Special Board Meeting May 13, 2008

[Diane Blevins]

Proceedings of the Board of Trustees

District No. 2, Yellowstone County

High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County

Billings, Montana

 

May 13, 2008

 

Call to Order

 

The Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, Montana, and High School District, Yellowstone County, Montana, was duly held at The Lincoln Center, 415 North 30th Street, Billings, Montana, May 13, 2008, at 5:30 p.m.

 

Those present included: Trustees Joel Guthals, Peter Gesuale, Mary Jo Fox, Tim Trafford, Katharin Kelker, Dawn Achten, Sandi Mossman, Kathy Aragon, Malcolm Goodrich, Superintendent Jack Copps, and District Clerk Leo Hudetz.

 

Communication from the Public

 

The Board recognizes the value of public comment on educational issues and the importance of listening to members of the public in its meetings. The Board also recognizes the statutory and constitutional right of the public to participate in governmental operations. The Board encourages members of the public to participate in and express opinions about issues important to the District. This part of the board’s meeting is dedicated to public comment on any public matter that is not on the agenda of this meeting and is within the jurisdiction of the Board of Trustees. Members of the public may also address particular items on this agenda either now or at the time the Board considers the particular item. There were no public comments.

 

Administering Oaths

 

District Clerk Leo Hudetz, upon authorization from the County Superintendent of Schools, administered the oath of office to Joel Guthals, Sandra Mossman, and Dawn Achten.

 

Canvass of Votes – May 6, 2008 – H. S./Elementary Trustee by Single Member District 1 & 2 and Elementary Mill Levy

 

Trustee Kelker made the following motion with a second by Trustee Gesuale:

 

Motion to approve the canvass of votes from the May 6, 2008 Election, H. S./Elementary Trustee Single Member

District 1 and 2, and Elementary Mill Levy.

 

Those voting in favor were Trustees Joel Guthals, Peter Gesuale, Mary Jo Fox, Tim Trafford, Katharin Kelker, Dawn Achten, Sandi Mossman, Kathy Aragon, and Malcolm Goodrich. The motion passed unanimously. The following are the election results:

 

H. S. /Elementary Trustee by Single Member District 1– 3 Year Term

Dawn Achten 1,568

 

H. S. /Elementary Trustee by Single Member District 2 – 3 Year Term

Sandra L. Mossman 2,078

 

Elementary Mill Levy Election

Votes For 13,124

Votes Against 13,625

 

Reorganization of the Board

 

Leo Hudetz asked for discussion on the reorganization of the Board. Trustee Guthals stated that Malcolm Goodrich has decided not to run for reelection to the Chair. He expressed his gratitude to Trustee Goodrich for all of his dedication and long hours. Trustee Guthals also expressed his gratitude to Trustee Kelker for the wonderful job she has done as Vice-Chair. Trustee Guthals suggested that Katharin Kelker might want to serve as Board Chair again. Trustee Kelker said she would be interested but will end her tenure on the Board next spring. Trustee Guthals reported that Sandra Mossman has stated she would be willing to serve as the Chair or Vice-Chair. Trustee Guthals, a high school trustee, state high school trustees are ineligible to serve as Chair as mandated by state law. Trustee Gesuale voiced his support of Trustee Guthals as Board Chair, regardless of the law of which he felt should be clarified. Trustee Guthals stated he was interested in filling the Chair position but the issue would need to be clarified in an opinion. However, a high school trustee may serve as Vice-Chair. Trustee Goodrich stated that a transition time is desirable and suggested Trustee Mossman serve as Vice-Chair for a year before moving into the Chair position.

 

Leo Hudetz asked for nominations. Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Guthals. Motion to nominate Katharin Kelker. Those voting in favor were Trustees Joel Guthals, Peter Gesuale, Mary Jo Fox, Tim Trafford, Katharin Kelker, Dawn Achten, Sandi Mossman, Kathy Aragon, and Malcolm Goodrich. The motion passed unanimously.

 

Katharin Kelker assumed the Chair position and asked for nominations for Vice-Chair. Trustee Gesuale nominated Joel Guthals. Trustee Guthals nominated Sandra Mossman. Those voting in favor of Joel Guthals were Peter Gesuale, Mary Jo Fox, Dawn Achten, Katharin Kelker, Malcolm Goodrich, Sandra Mossman, and Kathy Aragon. Joel Guthals voted in favor of Sandra Mossman. Joel Guthals was elected as Vice-Chair.

 

Trustee Goodrich nominated Leo Hudetz as District Clerk. The Chair asked Leo Hudetz if he was willing to continue serving as District Clerk. Mr. Hudetz reported he was. Those voting in favor were Trustees Joel Guthals, Peter Gesuale, Mary Jo Fox, Tim Trafford, Katharin Kelker, Dawn Achten, Sandi Mossman, Kathy Aragon, and Malcolm Goodrich. The motion passed unanimously. The Chair administered the oath of office.

 

Trustee Guthals suggested a brief discussion take place on other organizational items. He suggested that the Board Retreat be held in June and consideration be given for restructuring of the committees. Trustee Mossman reported there is an article this month on reorganizational from MTSBA. She will provide copies for the members. Another topic Trustee Guthals would like to discuss is a vigorous public input issue. Trustee Aragon attended a seminar on leadership for the hospital and will share the materials with the other Board members.

 

Trustee Gesuale extended his thanks to Superintendent Copps for all of his hard work on the mill levy. Mr. Copps stated the members of Yes For Kids are very disappointed. Trustee Fox said the members can’t give up but need to keep working for the students.

 

As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.

 

 

 

 

Katharin Kelker, Chair

 

 

Diane Blevins, Recorder