Kiva Site Council K-8 Discussion Notes

September 14, 2009
Dr. Gary Catalani and Katy Cavanagh 

K-8 Discussion Notes

Compiled by Lisa Leathers-Cox, Kiva K-8 Task Force Facilitator

Step 1:           

K-8 Task Force committee needs to define the reasons behind a K-8  thought process for Kiva. 

Step 2:         

Meet with the Kiva Site Council to discuss these reasons and finalize survey with Site Council. 

Step 3:          

Upon Kiva Site Council Survey approval, Task Force Facilitator arranges meeting with Dr. Catalani, Katy Cavanagh, David Peterson, Pam Sitton, and Althea Allen to discuss information and determine which groups to present to first. 

Step 4:         

Spring 2010 work in detail with Dr. Catalani and his group.  

Step 5:         

Fall 2011, Kiva K-8 Task force begins presentations to LLT, BRAC, SUSD Board.  

Step 6:

Present final proposal to Dr. Catalani and Ms. Cavanagh by July 2011.     

In summary, Dr. Catalani sees his group working diligently with us this Spring (2010). By next Fall (2010), the Kiva K-8 Task Force would start presentations to the Learning Leadership Team (LLT), Blue Ribbon Action Committee (BRAC), and the SUSD Governing Board regarding the request of a bond PRIOR to
Dr. Catalani and Ms. Cavanagh’s recommendation to the SUSD Board. Dr. Catalani and Ms. Cavanagh would need to see our proposal by July of 2011.   

Dr. Catalani made it clear, that in his opinion, he does not see any request for a construction bond for Kiva going before the voters in November 2010, but rather our earliest opportunity to make a request would be in November 2011. He relayed that grant monies are much more difficult to fund a project of this magnitude versus public funding, and encouraged all to focus attention on the upcoming K-3 override.

Dr. Catalani also offered some additional items for consideration:

• New construction is a hard sell right now since there is a lot of space available throughout the District stating that without open enrollment, there would be even more space available.

• SUSD has made no determination as to whether or not to continue with different structures throughout the district (i.e  K-5, K-6, K-8, or move to just one norm throughout the district.)  

• Will we be ready as a complex (Saguaro Complex) to ask the voters to fund construction through a bond?    

In closing, Ms. Cavanagh referred us to “The Great K-8 Debate” website to review the pros/cons of a middle school vs. K-8 option.            

Update

The survey intended for Thursday, September 10^th  distribution will not go home today. More information will be forthcoming as it becomes available. Stay tuned!

Summer Update

• 6/08/09  Notification correspondence of task force website sent to SUSD governing board
  
• 6/26/09  Kiva survey finalization/approval—Nick Noonan,
  Lisa Leathers-Cox
  

Kiva K-8 Full Task Force Committee Meeting, May 15, 2009

The task force agreed to keep moving forward with the Kiva K-8 feasibility study with plans to present pertinent findings at the November 2009 School Board Meeting. Discussion included percentages of Kiva student population/demographic. New school survey to be formulated and distributed mid-September. Should Kiva Community members desire minutes from this meeting, please e-mail Lisa Leathers-Cox at lisaleathers@cox.net.

K-8 Task Force Facilities Meeting Meeting with Katy Cavanaugh & Dr. Catalani

Meeting Date: 5/8/09         

Present: 

Lizabeth Matthews 

Kari Kling 

Nadine Hart 

Katy Cavanagh 

Dr. Catalani     

After briefing Ms. Cavanaugh and Dr. Catalani on the background and current status of the Kiva K-8 initiative, Kari Kling posed the following questions:   

How did other schools in SUSD transition from K-6 to K-8 Models?  

How did their decisions regarding a curriculum model impact their decisions?   

The answer is dependent on if the change was based on program needs or space needs. For instance, at both ANLC and Cheyenne Elementary schools, the move toward K-8 was based on the program changes; meaning that both schools desired to become K-8 schools and created programs to support that change. Sequoya, Cherokee, and Cochise Elementary Schools’ changes were based on physical space needs. 

Dr. Catalani continued the conversation about curriculum instruction generally drives the need for space changes. He explained that regardless of structure or program, curriculum has to be guaranteed. It would take at least a year to transition any curriculum changes. After a year of implementing the curriculum/program changes, the feasibility of a bond could be addressed. A question that would need some study would be,” Can we ask for space at one school when we have space at another school already?”   

Dr. Catalani advised that we come back together as a Task Force and take a look at a timeline for our Task Force, keeping three things in mind:   

• Kiva will begin 2009-2010 school year with a new principal. 
  
• Economic Issues/Unknown Operating Budget 
  
• Governing Board sensitivity to taking on anything that would be a negative impact.       
  

Notes from Meeting with Nick Noonan

K-8 TASK FORCE Meeting with Mr. Nick Noonan Meeting Report:  5/7/09       

Present:
Lisa Leathers-Cox
Laura Jones
Kari Kling
Nadine Hart
Terri Thorson
Mr. Noonan
Dr. Helminski     

After briefing Mr. Noonan on the background and current status of the K-8 initiative, Mr. Noonan gave the following feedback:  

• Mr. Noonan pointed out that the feasibility study will be telling. 
• He said that K-8 is a model that a lot of districts are moving toward. 
• K-8 has been positive for Copper Ridge, generally speaking. 
• Copper Ridge's K-8 configuration had a different genesis because two different schools were merged to create one K-8 school, with common start/end times, some shared staffing. 
• Copper Ridge curriculum includes art, PE, music, band, strings and Spanish 
• Copper Ridge offers a Leadership Class, with a small group of four 7th graders that supervises/interacts on the playground with 4th and 5th graders. 
• In Copper Ridge's second year as K-8, they implemented Thinking Maps. Thinking Maps are a series of graphic organizers designed to help students learn various ways to organize their thoughts and to support the transition to the writing process. 
• Mr. Noonan stated that philosophically he supports a K-8 model for Kiva.      

POSITIVES:

• It is positive that the K-8 initiative is coming from the Kiva community as a grassroots effort vs. coming from the top down.
• A benefit of K-8 is that the smaller student count per grade level (i.e. 120 per grade level, as opposed to 300 per grade level in middle school) allows for curriculum flexibility.
• Mr. Noonan has a positive perception of the current Kiva 6th grade block scheduling: we already have a departmentalized model, which lends itself well to the transition to 7th/8th grade.            

NEGATIVES/CHALLENGES:

• On the negative side, middle school tends to offer a wider range of subjects, such as shop, home ec, etc.  Options could include off-site programs, such as Habitat for Humanity. 
• At least initially, Kiva would not have the facility to host home games in extracurricular sports requiring gym facilities. We discussed that options could include sharing a gym with Valley Presbyterian Church or Saguaro High School in the short term. 
• Staff resistance is a concern, but the group is in agreement that the teachers' opinions may have changed and that we will enlist the teachers' input on curriculum model.
• Dr. Helminski suggested that the Task Force make a presentation at a staff meeting in late August/early September. 
• Mr. Noonan suggested that the School Board would want to know where 6th grade Kiva students are going to 7th grade. If they are choosing Cocopah or another SUSD school, the District may perceive that since the students are staying within District, it is still a positive for the District. There would be a possible perception that it is Kiva's and Mohave's responsibility to better communicate the benefits of Mohave.     

SURVEY

• It was agreed that we will survey the Kiva community again after we determine curriculum model and additional facilities information. This survey would clarify these details so that the community will be able to make an informed decision. Dr. Helminski suggested that we survey the community in mid-September, with notices in the Kiva Caller a few weeks prior alerting parents that the survey is coming. Mr. Noonan will get us a copy of the survey used by Copper Ridge. 
• Mr. Noonan suggested that it would be important to address the question: "How will a K-8 prepare my child for high school?" 
• Dr. Peterson is looking for specific details on 5th-6th grade families -- will they attend Kiva for K-8? 
• Mr. Noonan will work with Lisa to formulate the mid-September survey.    

FINAL THOUGHTS

• Mr. Noonan will review the proposal before it is presented to the Governing Board in November. 
  
• Mr. Noonan is in favor of moving forward.       
  

Overview Letter

Dear Valued Members of the Kiva Community:

On November, 24, 2008, results were tallied from
an internal survey of families with students currently
attending Kiva Elementary School. The results of this
survey prompted the Kiva Site Council to approve the 
establishment of a task force to further investigate the
feasibility of a K-8 option for Kiva. The Site Council is
led by Dr. Helminski and is comprised of both teachers
and parents. The Site Council is tasked with developing
a Site Improvement Plan, providing input for the creation
of curricular and instructional strategies/enrichment that
meet the unique learning needs of the students served 
at each school. At the March 18, 2009 Site Council meeting, 
Lisa Leathers-Cox was appointed as facilitator to move 
the K-8 process forward. Since that time, a committee 
in excess of 50 volunteers from the Kiva Community 
has been assembled to assist in the initial feasibility 
research process. Part of this process was the 
establishment of a K-8 Task Force website where 
one can find more detailed information and
updates as they become available.

The web site can be accessed at
http://kivaK-8taskforce.blogspot.com

Upcoming Meetings

Previous Meetings

• Informational Meetings - April 1, 3, 4, 2009
  Participants indicated their specific areas of interest/expertise.    
  
  
• Work Sessions - April 17, 2009
  Volunteers met in groups focusing on one of three areas:
  Curriculum/Staffing, Facilities, and Communications.
  Each group formulated a plan with the primary goal of
  determining the feasibility of a K-8 model for Kiva.

• April 22, 2009
  Facilities Subcommittee meeting with David Peterson, 
  SUSD Facilities Operations Manager/CFO
  
  
• April 28, 2009
  Exploratory Meeting with Dr. Michael Helminski

• May 7, 2009
  K-8 Chairperson Subcommittee meeting with Nick Noonan.
   
• May 8, 2008 
  Curriculum/Staffing Subcommittee meeting with Katy Cavanagh and Dr. Gary Catalani.
  
  
• May 15, 2009
  Work Session; Review of findings and future direction.
  
  
• May 20, 2009
  Work Session; Review of families who have left the Kiva Community and/or reside in the Kiva Community but do not attend Kiva.

Internal Kiva Parent Survey

• 80% favor Kindergarten–8th grade with option 
  to either stay at Kiva through 8th grade or attend
  a middle school for 6th-8th grades.

• 19% favor Pre-kindergarten-5th grade 
  (feeding into a 6th-8th grade middle school)

• 56% of total school responding (760 students)
  

(Survey results tallied in November, 2008)

External Kiva Attendance Area Survey

• 79% favor K-8th Grade
  
• 21% favor PreK-5th grade
  
• 83 currently enrolled families responding 

• 73.5% favor K-8th Grade
  
• 26.5% favor Pre-K-5th Grade
  
• 140 non-currently enrolled families responding

(Survey results tallied in November, 2008)

Notes from Meeting with David Peterson

Kiva K-8 Task Force Meeting

Location:  SUSD District Office

Purpose:  Speak with David Peterson, SUSD Facility Planning and Construction, regarding feasibility of a K-8 option at Kiva

In Attendance:  Lisa Leathers-Cox, Joe Campodall’Orto, 
Amy Anton

Lisa explained to David Peterson that the Kiva Site Council
had authorized the formation of a Task Force to investigate
the feasibility of a K-8 model at Kiva. She stated that the
purpose of the meeting was to gain insight into feasibility
and what a realistic time frame would be. Mr. Peterson said
that August 2009 was impossible but a realistic goal would
be August 2010. In order to meet the goal of a K-8 at Kiva
by 2010, Mr. Peterson said that the Task Force must
accomplish the following things:

1. Create a comprehensive plan to present to the SUSD Governing Board by November 2009. The plan would have to be presented to the Board by November 2009 because at that time the District would be in the midst of determining the school calendar and staffing. This would also allow enough time to get information out to parents.
   
2. Mr. Peterson said that the first step was to develop a comprehensive educational plan because, “Instruction drives construction.” He felt that the Board could not look at Facility options for Kiva without knowing what the definitive educational program would look like.
   
3. Mr. Peterson recommended that the plan include how many additional kids were anticipated and historical numbers regarding where Kiva kids go and where additional students might come from.
   
4. Mr. Peterson also recommended that the plan include the mechanism by which enrollment would be determined. IE: How would the school determine which children to admit and what system would be put in place if there was more demand for spots than capacity.
   
5. Mr. Peterson said that the plan should include a
   “big picture” plan for the facility and a determination of
   how the school could phase and grow into a fully enrolled K-8.
   

Lisa asked Mr. Peterson about the possibility of using portables and said that the preliminary estimate from the Task Force was that Kiva would need four class rooms for 7th grade for the 2010 school year, four additional class rooms for 8th grade in 2011, and possibly two rooms for science labs. Mr. Peterson said this was realistic, but the key would be finances and where the money would come from. Mr. Peterson told Lisa that the Task Force could raise private money to pay for the “Portable Phase” of the plan. He said that the other financing option was to hold a bond election.

1. Mr. Peterson explained that to expedite getting portables on campus and meet the goal of a 7th grade by 2010, there would need to be a grass-roots fundraising effort. The monies would have to be donated to SUSD and would in turn be gifted back to Kiva in the form of the portables. 
   
2. Mr. Peterson explained that the funds would have to be “in hand” prior to a plan being approved, and used Cheyenne Traditional School as an example. He relayed that Cheyenne attempted to raise funds to build a gymnasium but fell far short of the fundraising goal. He explained that before a contract is approved, monies must be in hand so that the District is not on the hook for the contract. The plan at Cheyenne died on the vine. Mr. Peterson used Chaparral High School as a model of a successful private fundraising effort. A private parent group raised the funds to donate to the District for athletic field improvements.
   

Lisa asked Mr. Peterson what type of preliminary work would have to be researched and done regarding infrastructure, especially sewer and plumbing requirements, before portables could be placed on campus. Mr. Peterson explained that the District is ultimately responsible for the facility and would want to partner on the front-end work. He re-emphasized that the District would want a definitive plan in place regarding the K-8 program model as a first step. 

1. Mr. Peterson said it was possible to put portables on the back end of campus near the tennis courts and felt it would not be a big deal to temporarily take a tennis court out if needed.
   
2. Mr. Peterson emphasized that the placement of portables should be decided according to the current footprint and future expansion plans. Future expansion might include two story buildings. You don’t want to place portables where buildings might go.
   
3. Mr. Peterson re-emphasized the importance of understanding the educational plan in order to make the best facility decisions.
   

Mr. Peterson explained the time line and process to get portables on campus. He said that the district has architects on a five year rotation and felt it would not be difficult to work with the Town of Paradise Valley.

1. The District would hire one company to both manufacture the portables and do the underground and prep work while the units were being built. He explained that this type of “one stop shopping” was the most efficient.
   
2. Once a manufacturer was assigned, it would be a six to seven month process. This would include approval from the Office of Manufactured Housing and the Fire Marshall.
   
3. Lisa asked if there were portables from within the District that could be moved to Kiva. Mr. Peterson said that most of them were over 20 years old and in poor condition and felt that would not be a good option.
   
4. Lisa asked whether sinks were needed in the portables. Mr. Peterson said that sinks were needed in primary classes and science labs primarily. He said that including a sink was not a big deal.
   
5. Mr. Peterson agreed to pull the site drawings for Kiva and do a preliminary layout to see what would be the most logical plan.
   
6. Once a comprehensive facility plan was in place, Mr. Peterson said that the District would develop the building specs and manage the bidding process. Mr. Peterson said that the job of the Task Force was to develop the educational program and do the necessary fundraising for the “Portable Phase,” and then let the District make the facilities happen.
   

Lisa asked Mr. Peterson what the biggest challenge would be to overcome. He answered that it would be money and timing. Joe asked Mr. Peterson about the possibility of federal stimulus money being used and he answered that the District has been working towards obtaining federal money to help create more energy efficient buildings. Mr. Peterson relayed that he has had engineers look at a number of issues at Kiva and would like to see the entire facility upgraded and made more energy efficient.

Mr. Peterson also explained what would be involved in raising money through a bond election and how Kiva could access those funds for their facility. 

1. To pass a bond, it must be clearly stated what the money would pay for. Ninety percent of the funds must be used according to what was stated in the bond election. There is a ten percent leeway where the funds could be used for discretionary purposes. Mr. Peterson used the example of the Coronado track. As built, it was an eight lane track which meant that it could not be used for competition. There was leftover bond money after the completion of the Coronado remodel and expansion due to cost savings. The remaining ten percent of the bond money was used to create a nine lane track, making it usable for competition and comparable to all other tracks in the district.
   
2. Mr. Peterson stressed the importance of doing what is promised with the bond money in order to maintain voter trust and SUSD credibility.
   
3. Bond elections may only be held in November. Mr. Peterson explained that if a bond election was held in November 2010, building construction could start in the summer of 2011. The first phase would take approximately one year. By 2012, Kiva could have its first bricks and mortar student occupied buildings.
   
4. Mr. Peterson explained that some constituents think that it is a bad time to go for a bond because of the economy. He feels this is not true. During a down economy labor and materials are less expensive, construction costs are cheaper, and additional construction creates needed jobs.
   

Lisa asked for an estimated figure that would be necessary for the “Portable Phase” of the project. Mr. Peterson estimated $400,000. Lisa asked what the option would be if we could not raise the funds privately. Mr. Peterson explained that the portables could be put into a Masters Facility plan and become part of a bond election. This would mean that a seventh grade at Kiva in 2010 would not be feasible.

1. Mr. Peterson also discussed the possibility of using “Adjacent Ways Tax Dollars” to help fund permanent improvements including utility infrastructure. This could possibly off-set some of the costs of the “Portable Phase.”
2. If the possibility exists that a new sewer line, lift station, or other permanent improvements might be needed for our K-8 goal, and installed so that it can be used for all future expansions at Kiva, then those monies will come from the “district improvements fund”, and not necessarily be part of our needed financial package.

Lisa expressed to Mr. Peterson that the Task Force was concerned with how the District would fund additional teachers for seventh and eighth grade.

1. Mr. Peterson answered, “Staffing funding follows children.” If Kiva had the necessary enrollment, the District would fund the teachers. The District hires teachers according to enrollment projections.
   
2. Mr. Peterson said that enrollment projections could be obtained by looking at the staffing models at other K-8 schools in the district.
   
3. Mr. Peterson further explained that part of the educational model should consider the number of Highly Qualified teachers necessary and for what subjects they would be required, such as English and Math.
   
4. Mr. Peterson explained that an additional concern would be staffing for highly performing students. He used the example that some eighth grade students take High School level math and speculated about the possibility of using a Saguaro math teacher for those children.
   

Mr. Peterson agreed to review the notes of the April 22, 2009 meeting and share them with the Learning Leadership Team to solicit their feedback. Mr. Peterson said that the Blue Ribbon Advisory Council has had discussions about additional K-8 models in the District along with other facility options. Mr. Peterson said that a successful $190 million bond election would ensure that the needs of every elementary and middle school within the district would be met.
 
Notes Submitted by: Amy Anton
April 22, 2009