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Board Minutes

January 10, 2008
Fort Totten Room, State Capitol
Bismarck, ND

The Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) meeting was called to order by Pam Cronin, Board chair.  Board members present were Nick Archuleta, Greg Allen, Angela Korsmo, Paul Johnson, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud, Marlene Srock and Dan Vainonen.  Staff personnel who attended the meeting were Vida Keller, Diane Weber and Janet Welk. Visitors were Gary Gronberg from the Department of Public Instruction, Janelle Cole from the Associated Press and Bill Peterson from the Attorney General’s Office.

Board member, Kathy Kiedrowski did not attend the meeting.

A motion was made by Greg to add Alyssa Opland, Heather Neis, Andrew Decoteau, Nancy Brueckner as cases and alternative licensure as a topic to the agenda. Second by Dan.   Board members who voted yes were Nick Archuleta, Greg Allen, Pam Cronin, Angela Korsmo, Paul Johnson, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud, Marlene Srock and Dan Vainonen. 

Don made a motion to approve the December, 2007 minutes.  Second by Angela.  Motion carried.  Board members who voted yes were Nick Archuleta, Greg Allen, Pam Cronin, Angela Korsmo, Paul Johnson, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud, Marlene Srock and Dan Vainonen. 

A motion was made by Greg approving the December, 2007 financial report.  Second by Marlene.  Motion carried.  Board members who were in agreement were Nick Archuleta, Greg Allen, Pam Cronin, Angela Korsmo, Paul Johnson, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud, Marlene Srock and Dan Vainonen.  The December financial statement showed $32,327.00 in income received, $60,462.11 in total expenses with a net income of a minus $28,135.11.  A $50,000.00 transfer from Credit Union money market account was transferred into checking account on December 3, 2007. 

The December, 2007 licensure report reflected 217 total licenses issued.  Neil made a motion approving the licensure report.  Second by Nick.  Motion carried.  Board members who voted in favor were Nick Archuleta, Greg Allen, Pam Cronin, Angela Korsmo, Paul Johnson, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud, Marlene Srock and Dan Vainonen. 

The professional development subcommittee met prior to the Board meeting. 

Pam and Dan visited with Janet during noon about the Board’s feedback on her evaluation. All comments were positive with no suggestions for change. 

Vida demonstrated online licensure processes for Indiana and South Dakota. 

Discussion was done by the Board regarding the one year, alternative access license and the amount of coursework needed.  In previous years, the alternative access license was known as the emergency license.  The example that was cited was an alternative access license in business administration and the coursework which was required for a teaching business education degree.

CASES
Nash, Penny
A motion was made by Don to proceed with disciplinary action and offer an informal settlement agreement of a $250 fine.  Second by Greg.  Motion carried.  Board members who voted yes were Nick Archuleta, Greg Allen, Pam Cronin, Angela Korsmo, Paul Johnson, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud, Marlene Srock and Dan Vainonen.  Ms. Nash was hired as a substitute teacher at Lidgerwood Public Schools for the 2006-07 & 2005-06 school years.  Her license expired in August 26, 2001.  NDCC 15.1.13-24 & 25   Much discussion was done by the Board regarding penalties that may be imposed against the business manager and administrator.   Since business managers are not licensed teachers, a motion was made by Angela to notify the president of the school board and administrator of an unlicensed teacher in the classroom.  Second by Nick.  Board members who voted yes were Nick Archuleta, Greg Allen, Pam Cronin, Angela Korsmo, Paul Johnson, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud, Marlene Srock and Dan Vainonen.  The Board is seriously thinking of taking disciplinary action against administrator’s license when an unlicensed teacher is in a classroom.   It would be up to the Department of Public Instruction for school funds to be withheld when an unlicensed teacher is in the classroom.

Vatne, Marlyn
Much time was spent by the Board on procedural issues related to out-of-field teacher placements.  The Board is breaking into new territory on out-of-field as it relates to highly qualified status of teachers.  Questions raised by the Board  1) what happens to the student who needs to receive credit if the teacher is not qualified or out-of-field; 2) what type of action should be taken against the school; 3)  should disciplinary action should be taken against the administrator’s license; 4)  should disciplinary action be taken against the teacher’s license? Bill Peterson asked that DPI provide a

formal complaint to the Board prior to Board action. DPI receives the responses from the schools and will have to notify ESPB.  The Board wants the teacher and administrator to respond to out-of-field items when found. After a response has been received, the teacher’s license and administrator’s license will be brought before the Board.

Ficek, Liza
Ms. Ficek’s license was brought before the Board due to being out-of-field.  The Board is waiting for a response from the teacher and administrator.

Bernier, Melanie
Ms. Bernier’s license was brought to the Board for being out-of-field.  The Board is waiting for a response from the teacher and administrator.

Taylor, Dan
Don made the motion to table, pending the court case outcome.  Second by Neil.  Motion carried. Board members who voted yes were Nick Archuleta, Greg Allen, Pam Cronin, Angela Korsmo, Paul Johnson, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud, Marlene Srock and Dan Vainonen.  Mr. Taylor’s license was brought before the Board due to allegations for gross sexual imposition.  Mr. Schroeder is on administrative leave from the Grand Forks Public School system.

Opland, Alyssa
Ms. Opland’s license was brought before the Board for being out-of-field.  The Board is waiting for a response from the teacher and administrator.

Neis, Heather
Ms. Neis’ license was brought to the Board for being out-of-field.  The Board is waiting for a response from the teacher and administrator.

Decoteau, Andrew
Nick made a motion to proceed with disciplinary action and against Mr. Decoteau’s.  Second by Greg.  Motion carried.   Board members who voted yes were Nick Archuleta, Greg Allen, Pam Cronin, Angela Korsmo, Paul Johnson, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud, Marlene Srock and Dan Vainonen.  A motion was then made by Don to issue a letter of reprimand.  Second by Marlene.  Motion carried.  Board members who voted yes were Nick Archuleta, Greg Allen, Pam Cronin, Angela Korsmo, Paul Johnson, Neil Nordquist, Don Paulsrud, Marlene Srock and Dan Vainonen.
Mr. Decoteau’s license was brought before the Board due to federal theft charges.  He is employed at Turtle Mt. Community High School as a physical and health instructor.   NDCC 15.1-13-25(1)(d)(e)

Administrative
Sondag, Mark
A motion was made by Pam to issue a reentry license.  Second by Angela.  Motion carried.  Administrative board members who voted yes were Greg Allen, Pam Cronin, Angela Korsmo, Paul Johnson and Dan Vainonen.  Mr. Sondag’s license request to be reinstated was before the Board because he had fulfilled the agreement of the Board.   Mr. Sondag will be employed at Standing Rock Community School in Fort Yates.

Brueckner, Nancy
Paul made a motion to dismiss.  Second by Pam.  Motion carried.  Administrative board members who were in agreement were Greg Allen, Pam Cronin, Angela Korsmo, Paul Johnson and Dan Vainonen.  Ms. Bruckner’s license was brought before the administrative board due to a possible fine.  She is employed as an administrator at Midway Public School.

Board reports were given.   The Board wished Paul Johnson luck as he competes with other states’ winners for the award of the National Superintendent of the Year.  In addition, he is being honored along with other finalists at the National Conference on Education in Florida February 14-17, 2008. Paul is one of four finalists.

The next Board meeting is schedule for February 14th.

 

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