McKinley Task Force - October 14, 2008

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School District No. 2, Yellowstone County

High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County

McKinley Task Force

Billings, Montana

 

Call to Order

 

The McKinley Task Force Committee of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County and High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, Montana met at McKinley School, 820 North 31st Street, Billings, Montana, on Tuesday, October 14, 2008. Bert Reyes, called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. Committee members present were: Lisa Dubeau, Kristen Graves, Amy Griffin, Jeffrey Kay, Sara Olsgaard, Elizabeth Perius, Mark Restad, Julie Seedhouse, Ann-Marie Wade, Shannon Westerman. Ex-Officio Members present were: Trustee Sandra Mossman and Bert Reyes. CTA Architects Engineers representatives present were: Keith Rupert and Karen Kelly.

 

Members Absent: Kevin Odenthal and Heather Zindt

 

Communication From the Public

 

No one wished to address the Committee at this time.

 

Tour of School by Principal Bert Reyes:

 

Bert Reyes, principal at McKinley presented background information on McKinley school which was built in 1906. Bert Reyes presented a report from 1956 by a group of people that were considering refurbishing McKinley as the present McKinley Taskforce Committee is considering refurbishing McKinley today. At that time there were sixteen classrooms. The original eight classrooms and the additional eight from the 1917 renovation. There was a renovation in 1958 of two additional classrooms. Bert Reyes read an evaluation from 1956 that mirrors many of the same concerns the McKinley Taskforce Committee is facing today. Bert Reyes pointed out that the report states, “the addition will only last forty to fifty years”. Bert Reyes noted this is the fiftieth anniversary of the addition.

 

Bert Reyes led the McKinley Taskforce Committee on the tour of the building noting several detriments and many unique qualities of McKinley.

 

Discussion: Preparation Questions:

 

Keith Rupert stated that the preparation questions handed out last week will be the main focus at the next regular McKinley Task Force Committee meeting.

 

It was suggested by the committee members that the preparation questions be simplified.

 

Discussion: New Construction or Refurbishment of Existing Facility:

 

Keith Rupert and Karen Kelly from CTA Architects Engineers explained that their task is to help guide the McKinley Taskforce Committee, neighborhood, and the community through the planning process to make a recommendation to the Board, May 4th, 2009. The process will include developing concepts for McKinley school after a direction is made by the McKinley Task Force Committee. Some options are to remodel or refurbish part or all of McKinley, level part or all of the school, add on, or build a new building.

 

Keith Rupert and Karen Kelly presented the “McKinley Elementary School Facility Bond Issue Planning Approach” as a starting place for the process. The planning approach is divided into three phases: the problem seeking or discovery phase, the problem solving or conceptual design phase, and the advocacy phase.

 

The problem seeking or discovery phase will consist of confirming the McKinley Task Force Committee meeting dates, public meeting dates, and staff meeting dates. Keith Rupert suggests holding neighborhood meetings.

 

The problem solving or conceptual design phase will consist of CTA Architects Engineers creating some conceptual ideas with the input brought forth from the McKinley Task Force Committee. CTA Architects Engineers will then develop conceptual site plans, models, floor plans, etc. to present to the McKinley Task Force Committee. The McKinley Task Force Committee will review materials, give input, make suggestions, and confirm direction. CTA Architects Engineers will revise changes using the McKinley Task Force Committee’s suggestions and direction to update design materials. CTA Architects Engineers will present the final changes to the McKinley Task Force Committee for approval.

 

Keith Rupert stated an urban school design model is preferred over the classic school suburban design model when building schools on a smaller site.

 

A question was asked how equal opportunity will be achieved throughout the elementary district if the district’s four hundred student population standard is to be used as the driving force for the design of a new school at the elementary level. Trustee Sandra Mossman stated the Board made a resolution that McKinley and Broadwater schools would have to be designed to serve four hundred students due to the district’s ongoing financial issues. Operating costs at a school have to be considered.

 

There was a question asked if there is a budget for advertising for the McKinley refurbishing project. Trustee Sandra Mossman stated she was not aware of a budget for advertising. Trustee Sandra Mossman suggested that Nancy Hines be contacted for assistance in terms of advertising and communication. Keith Rupert suggested that communication reflect information gathering rather than advocating for passing the Bond at this time.

 

The advocacy phase will consist of making final decision and getting approval.

 

Set Future Meeting Date to Tour Orchard School:

Tour of Orchard School tentatively set for Wednesday, October 29th at 6:30 p.m. Chairman will confirm date and time via e-mail.

 

Set Future Meeting Dates:

 

An intern meeting date for the McKinley Taskforce Committee to meet to organize and discuss publicity for the neighborhood meeting will be confirmed at the Wednesday, October 29th meeting when Orchard School is toured. Keith Rupert suggested the work session regarding the publicity part should be at least three weeks ahead of the 18th meeting date.

Tuesday, November 18th

Tuesday, December 16th.

 

There was discussion regarding public meetings notification. Trustee Sandra Mossman stated that a public meeting must be notified seventy-two hours ahead of time. There was discussion regarding where notice can be posted. Trustee Sandra Mossman clarified that up until the Board declares a Bond, the district and Board should be conservative regarding what advocacy is done.

 

Additional meeting dates for 2009 will be confirmed after the first of the year.

 

The first neighborhood meeting was discussed. CTA Architects Engineers will facilitate the meeting. McKinley Task Force Committee members will work on advertisement and contacting community groups throughout Billings for assistance to promote input from the public regarding direction for McKinley school. North Elevation Taskforce, Highland Taskforce, and the National Historical Association were a few of the community groups identified. These groups will be contacted to help inform neighborhoods and the community of meeting dates and information regarding the refurbishing or building a new school at McKinley.

 

 

Adjournment

 

Motion was made by Ann-Marie Wade, seconded by Mark Restad to adjourn the meeting.

 

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

 

Kevin Odenthal, Chair

 

Brenda Cross, Recorder