Diane Blevins Posted June 24, 2009 Report Share Posted June 24, 2009 Proceedings of the Board of Trustees District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Billings, Montana June 15, 2009 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 15, 2009, at 5:30 p.m. Members present included Trustees Mary Jo Fox (arrived at 5:45), Joel Guthals, Malcolm Goodrich, Kathy Aragon, Dawn Achten, Barbara Bryan, Peter Gesuale, Superintendent Jack Copps, and District Clerk Leo Hudetz. Trustee Stroebe was excused. Registered guests included Deana Elder 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. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Chair reported there was an amendment to the agenda on Item E, Trustee Appointment. Trustee Achten made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to approve the agenda as amended. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, and Joel Guthals. The motion passed unanimously. RECOGNITION AND GIFTS AND DONATIONS The Board recognized the West High ‘AA’ championship track team. Members are Davis Brush, Justin Cabrera, Seth Compton, Tyler Grubbs, Porter Hanna, Lee Hardt, Alexander King, Benjamin King, John MacDonald, Luke Montgomery, Jase Muri, Tyler Patenaude, Joshua Pelczar, Adam Prevost, Easton Purchio, Brian Schwarzkoph, Eli Swain, Joshua Swain, Powhattan Williamson, and Head Coach Rob Stanton. Dave Williams, Executive Director of Activities, reported West High boys took first, Skyview Boys, second, and Senior boys third. Senior girls also took 2nd place at the state meet. Trustee Achten made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to accept the gifts and donations with gratitude. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, and Joel Guthals. The motion passed unanimously. The following are the gifts and donations: Highland -- Doretta Lambert, computer McKinley -- Yellowstone Soccer Association, soccer balls Miles Avenue -- Earth Day Time and Presentations Dr. Stuart Snyder Amy Grandpre, Yellowstone County Extension Office Ann Redinger Roni Baker, Yellowstone County Extension Office Kevin Brooks, BLM Tom Frieders, National Weather Service Paul Schultz, BFI Waste Systems Boris Krizek Cat Lynch Babete Anderson, Custer National Forest Jodie Drange Josh Borner, USARD Jim Green John Gibson Ponderosa -- Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Bunk, 2 footballs autographed by Billings Outlaws Yellowstone Soccer Association, four soccer balls Will James -- Doug and Lori Bell, $200 TRUSTEE APPOINTMENT Trustee Goodrich reported the Board panel met and interviewed two candidates. The panel chose Joyce Weber who has an accounting background. Trustee Gesuale made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to adopt the Resolution of Appointment to the position of Elementary/High School trustee of Single Member District, Zone 2 as printed in the Board agenda. Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, and Joel Guthals. The motion passed unanimously. The resolution is as follows: WHEREAS, pursuant to Montana law, whenever a trustee position becomes vacant in any district, the remaining members of the trustees shall declare such position vacant and they shall appoint, in writing within 60 days, a competent person as a successor, and; WHEREAS, the School District No. 2 Board of Trustees has declared the position of Elementary/High School Trustee of Single Member District, Zone 2 as vacant on April 20, 2009; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Joyce Weber is hereby duly appointed Elementary/High School Trustee of Single Member District, Zone 2 effective June 15, 2009 and shall serve until the regularly scheduled election May 4, 2010. That this appointment is made pursuant to MCA 20-3-309 and School District No. 2 Board Policy 1112. BUDGET REVIEW FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009-2010; BUDGETING FOR RESULTS COMMITTEE REPORT The Chair reported the Budgeting for Results (BFR) Committee reviewed the budgeting process almost four years ago to change the way the District was doing business. The committee began a process in January as an experiment. The funds from the state were not known until after the legislative session ended and the federal stimulus funds were not known until recently. A revised budget was shown to the BFR committee on June 8th at which time the committee voted unanimously to send that budget to the Board. The Chair said the budgeting process should begin in November or December for the next year in order to make a decision on a mill levy in 2010. REVIEW OF OPTIONS FOR BUDGET BY ADMINISTRATION Superintendent Copps presented a power point presentation on the options for the budget by administration. For the elementary district, the K-6 core values lists neighborhood schools as a priority, class sizes should be small (not to exceed the maximum accreditation standards), intervention programs are critical for students at risk, technology is critical for quality instruction, minimize use of combination classes, educating educators to provide for the 21st century skills, facilities are safe, dry, warm and accessible, and that state and federal laws are met and followed. Mr. Copps reported that the middle school core values are basically the same as the elementary schools with the inclusion that activities and clubs are critical for the middle school students. For high schools, core values include comprehensive high schools, small learning environments, small class sizes, intervention programs for students at risk, and activities and clubs for high school students. Mr. Copps stated there were over 400 registered students in the credit recovery program this summer. The shortfall in the elementary budget is $1,958,641. The state took away $300,000 for at-risk programs. Recommended items to balance the budget include federal stimulus (ARRA) money, Indian Education for All, deferred maintenance, fewer retirements than budgeted, and kindergarten start-up funds. Items recommended to cut were instructional aides and textbook purchases. With the budget reconciliation, the elementary budget would be $32,174 on the plus side. The shortfall in the high school district is $1,542,482. Recommended items to balance the budget include funds from federal stimulus (ARRA) funds, Medicaid reimbursement, Indian Education for All, and fewer than budgeted retirements. Items recommended to be cut are textbook purchases, 8.2 positions due to attrition, and supplies and equipment at the Career Center. The high school budget would be $117,961 to the good with the above adjustments. Superintendent Copps stated that one-time only funds of $1,396,722 in the elementary district are being used and $1,038,230 in the high school district. Federal personnel are considering the continuance of title funds for next year which may help in fiscal year 2011. Mr. Copps reported the COLT team is recommending that the dollars for middle schools activities and clubs not be cut. Last year, the BEA agreed to one less day for coaches for a savings but it was only a one-year agreement. A recommendation might be necessary for next year to increase the participation fees by $5 per activity. Trustee Bryan asked for an explanation on the $119,000 “budget reconciliation” that helps balance the elementary budget. Mr. Copps stated it is believed there will be approximately $119,000 left in the FY2009 elementary district budget on June 30, 2009. Mr. Copps reported there are also a number of grants that are available that would help address the infrastructure needs. Chair Goodrich stated there would be one more regular Board meeting before the budget is declared, by law. He did not feel that this budget was great but probably the best budget result possible. Trustee Goodrich suggested that BFR begin working on the next two fiscal years budgets and recommended the Board move forward with these budgets. Trustee Gesuale asked if it would be possible to reach another agreement with the BEA for one-less day for activities for the next year also. Mr. Copps reported it was only a one-year agreement. Trustee Gesuale asked to see some alternatives for middle school activities. He felt the Board needed to have the highest possible activity participation rate and keep the expenses at 80% of the amount budgeted again next year. Trustee Gesuale expressed his disappointment that the same agreement with the BEA was not available for next year. Trustee Fox suggested the District renegotiate with the BEA for next year. Trustee Fox asked how many teachers are employed by the District but are not assigned to a classroom. Superintendent Copps explained that some of the TOSAs (teachers on special assignment) are funded by federal title funds and others are funded by general fund dollars. Trustee Fox requested a report on how much is spent on TOSAs. She also requested that cuts be made as far away from the classroom as possible. Trustee Achten stated, once cuts are made to middle school activities, the likelihood that they will return is pretty slim. Trustee Bryan was not sure the Board was sticking to the core values due to increased class sizes. She agreed with looking at TOSAs and POSAs (principal on special assignment) and wanted to also look at reading and math tutors and having teachers take over those duties. Trustee Bryan further suggested the District look at combining principals for two elementary schools. She also requested the amount of special education dollars contained in the general fund. Trustee Bryan felt that cluster schools should also be considered for the future. She realized that cluster schools might not work if they were only going to save $1,000,000. Chair Goodrich suggested a special meeting be held to discuss the budgets and asked administration to provide the information requested by the Board members for that meeting. Trustee Gesuale stated he supported the way administration built the budget using one-time only money and asked that COLT look to see if it were possible to find salary savings in the years following. Trustee Gesuale suggested that the District consider early retirement incentives since there are people who are close to retirement as an option to look at. Trustee Gesuale stated he appreciated the core values but wanted to see a report on how the District utilizes certified staff as well as music and art teachers, and TOSAs to see if the District could stretch those positions differently. Another area to look at would be volunteer substitutes to save money. The Chair asked the District Clerk to check with Board members to determine the date for a special meeting. It might be possible to schedule the meeting for the second Monday in July and move the BFR meeting to another night. Trustee Bryan asked for a report showing the textbook replacement schedule and also to see if fully-funded kindergarten could be offered to only students who qualify for free and/or reduced lunches. Mr. Copps stated that, in all likelihood, this type of kindergarten arrangement would not be legal. (Trustee Guthals was excused from the meeting at 6:30 p.m.) SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Superintendent Copps stated that administration is looking at holding the three high school graduations on one day in 2010 in order to save money in next year’s budget. If that were to occur, he would contact local churches if the graduations were to be held on a Sunday AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE ON FACILITY ISSUES REPORT The Chair reported that there will be a final presentation on facility issues at the July meeting. Trustee Gesuale stated the Ad Hoc Subcommittee has met two times and are looking for outside facilitation for the planning process. The Montana School Board Association (MTSBA) is being asked for guidance for other resources. The subcommittee has set the scope to include elementary facilities and a few areas of the high school district to review. Trustee Aragon asked Thomas Harper to see if a grant were available to pay for facilitation. MONTHLY LEGAL REPORT The Chair reported there was nothing to report on the legal report. Trustee Fox made the following motion with a second by Trustee Gesuale: Motion to approve the long-term suspensions. Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Peter Gesuale, and Malcolm Goodrich. The motion passed unanimously. POLICY READING – THIRD READING, POLICY 1441 AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Trustee Fox made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to approve Policy 1441 Audience Participation on third reading. Trustee Gesuale stated at the MTSBA meeting it was stated that people should be encouraged to comment to the Board before an action is taken. The Chair stated he has never turned anyone down who wanted to address the Board. Trustee Fox reported the Policy Review Committee wanted to make sure the Chair was able to keep control of the meeting and she wanted the Chair to keep that power. Trustee Bryan agreed with Trustee Gesuale and hoped this issue could be revisited before a decision is made. Trustee Aragon wanted to know if this issue could be referred to the District’s attorney. The Chair reported the District is legally compliant on all policies. Trustee Gesuale said that a member of the public should be able to comment on an item immediately before a vote is taken. Those voting in favor of the motion were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, and Malcolm Goodrich. Those opposing were Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, and Peter Gesuale. The motion failed. Trustee Fox made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to refer Policy 1441 back to the Policy Review Committee and refer it to the District’s attorney. Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Peter Gesuale, and Malcolm Goodrich. The motion passed unanimously. BILLS PAID – MAY 2009 Trustee Gesuale made the following motion with a second by Trustee Achten: Motion to approve the bills paid for May 2009. Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich. The motion passed unanimously. The following are the bills paid: Claims $3,746,992.63 ACH Tax Deposits 1,612,359.46 Payroll Warrants & Direct Deposits 5,900,096.06 Procurement Card 303,326.09 INTERCAP Loan Network Infrastructure & Vehicle Purchases TOTAL $11,562,774.24 FINANCIAL REPORTS – MAY 2009 (UNAUDITED) The following are the financial reports for May 2009: CS101 Account Expenditure by Fund CS102Account Receipts by Fund CS105 Statement of Estimated and Actual Revenue CS108 Object Cost Analysis Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Peter Gesuale, and Malcolm Goodrich. The motion passed unanimously. PERSONNEL REPORT Trustee Fox made the following motion with a second by Trustee Achten: Motion to approve the personnel report as recommended by the Superintendent. Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Peter Gesuale, and Malcolm Goodrich. The motion passed unanimously. CONSENT AGENDA Trustee Fox made the following motion with a second by Trustee Gesuale: Motion to approve and accept the items within the Consent Agenda. Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Peter Gesuale, and Malcolm Goodrich. The motion passed unanimously. Clerk Hudetz informed the Chair that the consent agenda included approval of Form 1441-F1, Audience Participation, and the Board had previously decided not to approve the companion policy 1441. Trustee Fox made the following motion with a second by Trustee Gesuale: Motion to rescind the approval of Policy 1441-F1 in the consent agenda to approve the remainder of the consent agenda and to refer Form 1441-F1 back to the Policy Review Committee. Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Peter Gesuale, and Malcolm Goodrich. The motion passed unanimously. As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. Malcolm Goodrich, Chair Diane Blevins, Recorder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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