BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:

Brian Garland

Susan Henry

Matthew Harper

Michael Simons

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:

Bonnie Castrey

ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL PRESENT:

Van Riley, Superintendent

Debbie Coleman, Asst. Superintendent, Human Resources

Carole Thomas, Executive Assistant

ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL ABSENT:

Carol Osbrink, Asst. Superintendent, Educational Services

PLACE AND DATE OF MEETING:

District Office

February 26, 2008

CALL TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by the Board President, Dr. Simons.

CLOSED SESSION:  (I)

A closed session was called at 7:01 p.m. to consider Public Employee Discipline, Dismissal/Release - Government Code section 54957 and Education Code sections 44896 and 44951.

CALL BACK TO ORDER:

The meeting was called back to order at 7:35 p.m. by Dr. Simons, who announced that the Board had met in closed session for the above consideration but that no action was taken.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:  (II)

The Pledge of Allegiance was given.

ANY OTHER PUBLIC COMMUNICTION TO THE BOARD:  (II-B)

David Theriault, staff member, spoke on the elimination of English teachers.

BUDGET STUDY SESSION:  (III-A)

Dr. Riley presented an update on the State budget and the potential effect on district finances and programs.  The Board was provided the opportunity to discuss impacts of the State budget, budget timelines, district criteria for potential reductions, and other related topics.  The Superintendent summarized 90 potential cost centers that are being reviewed by Superintendent’s Cabinet.  The Superintendent discussed actions already taken to prepare for the 2008-09 budget.  Board members asked questions regarding the prioritization of the cost centers.  Dr. Riley asked members to look at criteria, prioritize criteria or add something to it so that he can prepare recommendations for the Board.  The Board will make the final decision.  A timeline for meetings was discussed.  It was agreed that special Board meetings (Budget Review Sessions) would take place at 5:30 p.m., immediately prior to the regular Board meetings of March 11, April 8 and May 13, 2008.  A possible further meeting will be considered for either May 27 or June 3.  Dr. Riley asked Board members to send ideas or questions to him via email.

GOVERNOR’S CALIFORNIA STATE BUDGET PROPOSAL:  (III-B)

It was moved by Mr. Garland, seconded by Mrs. Henry, to adopt the resolution which calls on the governor and the legislature to put our students first, reject across-the-board cuts that would damage our public schools, protect the voter-approved, minimum school funding law, Proposition 98, and show true leadership by setting realistic state budget priorities and a balanced approach of spending cuts and revenue increases to close the $14.5 billion budget hole.

                                                Motion carried 3-1.

                                                Mr. Harper voted no.

                                                Ms Castrey was absent.

NEW BUSINESS:

Mrs. Henry stated that the Board had received a request from Dr. Anji Clemens on behalf of the Soroptimist International of Westminster concerning their annual award which this year will be presented to Mrs. Susan Harmon, a Social Studies teacher at Westminster High School.  It was agreed to prepare a resolution for the March 11 Board agenda for presentation to Mrs. Harmon.

NEW BUSINESS:  (Continued)

Mr. Garland stated that he had attended the funeral of a classified employee, Lydia Cortes, who had worked with special needs students at Edison High School for 28 years.  He spoke on behalf of the Board of Trustees.

Mr. Harper proposed that The Bible as Literature be placed on the March 11, 2008 Board agenda for consideration.  Motion died for lack of a second.

ANY OTHER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION TO THE BOARD:

None.

ADJOURNMENT:

The meeting was adjourned by the President, Dr. Simons, at

8:55 p.m.

______________________________

                           Clerk

______________________________

                        Secretary