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Board Minutes

April 13, 2006: Conference Call
Sakakawea Room, State Capital

The Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) meeting was called to order by Dean U. Koppelman, board chair.  Board members present were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, 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 LeAnn Nelson from NDEA, Dwight Crabtree from Career and Tech Education, Bill Peterson from the Attorney General’s Office, Aaron Fearing, GinaTabbut, Dani Crockett and Perry Aanenson from the University of Mary  and Sandra Johnson, student intern.

Kathy Kiedrowski joined the conference call after the approval of the agenda addition.  Board member, Phil Eastgate, was unavailable for the conference call. 

A motion was made by Marianna to add Maureen Svihovec as a board case item.  Second by Neil.  Motion carried.  Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Dean U. Koppeman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen.

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

The March financial statement showed $56,165.21 in total income received, $31,932.94 total expenses; with a net income of $24,232.27. A motion was made by Pam to approve the financial report.  Second by Marianna.  Motion carried.  Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppeman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen.  The financial reported reflected the new money market account which was opened at Security First at an interest rate of 4.75%.  Janet informed the board that the Northland Financial accounts are up for renewal on April 28th and will be reinvested.

The March licensure report showed 355 total licenses issued.  A motion was made by Dan to approve the licensure report.  Second by Amy.  Motion carried.   Board members who were in favor were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppeman,
Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen

The office is now issuing licenses with the new renewal dates of the educator’s birthdate.  This was one of the changes that became effective on April 1st due to the new administrative rules. With  every new license that is issued, a birthday card is placed in the mailing.

Janet asked the board to review the new request for inquiry form/redesign.  She asked that the board to note the change where the individuals who are asked to substantiate the incident should also be required to place their signature on the form.  The board would like Bill to review the new request for inquiry form.  The new ESPB office associate, Vida Keller, has been instrumental in redoing all of the office forms and her scanning knowledge has been so very helpful.

A motion was made by Laura to have Janet contact the board of accountants for recommendations for a new accountant to work with the office financials, effective July 1, 2006.  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 and Dan Vainonen. 

Dean offered congratulations to Lou Aronson who has accepted an assistant professor position with Dickinson State University to develop the elementary teacher education area.   Lou has accepted  the ESPB request to continue as the portfolio coordinator until the grant has been completed.

ADMINISTRATIVE CASES
Christianson, Gerald
A motion was made by Pam to dismiss the request for inquiry.  Second by Dean.  Motion carried.  Administrative board members who voted yes were Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski and Dean U. Koppelman.  Mr. Christianson is employed as an administrator at Tappen Public School. 

LaRocque, Frank
A motion was made by Dean to table.  Second by Kathy.  Motion carried.  Administrative board members who voted in favor were Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski and Dean U. Koppelman.  Mr. LaRocque’s license had been disciplined at the March board meeting.  This was an office error and should not have been placed on the agenda. 

Six, Tom (1) regarding a student
A motion was made by Pam to dismiss the request for inquiry.  Second by Laura.  Motion carried.  Administrative board members who were in agreement were Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski and Dean U. Koppelman. 

Six, Tom (2) regarding a teacher
A motion was made by Dean to dismiss the request for inquiry.  Second by Pam.  Motion carried.  Board members who voted yes were Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski and Dean U. Koppelman.  Mr. Six’s is currently employed as an administrator at Tappen Public Schools.

CASES
Dilley, Lisa
A motion was made by Marianna to table.  Second by Pam.  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 and Dan Vainonen.  The office needs to research the definition of “public school district”.  Ms. Dilley’s license was brought before the board due to a possible fine issue.  She is currently employed at Missouri Valley Montessori preschool in Bismarck. 

Polsfut, Kristine
A motion was made by Laura for the case to be discussed in an executive session.  The purpose of the executive session was attorney consultation.   Second by Marianna.  Motion carried.  Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppeman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen.  Board chair, Dean U. Koppelman, asked that all guests leave the room. The executive session began at 1:45 pm and adjourned at 2:05 pm. NDCC 44-04-19.1

A motion was made by Neil to have a letter of reprimand placed/kept in Ms. Polsfut’s file.  If any violations are committed within the next five years of the execution of the settlement agreement, this letter of reprimand will be considered in determining the appropriate disciplinary action.  Second by Dan. Motion carried.  Board members who voted in favor were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppeman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen.  Ms Polsfut’s license was brought to the board due to suspected child abuse/neglect.  She is employed at Naughton Elementary School in Burleigh County.  NDCC 15.1-13-25(1)(h) & NDCC 67.1-03-01-02 (3) & (4)

Struckman, William
A motion was made by Laura to issue an initial, two-year license.  Second by Kathy.  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 and Dan Vainonen.  Mr. Struckman’s license request was brought before the board due to his background check.

Miedema, Melissa
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.  Board members who were in agreement were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Chris Douthit, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen.  Ms. Miedema is employed as an English teacher at Red River High School in Grand Forks.  NDCC 67.1-01-01-03

Svihovec, Maureen
Bill reminded the board of their agreement to take disciplinary action and to fine Ms. Svihovec.  She has now asked for an administrative hearing. Bill wrote a letter to Ms. Svihove asking for clarification if she taught on December 20 but she has not yet responded. A motion was made by Neil to have the office check with the superintendent or the school if Ms. Svihovec was teaching on December 20. The office is to report the findings at the next board meeting.  Second by Marianna.  Motion carried.  Board members who voted yes were Amy Benz, Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Kathy Kiedrowski, Dean U. Koppelman, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist and Dan Vainonen.  Chris Douthit voted no. 

Dean welcomed board members to attend the P-16 meeting or visit the P-16 minutes.

The  meeting was adjourned at 2:30.  Board members are looking forward to seeing everyone at the May 11th meeting in Bismarck.  Prior to regular 10:00 meeting, the Testing Committee will meet at 8:30 and the Budget Committee will meet at 9:00

The meeting was adjourned at 3:55.

 

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