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ARIZONA HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES
Forty-eighth
Legislature – Second Regular Session
COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION (K-12)
Minutes of Meeting
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
House Hearing Room 3
-- 9:00 a.m.
Chairman Anderson called the
meeting to order at 9:01 a.m. and attendance was
noted by the secretary.
Members Present
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Mr. Clark
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Mr. Hershberger
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Mrs. Thrasher
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Mr. Crump
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Mr. Lujan
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Mr. Tobin, Vice-Chairman
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Mr. Farnsworth
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Mr. Schapira
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Mr. Anderson, Chairman
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Ms. Garcia M
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Committee Action
HB 2008 – DPA (5-3-0-2) HB
2035 – DPA (7-2-0-1)
HB 2441 – DPA (9-0-0-1) HB
2475 – DP (8-0-0-2)
HB 2499 – DP (7-2-0-1) HB
2508 – DP (5-2-1-2)
HB 2525 – DPA (8-0-1-1) HB
2527 – DP (7-2-0-1)
HB 2559 – HELD BY CHAIR HB
2563 – DPA FAILED (5-5-0-0)
HB 2564 – HELD BY CHAIR
PRESENTATION BY THE JUNIOR STATESMEN FOUNDATION
Dallas Gold, Arizona Program
Director, Junior Statesmen Foundation (JSF), introduced
Richard Prosser.
Richard Prosser, National
Public Affairs Director, Washington, D.C., provided an overview of the JSF
(Attachment 1).
Josh Martinez, Student,
representing self, related activities of students in a chapter he began at Sunrise High School in Peoria after learning about JSF on the Internet.
Tommy Cunningham, Student,
representing himself, related his experiences in the JSF Georgetown
University Summer Program in Washington, D.C.
Chairman Anderson thanked the
presenters. He said he is glad to hear that a chapter was started in Arizona because young people need to become involved in order to replace current
legislators.
INTRODUCTION
OF STUDENTS
Marv Lamer, Camp Verde High
School, noted that students are present from the Culinary Arts program.
Christopher Hudson, Student,
representing self, said he is learning cake decorating techniques, how to
bake and make an omelet, and he would like to have a career in culinary arts
someday.
Amber Genovese, Student,
representing self, related that the class is fun and she has learned many
different techniques and ways to cook different things. She said she would
like to own a restaurant someday.
Devin Oster, Student,
representing self, indicated that he took Culinary Arts I, where he learned
the basics. Now he is taking Culinary Arts II where he is learning to decorate
cakes and cook with different kinds of foods.
CONSIDERATION OF BILLS
HB 2035, ASDB; personnel
procedures – DO PASS AMENDED
Vice-Chairman
Tobin moved that HB 2035 do pass.
Vice-Chairman
Tobin moved that the four-line proposed Thrasher amendment to HB 2035 dated
2/5/08 11:42 AM (Attachment 2) be adopted.
Jennifer Anderson, Majority
Research Analyst, explained that HB 2035 makes changes to the personnel
procedures for the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and Blind (ASDB)
(Attachment 3). The proposed amendment stipulates that an ASDB Governing Board
policy that conflicts with or contradicts Arizona State personnel policy will
be superseded by the Arizona State personnel policy (Attachment 2).
Mrs. Thrasher, Sponsor, explained
the rationale for provisions of the bill and said she hopes it will help ASDB
recruit and retain qualified people.
Charles Foy, President,
Arizona State Employees Association/Communication Workers of America (CWA),
in favor of HB 2035, spoke about the absence rate of ASDB Board members at
meetings.
Erika Peery, Educational
Interpreter, representing self, in favor of HB 2035, conveyed that the bill
will secure fair and impartial terms of employment for workers dedicated to
providing quality services for the children and allow ASDB to attract and
retain a superior workforce.
Ray Ramirez, ASDB; Communication
Workers of America Local 7000, asked for the Members’ support of HB 2035 to
help end the costly abuse of power that exists within the agency.
James Bravo, Communication Workers
of America Local 7000, stated that HB 2035 will provide some level of
accountability to the agency and solve some of the bad management problems that
cost the agency financially.
Tina Neumann, Teacher,
representing self, said HB 2035 will assist in promoting necessary change
within the agency.
Karen Vanderbilt, School Bus
Driver, representing self, in favor of HB 2035, said she witnessed
unprecedented abuse of power inflicted upon valuable employees, citing a recent
incident involving a bus mechanic. She added that issues stem from the
probation policy, which deserves drastic improvement.
Doris Woltman, representing
self, in favor of HB 2035, stated that poor and improper actions of ASDB
leadership induce fear and coercive conformity of employees, impacting the
ability to provide student stability, safety and proper examples of learning
institution. Additionally, the ASDB Board is not being held accountable.
Harold Hoff, Superintendent,
ASDB, neutral on HB 2035, made some observations about the bill and asked
that the Committee delay any action until further research can be done and the
ASDB Board can be involved. He responded to questions.
Vice-Chairman Tobin announced
individuals who registered their position in favor of HB 2035:
Sami Hamed, ASDB Board
Member, representing self
Lee Ortega,
Organizer, CWA Local 7000
Sueanne McCreery,
Supervising Teacher, representing self
Karen Feldman,
Supervising Teacher, representing self
Linda Hatfield,
President, CWA Local 7000
Sharon Lunger,
Supervising Teacher, representing self
Mary Joe Munis,
Educational Interpreter, representing self
Patricia Jimenez,
representing self
Heather Donnel,
Interpreter, representing self
Pia Benson, Supervising
Teacher, representing self
Sylvia Mohler,
Organizer, CWA 7019
Jennifer Daily, Arizona Education Association
Chairman Anderson announced an
individual who registered a neutral position on HB 2035:
Beth Sauer,
Government Relations Analyst, Arizona School Boards Association
Question was
called on the motion that the four-line proposed Thrasher amendment to HB 2035
dated 2/5/08 11:42 AM (Attachment 2) be adopted. The motion carried.
Vice-Chairman
Tobin moved that HB 2035 as amended do pass. The motion carried by a roll call
vote of 7-2-0-1 (Attachment 4).
HB 2499,
ASDB; superintendent; business manager – DO PASS
Vice-Chairman
Tobin moved that HB 2499 do pass.
Katherine Nikas, Majority
Intern, explained that HB 2499 prevents the Arizona School for the Deaf and
Blind (ASDB) Superintendent from also acting as the Business Manager
(Attachment 5).
Mrs. Thrasher, Sponsor, stated
that it is too risky for a state agency not to have a “second set of eyes” overlooking
the financials while expecting the Superintendent to be the educational
leader. She requested the Members’ support.
Harold Hoff, Superintendent,
ASDB, neutral on HB 2499, related that a person was hired to supervise the
Financial Division and asked that the Committee delay action until the ASDB
Board has an opportunity to discuss the bill.
Chairman Anderson announced
individuals who registered their position in favor of HB 2499:
Charles Foy, President, Arizona State Employees
Association/Communication Workers of America (CWA),
Beth Sauer,
Government Relations Analyst, Arizona School Boards Association
Linda Hatfield, President, CWA Local 7000
Sueanne McCreery,
Supervising Teacher, representing self
Lee Ortega, Organizer,
CWA Local 7000
Erika Peery,
Educational Interpreter, representing self
Karen Feldman,
Supervising Teacher, representing self
Sharon Lunger,
Supervising Teacher, representing self
Ray Ramirez, ASDB,
CWA Local 7000
Mary Joe Munis,
Educational Interpreter, representing self
Patricia Jimenez,
representing self
James Bravo,
representing self
Tina Neumann,
Teacher, representing self
Heather Donnel,
Interpreter, representing self
Pia Benson,
Supervising Teacher, representing self
Sylvia Mohler,
Organizer, CWA 7019
Karen Vanderbilt, School
Bus Driver, representing self
Doris Woltman,
Assistant Director SER, representing self
Jennifer Daily, Arizona Education Association
Question was
called on the motion that HB 2499 do pass. The motion carried by a roll call
vote of 7-2-0-1 (Attachment 6).
HB 2527, JTEDs; adult
students – DO PASS
Vice-Chairman
Tobin moved that HB 2527 do pass.
Jennifer Anderson, Majority
Research Analyst, explained that HB 2527 permits adult students to attend
vocational programs in a Joint Technological Education District (JTED)
(Attachment 7).
Representative Rich Crandall,
Sponsor, stated that HB 2527 would allow adults to take advantage of vocational
program opportunities when there is excess capacity.
Discussion followed concerning
interaction between minors and older adults, and the availability of similar
courses at community colleges.
Stan Barnes, representing East
Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT), in favor of HB 2527, stated that
this is an important issue to EVIT. He introduced Dr. Keith Crandell and
Dr. Sally Downey.
Dr. Keith Crandell, Board Member,
East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT), spoke in favor of HB 2527. He
related that a 14-year-old female student is far more likely to be predatorized
by an 18-to-22-year-old male student than a 35-year-old man seeking to improve
himself, but noted that adults will be screened like classified EVIT employees.
Sally Downey, Superintendent,
East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT), spoke in favor of HB 2527. She
submitted that adults want to learn a skill and go to work, but will be subject
to fingerprinting and the “whole nine yards” like classified staff. She responded
to questions.
Gerry Baumann, representing
self, in favor of HB 2527, commented that there is a need for vocational
training, especially for political refugees who are often older. Also,
educational funds would be utilized more effectively.
Beth Sauer, Government
Relations Analyst, Arizona School Boards Association, spoke in opposition
to HB 2527, contending that younger students in classrooms with older adults is
not appropriate. She said adults can already attend EVIT, but not during the normal
school day, which is the best approach.
Chairman Anderson announced that
Jake Logan, Arizona Education Association, Mesa Public Schools, is in favor of
HB 2527.
Question was
called on the motion that HB 2527 do pass. The motion carried by a roll call
vote of 7-2-0-1 (Attachment 8).
HB 2525, constitutional
expenditure limitation; school – DO PASS AMENDED
Vice-Chairman
Tobin moved that HB 2525 do pass.
Vice-Chairman
Tobin moved that the three-line proposed Anderson amendment to HB 2525 dated
2/5/08 9:07 AM (Attachment 9) be adopted.
Jennifer Anderson, Majority
Research Analyst, explained that HB 2525 requires all kindergarten students
to be counted as full-time students for the purpose of calculating the
aggregate expenditure limitation (Attachment 10). The proposed amendment makes
the provisions applicable only for kindergarten students enrolled in a full-day
kindergarten program (Attachment 9).
Representative Rich Crandall,
Sponsor, said this measure would eliminate the need to vote on an emergency
bill every year to override the constitutional spending limit.
Chairman Anderson called on
Michael Smith, Associate, Arizona School Administrators, to speak in favor of
HB 2525, but he was not present.
Vice-Chairman Tobin announced
individuals who registered their position in favor of HB 2525:
Beth Sauer,
Government Relations Analyst, Arizona School Boards Association
Sam Polito, representing
Tucson Area School Districts
Art Harding,
Legislative Liaison, Arizona Department of Education
Jake Logan,
Legislative Liaison, Mesa Public Schools
Jennifer Daily, Arizona Education Association
Question was
called on the motion that the three-line proposed Anderson amendment to HB 2525
dated 2/5/08 9:07 AM (Attachment 9) be adopted. The motion carried.
Vice-Chairman
Tobin moved that HB 2525 as amended do pass. The motion carried by a roll call
vote of 8-0-1-1 (Attachment 11).
HB 2441, school textbooks;
alternative media producers – DO PASS AMENDED
Vice-Chairman
Tobin moved that HB 2441 do pass.
Vice-Chairman
Tobin moved that the three-line proposed Tobin amendment to HB 2441 dated
2/5/08 8:43 AM (Attachment 12) be adopted.
Jennifer Anderson, Majority
Research Analyst, explained that HB 2441 requires the State Board of Education
(SBE) to designate an alternative media producer for alternative textbooks
(Attachment 13). The proposed amendment clarifies that the SBE may designate
more than one alternative media producer (Attachment 12).
Mr. Tobin, Sponsor, asked for the
Members’ support of HB 2441 and the proposed amendment.
Cindy Huie, Member, Board of
Directors, Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, spoke in favor of HB
2441. She said the bill would ensure that the State recognizes authorized
media producers and provide continuity for teachers, students and parents.
Carrie Schaffer, representing
self, in favor of HB 2441, indicated that the bill would assist teachers
and educators by providing a comprehensive list of agencies that can produce any
book in any format a student requires and increase the chances of students obtaining
an education.
Roger Heldenbrand,
representing self, in favor of HB 2441, said this measure will ease the
burden on teachers to provide educational access to students who are blind or
visually impaired.
Chairman Anderson called Jake
Logan, representing Arizona Education Association, Recording for the Blind and
Dyslexic, to speak in favor of HB 2441, but he was not present.
Vice-Chairman
Tobin announced individuals who registered their position in favor of HB 2441:
Alexander Dominick,
Development Director, Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic
Sam Polito,
representing Tucson Area School Districts
Chuck Essigs, Director of Governmental Relations, Arizona Association of
School Business Officials
Vice-Chairman Tobin announced an
individual who registered as neutral on HB 2441:
Beth Sauer,
Government Relations Analyst, Arizona School Boards Association
Barbara Fenster, representing
self, related that because Arizona is not a textbook adoption state, each
teacher chooses books and becomes responsible for finding the books in an
alternative format, which can be confusing. HB 2441 bill should eliminate that
by providing a list of alternative media producers for teachers.
Discussion followed concerning
clarification of language on Page 5, Lines 17 and 18, of the bill.
Question was
called on the motion that the three-line proposed Tobin amendment to HB 2441
dated 2/5/08 8:43 AM (Attachment 12) be adopted. The motion carried.
Vice-Chairman
Tobin moved that HB 2441 as amended do pass. The motion carried by a roll call
vote of 9-0-0-1 (Attachment 14).
HB 2563, charter schools;
transfer of credits – DO PASS AMENDED FAILED
Vice-Chairman
Tobin moved that HB 2563 do pass.
Vice-Chairman
Tobin moved that the five-page proposed Anderson amendment to HB 2563 dated
2/5/08 11:35 AM (Attachment 15) be adopted.
Jennifer Anderson, Majority
Research Analyst, explained that HB 2563 requires school districts to
accept transfer credits from an accredited charter school course or program
(Attachment 16). The proposed amendment requires a charter school or public
school to automatically accept academic credits from accredited courses or
instructional programs and provide all transfer pupils with a list of credits
that were accepted and denied, and provides the same testing opportunity to
redeem any denied credits (Attachment 15).
Chairman Anderson, Sponsor, indicated
that HB 2563 stipulates that credits can be transferred across the board, or
the student can take a test on the material.
Tom Dorn, representing Arizona
Charter Schools Association, suggested a few corrections to the bill and
proposed amendment. He said he supports HB 2563 moving forward while
continuing to work on the language.
Gary Bae, Director of Public
Affairs, The Leona Group, in favor of HB 2563, stated that this issue needs
to be fixed for the children.
Eileen B. Sigmund, Executive
Director, Arizona Charter Schools Association, in favor of
HB 2563, indicated that she agrees with the concept, but would like to work on
two issues.
Chairman Anderson called Michael
Smith, Associate, Arizona School Administrators, who registered in favor of HB
2563, but he was not present.
Beth Sauer, Government
Relations Analyst, Arizona School Boards Association, in opposition to HB
2563, suggested some changes in order to allow for local control and
equitability.
Question was
called on the motion that the five-page proposed Anderson amendment to HB 2563
dated 2/5/08 11:35 AM (Attachment 15) be adopted. The motion carried.
Vice-Chairman
Tobin moved that HB 2563 as amended do pass. The motion failed by a roll call
vote of 5-5-0-0 (Attachment 17).
HB 2008, school pupils;
alternative graduation requirements – DO PASS AMENDED
Vice-Chairman
Tobin moved that HB 2008 do pass.
Vice-Chairman
Tobin moved that the three-line proposed Anderson amendment to HB 2008 dated
2/5/08 8:34 AM (Attachment 18) be adopted.
Jennifer Anderson, Majority
Research Analyst, explained that HB 2008 is an emergency measure that
permanently reinstates an alternative graduation requirement for certain
students who have not achieved a passing score on the Arizona Instrument to
Measure Standards (AIMS) test (Attachment 19). The proposed amendment
prohibits elective courses from being used to augment the pupil’s AIMS score
(Attachment 18).
Mr. Schapira, Sponsor, advised
that HB 2008 reinstates language allowing augmentation and contains an
emergency clause. He endorsed the proposed amendment.
Maria Cami, representing self,
in favor of HB 2008, related that she has not been able to pass the math
portion of the AIMS test, but should be able to graduate because she has a 3.2
grade point average, started clubs at school and participated in
extracurricular activities.
Rhonda Martin, representing
self, Sierra Vista, in support of HB 2008, submitted that it is important
for students to have an alternative method for passing AIMS.
Tony Vacura, Exceptional
Education Teacher, Tucson Unified School District, spoke in favor of HB
2008. He opined that augmentation compassionately recognizes the many
struggles of disabled students while providing educators with an important tool
for emphasizing high standards.
Chairman Anderson announced
individuals who registered in favor of HB 2008:
Gerry Baumann,
representing self
Gary Bae, Director of
Public Affairs, The Leona Group
Eileen B. Sigmund,
Executive Director, Arizona Charter Schools Association
Tom Dorn, Lobbyist,
Arizona Charter Schools Association
Jennifer Daily, Arizona Education Association
Sam Polito, representing
Tucson Area School Districts
Michael Smith,
Associate, Arizona School Administrators
Beth Sauer,
Government Relations Analyst, Arizona School Boards Association
Chairman Anderson announced an
individual who registered as neutral on HB 2008:
Vince Yanez,
Executive Director, State Board of Education
Question was
called on the motion that the three-line proposed Anderson amendment to HB 2008
dated 2/5/08 8:34 AM (Attachment 18) be adopted. The motion carried.
Vice-Chairman
Tobin moved that HB 2008 as amended do pass. The motion carried by a roll call
vote of 5-3-0-2 (Attachment 20).
HB 2475, schools; pupil
disciplinary proceedings – DO PASS
Vice-Chairman
Tobin moved that HB 2475 do pass.
Katherine Nikas, Majority
Intern, explained that HB 2475 changes the process of documentation for
incidents concerning the bullying, harassment or intimidation of a pupil and
allows a school district governing board to have all hearings about a pupil’s
expulsion heard by an independent hearing officer (Attachment 21).
Representative Rich Crandall,
spoke for Representative Kirk Adams, the Sponsor of HB 2475. He said people are
present to speak about the bill and answer questions.
Tom Pickrell, General Counsel,
Mesa Public Schools, in favor of HB 2475, noted that interim hearing
officers are routinely appointed for expulsion hearings at Mesa Public Schools,
which the bill codifies. He endorsed the provisions relating to maintaining
confidential documentation.
Jennifer Anderson, Majority
Research Analyst, clarified that appointing a hearing officer is not compulsory.
Mr. Pickrell informed Mr.
Farnsworth that the language eliminated in Section L on Page 10 is obsolete.
Chairman Anderson announced
individuals who registered their position in favor of HB 2475:
Beth Sauer,
Government Relations Analyst, Arizona School Boards Association
Michael Smith,
Associate, Arizona School Administrators
Sam Polito,
representing Tucson Area School Districts
Chuck Essigs, Director of Governmental Relations, Arizona Association of
School Business Officials
Jake Logan,
representing Mesa School District
Jennifer Daily, Arizona Education Association
Question was
called on the motion that HB 2475 do pass. The motion carried by a roll call
vote of 8-0-0-2 (Attachment 22).
HB 2508, new school
facilities; rural areas – DO P ASS
Vice-Chairman
Tobin moved that HB 2508 do pass.
Jennifer Anderson, Majority
Research Analyst, explained that HB 2508 amends the definition of rural
area pertaining to the construction of new school facilities under the
School Facilities Board (SFB) (Attachment 23). She reviewed the Fiscal Note
(Attachment 24).
Casey O'Brien, Superintendent,
Payson Unified School District, in favor of HB 2508, conveyed that
reclassification provides a modicum of funding that will allow a bit more to be
done in areas such as Payson.
Vice-Chairman Tobin announced
individuals who registered their position in favor of HB 2508:
Chuck Essigs, Director of Governmental Relations, Arizona Association of
School Business Officials
Beth Sauer,
Government Relations Analyst, Arizona School Boards Association
Michael Smith,
Associate, Arizona School Administrators
Sam Polito,
representing Tucson Area School Districts
Ron Lee, representing
self
Bobette Sylvester, Assistant Superintendent,
Payson Unified School District, advised that the building renewal formula does
not have variances to allow more to be given to a school district based on
economic factors, which is the reason for this legislation.
Question was
called on the motion that HB 2508 do pass. The motion carried by a roll call
vote of 5-2-1-2 (Attachment 25).
HB 2559, schools;
attendance; minutes computation – HELD BY CHAIR
HB 2564, highly qualified
teachers; proficiency examinations – HELD BY CHAIR
Without objection, the meeting
adjourned at 11:55 a.m.
_______________________________
Linda
Taylor, Committee Secretary
January
8, 2008
(Original minutes, attachments and
audio on file in the Chief Clerk’s Office: video archives available at http://www.azleg.gov).
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COMMITTEE
ON EDUCATION (K12)
3
February
6, 2008
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