About ESPB
Board Minutes
May 7, 2007
Radisson Hotel
Bismarck, ND
The Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) meeting was called to order by Chris Douthit, Chair. The board members present were Laura Carley (via conference call), Pam Cronin, Phil Eastgate, Kathy Kiedrowski, Paul Johnson, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud and Dan Vainonen. ESPB office personnel who attended the meeting were Diane Weber and Janet Welk. Other individuals who attended were LeAnn Nelson from NDEA, Bill Peterson from the Attorney General’s office, and Dwight Crabtree from Career/Technical Education and Janell Cole from the Fargo Forum.
The Policy Sub-Committee met prior to the meeting.
Janet asked the Board to consider adding Brandi Marum and Chris Fuge to the meeting agenda. Marianna made a motion to add the two cases. Second by Paul. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Laura Carley, Chris Douthit, Pam Cronin, Phil Eastgate, Kathy Kiedrowski, Paul Johnson, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud and Dan Vainonen.
Phil made the motion approving the April, 2007 minutes. Second by Dan. Motion carried. Board members in agreement were Laura Carley, Chris Douthit, Pam Cronin, Phil Eastgate, Kathy Kiedrowski, Paul Johnson, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud and Dan Vainonen.
A motion was made by Neil to approve the April, 2007 financial statement. Second by Phil. Board members who voted yes were Laura Carley, Chris Douthit, Pam Cronin, Phil Eastgate, Kathy Kiedrowski, Paul Johnson, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud and Dan Vainonen. The April financial statement showed $43,813.86 in total income received, $33,519.49 in total expenses with a net income of $10,294.38.
Marianna moved to approve the April, 2007 licensure report. Second by Don. Motion carried. Board members who were in favor were Laura Carley, Chris Douthit, Pam Cronin, Phil Eastgate, Kathy Kiedrowski, Paul Johnson, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud and Dan Vainonen. The licensure report showed 312 total licenses issued.
Kathy gave a summary from the policy subcommittee. The Board suggested separate categories be drafted for ESPB staff and board members. A category should be developed for board members regarding board benefits; such as travel to various conferences.
Janet reported the Jamestown College music program has been submitted to the music content experts for review. A motion was then made by Pam for Jamestown College to submit the elementary course syllabus to Janet. Second by Neil. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Laura Carley, Chris Douthit, Pam Cronin, Phil Eastgate, Kathy Kiedrowski, Paul Johnson, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud and Dan Vainonen. A PAAC meeting is scheduled for May 31. The Jamestown College music and elementary programs will be reviewed at that time.
Janet informed the Board of PAAC’s recommended reappointment of Virginia Clark-Johnson from NDSU as a committee member. A motion was made by Marianna to accept PAAC’s recommendation. Second by Dan. Motion carried. Board members who voted in favor were Laura Carley, Chris Douthit, Pam Cronin, Phil Eastgate, Kathy Kiedrowski, Paul Johnson, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud and Dan Vainonen.
The driver’s education endorsement has been revised. The draft endorsement would allow for the same requirements as are presently required by DPI until August 1, 2008. The requirement would change to 20 semester hours after August 1, 2008. The driver’s education profession will have an opportunity to review and comment on the suggested changes. These changes will be available for PAAC to also review at the May 31 meeting.
Janet and Anita Decker had an opportunity to meet with the ND Association of Counselors. The counselor group is considering removing the teaching requirement as part of the licensure process to alleviate the shortage of counselors in North Dakota. Discussion was also done regarding changing the level of preparation to K-12 for guidance counselors. The University of Mary is in the process of developing a counseling program. With all the changes happening, North Dakota should no longer have a shortage of counselors.
Neil lead the discussion regarding the requirements for PPST testing for initial licensure for graduate students in the specialty/restricted licensure areas for speech pathology and school psychology.
Mayville State University submitted a request to aid student teachers to begin substitute teaching, prior to posting of their new college degrees. The Board had an opportunity to review the administrative rule draft. Pam made a motion for a 40-day provisional license to be issued student teachers/new graduates if the background check has been completed and successful completion of all college requirements has been met. Second by Don. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Laura Carley, Chris Douthit, Pam Cronin, Phil Eastgate, Kathy Kiedrowski, Paul Johnson, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud and Dan Vainonen.
CASES
Braaten, Carrie
No board action was taken. Ms. Braaten’s license was brought before the Board because she has been teaching out-of-field at the Wimbledon Courtenay Public School system. Effective August 1, 2007, laws will be in place allowing ESPB to take disciplinary action against the educator, school and administration regarding out-of-field situations. Janet will be informing Ms. Braaten of the new law NDCC 15.1-18. The Braaten file will be discussed at a future board meeting.
Champagne, Jonathan
A motion was made by Don to revoke the teaching license of Mr. Champagne. Second by Neil. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Laura Carley, Chris Douthit, Pam Cronin, Phil Eastgate, Kathy Kiedrowski, Paul Johnson, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud and Dan Vainonen. Mr. Champagne was found guilty of a crime against a child or a sexual offense in Steele County. He was formerly employed at Finley-Sharon Public Schools. NDCC 15.1-13-26(1)5(c)
Cooper, Judith
No board action was taken. Ms. Cooper’s license was brought before the Board because she has been teaching out-of-field at Shanley High School in Fargo. Effective August 1, 2007, laws will be in place allowing ESPB to take disciplinary action against the educator, school and administration regarding out-of-field situations. Janet will be informing Ms. Cooper of the new law NDCC 15.18.. The Cooper file will be discussed at a future board meeting.
Enget, Lyne
A motion was made by Pam to dismiss the request for inquiry that was filed. Second by Phil. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Laura Carley, Chris Douthit, Pam Cronin, Phil Eastgate, Kathy Kiedrowski, Paul Johnson, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud and Dan Vainonen. Mr. Enget is employed as a history teacher at Stanley Public Schools.
Frank, Julie
A motion was made by Paul to proceed with formal disciplinary action against Ms. Frank’s license and offer an informal settlement agreement of a $50 fine. Second by Neil. Motion carried. Board members who were in agreement were Laura Carley, Chris Douthit, Pam Cronin, Phil Eastgate, Kathy Kiedrowski, Paul Johnson, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud and Dan Vainonen.
Ms. Frank was substitute teaching while working at Hazen Public Schools. NDCC 15.1-13-25 (1)(h)
Fuge, Chris
Pam made the motion to dismiss Mr. Fuge’s request. Second by Don. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Laura Carley, Chris Douthit, Pam Cronin, Phil Eastgate, Kathy Kiedrowski, Paul Johnson, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud and Dan Vainonen. Mr. Fuge asked the Board to consider waiving courses required to renew his 2nd , out-of-state reciprocal license.
Hansen, Jory
A motion was made by Don to proceed with formal disciplinary action against Mr. Hanson’s license and offer an informal settlement agreement of a $250 fine. Second by Marianna. Motion carried. Board members who voted in favor were Laura Carley, Chris Douthit, Pam Cronin, Phil Eastgate, Kathy Kiedrowski, Paul Johnson, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud and Dan Vainonen. Mr. Hanson is employed at Wishek Public Schools as a teacher in agricultural education. NDCC 15.1-13-25 (1)(h)
Martin, Charlotte
A motion was made by Marianna to proceed with formal disciplinary action against Ms. Martin’s license and offer an informal settlement agreement of a $200 fine. Second by Paul. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Laura Carley, Chris Douthit, Pam Cronin, Phil Eastgate, Kathy Kiedrowski, Paul Johnson, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud and Dan Vainonen. Ms. Martin is employed as an elementary teacher at Ojibwa Indian Day School. NDCC 15.1-13-25 (1)(h)
Marum, Brandi
Paul made the motion to issue a two-year, initial license. Second by Phil. Motion carried. Board members who were in favor were Laura Carley, Chris Douthit, Pam Cronin, Phil Eastgate, Kathy Kiedrowski, Paul Johnson, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud and Dan Vainonen. Ms. Marum’s license was brought before the Board due to item #3, section two of the application form.
Merce, Brian
A motion was made by Phil to proceed with formal disciplinary action against Mr. Merce’s license and offer an informal settlement agreement of a $250 fine. Second by Dan. Motion carried. Board members who were in favor were Laura Carley, Chris Douthit, Pam Cronin, Phil Eastgate, Kathy Kiedrowski, Paul Johnson, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud and Dan Vainonen. Mr. Merce is employed at Parshall Public Schools as a vocational instructor. NDCC 15.1-13-25 (1)(h)
Red Bird, Thomas
Pam made a motion to proceed with formal disciplinary action against Mr. Red Bird’s license and offer an informal settlement agreement of a $250 fine. Second by Kathy. Motion carried. Board members who were in favor were Laura Carley, Chris Douthit, Pam Cronin, Phil Eastgate, Kathy Kiedrwoski, Paul Johnson, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud and Dan Vainonen. Mr. Red Bird was employed as a native language instructor for Theodore Jameson Elementary School in Bismarck. NDCC 15.1-13-25 (1)(h)
Rustad, Randall
No board action was taken. Mr. Rustad’s license was brought before the Board because he had been
teaching out-of-field at Shanley High School in Fargo. Effective August 1, 2007, laws will be in place allowing ESPB to take disciplinary action against the educator, school and administration regarding out-of-field situations. Janet will be contacting Mr. Rustad of the law change NDCC 15.1-18. The Rustad file will be discussed at a future board meeting.
Schroeder, Diana
Laura motioned to issue a two-year, initial license to Ms. Schroeder. Second by Pam. Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Laura Carley, Chris Douthit, Pam Cronin, Phil Eastgate, Paul Johnson, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud and Dan Vainonen. Ms. Schroeder’s license request was brought before the Board due to item # 3, section two of the application form.
Skjefte-Zieman, Beverly
Neil made a motion to dismiss the request for inquiry. Second by Don. Motion carried. Board members who were in favor were Laura Carley, Chris Douthit, Pam Cronin, Phil Eastgate, Kathy Kiedrowski, Paul Johnson, Marianna Malm, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud and Dan Vainonen. Ms. Skjefte-Zieman is employed as an elementary teacher with the Fargo Public Schools.
ADMINISTRATIVE CASE
Larson, Harold
A motion was made by Pam to proceed with formal disciplinary action against Mr. Larson’s license and offer an informal settlement agreement of a $250 fine. Second by Dan. Motion carried. Administrative board members who voted yes were Laura Carley, Pam Cronin, Phil Eastgate, Kathy Kiedrowski, Paul Johnson and Dan Vainonen. Mr. Larson is employed at Standing Rock/Fort Yates Community Schools. NDCC15.1-13-25(1)(h)
Chris presented a plaque to Marianna for 6 years of ESPB board service. Marianna stated her time spent on the Board become a wonderful professional development experience. The service award was given at this time since Marianna may not be attending the June retreat. Marianna will be missed.
The next board meeting will be the retreat, June 25 - 27 at the Doublewood Inn in Fargo. The meeting adjourned at 2:00.

