Diane Blevins Posted December 4, 2009 Report Share Posted December 4, 2009 Proceedings of the Board of Trustees District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Billings, Montana November 16, 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, November 16, 2009, at 5:30 p.m. Members present included Trustees Joel Guthals, Malcolm Goodrich, Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Joyce Weber, Peter Gesuale, Superintendent Jack Copps, and District Clerk Leo Hudetz. Teresa Stroebe was excused and arrived at 7:29 p.m. Registered guests included Ed Hostetler, Ellie Creek, Michelle Simonson, Nicole Hotzel, Deana Elder, Marge Flynn, Maria Leligdowicz, Elizabeth Putter, and Stacy Lemelin. 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. Deana Elder, President of the Billings Classified Employees Association, addressed the Board for National Education Week. She reported that Wednesday, November 18th is the Education Support Professionals Day. She asked the Board to recognize the support staff of the District. The Chair stated the Board appreciates the work of the support staff. Kevin Nelson addressed the Board. He spoke against the possibility of the Board running a mill levy. Mr. Nelson stated tax increment districts include many businesses that do not pay school taxes. He stated $250,000 from the old tax increment district for downtown was given to the city for the new federal building. Mr. Nelson felt this money should have been given back to the District. Shoots Veis addressed the Board to express his thanks to the District. He was a host for a group of visitors from Nepal who visited the Career Center. The staff at the Career Center was wonderful in their tour of the center. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Trustee Gesuale made the following motion with a second by Trustee Achten: Motion to approve the agenda. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. RECOGNITION AND GIFTS AND DONATIONS The Board recognized the following athletes: Dave Cobb, Principal of West High, introduced the golf coach for West High, Rob Bazant. Mr. Bazant introduced the State ‘AA’ championship boys’ team: Jake Hedge, Brandon McIver, Mac Keating, Brian Muller, and Adam Swemke. Dr. John Dorr, Head Girls Soccer Coach, introduced the State ‘AA’ girls soccer champions: Cassie Flynn, Claire Kornegay, Taylor Smith, Madison, Schwarzkoph, Rachel Hein, Laura Prosinski, Shannon James, Janell Cabrera, Abby Paulson, Kaylee Kimmet, Katie Baum, Danielle Muri, Marta Prosinski, Katie Maier, Meghan Murtagh, Savannah Witt, Devon Donahue, Courtney Hunt, Tori Weyand, and Allie Helterbran. Mike Mayott, Head Boys Soccer Coach, introduced his State ’AA’ boys soccer champions: Zach Besel, ?Ethan Carling, Seth Carlstrom, Sam Catlin, Trent Czudak, Teaje Ellison, Justin Enger, Kory Erickson, Joe Frank, Alex Gallagher, Dylan Goich, Anthony Keene, Sean Larson, Kolby McGarrah, Rob Michaelson, Zach Moyers, Tyler Nansel, Seth Neuhoff, Jordan Nigh, Reed Pueringer, Danny Robinson, and Nick Toepfer. Mr. Cobb announced the average grade point average is 3.74 for this boys’ team. Trustee Gesuale made the following motion with a second by Trustee Fox: Motion to accept these gifts with gratitude. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. The following are the gifts and donations: Arrowhead – JGA Architects Engineers Planners, $630 for recycling Julie Harman, $30 Darren and Tammy Holmes, $135 Beartooth – Tatooine Electronic Systems, $315 for recycling John & Tracey Sherner, CC Insulation & Urethane, $315 for recycling Broadwater – St. Vincent Foundation, door prizes for book fair and $500 McKinley – Joan Loch, winter coats Todd Graves, backpacks Dr. Fran Arjani, winter coats Dianne Elliott, winter coats Hispanic Ministry of United Methodist Church, clothing Billings Clinic Occupational health, winter coats Jeanie Jessen, coat Office Depot, school supplies and backpacks Donna Obie, winter coats Rose Park – Morledge Family Eye Clinic, $630 for recycling Gayle Russell, $25 through Wells Fargo Msatching Gift Program Sandstone – Mary Baumann, Early Reading Intervention kit vaued at $1,812.50 Washington – Mr. and Mrs. Childers, school supplies Bethlehem Lutheran Church, school supplies Trudy Chester, school supplies Mr. and Mrs. Panian, school supplies Bob Venneman, 10 winter coats Grosulak family, school supplies Ardilla Dick and Family, school supplies Lewis & Clark – Ron Pecarina, Energy & Sustainable Design Consultants, $630 for recycling Will James – ConocoPhillips Company, $200 for Red Ribbon First Interstate Bank, Grand Branch, $100 for Red Ribbon David and Pam Christianson, anti-bacterial items Todd and Renee Kerchal, Freedom Wireless & Satellite, $350 for soldiers’ fund Anonymous, $700 Kristin Rapacz, $20 Stephanie Gundlach, $40 Kyle Ross, art supplies Michael and Jill Follett, $25 Faith Chapel, $2951 for soldiers’ fund DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL OF MTSBA PLANNING AGREEMENT The Chair reported the Board had decided, at the October 19th meeting, to contract with the Montana School Board Association (MTSBA) to facilitate long-term strategic planning. Trustee Bryan reported the ad hoc committee for strategic planning met on November 6th and is recommending the approval of the contract with the MTSBA. The total fee is approximately $8,000. That amount is more than discussed at the October meeting as the ad hoc committee has requested two more meetings. Trustee Guthals expressed his concern that the subcommittee could end up supplanting the committee of the whole process for long-range planning. He wanted the understanding that any Board member can attend and vote on a decision. Trustee Guthals suggested that the contract wording be changed to “Board/Steering Committee” in any place that lists only the Steering Committee. The Chair stated it is strategic planning for the entire Board. Trustee Gesuale reported he spoke with Lance Melton from the MTSBA and it is understood that the entire Board is involved. The process is expected to take several months with the hope of being ready by late spring. The Chair stated the process needs to be finished by the time the Board addresses the budget. Trustee Bryan stated the committee will bring a draft schedule to the Board to consider along with the public communications plan. Trustee Bryan said there will be Board involvement in every step. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to approve the contract with the Montana School Boards Association to assist the District in the strategic planning process and that the Board would participate in the process as it proceeds forward. The contract shall state ‘Board/Steering Committee in any place the proposed contract says Steering Committee. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Guthals thanked the members who are serving on the ad hoc committee. The Chair asked the ad hoc committee to have the time frame for the next agenda setting meeting so that it can be scheduled for the next Board meeting. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Achten: Motion to approve the members of the ad hoc committee as Barb Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, and Nancy Hines as the administrative liaison. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. UPDATE ON PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF 2010-11 BUDGET Thomas Harper, Chief Financial Officer, reported on the 2010-11 budget. There are no significant changes since the last report. For FY2011, there is still a deficit of $1,400,000 for both districts if one-time only money is used. For the elementary district if one-time only money is used, the deficit is expected to be $759,000 and the high school would have a deficit of $722,000. The big issue is in Fy2012 as there would be a deficit of approximately $5,600,000 for both districts. The Chair asked if there is any additional one time type money for FY2012. Mr. Harper felt that most of the federal money is slated for Department of Education’s “Race To The Top” Program but any money we receive could be used to enhance our programs, if we qualify. There is some discussion that there might be another stimulus offered. Superintendent Copps reported there is a large amount of money set aside for “The Race To The Top” but there is a criteria that requires an eligible state to have legislation that provides for charter schools and Montana does not have that legislation. That will probably make Montana an ineligible state. BUDGETING FOR RESULTS COMMITTEE REPORT Trustee Guthals gave a report on the Budgeting for Results (BFR) Committee recent meeting. Thomas Harper gave a report on the overview of the budget that shows significant deficits. As the committee goes over the budgetary figures, it needs to make changes. Another topic of discussion was the health insurance fund which has a deficit figure for the month of September. Losing money in one month is not alarming but if it continues to lose money, it would be very alarming. It is unusual to have such losses so early in the year. The year-to-date negative balance for three months is $131,595. There has been a joint subcommittee that Trustee Guthals has formed to investigate a wellness program for the District’s health plan. The subcommittee consists of members of BFR and the Insurance Committee. The first meeting will be held on November 21st. Trustee Guthals said there is a possible increase in the health plan expenses of 12% which would be a great deal of money. Trustee Guthals reported the BFR also looked at additional health education programs or intervention programs and their costs. The costs will be given to the committee at a future meeting. The committee received a report for the extracurricular activities program which is having less participation, more scholarship applications, less donations and more students being excluded from activities since fees were raised this year. The committee recommended the Board direct administration to examine all funding sources for all middle and high school activities, including music and clubs. Mr. Williams, Activities Director, is looking to see if there are community groups who would take over the activities. Mr. Williams reported he has developed a questionnaire for different city groups to see what they could provide, the fee structure, and if there are scholarships. A report will be given to the Board after the results of the questionnaires are received. Trustee Aragon asked Mr. Williams if he has contacted other ‘AA’ school districts to determine how they are funding activities for high schools. Trustee Fox asked if the number of students was known that did not participate due to the increase in fees. Mr. Williams stated we did not know the number. Trustee Guthals reported the BFR resolved that the Board needs to consider and decide whether to run the activities scholarship fund at a deficit or fund it with other District funds. The District currently spends approximately $1,000,000 on high school activities and all the members of the BFR realize the importance of the activities. The BFR will get into the cost analysis of activities. Trustee Guthals further reported the BFR discussed the educational programs that the District has currently. The elementary programs were the Read 180 Program for 413 students, the System 44 pilot program that has 14 students, the Language Program with 291 students, the Early Literacy Intervention program with 120 students enrolled, the Scott Forsman Early Reading Intervention for 74 students, the Success Maker which has 1,827 students, and a pilot program called Do The Math with 246 children. The Read 180 Program for middle schools has 181 students, a Language Program for middle schools has 206 students, Fast Track has 139 students, and the Success Maker program is provided to 269 middle school students. In the high schools, there is the Read 180 Program with 339 students and the System 44 with 39 students. There is also an Algebra Foundations Program in the high schools with 181 students, and the Summer Credit Recovery Program that offered 17 semester courses with 360 students who participated and recovered 446 semester credits. The committee also reviewed the number of personnel assigned to these programs and where the funds originate from. Many of these programs are funded by grants along with funds from the general fund. Trustee Guthals said the committee also discussed what will be done about the financial situation and changing the way elementary education is provided in this community with the possibility of cluster schools. In the past, there has been community disapproval regarding cluster schools. Trustee Guthals reported the BFR committee has made no recommendations at this point on any of these programs. The Chair stated the Board needed recommendations from the BFR by February 1st. He also stated it is important for any other Board members to attend the BFR committee meetings, if possible. CALENDAR REVIEW AND APPROVAL Trustee Fox reported the Calendar Committee has met which included union members, community members, administrative staff, and Board members. The BEA contract calls for a winter break and a spring break. The committee is presenting two options for the next three school years. One option contains two short breaks in winter and spring and the other option contains one long spring break. In all of the calendars being presented, testing dates were kept in mind during their development. Public comments were received during the past month to give their input. The results were split fairly evenly and are contained on page 14 of the agenda packet. Trustee Fox made the following motion with a second by Trustee Guthals: Motion to approve the calendar for 2010-2011 that contains one long break, and the calendars for 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 that contain two short breaks. Trustee Gesuale asked what the rationale was for not having a spring break and getting out a week early. Trustee Fox reported it is part of the BEA contract to have a spring break. Trustee Bryan stated she could support a one year calendar decision but wanted to be able to take a strategic look for future years. Trustee Gesuale asked if there was any consensus of the teachers on the options. Trustee Fox reported the teachers’ union preferred the option that contained the two shorter breaks which was better for student achievement. The administration also weighed in on the options. Trustee Achten stated she also served on the committee and felt there should be consistency in the three-year calendars. She preferred the calendars with the two-small breaks. Trustee Gesuale amended the motion to three-calendars, all with two short breaks. There was no second. Those voting in favor of the original motion were Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Malcolm Goodrich, and Joel Guthals. Those opposing were Peter Gesuale, Joyce Weber, Barbara Bryan and Dawn Achten. The vote tied so the motion failed. Trustee Bryan made the following motion with no second. Motion to adopt the two-short breaks calendar for 2010-2011. Trustee Achten made the following motion with a second by Trustee Guthals: Motion to adopt the three calendars with two short breaks for 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13. Trustee Bryan stated she could not support the three calendars with two-short breaks as the costs to operate the schools might be less for a longer break. Trustee Achten reported the high schools are used all summer long and did not know that it would be cost effective. Trustee Fox stated there was a strong inclination to have a break and believed the calendars followed that thinking and was the most amicable solution to the calendar issue. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, and Joyce Weber. Peter Gesuale and Barbara Bryan opposed the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 6-2.. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Superintendent Copps announced his decision not to accept another contract for the next year. His current contract ends on June 30, 2009. He encouraged the Board members to use the MTSBA in the search for the new superintendent. Mr. Copps reported he would miss the teachers, staff, students, parents, Trustees, and his work in the District. The Chair, spoke for the entire Board, that the news was their loss and the District owes its success to Superintendent Copps. A special meeting will be held later in the week to meet with the MTSBA about the service they can offer in a Superintendent search.. TRUSTEES’ REPORT Trustee Gesuale reported on the MTSBA conference and a capital planning webinar he attended. The MTSBA has gone to the courts and the legislature with regards to funding and will continue to work on more funding for the districts. He hoped through the strategic planning process the Board can keep a pulse on what is happening in other districts. A report was also given on MUST (the state wide health insurance plan) and their report was quite grim which showed a $6,000,000 deficit. Trustee Gesuale said the Trustees must keep in mind the changes that are expected to the District’s health insurance plan. Trustee Gesuale reported on the webinar for funding capital improvements while promoting sustainable business operations. This District is not able to sustain maintenance on the facilities. Trustee Bryan reported on the long-range planning process. The realtors had a conference on trends in home building that are relevant to the District’s facility plan. As homes are being built now, the trend is for smaller homes. The developers and builders are seeing more building in the inner city than the outskirts. Billings was recently ranked as one of the best places to retire and was named the number one place to start a business. These could pose challenges for the District in the future. Research data was also given at the conference on home construction costs. Because of the current tax structure, the District does not receive as much as would be expected from the rise in new construction. Trustee Guthals reported on his recent visit to Skyview. In October, he visited Skyview and used a checklist containing questions to be asked. He first meets with the principal as he views the facility, including the cafeteria and the parking lots. The total enrollment is 1,482 students which is up from last year by 32 students. There has been an increase in free and reduced lunches. The Special Education enrollment has decreased this year. The enrollment in extracurricular activities shows 1,218 students who participate. The average grade point average is 3.3 for those students in activities. The drop out rate is hard to figure but the graduation rate at Skyview is 88%. The principal at Skyview, Bob Whalen, believed the drop out rate is at 5% at Skyview. Mr. Whalen’s one concern is for the busses that are provided for high school events as the contractor has to find busses wherever possible and might not be the best busses. Trustee Guthals stated his main concern at Skyview was maintenance. The parking lot needs to be re-surfaced and if it is not done soon, the entire parking lot will have to be replaced. Trustee Guthals felt a better water source and less expensive source needs to be found. The roof also needs to be kept in mind as well as the HVAC system which is currently undergoing repairs. Trustee Guthals reported Skyview spends approximately $100,000 per year on technology which is only enough to purchase what is absolutely necessary. APPROVAL OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS The Chair reported Trustee Aragon has been made Chair of the Planning and Development Committee. Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Fox: Motion to approve Deana Elder, Margaret Aukshun, Sandra Abraham, Doug Armknecht, Annette Cabrera, Amy Griffin, Krista Hertz, Lance King, Jennifer Molk, Jodi Schreiber, Josi Wilbus, Malcolm Goodrich, and Mary Jo Fox as members of the Planning and Development Committee. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Teresa Stroebe, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. CHARGE TO PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE The Chair stated there should be a discussion on the scope for the Planning and Development (P&D) Committee. Trustee Aragon will be looking at long-term planning data for the District. Trustee Fox felt the Board needs to have a goal in mind in regards to where the students are in relation to a school. Trustee Bryan felt the District should review the trends and enrollment of SD2 and gain input from the City. She also felt the Board should also look at grants. The Chair stated it will be addressed at agenda planning. MONTHLY LEGAL REPORT The Chair reported there is nothing new to report. BILLS PAID – OCTOBER 2009 Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Fox: Motion to approve the bills paid for October 2009. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Teresa Stroebe, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. The following are the approved bills paid for October 2009: Claims $3,575,350.11 ACH Tax Deposits 1,709,637.50 Payroll Warrants & Direct Deposits 6,139.636.66 Procurement Card 311,275.43 INTERCAP Loan 896,060.33 Network Infrastructure & Vehicle Purchases TOTAL $12,631,960.03 FINANCIAL REPORTS – SEPTEMBER 2009 (UNAUDITED) The following reports were received and have been reviewed by the BFR: CS101 Account Expenditure by Fund CS102 Account Receipts by Fund CS105 Statement of Estimated and Actual Revenue CS108 Object Cost Analysis PERSONNEL REPORT Trustee Fox made the following motion with a second by Trustee Achten: Motion to approve the Superintendent’s current employment recommendations. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Teresa Stroebe, and Joyce Weber. Peter Gesuale opposed the motion. The motion passed. Trustee Gesuale reported continued employment is occurring for middle school activities and voiced his concerns about the funding. Dave Williams stated the participation numbers are down but the requests to use scholarship money is increasing fairly dramatically. He expects the scholarship money requests will continue to rise. Mr. Williams reported there is approximately $3,800 in scholarship donations. Trustee Gesuale stated there is currently $80,000 short in the middle school activities fund. The Chair stated this issue will be discussed at a future meeting. CONSENT AGENDA Trustee Fox made the following motion with a second by Trustee Achten: Motion to approve and accept the items within the Consent Agenda without objection to recommended action. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Teresa Stroebe, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. Items approved are as follows: Regular Board Meeting Minutes, October 19, 2009 Budgeting for Results Committee Minutes, October 12, 2009 Audit Committee Minutes, September 23, 2009 Revised Audit Committee Charter Resolution – Intent to Dispose of District Personal Property As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned. Malcolm Goodrich, Chair Diane Blevins, Recorder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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