RIVERVIEW SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 407
CARNATION, WA 98014
Minutes of Board of Directors’ Meeting
March 22, 2011
District Office – Conference Room A/B
CALL TO ORDER AND FLAG SALUTE
Ms. Oviatt, Board President, called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM, followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance, led by Carnation Elementary students.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Ms. Oviatt, Mr. Bawden, Mrs. Van Noy, Mr. Pflugrath, Mr. Edwards
Student Representatives: Ms. Bawden, Mr. Koons
CARNATION ELEMENTARY STUDENT PRESENTATION
Carnation Elementary fourth grade students in Mrs. Elizabeth Wing’s class presented
information on having a healthy environment at Carnation. Students learn to recycle, reduce,
reuse, and rethink. In 2009, Carnation Elementary recycled 17% of products and today they
recycle 68%. The students led the Board in a pledge to recycle; had a “recycle” fashion show;
performed an original song about plants; and shared their outdoor experiences with plants and
animals at Oxbow Farm. They also spoke about healthier foods in our schools, using local fruits
and vegetables. Mr. Poage, Principal, thanked the students and Mrs. Wing, noting Mrs. Wing
was recently selected again as a King County Earth Hero. Mrs. Wing thanked the Board for the
opportunity to bring this presentation to the Board and announced that Carnation Elementary is a
Level 2 King County Green School. She also introduced and thanked Sarah from Oxbow Farm.
The Board thanked the students, parents, and staff.
COMMUNICATIONS, AGENDA ADJUSTMENTS AND HEARING OF PUBLIC
Ms. Oviatt led with quite a few items:
The Riverview/Snoqualmie Valley Transition Fair will be held at Tolt Middle School on
May 3rd, at 5:30 PM, for families of students with disabilities who would like more
information on transitioning students ages 18-21.
The Board held a Work Study at 5:30 PM this evening on Board Initiatives, centering on
#1 and #6.
Mr. Bawden and Ms. Oviatt met with Mr. Robertson for their Board Leadership meeting
last Friday.
Mrs. Van Noy and Ms. Oviatt attended a Saul Haas Foundation breakfast. Saul Haas
Foundation helps students who need funding for class and activity fees.
Mrs. Van Noy, Mr. Robertson, and Ms. Oviatt attended the Friends of Youth Annual
Luncheon at the Bellevue Hyatt in which Riverview was recognized several times.
Ms. Oviatt thanked the principals for their help during Classified Employees
Appreciation Week and for the tours of the newly remodeled buildings.
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COMMUNICATIONS, AGENDA ADJUSTMENTS AND HEARING OF PUBLIC, Cont.
Ms. Oviatt noted, in checking the school newsletters, Carnation Elementary is holding a
Science Fair and Kindergarten registration is occurring. Cedarcrest High School
Knowledge Bowl captured their 3rd straight Puget Sound Regional Title and students are
heading to the State Tournament. Cherry Valley is holding their Literary High Tea in
April. Testing season is now until May. Also in the CHS newsletter were four pages
listing Honor Roll and Academic Letter winners, with student representatives Glynis
Bawden and Austin Koons winning both.
Ms. Oviatt noted Mr. Robertson was on King 5 News for attending Rachel’s Challenge
with Mrs. Van Noy and Leanne Christensen.
She thanked the student representatives for writing an article on their recent visit to the
state legislature.
She noted the Young Band Festival for 5/6th grade bands and jazz band will be held at
Tolt Middle School on March 23rd, at 7:00 PM.
Mr. Bawden mentioned that Mr. Robertson, Dr. Smith, and he toured the Brightwater
Educational Center, which was funded by King County to give school groups an opportunity for
field trips and environmental projects.
Mr. Pflugrath sent the Board an article on American Achievement in International Perspective on
the results of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) taken by fifteen-year
olds in reading and math. Raw numbers were analyzed comparing the United States to thirtythree other nations belonging to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
(OECD). OECD nations represent the majority of those at the upper end of the performance
spectrum. Mr. Pflugrath reviewed some of the key findings:
The US produces many more high-achieving students than any other OECD nation. In
both reading and math, the US produces more high achievers than France, Germany, and
the United Kingdom combined.
The US produces a particularly large number of high-achieving readers. In this subject,
the US also produces more high achievers than Japan and Korea combined.
The US also produces many more low-achieving students than any other OECD nation,
including even two developing economics, Mexico and Turkey.
In both reading and math, the US produces more low achievers than France, Germany,
Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom combined.
In spite of overall test scores best described as mediocre, the US continues to send so
many students to top universities and to produce so many innovative scientists and
entrepreneurs.
Mrs. Van Noy thanked Ms. Oviatt for making the Thank You cards for the Classified staff
appreciation. Mrs. Van Noy explained she missed the last Board meeting as she attended a
meeting at Microsoft hosted by United Way with Bill Gates who spoke about education and
teaching and learning. She also attended the League of Education Voters’ Breakfast; a
Technology Access Foundation (TAF) Leadership Breakfast; the 45th Legislative District Town
Hall meeting; and the Robotic Fair at Qwest Field. She mentioned how much she enjoyed
visiting the Transition Program in action at CHS after the Classified Employees appreciation.
Mrs. Van Noy also noted she would be seeing U.S. Representative Dave Reichert on Friday and
thanked Dr. Heikkila for preparing such great information on the school district to share. She
also noted she would miss the April 12th Board meeting as she would be on vacation.
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COMMUNICATIONS, AGENDA ADJUSTMENTS AND HEARING OF PUBLIC, Cont.
Mr. Edwards attended the Town Hall meeting in Woodinville with local state legislators, noting
it was standing room only. He enjoyed visiting and touring the buildings for Classified
Employees’ Week. He mentioned the article on the CHS website about Katy McClintic
excelling at the Central Sound Regional Science and Engineering Fair by winning the Grand
Champion Award, along with five special awards. Cedarcrest students won all but four of the
awards at the fair. Freshman Jake Knoth won another major award – the Peoples’ Choice Award
– with his project entitled “Self-Guided Robotics Platform.”
Agenda Adjustment
Motion 11-19: To add an item to the March 22, 2011 Consent Agenda, Item G. Out of State
Travel for DECA Students to Orlando, Florida, April 29-May 3, 2011, and to amend the Consent
Agenda by revising Item C. Personnel Actions and Item D. Service Contracts to reflect current
status. (Van Noy and Edwards) Unanimous.
Student Representative Report
Mr. Koons reported on:
ASB:
 ASB helped out with the 8th grade parent night tours at the high school.
 The new snack vending machine in the commons seems to be a big hit; it has already had
to be restocked after only one week.
 The Pennies for Patients fundraiser (raising money for patients with Leukemia and
Lymphoma) wasn’t as successful as hoped but has promise in the future due to opening it
up to the elementary schools.
 On Saturday we had our Tolo Dance where the ladies ask the guys. This year’s theme
was “We Go Together” where each couple dressed as matched pairs. Dancing policies
were strictly regulated this year which resulted in a lot of people leaving the dance. ASB
and Administration will have a meeting tomorrow to go over the new rules.
Ms. Bawden reported on:
Organizations:
 DECA: On March 2nd, members attended the State Career Development Conference in
Bellevue, along with close to 3,400 student qualifiers. The club is sending six students to
state and five students to Internationals in Orlando, Florida, April 29th through May 2nd.
As a fundraiser, members are currently selling car wash tickets.
 NHS: Seniors can receive their Honors awards for graduation by attending Senior Awards
Night. The club is hosting a second blood drive on Wednesday, May 25th, at the high
school and community members are invited to donate. NHS is also proposing hosting a
car wash to benefit relief efforts in Japan.
 TSA: 13 students from CHS are competing at the state conference in Bellevue, as well as
about 15 from the Tolt chapter. Board members who would like to attend the open
project viewing on Friday evening can contact Tim Kennedy.
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Student Representative Report, Cont.
Mr. Koons continued:
 RAK: On April 18th-19th, the club is fundraising for the water well in Africa. Members
recently got their “groovy” tie-dyed t-shirts. Their most recent project has been working
with Mr. Garrison to start the “Use Another Word Please” fad which replaces
condescending offensive words with less harsh words.
 WCTSMA: Recently WVSMA changed their name to WCTSMA. The sports medicine
club continues to prepare for state in May.
Sports:
 Boys Soccer: There was a large turnout this year for soccer. The team tied their first game
1-1 against Squalicum last Tuesday. They have a game tonight at CHS against Lakewood
and a game Friday at Coupeville.
 Girls Golf: The girls won their first match and have a match today with Arch Bishop
Murphy.
 Boys Golf: The boys also won their first match and are currently tied with Kings for first
in league. Today they play in Seattle against Kings and Lakewood.
 Girls Fastpitch: Their first non-league game was cancelled so the girls’ first game is
tomorrow at Coupeville.
 Track and Field: The first meet was last Thursday at Bothell. There was a good turnout
this year. There is a meet on Thursday at Kings and the Holder Invite on Saturday in
Yakima. The team also has begun to prepare for their kiddy camp during spring break for
young runners!
 Boys Baseball: Currently their record is 3-1 with their one loss from Lynden. Tomorrow
they have a game against Coupeville.
Ms. Bawden continued:
Miscellaneous:
 Drill Team’s “Night to Remember” Senior Recognition and State preview is tomorrow,
Wednesday, March 23rd, at 7:00 PM in the gym.
 The Thespian Showcase performance is Wednesday, March 23rd, in the CHS theater at
7:00 PM.
 Seniors are working on the local scholarships provided through the United Snoqualmie
Valley Scholarship Foundation and other local groups.
 Several Cedarcrest students competed in the Central Sound Regional Science and
Engineering Fair at Bellevue College, winning the majority of the awards. The grand
champion was Katy McClintic, who received an all-expense paid trip to the international
science fair in Los Angeles. Several students will also be participating in the Washington
State Science and Engineering Fair in April.
 Cheer tryouts start in April and Drill Team tryouts start in May.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion 11-20: To approve the March 22, 2011, Consent Agenda as amended. (Pflugrath and
Van Noy) Unanimous.
Approval of Regular School Board Meeting Minutes for March 8, 2011
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CONSENT AGENDA. Cont.
Approval of Warrants
General Fund Warrant No. 180063 through 180170 in the amount of $140,481.42, and direct
deposits of $8,194.43; Capital Projects Fund Warrant No. 180171 through 180181 in the amount
of $672,511.16, and direct deposits of $228.17; ASB Fund Warrant No. 180182 through 180197
in the amount of $9,983.82, and direct deposits of $360.68; and Private Purpose Trust Fund
Warrant No. 180198 through 180200 in the amount of $267.80, and direct deposits of $1,065.00.
Total payroll for March 15, 2011 was $23,139.15, which includes General Fund Warrant No.
180062 in the amount of $109.59, and direct deposits of $18,827.59.
Approval of Personnel Actions, as amended
The Board acknowledged the retirements of Betty Rich and Renate Oestreich.
Approval of Service Contracts, as amended
Approval of Budget Status Reports
Approval of Donations
The Board acknowledged the generous donation from ERMA PTA for 2 laptops.
Approval of Out of State Travel for DECA Students to Orlando, Florida, April 29-May 3, 2011
OLD BUSINESS
Strategic Plan Status
Goal 1: Increase the academic achievement of all students.
Objective 1B: Improve K-12 district-wide assessment score averages in reading, writing, math,
and science by spring of 2011.
Task 5: Share comparison statistics on state tests for all schools based on Center for
Educational Effectiveness scatter plot analysis. Dr. Smith provided an overview from the
Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE) on Improvement/Change in Performance
from 2009 to 2010 in percentage points, comparing Riverview to State in Reading, Math,
Writing, and Science for all grades tested. He also presented the scatter plots for the
same results by elementary, middle and high schools. He also provided information and
a scatter plot for 3-year Performance vs. Improvement and vs. Poverty comparing
Riverview schools to state in Reading and Math. He felt that the assessments have
changed so much over time that data viability is hard to compare.
Objective 1G: Study other district models for implementing thinking skills/strategies and 21st
century skills across the district.
Task 1: Complete national research to develop options. The K-12 Committee is
progressing and has split into four work groups: Business/Industry Skills; What are
schools doing nationally; Book study; and Looking at higher education.
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Strategic Plan Status, Cont.
Goal 2: Provide a financial process, business practices, and safe facilities to support the
improvement of student learning.
Objective 2C: Monitor and exercise the Comprehensive Safety Plan.
Task 1: Evaluate and revise the Comprehensive Safety Plan. Mr. Adamo explained the
Safety Plan is a living document and is provided online for students and staff. The last
update was February 2010, and is due for another review.
Objective 2D: Implement an annual district policy review process.
Task 2: Conduct review using new policy protocol.
Task 3: Develop list of policies to be revised and/or eliminated.
Task 4: Present list of policies to the School Board. Mr. Robertson reported the Series
2000 policies have all been reviewed and he presented a list to the Board of upcoming
First Readings on those with changes.
Goal 3: Provide Human Resources and Communication practices to improve student
learning.
Objective 3A: Continue to implement a five-year Human Resources (HR) plan.
Task 4: Provide research on available technology to automate employee records. Dr.
Smith highlighted a few points from a report by Sandy Bechtel, HR Coordinator. Our
current Applicant Management System is provided by hrmPlus, which also offers a
system which provides extensive data maintenance utilizing personnel records. The cost
for the software system is $4,500 and an additional $5,100 for installation, training,
annual support and license. In order to implement this system, other areas of the HR
budget would have to be reduced. We feel the current system is accountable and we’ll
have to put any additional software on hold for now.
2011-12 Budget Development
Mr. Robertson reported the legislature had a $200 million deficit before the March 27, 2011,
revenue forecast was announced. Their plan was to wait until after the March 17th, forecast
before either making further cuts in this year’s budget or simply shifting the shortfall to the
2011-12 budget year. The revenue forecast they projected for this year will be $201 million
short rather than the $200 million projected earlier. Riverview doesn’t anticipate any more
reductions for this year’s budget.
We are projecting a 5.16% Ending Fund Balance on August 31, 2011, based on legislative cuts.
Recently, we received $36,722 from Safety Net which will add to our Ending Fund Balance for
this year.
Mr. Robertson reviewed some additional identified expenditures and revenues for the 2011-12
budget, noting the projected shortfall to date is $767,934 for the General Fund.
NEW BUSINESS
None
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REPORTS
Construction Report
Mr. Robertson presented the Construction Report.
Riverview Learning Center
HVAC, plumbing, fire suppression, and electrical systems installations are ongoing.
Exterior masonry veneer is complete and exterior CMU wall construction is complete at
HVAC and dumpster enclosures and school signage monument.
Exterior siding installation is ongoing.
Installation of ceiling and wall insulation has been completed and drywall hanging is in
progress.
Remaining concrete sidewalks and exterior pads have been prepared for concrete
pouring.
Cedarcrest High School – New Baseball Field and Miscellaneous Improvements
Installation of concrete footings and piers for additional bleachers is in progress at the
home-side football bleachers and roofing installation is in progress on the new bleacher
roof structure.
Installation of new bleachers at the visitor-side football field has been completed.
Construction of the west parking lot is ongoing.
Underground plumbing is installed and underground electrical installation is in progress
at the concession/restrooms building.
Concrete footings and foundations have been poured for the concession/restrooms
building.
Continuous preparation and installation of concrete and asphalt paving surrounding the
softball fields is ongoing as weather allows.
Varsity and JV softball fields, fencing, bullpens, and dugouts are complete.
Concrete bleacher pad installation is in progress at the softball fields. Softball spectator
bleachers will be constructed following the concrete curing.
Erickson McGovern Architects is preparing bid documents for the completion of the
concession/restrooms building and covered batting cage/practice facility.
Cherry Valley Elementary – Additions and Modernization
Construction of the east access road to 3rd Avenue NE is ongoing but has been
temporarily suspended pending suitable weather conditions.
HVAC and electrical trim is in progress at the cafeteria/kitchen addition and acoustical
ceiling tile installation is complete.
Exterior stucco siding installation is ongoing at the cafeteria/kitchen addition as weather
permits.
Remodeling and modernization at classrooms 11-14 and 22-24 is ongoing but nearing
completion. New casework and carpet installation is complete. New ceiling grids and
acoustical ceiling tiles have been installed. Electrical systems are complete.
Renovation of Phase III restrooms is ongoing. Framing and structural revisions are
complete and drywall installation is complete.
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Construction Report, Cont.
Carnation Elementary – Modernization
Northwestern Construction and its subcontractors are currently in the process of making
punch-list corrections as required.
Tolt Middle School/Transportation Department – Storm Drainage, Parking, and Paving
Improvements
Permit application and drawings have been completed and submitted to the City of
Carnation for review/approval.
SEPA Checklist has been completed and published along with a Determination of
Nonsignificance by Heery International. A mandatory 14-day comment period is
currently in progress until March 30, 2011.
Superintendent Report
Mr. Robertson’s report is as follows:
1. Thank you to the School Board for recognizing the outstanding classified staff members in
the Riverview School District during Classified Employees Week. As far as I know, you are
the only school board that personally thanks each employee for their efforts in providing a
quality education to our students.
2. The state revenue deficit and the pending legislative reduction in school funding continue to
be major concerns for our district. While the Riverview School District has been among the
most financially stable school districts in the Puget Sound area, the increasing revenue deficit
for the state of Washington has negatively affected this year’s budget and created major
concern for the 2011-12 school budget. In past years our steady enrollment growth and
strong ending fund balance provided advantages compared to our neighboring school
districts. Unfortunately, this year we have experienced an enrollment decline. Creating
further financial concerns was the December special session where for the first time in state
history the legislature reduced school funding in mid-year. This legislative reduction will
greatly affect our ending fund balance for 2010-2011 budget. The March 17th state revenue
forecast projected another reduction in state revenue by $80 million for this year’s budget
and $698 million for the next biennium. We will continue to monitor both the state revenue
forecast and the legislative process.
3. Since the last Board meeting, I have had the opportunity to attend the following: the four
weekly construction meetings, the monthly REA/Superintendent meeting, Rachel’s
Challenge presentation, Brightwater Environmental Education and Community Center tour,
Friends of Youth Annual Luncheon, Carnation Science Fair, meeting on possible grant with
the Snoqualmie Valley Network and the Snoqualmie Valley School District, Board
Leadership meeting.
4. I would like to thank Board members for attending the following events with me: Carol Van
Noy for the Rachel’s Challenge presentation at KING 5 television, Greg Bawden for touring
the Brightwater Environmental Education and Community Center near Woodinville, Carol
Van Noy and Lori Oviatt for the Friends of Youth in Bellevue.
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Superintendent Report, Cont.
5. As a reminder, the School Board has been invited to attend the Young Band Festival
tomorrow evening at Tolt Middle School where all district 5th & 6th grade bands and the Tolt
Middle School Jazz Band will perform.
Legislative Report
Mr. Edwards reported that last Thursday state chief economist Dr. Arun Raha delivered the news
that projected state revenues are down nearly $700 million over the next two years. On
Thursday, the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee took up a substitute to ESHB
1849. The striking amendment is similar to the Governor’s original restructuring proposal. The
substitute would create a Department of Education with a department secretary appointed by the
Governor. OSPI would be housed in the new education department and would retain the
supervisory duties pertaining to public schools granted under the state Constitution. The State
Board of Education, the Office of the Education Ombudsman, and the Quality Education Council
would be abolished, as would WSSDA. However, a transition team appointed by the governor
would review WSSDA and make a recommendation to the Legislature whether school directors’
needs are best served by a private or public organization. Mr. Edwards encouraged Board
Members to contact their legislators on this issue.
Mr. Edwards also read excerpts from a political email from Senator Andy Hill to his constituents
in the 45th Legislative District, on state spending problems and state employee compensation.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Ms. Oviatt adjourned the March 22, 2011, School Board
meeting at 9:21 PM.
___________________________________
Board President
___________________________________
Board Secretary
MINUTES PREPARED BY
Cheryl B. Layman, Recording Secretary to the Board of Directors.
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