Diane Blevins Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Proceedings of the Board of Trustees District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Billings, Montana June 16, 2008 CALL TO ORDER The Regular Board 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, June 16, 2008, at 5:30 p.m. Members present included Trustees Mary Jo Fox, Joel Guthals, Tim Trafford, Sandra Mossman, Katharin Kelker, Kathy Aragon, Peter Gesuale, Superintendent Jack Copps, District Clerk Leo Hudetz. Trustees Achten and Goodrich were excused. Registered guests included Terry Sukut, Deana Elder, Jeff Weldon, Jeri Anton, Travis Weidmere, Paige Darde, and Lana Lynch. 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. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to approve the agenda. Those voting in favor of the motion were Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Tim Trafford. The motion passed unanimously. RECOGNITION AND GIFTS AND DONATIONS The Board recognized Senior High’s Softball State Champions: Chalice Stroebe, Casey Kennedy, Kylie Kufeld, Cassidy Butler, Morgan Anderson, Taylor Kufeld, Lacey Kuntz, Hannah Stroebe, Courtney Gopp, Hannah Roberts, LeeAnn Anthony, Kirstie Thomas, Jordyn Reichert, Jayme Newell, Cassie Degner, Alishea Waite, Jessi Harom, Hallie Bishop, Arielle Gorder, and coaches Lisa McDonald, Miranda Murdock, Craig Beals, and Ali Zent. The Board also recognized West High’s State Champion Boys Track team: Josh Pelczar, Kevin Murray, Seth Compton, Brian Schwartzkoph, Bryce Worthington, Greg Bush, Sean Robinson, John McDonald, Jase Muri, Brent Zundel, Davis Brush, Connor McCauley, Fritz Mehling, Lee Hardt, Josh Swain, Tyler Patanaude, Ben King, Russell Schey, Cal Nauman, and Head Coach Rob Stanton. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Fox: Motion to accept the gifts and donations with gratitude. Those voting in favor of the motion were Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Tim Trafford. The motion passed unanimously. The gifts and donations are as follows: CARE Academy – Exxon Mobil, Dale Getz, Pam Malek, $2200 for summer intern Bitterroot – Patti Waddell, flowers George Taut, calendar David Royce, books Heights’ Albertson’s, Don Thornson, flowers, cake & toys Boulder – Boulder PTA, snowblower valued at $755 Chuck and Shannon Scheiwiller, refrigerator valued at $700 Broadwater – Big Sky State Games, Karen Sanford Gall, $500 drawing Highland – David Williams, Gina Bradley, $850 Thomas Books gift certificate First Interstate Bank, Tim Leuthold, 5 computers McKinley – Billings Friendship Chapter 124, Miriam Ostwalt, $231 books Billings Clinic ER, Brad VonBergen, 6 bicycle helmets Billings Masonic Center, Mr. James Green, 3 bikes & 3 helmets Dr. Stuart Snyder, presentation on solar energy Yellowstone County Extension Office Amy Granpre, presentation on bugs Roni Baker, presentation on skulls & hides NOAA, Tom Frieders, presentation on weather BFI Waste Systems, Paul Schultz, presentation on recycling Barb Butler, presentation on toxic waste Hugh Huntley, presentation on fly fishing Paul Belanger, presentation on canoeing Sarah Butts, Venture Theatre, presentation Meadowlark – Wal-Mart Super Center on King Avenue, $100 for outings Orchard – ConocoPhillips, Clint Young, 46000 for science materials Retired Teachers and Education Associates Forum, $250 for reading program Ponderosa – Billings Masonic Center, James Green, bicycles for reading prizes Montana Professional Teaching Foundation, book in memory of Karen Cox Rose Park – Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign & United Way, $25 Will James – Jo Swain, 12 golf clubs Pupil Services – Jeanie Jessen, 1000 Vantage Augmentative Communication Device MONTHLY LEGAL REPORT Jeff Weldon, Attorney for the District, reported there are no pending litigations against the District. Both the City Council and the School Board have conditionally approved the purchase agreement of the Cottonwood property for an elementary school. On May 12th, the City approved the sale of the property to the District. The pending approval of the Board is moving forward. It is premature to determine the actual costs of the school. Trustee Kelker stated she and Trustee Guthals would meet with the City Council members this week on a variety of issues including the Cottonwood Park property. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Fox: Motion to accept the recommendations of the Long-Term Suspension Committee. Those voting in favor of the motion were Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Tim Trafford. The motion passed unanimously. DISTRICT FACILITIES – REVIEW AND OPPORTUNITIES Rich Whitney, Facilities Director, reported McKinley and Broadwater Elementary schools are the oldest schools in the District. JGA Architects and CTA Architects have donated their time and expertise on plans to renovate the schools. Terry Sukut, JGA Architects, presented plans for McKinley Elementary. The building is fairly solid but the building codes and seismic codes have changed. There is a lack of real mechanical connections and some areas would require some additional connections and reinforcement. The goal of the study was to look at the building and what opportunities exist. McKinley is short on space but is a neighborhood school. One option would be to remove the annex or it could be remodeled and the roof would be replaced. Another option would be to remove all buildings and build a new one. The functional capacity is 266 with the enrollment being at 295. Architectural issues include elevators, restrooms, mortar and concrete, wind and seismic issues, which are at approximately $1,000,000. Other issues to be addressed are extending the mechanical system throughout the building, installing an HVAC system, and updating all power systems for the building. The cost of the proposed options are as follows: 1) remodel and addition in Concept A for 400 students at $8,573,245; 2) renovate the annex, remodel and add-on at $7,634,431 for concept B; 3) Concept C is for the north entrance, remodel and addition to bring the capacity to 400 students at $8,328,841; and 4) Concept D for a new school for 400 students at $9,764,777. Keith Rupert, CTA Architects, reviewed the plans for Broadwater Elementary. The issues are similar to those at McKinley. There are two concerns: size and cost versus quality and safety. There is currently 2.8 acres for Broadwater. Mr. Rupert suggested the District could purchase or trade for the business on the corner of Fifth Street West and Broadwater to give more area for the school. He also felt the District needed to look at more urban type of schools instead of suburban type schools. The main issue for safety is the drop-off place for students. Structural problems are common in a school of this era. There is a slab-heating problem in the basement. The lateral stability has heavy masonry throughout the interior. The lintels need to be stabilized. Roof repairs are needed including drainage. Broadwater is in pretty good condition for that age of building. Community members interested in historical preservation are more concerned about the outside of the building. The option costs are as follows: 1) addition and renovation for 350 student capacity would cost approximately $7,641,050; 2) a new school on the existing site; $9,895,505; 3) new school on a new site would cost $11,674,439; 4) renovate Broadwater and replace the annex at a cost of $7,838,357; and 5) a new addition and renovation for 400 student capacity would cost approximately $8,543,030. Trustee Guthals asked, if the two schools were renovated, would they be educationally sound and up to educational standards. Mr. Sukut reported that McKinley’s classrooms would be unique and up to education standards. Broadwater’s classrooms are small but adequate and additional storage space could be included. The annex classrooms are larger. The walls at Broadwater are the lowest rated for energy loss so windows would be needed. Other alternative energy systems could also be integrated. Mr. Sukut and Mr. Rupert both agreed ground source heating systems could be considered. Trustee Aragon asked what would be better, renovation or rebuilding. Mr. Sukut replied that the costs are more for demolishing and rebuilding. Mr. Rupert suggested a committee be commissioned to conduct a facilities audit to get more accurate estimations. Rich Whitney reported that an elementary building for 400 students on the Cottonwood property is estimated at $9,626,047. The acreage at Highland Elementary is between two and three acres. If Highland was renovated and an addition put on for a capacity of 300 students, the cost would be $3,620,804. The acreage at Rimrock is five acres and would cost $6,359,760 for renovations and new construction. POLICY 8415 ENERGY MANAGEMENT CONSERVATION, THIRD READING Trustee Guthals requested approval from the Board to approve Policy 8415 for Energy Management Conservation on the third reading. The second reading was conducted at the Budgeting for Results Committee meeting. Trustee Trafford asked if the wording could be changed from ‘principal’ to ‘administrator for an annual evaluation’. Trustee Kelker stated the principal or administrator would be responsible for their building. Trustee Trafford felt that the addition of “building administrator” would be acceptable to him for the change. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Fox: Motion to approve Policy 8415 Energy Management Conservation on third reading with additional wording, “building administrator’s” in item number two of the policy. Trustee Guthals asked if the bargaining units had been consulted. Dan Martin, Human Resources Director, reported he did not see any opposition by the bargaining units. Those voting in favor of the motion were Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Tim Trafford. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Gesuale was excused from the meeting. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Superintendent Copps gave a brief report on full-day kindergarten. With half-day kindergarten, 46% of the students met expectations in reading with 24%; exceeding expectations. 30% did not meet expectations. In full-day kindergarten, 15% did not meet expectations, 46% did meet expectations, and 30% exceeded expectations in reading. Mr. Copps reported that writing assessments are also being reviewed. Trustee Fox asked for more information to be given to the Board. PROCLAMATION OF BUDGET AMENDMENT RESOLUTIONS TO ELEMENTARY & HIGH SCHOOL RETIREMENT FUNDS FOR UNFORESEEN RETIREMENT COSTS Trustee Guthals reported the proclamation comes about because of the service credit of the retirement benefits and the need to fund these service credits for the actual numbers of people who have retired and meet this election. Money to fund this amendment will come out of reserves and then it would be replenished because these retirement expenses are paid for through permissive levies from the county taxpayers. Trustee Mossman made the following motion with a second by Trustee Fox: Motion to approve the Proclamation of Budget Amendment Resolution to the Elementary Retirement Fund 114 in the estimated amount of $200,000 for unforeseen retirement costs. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Katharin Kelker, and Sandra Mossman. The motion passed unanimously. Trustees Guthals and Trafford are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. The resolution is as follows: WHEREAS, the trustees of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, Montana, have made a determination that as a result of unforeseen retirement costs in the elementary district due to service credit and compensated absence retirement payouts have increased the district match requirements under TRS Option 1, the district’s budget for the elementary 114 retirement fund does not provide sufficient financing to properly maintain and support the district for the entire current school fiscal year; and WHEREAS, the trustees have determined that an amendment to the elementary 114 retirement fund budget in the amount of $200,000 is necessary under the provision of Section 20-9-161 (6), MCA; for the purpose of unforeseen retirement costs that cannot be postponed until the next school year without dire consequences affecting district employees or the educational funds of the district and WHEREAS, the anticipated source of financing the budget amendment expenditures shall be the Elementary Retirement Fund 114 reserves; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, Montana, proclaims a need for an amendment to the elementary 114 retirement fund budget for fiscal year 2007-2008 in the amount of $200,000 under Section 20-9-161 (6), MCA for the purpose identified above, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, Montana, will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Center on June 30, 2008 for the purpose of considering and adopting the budget amendment. Dated and posted this 18th day of June, 2008. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Mossman: Motion to approve the Proclamation of Budget Amendment Resolution to the High School Retirement Fund 214 in the estimated amount of $250,000 for unforeseen retirement costs. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Tim Trafford. The motion passed unanimously. The resolution is as follows: WHEREAS, the trustees of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, Montana, have made a determination that as a result of unforeseen retirement costs in the high school district due to service credit and compensated absence retirement payouts have increased the district match requirements under TRS Option 1, the district’s budget for the high school 214 retirement fund does not provide sufficient financing to properly maintain and support the district for the entire current school fiscal year; and WHEREAS, the trustees have determined that an amendment to the high school 214 retirement fund budget in the amount of $250,000 is necessary under the provision of Section 20-9-161 (6), MCA; for the purpose of unforeseen retirement costs that cannot be postponed until the next school year without dire consequences affecting district employees or the educational funds of the district and WHEREAS, the anticipated source of financing the budget amendment expenditures shall be the High School Retirement Fund 214 reserves; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, Montana, proclaims a need for an amendment to the high school 214 retirement fund budget for fiscal year 2007-2008 in the amount of $250,000 under Section 20-9-161 (6), MCA for the purpose identified above, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, Montana, will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Center on June 30, 2008 for the purpose of considering and adopting the budget amendment. Dated and posted this 18th day of June, 2008. CONSIDERATION & APPROVAL OF LABOR CONTRACTS Trustee Mossman reported the proposed settlement with the Montana Public Employees Association (MPEA) is identical to the settlement with the Billings Education Association (BEA). Longevity was increased, as well as the incentive amount for working the night shift. In line with the BEA settlement, critical family leaves have been changed to expand the immediate family members. Dan Martin reported the MPEA members voted to ratify the settlement. Trustee Mossman made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to approve the MPEA contract settlement. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Tim Trafford. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Trafford reported the change for critical family leave was changed for the Billings Classified Employees Association (BCEA) also. Salary increases were similar to the settlements for the other bargaining units as well as an increase for years of employment. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to approve the BCEA contract settlement. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Tim Trafford. The motion passed unanimously. MTSBA/MQEC UPDATE Trustee Guthals gave a report on the Montana School Board Association (MTSBA)/Montana Quality Education Coalition (MQEC). Programs supplied by MTSBA include insurance to member school boards, which includes the Montana Unified State Trust that contains preventative, pharmacy, dental, and vision. Unemployment insurance is also provided for unemployment benefits. Legal services are also provided for member schools for review of policies. Training services and personnel handbook services are also available. Contract negotiator information is also available with training for collective bargaining. The MTSBA also has advocacy services available with legislators. MTSBA is also undertaking the leadership development program this year. This program will provide resources for school districts to communicate with legislators and address the need for adequate funding. Trustee Guthals reported the MTSBA meeting would be held this weekend, which he will attend. The delegate assembly will also take place at this time. Superintendent Copps report that there is no change in the MQEC case. There will be a court hearing in September at which time evidence will be taken to determine whether the State of Montana has satisfied its obligation to properly fund schools. BILLS PAID – MAY 2008 Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to approve the bills paid for May 2008. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Tim Trafford. The motion passed unanimously. The bills paid are as follows: Claims $4,324,243.44 ACH Tax Deposits 1,683,710.09 Payroll Warrants & Direct Deposits 5,614,769.21 Procurement Card 268,091.28 INTERCAP Loan Network Infrastructure Elementary Bond Payment TOTAL $11,890,814.02 FINANCIAL REPORTS – MAY 2008 (UNAUDITED) The Budgeting for Results Committee reviewed the reports and found them to be in order. The following reports were received for information only: CS101 Account Expenditure by Fund CS102 Account Receipts by Fund CS105 Statement of Estimated and Actual Revenue CS108 Object Cost Analysis PERSONNEL REPORT Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Mossman: Motion to accept the Superintendent’s employment recommendations as presented in the personnel report. Mr. Copps reported there was nothing unusual or extraordinary in the report. Those voting in favor of the motion were Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Tim Trafford. The motion passed unanimously. CONSENT AGENDA Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Mossman: Motion to approve and accept the items within the Consent Agenda without objection to recommended action. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Tim Trafford. The motion passed unanimously. The following are the items approved in the Consent Agenda: Regular Board Meeting Minutes, May 19, 2008 Special Board Meeting Minutes, May 27, 2008 Special Board Meeting Minutes, June 3, 2008 Budgeting for Results Committee Meeting Minutes, May 12, 2008 Policy Review Committee Meeting Minutes, December 20, 2007 Addition of Murdock Science Award Trust Fund Account at West 2008-09 Montana High School Association Membership Dues Fire Alarm Upgrade – Career Center The Chair reported the Board Retreat has been scheduled for June 30th. As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Katharin Kelker, Chair Diane Blevins, Recorder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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