Diane Blevins Posted May 18, 2009 Report Share Posted May 18, 2009 Proceedings of the Board of Trustees District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Billings, Montana September 9, 2008 CALL TO ORDER The Legislative Sub-Committee 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 8, 2009, at 12:00 p.m. Those present included Trustees Joel Guthals, Kathy Aragon, Dan Martin, District Clerk Leo Hudetz, Nancy Hines, Thomas Harper, and Superintendent Jack Copps. Districts participating with Billings in the VisionNet meeting were Helena, Bozeman, Great Falls, and Missoula. The next meeting of the VisionNet to discuss legislative matters will be on Thursday, January 22, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. The Montana ‘AA’ Caucus schedule was reviewed. The ‘AA’ Day at the Legislature will be on February 5th. A joint meeting with educational committee members of the House and Senate has been tentatively set for 3:00 p.m. It was decided the districts’ superintendents would decide how to divide the cost of the reception between the various school districts. The cost per person was estimate at $8 to $10. It was also suggested that at least one legislator from each school district also be invited to the reception. Trustee Guthals stated he wanted to invite all of the legislators in the Billings area. Bozeman, Great Falls, and Helena agreed with inviting all legislators in the ‘AA’ areas. Bob Vogel will print a list of the legislators. Nancy Hines recommended the districts send out the invitations after being printed by the Montana School Board Association (MTSBA) office in Helena. Those participating agreed with the recommendation. Eddie Black, MTSBA, reported that the Billings Public Schools presented their local legislators a handbook on the Billings District. Mr. Black reported he would put a copy of the handbook on the website. He read the letter from Bruce Messenger, Helena’s Superintendent, outlining their shortfall. If increases in utilities and base raises are added into their proposed 2009 budget, they will not be able to balance the budget. Don Jones stated he explained the impact on the Helena district to various legislators. Mr. Black reported there is a resolution, SJ4, which would call for funding to address administrative deficiencies. It was suggested that there should also be an effort to find efficiencies, not just deficiencies. Lance Melton felt legislators should not set rules for education unless they fund those rules. He felt spending money on administration in the districts would give the students leadership to make sure they improve and achieve. Mr. Melton hoped a study on administration receives funding in order to address any deficiencies. Bruce Messenger wanted a discussion on funding and hoped legislation would be passed to grow the maximum to 120-125% with a 4-5% permissive levy. Mr. Melton reported the average statewide for administration is 10.4% and the ‘AA’ districts are below that. Trustee Guthals requested a list of bills that would be most important for the ‘AA’ schools in order to communicate with legislators. Don Jones suggested a bill to address gas taxes for bussing in order to lower the costs. Bob Vogel reported he would look for a legislator to carry a bill on gas taxes. Don Jones reported there is another bill that would allow carryover of all unspent general fund dollars if it were passed. Superintendent Copps reported there is a draft bill, LC1690, that addresses basic entitlements based on the number of students. The base enrollment is 250 for elementary schools, 600 for middle schools, and 800 for high schools. Mr. Black reported there is a hearing today at 3:00 for SB88 which clarifies speed zone laws in school zones. Bruce Messenger stated there is no educational funding included in the proposed stimulus package. Mr. Copps reported Billings has put together a package that will be in Washington D.C. by January 13th to address the stimulus package. Dan Martin stated he would take of monitoring the role on the bills to follow that districts need to comment on. In the past legislative sessions, Billings rented a car to take district personnel to Helena and back in order to testify. It was determined it was cheaper to rent a car than to pay for mileage to personnel. Billings decided to register Jack Copps and Dan Martin as lobbyists as they would testify often. School Board members could testify before the legislative branches without having to register as they are non-paid members. Leo Hudetz will research the issue to make sure that board members do not need to register as lobbyists. Jack Copps reported there would be a few educational bills on the schedule for February 4th. There is a bus from Billings that will travel to Helena on February 5th. The bus will contain members of the Billings chamber and board members. A decision on what to do with the lawsuit is also expected on February 4th. It was further cited that an amendment is needed on the bill that renews the 3% on basic entitlement. The meeting recessed at 1:18 p.m. and will resume on January 22nd at 12:00 p.m. JANUARY 22ND, 12:00 P.M. Those present included Dan Martin, Leo Hudetz, Kathy Aragon, and Sandra Mossman. A discussion ensued regarding the trip to Helena on February 5th. Arrangements will be made for transportation to Helena and the reception with the legislators. FEBRUARY 24TH, 12:00 P.M. Those present included Nancy Hines, District Clerk Leo Hudetz, Superintendent Jack Copps, Dan Martin and Thomas Harper. Districts participating included Helena, Great Falls and Bozeman. A discussion ensued regarding the various bills before the legislators. HB15 passed this morning, as well as HB512 and HB513. SB477 was still alive but barely. SB302 died in committee. SB 69 and SB70 were referred to the Senate Finance and Claims Committee. Bruce Messenger reported $120,000,000 has been earmarked for education but he was unsure how much would go to K-12 and how much to post-secondary education. He urged the Districts to communicate with their legislators to support funding for education in order to avoid laying off teachers and staff. Bob Vogel reported SB477 is still alive and the continue to lobby in favor of the bill. SB477 allows Districts to have a levy over what is currently allowed. The next VisionNet meeting will be on March 5th at 12:00 p.m. The meeting recessed at 1:00 p.m. FEBRUARY 27TH, 12:00 P.M. Those present included Trustees Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, Joel Guthals, Tim Trafford, District Clerk Leo Hudetz, Thomas Harper, Superintendent Jack Copps, Gail Surwill, Kathy Olson, Karen Palmer, Rich Whitney, Dave Munson, Legislators Bill Glaser, Wanda Grinde, Roy Brown, Margaret McDonald, Ken Peterson, and Tom McGilvray. Katharin Kelker thanked the legislators for the great communications experienced this year and thanked them for coming to the meeting. Those legislators present summarized issues of interest to school districts. Reports included work in progress regarding the Coal Trust Fund, VanDyke Oil and Gas bill, state funding for Head Start and funding for virtual learning in the schools. HB15 regarding education funding has passed. HB604 changing entitlement funding died in committee. The bill to allow any trustee to serve as board chair did not pass. Bill Glaser presented information on how Federal Stimulus Funds might be used throughout the state in the schools. The funds should be considered one-time money and schools needed to be vigilant to not depend on those funds from year-to-year for operations. A good portion of the education stimulus dollars will go toward renovation of school facilities. Dollars designated specifically for special education may be used to renovate those areas in the schools. Dan Martin explained the benefit of HB445, allowing physicians to dispense drugs for MyCare clinics which could possibly be set up within school facilities such as Billings. Dan asked for the legislators’ support with this bill which would garner significant savings for such clinics. As there was no further business, the meeting recessed at 1:15 p.m. MARCH 5TH, 12:00 P.M. Those present included District Clerk Leo Hudetz, CFO Thomas Harper, and Communications Director Nancy Hines. The group listened and participated in the AA caucus via VisionNet. The discussion focused mainly on the Federal Stimulus funds and the upcoming Day of Advocacy in Helena on March 16, 2009. The meeting recessed at 1:00 p.m. MARCH 12TH, 12:00 P.M. Those present included District Clerk Leo Hudetz and Nancy Hines. The Day of Advocacy is March 16th for public education. HB645 is being heard today. The governor has proposed $43,000,000 for K-12 education and another $43,000,000 for the teachers’ retirement system. There is also a proposal of $2,200,000 for a virtual academy. A suggestion has been made for a per-school unit payment of $34,000 for each elementary of 250 students, middle school of 450 students, and each high school of 800 students. The entire funding for at-risk students has been removed with $5,000,000 of at-risk funds being channeled into the CHIP program. If the State does not pay for the maintenance of services, the districts will have to cover those expenses. As there was no further business, the meeting recessed at 1:00 p.m. The next meeting will be on March 19th at 12:00 p.m. MARCH 19TH, 12:00 P.M. Those present included Thomas Harper, CFO; Dan Martin, Human Resources Manager; Nancy Hines, Communications Director, and District Clerk Leo Hudetz. The meeting started at 12:00 p.m. and the ‘AA’ VisionNet meeting was conducted. The group discussed current legislation in Helena and in particular the federal stimulus package and the impacts on school funding. Eddie Black of the Montana School Board Association said that there was $10,000,000 removed from the state budget that was meant for at risk students. This money was restored but will not be included in the Districts’ general funds but will go into the Flexibility Fund. After two years when there are no stimulus funds available, schools may be facing a shortfall for at risk students if this proposal becomes law. As there was no further business, the meeting recessed at 1:00 p.m. the next meeting is scheduled for March 26th at 12:00 p.m. MARCH 26TH, 12:00 P.M. Those present included District Clerk Leo Hudetz, Human Resources Dan Martin, CFO Thomas Harper, and Trustee Joel Guthals. The discussion covered the quick energy grants in HB645. Eddy Black urged the districts to be ready to submit projects that have support of energy audits. Mr. Black will send information on QZABs to the districts. SB302 might be merged into HB645. Mr. Black reported the State has not followed mandates set down in the use of stabilization funds from the federal government. Modernization funds of $35,000,000 contain quick start grants which the districts can apply for between May 15th and September 30, 2009. The bill for cash reappropriation has died. The federal monies in the stimulus package will go to the state but cannot be allocated until HB645 is passed and signed. The meeting recessed at 1:00 p.m. APRIL 2ND, 12:00 P.M. Those present included CFO Thomas Harper, Trustee Kathy Aragon, and District Clerk Leo Hudetz. Superintendent Jack Copps and Communications Director Nancy Hines were in Helena participating in the meeting through VisionNet. The group discussed current legislation in Helena that is looking at removing funds from HB15 and replacing it with one-time money. There is a fear that another $800,000 may be cut from the bill. There is also talk of a tax rebate which would harm human resources and public education. Bruce Messenger suggested that energy audits be dropped so everyone could get a piece of the funds. Schools do not have time to get an energy audit completed by the fall to obtain funds. The meeting recessed at 1:00 p.m. with the next meeting scheduled for April 9th. APRIL 9TH, 12:00 P.M. Those present included District Clerk Leo Hudetz, Nancy Hines, CFO Thomas Harper, Trustee Kathy Aragon, and Eddie Black. Bob Vogel reported HB645 is being worked on to make it better for school funding and it is hoped that the title funds will be returned to the bill. It would be based on $1,600 per quality educator and, hopefully, the same change would be made in HB152 for $970 per quality educator. $10,000,000 was cut yesterday in flexibility funds and at risk funds. There are 62 school districts who will realize a 50% decrease in funds for special education. The meeting recessed at 1:00 p.m. with the next meeting scheduled for April 16th. APRIL 16TH, 12:00 P.M. Those present included Dan Martin and Nancy Hines. Lance Melton reported schools needed the $10,000,000 at risk funding restored. He also did not believe there would be any more funding in HB2 from what the Senate approved. The on going funding will remain the same but they are trying to get language put in the bill to include funds in the base for the next session and not be considered one-time money. Out of $82,300,000 in new money, schools are getting a little more than $4,000,000. The meeting recessed at 1:00 p.m. with the next meeting scheduled for April 20th. Meetings may be called more often with the end of the legislative session approaching. APRIL 20TH, 12:00 P.M. Those present included District Clerk Leo Hudetz, CFO Thomas Harper; and Dan Martin. Eddie Black reported on HB2, HB645, and HB676. The conference committee is currently meeting and a few minor amendments have been made. Superintendent Copps will be in Helena on Wednesday. Mr. Black urged districts to get the word to the legislators to keep the funding for public education at the same level as other agencies. Modernization funds are coming but it has not been determined how it will be divided among the schools. The meeting recessed at 12:45 p.m. with the next meeting schedule for April 22nd. APRIL 22nd, 12:00 P.M. Those present included District Clerk Leo Hudetz and Communications Director Nancy Hines. Eddie Black reported there was nothing new to report. The conference committee met and asked for $20,000,000 for modernization plus $15,000,000 for quick start funds. The meeting recessed at 12:30 p.m. with the next meeting scheduled for April 23rd. APRIL 23RD, 12:00 P.M. Those present included District Clerk Leo Hudetz and Communications Director Nancy Hines. Eddie Black reported HB2 is still at a stand still. The Senate is still refusing to fund anything. The committee may reconvene this afternoon or tomorrow morning. The meeting recessed at 12:15 p.m. with the next meeting scheduled for April 27th. APRIL 27TH, 12:00 P.M. Those present included District Clerk Leo Hudetz and CFO Thomas Harper. Lance Melton reported they are trying to hold onto the dollars for facilities for formula distribution. HB645 was passed by the conference committee. The legislative session should end on April 28th. The time contraints for one-time only money are still in place. Bob Vogel urged those participating in this VisionNet session to contact their legislators in order to get HB645 signed by the Governor. Lance Melton felt the Quick Start money would not be released until July 1st and must be used by September 30, 2009. An amendment was made to HB645 for a 1% increase in on-going funds this year and 3% next year. Amendments will be made this afternoon in HB2. The meeting adjourned at 12:50 p.m. with the next meeting scheduled for April 28th. APRIL 28TH, 12:00 P.M. Those present included District Clerk Leo Hudetz, CFO Thomas Harper, and Communications Director Nancy Hines. Bob Vogel reported HB2 passed on second reading this morning in the House by 63/37. He did not feel the Governor would take $20,000,000 and distribute it to school districts with Title I programs. The reappraisal bill did pass 58/42. The Senate should be adjourned by 2:00 and probably the House as well. Before that, they will have the third reading on HB2. The Governor may have some line item vetoes. The Governor has ten days to decide to sign the bill or veto it. Bob Vogel reported he will be in meetings the next few days on deferred maintenance on how to set rules. There is no guarantee that the schools will receive the entire $15,000,000. The meeting adjourned at 12:55 p.m. Leo Hudetz, District Clerk Diane Blevins, Recorder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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