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Board Minutes

November 18, 2004

Sakakawea Room, State Capitol, Bismarck

The Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) meeting was called to order by Dean U. Koppelman, chair. Board members who were present were Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. Staff members who were present were Lou Aronson, Diane Weber and Janet Welk. Others present were LeAnn Nelson from NDEA, Gary Gronberg from DPI, Doug Johnson from ND Educational Leaders and Bill Peterson from AG's office.

Board members who did not attend were Amy Benz and Kirk Welstad.

Janet asked for these items to be added to the agenda: Elisabeth Otto as a board case, discussion of Bill Peterson's evaluation, foreign language and composite science, and the masters' graduate credit. A for a motion was made by Marianna to approve the additional agenda topics. Second by Neil. Board members who were in favor were Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen.

Dean encouraged board members to provide any input regarding Bill Peterson's evaluation and submit it to either he or Janet know.

Janet was happy to report that the Teacher Quality Grant can be extended for a fourth year to complete the work.

A motion was made by Kathy to approve the October minutes with the suggested changes. Second by Chris. Motion carried. Board members who were in agreement were Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen.

The September financial statement showed total income of $56,097.09; total expenses $32,084.79 with a net income of $24,012.30. Diane pointed out to the board that a $50,000 transfer from checking was placed into the money market account. The September licensure report showed 354 total licenses issued. A motion was made by Laura to approve the September financial statement and the licensure report. Second by Neil. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen.

The October financial statement showed total income of $26,635.94; total expenses $31,597.14 with a net loss of $4,961.20. The October licensure report showed 210 total licenses issued. A motion was made by Chris to approve the October financial statement and the licensure report. Second by Laura. Motion carried. Board members who were in agreement were Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen.

A motion was made by Dan to approve the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement 2005-2010 Educator Certification/Licensure (Appendix A subsection IIIA 1 & 2). Second by Chris. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. This agreement would allow ESPB to accept licenses received from regular program and not accept other state's alternative licenses.

Chris requested we revisit the area of foreign language studies at the introductory level in middle school/junior high. Many middle/junior high schools offer an introduction to foreign language where four languages are introduced. The schools will have a difficult time finding instructors for each of the four areas. Janet will discuss with the Anita Decker, Director of Approval and Accreditation, Department of Public Instruction.

The board discussed the issues of self-contained/departmentalization and enforcement of highly qualified. The best solution was to change NDCC 15.1-18-07 to eliminate the word "self-contained" and add 1-8 or K-8 elementary school and add to our legislative bill.

A motion was made by Neil to approve 2004 new legislative draft. 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 and Dan Vainonen. This legislative draft needs to be submitted to legislative council by December 8th.

Lou gave a portfolio presentation. The board clarified the following issues:

1. The portfolio is for content subjects and not for additional teaching levels. Therefore, if a teacher wants to move from elementary to secondary they will continue to need their secondary endorsement.
2. If teachers complete the portfolio without having any coursework in the specific subject, we will encourage them to have some coursework along with strong academic workshops in the content subject.
3. If a teacher wants to use department chairperson or professional membership for more than one activity, they will need to document additional content knowledge activities that they received/completed for each multiple entry.

Information was provided by Bill Peterson regarding Deb Jensen's contract, grievance and non-employment issues. A motion was made by Laura that since the grievance policy was related to employment and there now has been a resignation, the grievance item related to Deb's job duties does no longer need to be addressed. Second by Pam. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. For future personnel reference, the director does have the right to change job duties. Dean asked board members to bring any issues for discussion and review to the next board meeting. A motion was then made by Chris to waive Deb's repayment of health insurance dollars upon Deb's return of educational leave. Second by Laura. Motion carried. Board members who voted in favor were Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. Deb nor her NDPEA representative did not attend the meeting.

CASES

Dalzell, Lisa
A motion was made by Pam to proceed with disciplinary action against Ms. Dalzell's teaching license and to offer an informal settlement agreement of a $250 fine. Second by Marianna. Motion carried. Board members who were in favor were Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. Ms. Dalzell is employed as an elementary teacher at Walhalla Public School. NDCC15.1-13-25 (1) (h) and 15.1-13-17 (1)

Gray, Phillip
A motion was made by Pam to issue an initial, two-year license. Second by Kathy. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. Mr. Gray's license application was brought to the board because he had provided false information regarding his background check.

LaBrie, Sharlene
A motion was made by Laura to proceed with disciplinary action against Ms. LaBrie's teaching license and to offer an informal settlement agreement of a $250 fine. Second by Marianna. Motion carried. Board members who were in agreement were Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. Ms. LaBrie is employed as elementary teacher at Tate Topa Tribal School in Fort Totten. NDCC15.1-13-25 (1) (h) and 15.1-13-17 (1)

LeGrand, Steven
A motion was made by Chris to issue a two-year, interim reciprocal license. Second by Dan. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman and Dan Vainonen. Board members who voted no were Laura Carley, Marianna Malm and Neil Nordquist. Mr. LeGrand's license was brought before the board due to his background check.

Longfeather, Virginia
A motion was made by Pam to proceed with disciplinary action against Ms. Longfeather's teaching license and offer an informal settlement agreement of a $100 fine. Second by Dan. Motion carried. Board members who were in favor were Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. Ms. Longfeather is employed at Standing Rock Community School in Fort Yates. NDCC15.1-13-25 (1) (h) and 15.1-13-17 (1)

Otto, Elisabeth
A motion was made by Pam to issue a one-year, interim/emergency license. Second by Laura. Motion carried. Ms. Otto's license application was found proficient thru PPST test scores and that science is a critical shortage area, it was felt that a license should be granted. Board members who voted yes were Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman and Dan Vainonen, Chris Douthit voted no. Neil Nordquist did not vote.

Pederson, Brittany
A motion was made by Chris to proceed with disciplinary action against Ms. Pederson's teaching license and offer an informal settlement agreement of a $250 fine. Second by Kathy. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. Ms. Pederson started the school year without a valid license at Watford City Public Schools. NDCC 15.1-13-25 (1) (h) and 15.1-13-17 (1)

Rogers, Debra
A motion was made by Laura to proceed with disciplinary action against Ms. Rogers' teaching license and offer an informal settlement agreement of a $250 fine. Second by Neil. Motion carried. Board members who were in favor were Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. Ms. Rogers is employed at Mandan Public Schools as a music teacher. NDCC 15.1-13-25 (1) (h) and 15.1-13-17 (1)

ADMINISTRATIVE CASE

Colby, Steven
A motion was made by Pam to proceed with disciplinary action against Mr. Colby's teaching license and offer an informal settlement agreement of a $250 fine. Second by Dean. Motion carried. Administrative board members who voted in agreement were Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman. Mr. Colby is employed as an administrator for Wimbledon Public Schools.

It was suggested that the Legislative Interim Committee and other education groups be invited to attend board legislative talks.

The meeting adjourned at 3:20. The next meeting is scheduled for December 9th.

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