Whatcom Site Council Minutes for January 13th, 2003

Present:
Ted Swinburne, Linda Rabener-Justice, Halee Hyatt, Ashley Zopolos, Sonja Moon, John Thibault, Jeff Coulter, Josh Meese, Ann Buswell, Eric Hofstedt, Betty Curl, Janie Jacobchuck, Jim Stephens, Mike Anderson, Doug Robertson, Wendy Albrecht

Minutes: Minutes for December 9th, 2002 read and approved.

Old Business
Introductions- Site Council had invited Jim Stephens and Manuel Babyan to come and hear our concerns about the gym. Manuel was unable to attend, however we were introduced to Jim Stephens, assistant superintendent of business operations and Mike Anderson, maintenance manager. Also attending were Josh Meese, Eric Hofstedt, Betty Curl, and Janie Jacobchuck.
New Business
Gymnasium Update- Jim Stephens and Mike Anderson attended to hear concerns and answer questions about the gym. Jim Stephens stated that Mr. Babyan firmly believed that gym is finished within the initial plans. Jim Stephens also assured us that the project met city codes and that there are no outstanding safety issues. Handicap access meets codes. The lack of doorway between the gyms was not an oversight but rather planned that way. He compared the square footage of the other Middle School’s gyms: Whatcom, 16,500; Shuksan, 8,500; Kulshan, 9,600; and Fairhaven 10,400. Comparing total number of basketball hoops with the other school: Whatcom 12; Shuksan, 10; Kulshan 12, and Fairhaven 10. Another issue that he addressed was the padding behind the hoops, which is not necessary because of the depth behind the baskets to the wall. None of the Middle Schools have bleachers.
Our noise level is comparable to the other school and well within health department levels. He noted that some baffling might be appropriate to address the noise. Mr. Anderson said that decibel readings indicated that the old gym was noisier, however he concurred that echoes may be the issue and baffling or banners would help stop the reverberation. The floor was opened to questions. Ted stated he appreciated them coming and what we are looking for is equity. The square footage does not take into account that it represents a “mismashed” space. Only having 2 hoops in the new gym limits direction which basketball games may be played. Ted pointed out that Bellingham High, not only has padding, but very ornate padding. The sharp corners at the entrance to the new gym were also very much a concern. Eric Hofstedt said the way the 2 gyms were laid out posed safety issues, balls roll in from the other gym and students have little warning and could trip. He pointed out that while evening basketball programs are not supposed to use the new gym, it is impossible to close it off without a door and he wondered about liability issues this may cause. Ann stated that at one point they discussed using gym 1 as a commons area, thus doors were unnecessary. Mike Anderson said that the district went through considerable expense to keep it open, thus putting doors in at this point was not really an option. Sonja pointed out that the P.E. teachers weren’t involved in the planning.
Jim Stephens reiterated that we should be able to address the sharp corner issue. He assured us that equity is a huge issue for him; he strives for equal opportunity throughout the district. Halee asked if Mr. Babyan really thought everything was fine. Linda thought that he was seeing the product as what was intended, rather than seeing the safety issues. Jim Stephens reiterated, there are no outstanding safety issues. Sonja pointed out that it is our responsibility to give the students a safe place to have P.E., not rely on the students to be careful. Josh would like to see some hoops moved into the new gym, to allow for drills during the basketball unit. Eric concurred that safety was a huge issue. Also with only 2 hoops the kids have too much down time during drills. Jim Stephens said that the district is fully prepared to make sure baffling and padding happen, doors are a bigger issue. He also said Mike Anderson will come over and meet with Eric and Josh about baskets.
Sonja asked about the auditorium exit, a new exit that is blocked off. Mike Anderson said that the city is making them remove the stairway. Doug agreed that the city must answer to strict fire code. Doug asked what we could do to help get the gym going. Mike Anderson stated that Manuel thought that the need was for a regulation full size basketball court. Jim wondered if a heavy curtain between the gyms would serve as a door. Ted said we were expecting a showpiece, something for the kids to be proud of. Mike answered some questions on heat inconsistencies. It was decided that an informational pamphlet should be made on heat operations.
Teaming Update- January 21st, 2003 Elliot Merrimbloom a national consultant will be here to assist the school move toward a teaming model. He will work with a group of (9) selected by nomination and a vote. On the 22nd he will work ½ day with the same teachers, followed by the whole staff in the afternoon and evening. Ending with the 9 again on Thursday the 23rd. He will help WMS develop 2 or 3 schedules to choose from. Halee asked if it was possible to group kids with different abilities together. Ann said that nothing has been decided and that input form Site Council, students, and parents will be part of the decision process. Wendy stressed the importance of continuing to have 6th graders take Pre Algebra if they are ready. Janie hoped we were not going to loose our Unified Art Program. Jeff said he would like to talk to parents about what they want from teaming.
Site Council Goal- Jeff said Parental Involvement would be a good one. The Environment for Learning was passed out for members to peruse and see what piece we would like to tackle. Doug said he would like to say he accomplished something at the end of his term.
From the Floor
HOTS- Linda gave a good report on HOTS. Attendance has been growing and she felt very positive about it.
Meeting adjourned 8:20PM

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