At 5:30 p.m. board members met in a work-study session. WORK STUDY

At 7:05 p.m. President Doug Smith called to order the regular meeting of the Board in the Board Room. Members present were Sandra Bielski, Jennifer Hagen, Jeremy Hawkins, and Jeff Snell along with Superintendent Kay and thirteen patrons and staff. The meeting began with the flag salute.

On motion by Sandra Bielski, seconded by Jeff Snell, the Board approved the consent agenda including the minutes of the meeting held on March 4, 2008; the payroll for February 2008 in the amount of $1,886,692.01 to be paid by warrants 80410 through 80494 the accounts payable from the Capital Projects Fund in the amount of $35,162.78 to be paid by warrants numbered 1601 through 1609; from the ASB Fund in the amount of $22,308.58 to be paid by warrants numbered 13097 through 13118; and from the General Fund in the amount of $868,336.30 to be paid by warrants numbered 45508 through 45695; out-of-state student trips by the AHS Dance Team to Yakima for state competition on March 20 to 22, the FFA Nursery Landscape Team to Spokane Community College for state competition on April 4 and 5, the McDermoth 4th Grade to Fort Clatsop, Oregon on June 13, and AHS Yearbook students to the National High School Journalism Convention in Anaheim, CA on April 16 to 20; and a donation of $400 from Patricia Goldberg for A. J. West Power Hour after-school activities.

Jack Eaton from D. A. Davidson attended the meeting to discuss the sale of the McDermoth Bonds. He explained that this is a refunding of bonds previously issued. Today $2,795,000 in bonds were issued for a sale price of $2,817,246.10 representing a savings of $122,000 to taxpayers over the next three years. Mr. Eaton was pleased that the district received an A3 rating from Moody's Investment Services, and noted that Moody's was pleased with the fiscal management of the district. Superintendent Kay complimented Cindy Lee and Tom Laufmann for their efforts in monitoring the financial services.

On motion by Jeremy Hawkins, seconded by Jeff Snell, the Board approved Resolution 2008-03 Unlimited Tax General Obligation Refunding Bonds authorizing the sale of the bonds and authorizing the superintendent and board president to sign documents completing the sale. At 7:25 p.m. board members and the superintendent signed Resolution 2008-03 and the Bond Purchase Agreement.

Superintendent Kay informed board members that the April WSSDA regional meeting will be held in Elma. This week parent-teacher conferences were being held at the high school and elementary schools. At the high school, seniors are presenting culminating projects. Approximately 90 citizen volunteers are participating in the presentations.

Following a recommendation by Superintendent Kay, on motion by Jennifer Hagen, seconded by Sandra Bielski, the Board approved a revision to Director Orientation Policy 1112 clarifying the Board President's role in orientation of new board members.

Following a recommendation by Superintendent Kay, on motion by Sandra Bielski, seconded by Jeff Snell, the Board approved a change to Policy 3413 Student Immunization and Life Threatening Health Conditions. Information about the Human Papillomavirus Disease and procedures were added.

Following a recommendation by Superintendent Kay, on motion by Sandra Bielski, seconded by Jennifer Hagen, the Board approved a change to Policy 3414 Infectious Diseases that defined the role of the local health officer in controlling the spread of disease in schools.

Following a recommendation by Superintendent Kay, on motion by Sandra Bielski, seconded by Jeremy Hawkins, the Board approved changes to Policy 2161 Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students. The policy was aligned with the federal requirements of No Child Left Behind including granting a Certificate of Attendance for students in special education so that they can participate in graduation ceremonies.

Superintendent Kay recommended that the Board adjust the 2008 - 2009 school calendar and change the May TRI day to May 22. On motion by Jeremy Hawkins, seconded by Jeff Snell, the Board approved the revision to the 2008 - 2009 school calendar.

Tom Laufmann reviewed enrollment data that is precipitating a reduction in funding for staff. He estimated $269,000 in unfunded salaries for certificated staff and $160,000 in unfunded salaries for classified staff. Superintendent Kay recommended a reduction of 10 certificated staff, but anticipates attrition through retirement and resignations will reduce that number. On motion by Jeremy Hawkins, seconded by Sandra Bielski, the Board approved Resolution 2008-04 authorizing a reduced educational program and a reduction in staff.

Tom Laufmann reviewed the monthly fiscal report and noted that February and March are typically the lowest months for cash flow. The accounts payable this month were below budget and federal apportionment for special education is expected to come in during the next few months. He anticipates that the next report of food services will indicate that an increase in lunch prices will be necessary.

President Doug Smith reminded board members the next regular meeting is scheduled for April 15. Work study will begin at 5:30 p.m. with staff from Robert Gray Elementary. Doug Smith and Jeremy Hawkins will audit the bills.

At 7:59 p.m. the meeting recessed for an executive session expected to last approximately one and one-half hours regarding personnel, collective bargaining, and litigation. The regular meeting reconvened at 9:20 p.m.

Following a review by Personnel Director Anna Shanks, on motion by Sandra Bielski, seconded by Jennifer Hagen, the Board approved the personnel matters. The Board approved the resignation of Aberdeen High School principal David Tobin effective March 15, hiring Rocky Rocquin as interim principal effective March 17; a leave of absence for Lindsay Walker effective April 21 to June 20; hired Kelly Hurd as Student/Family Support Assistant at Harbor High effective March 3, and Leslie Lujan as food service worker at Miller Jr. High effective March 10; hired student helpers for after-school programs at A. J. West effective February 25 to May 21; Ann Csergei and Lila Jernstrom as para-educators and Ashley Mitchell as student helper for Sound of Science Camp effective March 29 to April 4; approved the termination of Dora Abbott effective March 7; approved extra-curricular contracts; and hired classified substitute Janis Gerhardt.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at

9:35 p.m. ADJOURN