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2005 Board Minutes

November 8

Fort Lincoln Room, State Capitol, Bismarck, North Dakota

The Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) meeting was called to order by Dean U. Koppelman, chair. Board members present were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, and Dan Vainonen. Staff members who were present were Diane Weber and Janet Welk. Others present were Gary Gronberg and Lauri Matzke from DPI, Joe Westby and Gloria Lokken from NDEA and Bill Peterson from the AG's office.

Board members Chris Douthit and Kathy Kiedrowski were not available for the conference call.

To accommodate the time schedule of DPI personnel, Janet asked that the 12:30 agenda item be moved up. A motion was made by Dan to approve the change in agenda order. Second by Marianna. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen.

Much discussion was done on the Margaret Spelling letter on highly qualified, loss of state funds, can an extension be allowed, an emergency ruling, etc. The board feels very strongly that ESPB owes it to the profession to inform the profession; if it means working with the rural flexibility districts or a rules change in an extension of time, etc. The board is very concerned about the law and if the law will allow any flexibility. A motion was made by Amy to review the law and find out what the barriers might be and to press ITD to supply reports that would be helpful. Janet Welk, Gary Gronberg and Bill Peterson are to bring forth the findings at the December board meeting. Second by Neil. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen.

The board also had an opportunity to discuss the letter submitted from Rebecca Edland letter regarding the two rules that are conflicting; 67.1-02-02-10 which states that anyone holding a restricted license can only substitute teach in their major/minor area and 67.1-02-04-02 which allows an individual who holds a non-teaching degree to be licensed as a sub in any content area. It was suggested that Janet research the restricted licenses and these numbers be brought forth to the December meeting.

Janet informed the board that she will be representing the office along with other agencies who have been asked to meet with ITD about being taken off the state mainframe. Since the mainframe is old, why train new personnel to work old technology? ITD has indicated that there would be no cost to ESPB for being taken off the mainframe and developing our own data base.

On Thursday, November 10th, FileNet will be taking the office on a tour to the Tax Department, Department of Transportation, Public Employees Retirement System and Teacher's Fund For Retirement regarding online application process, paperless files, etc.

A motion was made by Laura to approve the October 13, 2005 minutes as written. Second by Marianna. Motion carried. Board members who agreed were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, and Dan Vainonen.

The October financial statement showed $55,774.82 in total income received, $43,342.48 total expenses; with a net income of $12,432.34. A motion was made by Dan to approve the financial report. Second by Neil. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen.

The October licensure report showed 201 licenses issued. A motion was made by Neil to approve the licensure report. Second by Pam. Motion carried. Board members who were in favor were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen.

Cases

Administrative Cases

Harris, Fran
Bill Peterson informed the board that Ms. Harris should not be considered an administrative case, since she is not employed in North Dakota. A motion was made by Laura to have Ms. Harris moved into the general board cases and placed on the December agenda. Second by Pam. Motion carried. Board members who agreed were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Dean U. Koppelman, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen.

Since there was not an administrative quorum, cases Richard Cheatley, Charles Scherr and Thomas Six will be heard at the December board meeting.

Cases

Eicholtz, Russell
A motion was made by Neil to proceed with Mr. Eicholtz's license revocation. Second by Pam. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm and Neil Nordquist. Dan Vainonen did not vote. Mr. Eicholtz committed an offense of corruption or solicitation of a minor. NDCC 15.1-13-26

Holland, Jane
A motion was made by Amy to proceed with disciplinary action and to offer an informal settlement agreement of $100 fine. Second by Marianna. Motion carried. Board members who were in favor were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. Ms. Holland is an English teacher at West Fargo High School. NDCC 15.1-13-25(1)(h) and 15.1-13-17(1)

Koppinger, Janet
A motion was made by Laura to proceed with disciplinary action and to offer an informal settlement agreement of a $250 fine. Second by Amy. Motion carried. Board members who were in favor were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. Ms. Koppinger is an elementary teacher at Grace Lutheran Elementary School. NDCC 15.1-13-25(1)(h) and 15.1-13-17(1)

Lutovsky, Linda
A motion was made by Neil to dismiss disciplinary action. Second by Dan. Motion carried. Board members who agreed were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. Ms. Lutovsky's license was brought before the board due to a possible fine issue.

Thingstad, Aleah
A motion was made by Laura to dismiss disciplinary action. Second by Neil. Motion carried. Board members who were in agreement were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. Ms. Thingstad's license was brought to the board due to a possible fine issue.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:55.

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