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2005 Board Minutes

December 8

Sakakawea 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, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. Staff members who were present were Diane Weber and Janet Welk. Others present were Gary Gronberg from DPI, Janell Cole from the Fargo Forum, Helen Busche from NDEA, Doug Johnson from NDCEL, Bill Peterson from the AG's Office and Hy Schlieve.

Laura Carley, did not attend the meeting. Neil Nordquist left the board meeting at 2.00 pm.

There were no changes/additions to the board meeting agenda. Marianna made a motion to approve the agenda as written. Second by Amy Benz. Board members who were in agreement were Amy Benz, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen.

A motion was made by Neil to approve the November conference call minutes as written. Second by Pam. Motion carried. Board members who agreed were Amy Benz, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen.

The November financial statement showed $33,531.07 in total income received, $36,397.37 total expenses; with a negative $2,866.30. A motion was made by Dan to approve the financial report. Second by Marianna. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. Discussion was held on professional development dollars and the development of a financial policy. The board commented that providing complimentary/duplicate licenses was a great service as well as a public relations piece. It would be of interest to do a calculation on the labor time, paper, postage, etc. that this service has cost the board.

The November licensure report showed 214 licenses issued. A motion was made by Chris to approve the licensure report. Second by Neil. Motion carried. Board members who were in favor were Amy Benz, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen.

The board discussed and reviewed the major equivalency reports. The reports indicated approximately 1239 teachers have completed one of the six options to become highly qualified.

Janet informed the board that the office and DPI-Title and Approval/Accreditation Units will be meeting on Wednesday, December 14th to go over administrative rules, updates on NCLB alignment and followup on MISO3 reporting. Shadowing has been done by Tracy Smith in the effort to develop a workflow for the electronic data management system.

Janet brought forward the list of restricted licenses that would be affected if administrative rule 67.1-02-05-04 were opened to allow restricted teachers to substitute in any area. The restricted licenses are school psychology, speech/language pathology, mental retardation, hearing impaired, visually impaired, preschool/handicapped, career/technical and Native American language instructors. A committee will be developed (special education representative, a substitute teacher representative, a DPI representative, Rebecca Edland, Marianna Malm, Pam Cronin and Janet Welk) to work on the rule rewrite.

The board was informed that the office has sent out certified letters to 150 elementary teachers that will need to complete the PRAXIS II tests. A copy of the letter was also sent to the school where the teacher is employed. A copy of the letter and the test dates were distributed to the board.

Chris reported on his presentation/conference regarding the Troops to Teachers.

Amy reported on the NBPTS mentoring workshops that she been attending.

Janet asked for discussion on extension of the portfolio since the teacher quality grant has been extended thru September, 2006. In an effort to aid reassignment issues, Pam made a motion to extend the portfolio completion thru May, 30, 2006. Second by Marianna. Motion carried. Board members who agreed were Amy Benz, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen.

Sylvia has been able to fill the nomination requirements on the study validation committees for physics, geography, and early childhood committees.

Janet reminded the board that the director's evaluation was due. She will complete the evaluation and forward to board members.

She also reported that three applicants were reviewed for the administrative assistant position. The position has been offered. If the applicant accepts, Janet will offer the salary of $23,000 plus full benefits. Janet felt the salary was still low and that a market analysis/comparison for all positions this spring.

As of the board meeting date, no appointment has been made for the vacancy of Kirk Welstad.

Dean reported on the P 16 Task Force. A copy of the P 16 agenda will be included in each board meeting packet. Dean extended on invitation to board members to attend. The committee meets every 2nd Wednesday of each month.

Much discussion and concern were expressed regarding the Margaret Spelling letter. A motion was made by Marianna to move forward a take the necessary steps to obtain authority for the flexibility. Second by Chris. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm and Dan Vainonen. We are going to obtain as much information, have DPI work with us and develop a response to the Spelling letter.

Cases

Administrative Cases

Scheer, Charles
A motion was made by Dean to not take disciplinary action and dismiss the case. Second by Pam. Motion carried. Administrative board members who voted yes were Kathy Kiedrowski, Pam Cronin, Dean U. Koppelman and Chris Douthit. The intent of NDCC 15.1-13-19 is to allow educators, who have completed 18 months of contracted teaching time, to move from a two-year license into a five-year license. The law does not specify/deal with a license that has expired. Mr. Schemer is employed as an administrator at Holy Family Elementary School in Grand Forks.

Schlieve, Hy
Much discussion was done by the administrative board. A motion was made by Pam to not take disciplinary action and dismiss the case. Second by Dean. Administrative board members who were in favor were Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Pam Cronin and Chris Douthit. Mr. Schlieve's license was brought before the board due to a possible code of ethics issue. He was formally employed as an administrator at Wahpeton High School.

Six, Thomas
A motion was made by Dean to take no disciplinary action and dismiss the case. Second by Kathy Kiedrowski. Administrative board members who voted yes were Pam Cronin, Kathy Kiedrowski. Koppelman and Chris Douthit. Mr. Six' license was brought before the board due to a possible code of ethics issue. He is employed as a principal at Tappen Public Schools.

Cheatley, Richard
No social service report/new information was presented to the administrative board. A motion was made by Dean to take no disciplinary action and dismiss the case. Second by Pam. Motion carried. Administrative board members who voted yes were Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Pam Cronin and Chris Douthit. Mr. Cheatley was formerly employed as an administrator at Parshall Public Schools.

Jenkins, Linda
A motion was made by Pam to proceed with disciplinary action and to offer an informal settlement of a $250 fine. Second by Dean. Motion carried. Administrative board members who voted in agreement were Kathy Kiedrowski, Pam Cronin, Dean U. Koppelman and Chris Douthit. Ms. Jenkins is employed at the Grand Forks School system as a director of the special education. NDCC 15.1-13-25 (1)(h) & 15.1-13-17 (1)

Cases

Brevig, Denise
A motion was made by Neil to proceed with disciplinary action and to offer an informal settlement of a $250 fine. Second by Pam. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. Ms. Brevig is employed at Williston High School as an English teacher. NDCC 15.1-13-25(1)(h) & 15.1-13-17(1)

Harris, Francis
Much discussion was done by the board. A motion was made by Amy to offer Ms. Harris a settlement agreement to not act as an administrator. Second by Dan. Motion carried. Board members who were in favor were Amy Benz, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm and Dan Vainonen.

Hatzenbuller, Tanner
A motion was made by Pam to issue an initial, two-year license. Second by Amy. Motion carried. Board members who voted in favor were Amy Benz, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm and Dan Vainonen. Mr. Hatzenbuller's license request was brought to the board because of his background check.

Hiltner, Greg
A motion was made by Pam to proceed with disciplinary action and to offer an informal settlement agreement of a $250 fine. Second by Kathy. Motion carried. Board members who were in agreement were Amy Benz, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm and Dan Vainonen. Mr. Hiltner is employed at Glenburn Public School as an elementary and special education instructor. NDCC 15.1-13-25(1)(h) & 15.1-13-17(1)

Healy, Dennis
A motion was made by Neil to proceed with disciplinary action and to offer an informal settlement of a $250 fine. Second by Pam. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. Mr. Healy is employed at Cheney Middle School in West Fargo as a business/vocational instructor. NDCC 15.1-13-25(1)(h) & 15.1-13-17(1)

Johnson, Steve
A motion was made by Pam to proceed with disciplinary action and to offer an informal settlement agreement of a $50 fine. Second by Dan. Motion carried. Board members who voted in agreement were Amy Benz, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm and Dan Vainonen. Mr. Johnson is employed at Ray High School as a music teacher. NDCC 15.1-13-25(1)(h) & 15.1-13-17(1)

LaFromboise, Aurela
A motion was made by Neil to proceed with disciplinary action and to offer an informal settlement of a $100 fine. Second by Pam. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. Ms. LaFromboise is employed as an elementary teacher in Turtle Mt. Community Elementary School at Belcourt. NDCC 15.1-13-25(1)(h) & 15.1-13-17(1)

Lemer, Joel
A motion was made by Neil to proceed with disciplinary action and to offer an informal settlement of a $250 fine. Second by Pam. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. Mr. Lemer is employed at Carrington Public School as an ag instructor. NDCC 15.1-13-25(1)(h) & 15.1-13-17(1)

Park, David
The office will monitor his evidence of completed probation.

Rustad, Lucas
A motion was made by Neil to proceed with disciplinary action and to offer an informal settlement of a $250 fine. Second by Pam. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. Mr. Rustad is employed at Nativity Elementary School in Fargo as a physical education instructor. NDCC 15.1-13-25(1)(h) & 15.1-13-17(1)

Svir, Sheryl
A motion was made by Neil to proceed with disciplinary action and to offer an informal settlement of a $250 fine. Second by Pam. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. Ms. Svir is employed at Minnewaukan Public School as an elementary teacher. NDCC 15.1-13-25(1) (h) & 15.1-13-17(1)

Swedgarden, James
A motion was made by Neil to proceed with disciplinary action and to offer an informal settlement of a $250 fine. Second by Pam. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. Mr. Swegarden is employed at Dakota Memorial High School in Minot as an elementary teacher. NDCC 15.1-13-25(1)(h) & 15.1-13-17(1)

Urban, Tonya
A motion was made by Neil to proceed with disciplinary action and to offer an informal settlement of a $250 fine. Second by Pam. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. Ms. Urban is employed at New Rockford Public Schools as an elementary teacher. NDCC 15.1-13-25(1)(h) & 15.1-13-17(1)

Zimmerman, Kelly
A motion was made by Neil to proceed with disciplinary action and to offer an informal settlement of a $250 fine. Second by Pam. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen. Ms. Zimmerman is employed at Oak Grove Lutheran Elementary School in Fargo as an elementary instructor. NDCC 15.1-13-25(1)(h) & 15.1-13-17(1)

The meeting was adjourned at 3:38.

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