coen Posted August 24, 2009 Report Share Posted August 24, 2009 Proceedings of the Board of Trustees District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Billings, Montana August 17, 2009 Call to Order The Regular Board Meeting of the Board of Trustees of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, Montana, and the High School District, Yellowstone County, Montana was duly held at The Lincoln Center, 415 North 30th Street, Billings, Montana on Monday, August 17, 2009. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chair Malcolm Goodrich. Pledge of Allegiance was said. ROLL CALL Those attending were: Trustees Malcolm Goodrich, Barb Bryan, Teresa Stroebe, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Dawn Achten, Joyce Weber; Clerk Leo Hudetz, Superintendent Jack Copps, Administrators Kathy Olson, Scott Anderson, Thomas Harper, Dave Williams, Gail Surwill, David Munson. Trustee Joel Guthals attended by phone. Trustee Kathy Aragon was excused. Registered guests included Becky Shay (Billings Gazette), Reed Gerth, Dan Elser, Jeremy Hernandez, Rich Malia, Kevin Kineman, todd Rose, Cody Turnquist, Joe Rambin, Jim Holman, Justin Martin, Toni and Jeff Gordon, Sandra Abraham, Justin Engle, Donna Cortez, Tyller Cortez, Shale Miller, Kerri Miller, Kristi Knutsen, Cheryl Cathey, Deana Elder, Jadee and Kody Sorrells, Jeff Weldon, Katy Morgan, Jan Egeland and Marian Leligdowicz. WELCOME AND ORIENTATION TO THE MEETING Chair Goodrich welcomed those present to the meeting. He informed those present that Trustee Guthals was present by telephone following knee surgery. COMMUNICATION FROM THE PUBLIC The Chair stated that some of those registered to speak to the Board wished to speak now and some requested to speak during the particular agenda item. Reed Gerth addressed the Board regarding middle school activities, in particular wrestling. He stated that he feels the reason he is successful today is because of his experiences in wrestling and the relationships he made in wrestling. Dan Elser addressed the Board regarding wrestling. He asked the Board to consider other solutions to balance the budget. There are important bonds made with kids at the middle school level and those are formative years, and a chance to impact kids’ lives. He asked that the Board consider using volunteers and raising money to fund the middle school wrestling and softball programs. Richard Mann addressed the Board regarding the middle school wrestling program. He stated that he would be willing to volunteer in the program. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Chair stated that since the attorney for the School District is present, he asked that the Legal Report be moved up in the agenda. Trustee Gesuale made a motion to move item F up in the agenda to be heard next. Trustee Achten seconded the motion. Trustees voting in favor of the motion were Peter Gesuale, Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Teresa Stroebe, Joel Guthals, Barb Bryan, Joyce Weber and Malcolm Goodrich. The motion passed unanimously. MONTHLY LEGAL REPORT Jeff Weldon stated that there has been a lawsuit filed against the high school district, the first one in a number of years. The High School District is named as a third party in the lawsuit. A Skyview student filed suit against two people (defendants) who live across the street from Skyview High School. As part of this suit, the defendants filed a third party claim against the District. The lawsuit is based on the premise that the district had an obligation to supervise students better. Mr. Weldon wanted the Board to be aware of this lawsuit. The Chair confirmed that Mr. Weldon is prepared to represent the school district in this lawsuit. He does not want to close the meeting to discuss the suit at this time. Mr. Weldon will return to discuss strategy at a later date if necessary. There are no long-term suspensions to discuss at this time. Mr. Copps updated the Board on changes in state law regarding student discipline. He stated that the law has been changed so that there are two ten-day periods of suspension after which time, expulsion is required. One alternative is if we believe we do not want to expel but want to keep off campus we can provide off campus services via Nova Net, an internet based education program. We will continue to get funding for those students while providing services off site. Trustee Achten asked if the same suspension procedures would be used, i.e., hearings, etc. The Superintendent said that it would, that a determination would have to be made within ten days. The hearing officer would provide a recommendation of off-site delivery of services or expulsion. Trustee Gesuale asked if expulsions would still require Board action. Mr. Copps said they would. Mr. Copps stated that off-site placement can provide off-site services until the Board can have the expulsion hearing. We have a teacher working at that site now. Students can keep up with their classes if they want to stay in school. Trustee Bryan asked about impact on the General Fund budget. Mr. Copps stated that there would be none because we will still be getting state funding for these students. These students can also receive services through Adult Education if they are 16 years of age or older. GIFTS AND DONATIONS Trustee Fox made a motion to accept the gifts and donations with gratitude. The motion was seconded by Dawn Achten. Those voting in favor of the motion were Peter Gesuale, Joyce Weber, Barb Bryan, Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Malcolm Goodrich, Teresa Stroebe and Joel Guthals. The motion passed unanimously. The following are the gifts and donations: Boulder – Eric Bjorgum, $140 Jeff Redding, $35 Warehouse – Joe Richardson, computer equipment, software, printers CONTINUATION OF AUGUST 10, 2009 BUDGET HEARING FOR FINAL BUDGET REVIEW AND ADOPTION FOR 2009-10 YEAR There was a pink sheet provided to show updated numbers for the budgets. The following four people provided public comment on the budget. Todd Rose, Shepherd teacher and coach at West High, spoke in regard to middle school wrestling. He stated that in order for the Board to follow the mission statement it is necessary to support the entire student which includes activities. Cody Turnquist spoke on behalf of middle school wrestling and softball. He stated that the state wrestling tournament in February each year draws approximately 13,500 people for two days and brings about $1.9 million into the area. The tournament is staffed largely by middle school wrestlers. He does not feel that the positive effect from the amount saved would outweigh the negative effect of cutting these programs. Sandy Abraham, fourth grade teacher, read a letter supporting the decision of cutting middle school wrestling and softball. She stated that the primary purpose of a school district is to provide education and that should come first. Rich Malia, Skyview High School wrestling coach, spoke on behalf of the middle school wrestling program. He urged the Board to please consider keeping middle school softball and wrestling. Chair Goodrich stated that he appreciated those speaking and their opinions but stated that the district is facing a deficit of $1.9 million in the elementary district and $1.5 in the high school and it will be greater next year. He stated that the Board needs to look at the overall picture and needs of the district as a whole. He asked if the Board would move forward with the high school budget since that does not seem to be controversial. Trustee Fox made a motion to adopt the FY2009-10 budgets for the Billings Public Schools High School District 2 Budgeted Funds as presented. Joel Guthals seconded the motion. Trustee Gesuale asked for an explanation of why the technology fund budget had changed. Thomas Harper explained that there were changes in both elementary and secondary technology funds because there were changes in the fund balances. Trustee Guthals stated that Jeff Greenfield of the BEA had said there were staff increases in the budget. Jack Copps stated that there were decreases of staff in the high school of 8.2 FTE ($475,600 savings) due to attrition. There were no increases in staff in the high school. Mr. Guthals stated that the Budgeting For Results (BFR) Committee reviewed the budgets and recommended approval. Trustee Stroebe stated that she has two problems with these budgets or pet peeves that she wanted to state. On the general fund it is upsetting to her that the state funds 60 percent of the budget while they should be funding 80 percent. She knows that these issues can’t be settled at this level, they need to be settled at a higher level, but wanted to verbalize her concerns. Secondly, we spend $2 million on transportation and if we had the mind set of neighborhood schools we would not be busing kids to that extreme and the state should put money into a flex fund so the districts could spend money on education instead of bussing. We would have more of a community and neighborhood school approach to things and wouldn’t have our hands tied regarding money. The motion was voted on with Trustees Gesuale, Weber, Bryan, Achten, Fox, Stroebe, Goodrich and Guthals voting in favor. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Fox made a motion to recommend that the Board authorize and direct the Chief Financial Officer to, upon receive of the certified taxable values from the Montana Department of Revenue, calculate the mills necessary to support the budgets above and report such mills to the county superintendent. Trustee Achten seconded the motion. The Chair stated that we do not ask people to vote for mills but ask for a specific amount of money. Our school district is confined to the exact amount put in levy request. Jack Copps stated that we do not benefit by an increase in tax base unless a levy passes. Those voting in favor were Trustees Gesuale, Weber, Bryan, Achten, Fox, Stroebe, Goodrich and Guthals. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Fox made a motion to implement the elementary budget with direction to our superintendent to raise fees and seek private funding to make up the difference needed so that our full panoply of sports and activities including wrestling and softball may remain. Dawn Achten seconded the motion. Peter Gesuale stated that the Board has committed the same level of funding to middle school activities as last year. Trustee Fox stated that while she appreciated the administration’s proposed budget recommendations, the Board did not have an opportunity to discuss them. She stated that she wants to be able to provide activities as when she was in school. She is aware that there will be attrition because of increased fees. She said the Legislature did not define education to include activities but this is wrong. Activities are part of education. She hopes the community can come together on this compromise. Trustee Guthals asked the question about an increase in staff at the elementary level. Jack Copps stated that there are two additional teachers. We have received an increase in funding from the state for 204 additional students in the elementary. The majority are in the primary grades so they require more staff for accreditation. Mr. Copps stated that enrollment figures are confusing right now. It appears that some families are returning to the Billings area because of the poor national economy. Trustee Goodrich stated that in the last few years we have taken money out of middle school to fund primary grades. There will be a deficit of $3.3 million in the elementary budget next year with the same problem in the high school district. We will need creative ways to deal with this. Trustee Bryan wants to be sure that kids are aware there are scholarship programs if they are unable to pay for the raised fees for activities. She also asked if this motion includes using the funds for classroom aides. Trustee Fox stated that she would like money to go for aides in classrooms if possible. Trustee Achten stated that the Board is doing the best they can. She further stated that they need the support of the community and need help in the hard times. Trustee Weber asked if raising fees would raise the General Fund amounts. Superintendent Copps stated that the money from raised fees would be put in the extracurricular accounts not the General Fund. The stipends can be paid from those accounts. The Superintendent stated that he had contacted the District’s five largest contributors and they had said they would not contribute at this time. Two more donors were contacted and they also would not contribute at this time. He further stated that all contributions have dropped. If we want to keep activities, we need to say to the community that these activities are critical and need contributions. We have to look ahead. In 2012 there will be $7 million in cuts because federal and state one-time dollars will be gone. Trustees voting in favor of the motion were Gesuale, Weber, Achten, Bryan, Fox, and Goodrich. Trustees Stroebe and Guthals are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. The motion carried unanimously. Trustee Fox made a motion with a second by Dawn Achten to recommend that the Board authorize and direct the Chief Financial Officer to, upon receipt of the certified taxable values from the Montana Department of Revenue, calculate the mills necessary to support the budgets above and report such mills to the county superintendent. Trustees voting in favor of the motion were Gesuale, Weber, Achten, Bryan, Fox, and Goodrich. Trustees Stroebe and Guthals are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. The motion carried unanimously. Trustee Guthals stated he will be leaving the meeting but that the Budgeting For Results Committee had reviewed the details on bills paid and financial reports and had recommended approval. With respect to middle school activities he would encourage others to contribute, and he and his wife will contribute $500. Malcolm Goodrich stated that the Goodrich Law Firm will match that contribution. APPOINTMENT OF DELEGATE TO MTSBA Dawn Achten made a motion to appoint Trustee Peter Gesuale as a delegate to the Montana School Board Association Board of Directors for a two-year term commencing in October 2009. Mary Jo Fox seconded the motion. Trustee Stroebe asked that the word be representative instead of delegate. The motion carried with Trustees Gesuale, Achten, Fox, Weber, Bryan, Stroebe and Goodrich voting in favor. SUPERINTENDENT REPORT The Superintendent reported that he had received good news from the State of Montana. For elementary and high school, we will be receiving $1.8 million for energy conservation and deferred maintenance. We will receive 90 percent up front and 10 percent when finished. He also received word from Northwestern Energy that they will contribute $18,000 to help with the chiller at Skyview. The first day of school for staff is August 24th. On the second day there is a key note speaker. Because we do not have a large enough facility, we have rented Faith Chapel for this function. The first day of school for students is August 26. Montana Quality Education Coalition met on August 11th and 12th. There was a consensus that since legal options are no longer available, there is going to be an effort to seek quality schools and quality education without the courts. Mr. Copps stated that at this time enrollments tend to fluctuate. The first good count will be on October 1st. Mr. Gesuale asked about the methodology of distribution of the $20 million from the state for deferred maintenance and energy conservation. Mr. Copps stated that it was based on number of teachers in the district. We have ten percent of students, but eight percent of teachers. BILLS PAID – JULY 2009 Trustee Fox made a motion to approve bills paid for July 2009 and Dawn Achten seconded the motion. Those voting in favor were Trustees Stroebe, Goodrich, Fox, Bryan, Achten, Weber and Gesuale. The motion passed unanimously. The following are the bills paid: Claims $3,091,420.13 ACH Tax Deposits 356,209.55 Payroll Warrants & Direct Deposits 4,284,661.62 Procurement Card 222,828.67 INTERCAP Loan Network Infrastructure & Vehicle Purchases Total $7,955,119.97 FINANCIAL REPORTS – JULY 2009 (UNAUDITED) Thomas Harper stated that these were discussed at length at the Budgeting For Results Committee meeting. He stated that there was no need to request a budget amendment. The reserves in both funds have been increased. Trustee Gesuale stated that a comment was made at a previous Board meeting that $178,500 of unencumbered funds were available for middle school activities. Mr. Gesuale stated that this comment was inaccurate for a number of reasons including the funds in question were in the high school district budget and were unavailable for middle school activities. PERSONNEL REPORT The Superintendent reminded the Board that there are two items because there is a pink sheet item. Mary Jo Fox moved to approve the personnel report as well as the pink sheet personnel report. Joyce Weber seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously with Trustees Fox, Weber, Gesuale, Bryan, Achten, Goodrich and Stroebe voting in favor. CONSENT AGENDA Mary Jo Fox made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Dawn Achten seconded the motion. Trustees voting in favor of the motion were Fox, Achten, Weber, Gesuale, Bryan, Goodrich and Stroebe. The motion carried unanimously. Items approved are as follows: Minutes of Regular Board Meeting, July 20, 2009 Minutes of Special Board Meeting, August 10, 2009 Minutes of Budgeting For Results Committee Meeting, June 8, 2009 Addition of Rina Moog Educator Scholarship Trust Fund at Skyview High Skyview High School Chiller Replacement and New Heat Exchanger Committee Appointment Approve Cancellation of Old Outstanding Warrants There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m. _________________________________ Malcolm Goodrich, Chair _______________________________ Nancy Coe, Recorder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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