Diane Blevins Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 Proceedings of the Board of Trustees District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Billings, Montana January 12, 2009 CALL TO ORDER The Special 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, January 12, 2009, at 5:15 p.m. Members present included Trustees Mary Jo Fox, Joel Guthals, Dawn Achten, Sandra Mossman, Malcolm Goodrich, Kathy Aragon, Katharin Kelker, Tim Trafford, Superintendent Jack Copps, and District Clerk Leo Hudetz. Trustee Peter Gesuale was excused. Registered guests included Melvin Mitchell, Mandy Mitchell, and Becky Shay. 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. PERSONNEL ISSUE The Chair closed the meeting for an executive session pursuant to 2-3-203(3) MCA to discuss a personnel issue. The meeting reconvened. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Mossman: Motion that the Board confirm the Superintendent’s recommendation to terminate the employment of Melvin Mitchell without cause as an employee as it was within the first ninety days, therefore within the probationary period. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Tim Trafford. The motion passed unanimously. FEDERAL ECONOMIC STIMULUS: PROPOSED PROJECTS Superintendent Copps reported he has been following the proposed stimulus package by President-elect Obama. The District has been recognized as one of the recipients. A list of proposed jobs and repairs has been developed and will be given to Senator Baucus for the bill before the financial committee. The first meeting for the bill is on Wednesday, January 14th. The list was compiled by Facilities Director Rich Whitney, Public Relations Director Nancy Hines, and the donation of time by CTA Architects. Mr. Copps stated the District’s intent is to get the packet to Senator Baucus tomorrow. Governor Schweitzer has identified a package for Montana for $34,000,000 for energy programs and schools. Mr. Copps felt there were also other areas to be addressed, such as warm, dry, safe and accessible facilities. The District’s portion is $3,500,000 which Mr. Copps believed was only a drop in the bucket. Trustee Mossman asked what process would be used. Mr. Copps replied there are proposals that would send money directly to the schools, others would go to the Governor to decide. These projects would also create new jobs. Trustee Guthals stated this list was updated from the previous list of $84,000,000 as has been posted on the District’s website. The list was prepared with the knowledge and support of the Board which is not committing to these projects but is just a list of everything that is needed. The list would have to be prioritized when funds become available. Trustee Trafford stated it was good that administration is preparing the list ahead of time. The average age of the District’s buildings are 46 years. Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Mossman: Motion to authorize administration to submit a list of District projects to Senator Baucus of which funds would come from federal sources subject to the capacity if any money is received, the Board will decide on the prioritization. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, and Sandra Mossman. The motion passed unanimously. Chair Kelker directed Leo Hudetz to draft a letter to CTA Architects with the Board’s thanks of their gift of their time and expertise. As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:52 p.m. Katharin Kelker, Chair Diane Blevins, Recorder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.