Philip
A motion was made by Laura to obtain information from the State's Attorney, county court and police department. Second by Neil. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Neil Nordquist and Kirk Welstad. Mr. Gray's license application was brought before the board due to his background check.
Knott, Melissa
A motion was made by Amy to issue an initial, two-year license. Second by Kathy. Motion carried. Board members who were in favor were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Neil Nordquist and Kirk Welstad. Ms. Knott's license application was brought to the board due to her background check.
Messmer, Brian
A motion was made by Laura to issue a reentry, two-year license. Second by Neil. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Neil Nordquist and Kirk Welstad. Mr. Messmer's license renewal was brought to the board because he had checked yes to question #3, part two of the renewal form.
McNeff, Michael
A motion as made by Neil to issue an initial, two-year license. Second by Laura. Motion carried. Board members who were in agreement were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Neil Nordquist and Kirk Welstad. Mr. McNeff's license application was brought to the board due to his background check.
Offerdahl, Brent
Janet informed the board that no response had yet been received from Mr. Offerdahl. The board suggested that Janet contact Ms. Christenson to promptly submit a response.
Poitra, Angel
A motion was made by Neil to deny the issuance of an initial, two-year license until Ms. Poitra has successfully completed her probation. Second by Laura. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Neil Nordquist and Kirk Welstad. Bill Peterson will notify Ms. Poitra. Ms. Poitra's license application was brought to the board due to her background check. NDCC 67.1-02-02-06
Schaeffer, Stacy
No response has been received. The office is trying to obtain a current address.
Vanderwal, Sandra
A motion was made by Laura to seek information from the attorney, social service findings and personnel record from the school. Second by Kirk. Motion carried. Board members who were in favor were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Neil Nordquist and Kirk Welstad. A request for inquiry had been filed. Ms. Vanderwal is employed at the Standing Rock Community Elementary School.
ADMINISTRATIVE
Kiedrowski, Mike
A motion was made by Laura to dismiss the case. Second by Dean. Motion carried. Administrative board members who voted yes were Kirk Welstad, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin and Dean U. Koppelman. Administrative board member, Kathy Kiedrowski did not cast a vote. Mr. Kiedrowski's license was brought to the board due to a possible fine issue. Private schools do not need to employ a licensed administrator. Mr. Kiedrowski is employed by Trinity High School in Dickinson. NDCC 15.1-06-07
Titus, Garrett
No response has been received from Mr. Titus; therefore, the administrative board took no action.
Yellowfat, Terrance
A motion was made by Pam to take disciplinary action against Mr. Yellowfat's license. Second by Dean. Motion carried. Administrative board members who were in agreement were Kirk Welstad, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Kathy Kiedrowski and Dean U. Koppelman. Again, motion was then made by Pam to have Bill Peterson write a letter of reprimand. Second by Dean. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Kirk Welstad, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Kathy Kiedrowski and Dean U. Koppelman. Mr. Yellowfat's license was brought before the administrative board because of the employing an unlicensed teacher, Monique Fredericks. Ms. Fredericks had been employed with school system prior to obtaining a license. NDCC 67.1-01-01-03
The Testing Committee and the Alternative Committee will be meeting before the September board meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:25. The next board meeting will be on September 9th.
Top
Back
Print Friendly Version