coen Posted October 21, 2008 Report Share Posted October 21, 2008 School District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Cottonwood Task Force Billings, Montana Call to Order The Cottonwood Task Force Committee of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County and High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, Montana met at Arrowhead School, 2510 38th Street West, Billings, Montana, on Monday, October 13, 2008. David Trost called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance. Committee members present were: Andrea Chambers, Pam Christiansen, Liane Frieders, Summer Gappa, Lee Gibb, Wendy Kessler, Danielle Kieckbusch, Jim Majerus, David Trost, and Steven Wieder. Ex-Officio members present were: Trustee Kathy Kelker, Kathy Olsen, and Rich Whitney. John Eisen and Terral Sukut from JGA were present. Guest present were: Teri DeRudder, Angie Gray, Ali Kipp, Calli Rusche-Nicholson, and Errin Schmitz. Communication from the Public: Pam Christiansen asked for clarification regarding the number of proposed bond issues. Trustee Kathy Kelker explained there are two separate elementary bond school issues and one high school bond issue. The McKinley and Broadwater refurbishment project is one bond issue and Cottonwood is one bond issue. The third bond issue is for a high school refurbishment bond issue. There was some discussion regarding the three bond issues and it was suggested that this topic can be revisited at a later date. Calls regarding boundaries have surfaced and it was recommended that boundary issues will not be discussed or dealt with until Bond issues are settled. Review and Approve Agenda: Motion was made by Summer Gappa, seconded by Jim Majerus to approve the Cottonwood Task Force agenda as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Introduction Exercise: David Trost led members in an introduction exercise by asking members to draw a geometric shape that best represents themselves and a picture that describes themselves on their name plate. Overview of Task Force: Steve Wieder explained that the Cottonwood Task Force Committee was created to look at building a new school. David Trost reminded members that the Cottonwood Task Force Committee has one task, and that is to design a building. As a Cottonwood Task Force Committee member, the public may request information from you regarding building a new school, the bond issues, politics, financing, etc., but this committee’s task is to design a building. Architect’s Agenda: John Eisen presented a step by step chart on how to communicate through this process to the community. John Eisen presented a “Planning Phase Project Schedule” of meeting dates for the Cottonwood Task Force Committee. John Eisen suggested the schedule will enable goals to be established so the Committee can base what they accomplish on the goals and principals. John Eisen stated that graphics, illustrations, and designs will be presented. John Eisen recommended discussing how people learn and retain information and how it relates with the design of a school. John Eisen stated that comparing designs of new schools being built around the country is beneficial when designing a school. John Eisen proposed touring Orchard school in Billings, and the new schools built in Laurel and Lockwood. John Eisen reviewed meeting times to present findings at neighborhood and community meetings and then finally to the School Board. David Trost suggested sharing and comparing information with the McKinley and Broadwater Task Force Committees. Trustee Kathy Kelker reminded members that minutes from each task force will be available on the Billings school web-site. John Eisen presented aerial photographs of the proposed Cottonwood School site. John Eisen asked the committee members to break into group of three to discuss their most memorable experience while they were in school and share what made the experience important. John Eisen asked members to express what might be needed in the design of a building, how it relates to learning, and what members might ask a student. John Eisen and Terral Sukut reviewed and compiled the information needed to design a building into three categories. The three categories and findings to design a school are: Design Elements: Presentation space for students, parents, and community members Gathering space or social space in a classroom Teacher storage to free up classroom space Access to outside natural light Assessable room to move around Small group area within classroom Learning Opportunities: Active learning Social learning – groups Student choice Strong belief for presentation Top of line technology Going green that will involve something larger than oneself Service learning What would you ask a student? What do enjoy most about school? How important is technology to learning? What would make learning exciting and engaging? What do you not like about your current school? Do you learn better in smaller or larger group? John Eisen asked members to share a goal or aspiration for a new school and an apprehension to building a new school. John Eisen and Terral Sukut complied goals into categories for a consensus. The goals to build a new school are as follows: Goals/Aspiration: Build a versatile and efficient school Build a green, cutting edge technology long term (community use) multi use building Technology in each classroom, not a lab Build a school that provides security and a safe environment. Create a school that is collaborative for students and teachers Keep neighborhood Schools Build schools to prevent overcrowding Build a technological school to last through many generations Build a school for the twenty first century Build a school to create life time learners Build a school where the end result brings pride to the community Build a school that creates safety Create an environment where learning, creativity, and safety are imbedded within it and focus is on education of children Design a school that is cutting edge, but not over the edge, something that Billings can and will support Safe learning environment Design a school that is flexible, agile, and innovated Build a school where teachers can be flexible Come to a common agreement for a design that will help to allivate overcrowding and provide a modern facility to benefit our children Build a school for the twenty first century that you can be proud of it Concern/Apprehension: Build a school that will be everything to everyone and would cost too much to be built Build a school that is secure for the children Education area is feasible for educators to teach Kids not be bussed Closing schools in different parts of city be closed again when a new school is built Funding to build a new school Design school that is not over the top and too expensive Pre-conceived notions regarding unfair treatment in certain areas of town if a new school is built on the West end Not to get over zealous that the school is being built on the West end and in itself will cause problems Communicating the process to the public so there is no lack of information Public will perceive this project as something for the West end and not see the big picture on how it will impact all the students in Billings Living in Billings, don’t think you can ask for a lot or you will end up with nothing Negativity by the public, stay focus on the project Design a school that is flexible so teachers can use the flexible features Build a school that will serve the community for the next hundred years Simplify the process so the process does not get complicated 30-Second Check: Reflection summary comments by committee member are as follows: Made progress, good start, right track to build a West end school, inform community regarding school closures, stay focused on what can be controlled by the committee, committee should not get stressed out, stay on task, committee shares a lot of commonality regarding delivery of education in building a new school, stay positive and be good listeners, educate the community regarding the equality of schools in Billings, and stay reflective rather than challenge. Consensus of the committee is that a new school is needed. Education delivery should be the number one thing when looking at the design of a new school. How the community can also utilize the facility. Communication with the public is open and accessible. Future Meeting Dates: John Eisen reviewed meeting dates and times with the Committee. The next meeting will be at Orchard school, Wednesday, October 29th at 6:00 p.m. Committee members discussed meeting at Laurel and Lockwood schools to tour the buildings at a later date. A motion was made by Wendy Kessler, seconded by Pam Christiansen to adjourn the meeting. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. David Trost, Chair Brenda Cross, Recorder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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