Diane Blevins Posted January 27, 2010 Report Share Posted January 27, 2010 Proceedings of the Board of Trustees District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Billings, Montana January 18, 2010 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, January 18, 2010, at 5:30 p.m. Members present included Trustees Joel Guthals, Malcolm Goodrich, Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Joyce Weber, Peter Gesuale, Superintendent Jack Copps, and District Clerk Leo Hudetz. Registered guests included Velda Matsdorf, Maggie Winters, DeeDee Larsen, Mary Karen Marek, Clayton Flammond, Mark Canton, Chris Harp, Mary Lave, LaVonna Robinson, Toni Romersa, Coral Langstraat, R. Hutton, Connie Waggener, Eran Thompson, Julie Walen, Reid Walen, Pam Dimich, Amy Griffin, Jim Bentler, L. Russell, Deane Elder, and Butch Kochel. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Chair reported the Martin Luther King Jr. Recognition was being moved forward in the agenda. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Fox: Motion to approve the agenda as amended. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Teresa Stroebe, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. RECOGNITION Trustee Fox introduced Eran Thompson for a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. Mr. Thompson gave a brief presentation on and read the famous speech “I Had A Dream”. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Chair reported there was an addition for minutes on the Consent Agenda. Trustee Fox made the following motion with a second by Trustee Weber: Motion to approve the agenda as amended. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Teresa Stroebe, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. 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. Mary Karen Marek, Velda Matsdorf, DeeDee Larsen, staff from Ponderosa Elementary, addressed the Board to voice their concerns of the critical needs children at Ponderosa. They urged the Board to keep in mind the needs of Title I schools when making budget cuts. Mary Lave felt salaries should be addressed before a mill levy or the issue of cluster schools. She asked the Board to request the unions to re-open the contracts for next year. LaVonna Robinson asked the Board if they had looked at every aspect for the budget. She recommended applying for grant funding to aid in the budget cuts and stated she had a list of possible grants. The Board requested a copy of the list for grants which were supplied to the District Clerk. Kevin Nelson addressed the Board on the budget. He address the tax increment district (TID) funds which he felt the District had a right to claim. Chairman Goodrich stated, when the District runs a levy, it does not pick up appreciated tax levies and the District is limited only to a certain dollar amount. Jim Bentler stated he has five children, three of which attend the public schools and two who will in the future. He reported he opposed cluster schools as he felt it was a short-sighted solution and it would cost more in future years to reverse that concept. RECOGNITION AND GIFTS AND DONATIONS The Board recognized the West High girls championship volleyball team as follows: Cherina Walen, Jessyca MacDonald, Kacie Hutton, Kylie Nielson, Alex Canton, Jennifer Stone, Cassie Langstraat, Mikensi Romersa, Jenna Fiscus, Janiel Olson, managers Cassie Holm and Clayton Flammond, and coaches Beth Tocci, Natalie Bills, Rachel Robertson, Sarah Walter and Kathy Nielson. Kate Novakovich, Montana Marathon, reported she presented a check to the Dave Williams for $5,000 to be used for middle and high school activities. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to accept the gifts and donations with gratitude from the Board of Trustees. Those voting in favor were 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 gifts and donations: Arrowhead – Mr. and Dr. Shenk, $250 Pam Christianson, fabric for wall panels in gym ($350) Beartooth – Demo Staff at Costco, many Boxtops for Education Big Sky – School Computer Program, OPI, Computer equipment Bitterroot – Shiloh United Methodist Church, children’s clothing Sue Ness, gloves, hats, coats Tumbleweed Program, gloves, hats, coats Jeanette Davis, gloves, hats, coats Greg Sundberg, University of Montana, book Farmers Insurance, book Highland – School Computer Program, OPI, computer equipment McKinley – Senior High Business Class, coats and sweats Miles Avenue – Dale Heil, air hockey table, ESPN hoop shoot, clothing, toys Newman – Cathy Jewett, Christmas gifts for one family Gail and Donovan Booth, Christmas gifts for one family Downtown Rotary Club, dictionaries for all 3rd graders Telecom Pioneers, $150 Stockton Oil, $750 Billings Eye Care, Thanksgiving for one family Big Sky Optimist Club, Christmas gifts for five students CTA, 15 Thanksgiving food baskets, Christmas gifts for all students, Santa and elves visit United Way, books for kindergartners Laurie Murphy and Family, Christmas gifts for one family Kara McDonald and Family, Christmas gifts for one family Riverside Optimists, Christmas gifts for two families Billings West Rotary Club, Christmas gifts for 30 children St. Thomas Church, Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets for eight families Salvation Army Dress-A-Child Program, clothing for several families for Christmas Barb Bryan, Christmas gifts for one family Walk to Emmaus Group, money for student needs 1st Student Drivers and Aides, winter coats for students RSVP, mittens and hats Hertz Car Sales, Christmas gifts for one family Billings Chamber of Commerce employees, Christmas gifts for backpack meal students Senior High Accounting Students, coats and pants April Knight, Christmas gifts for one family West High National Honor Society, food baskets for two families Ponderosa – Alpha Tau Omega, U of M, books for library Senior High Accounting Classes, coats and pants United Way of Yellowstone County, books for kindergartners Van’s State Avenue IGA, gift certificate for family Downtown Exchange Club, gifts for 1st and 2nd graders KOA, Christmas gifts for two families West High Honor Society, food, toys, games for family Hispanic Ministries, Grace United Methodist Church, socks and underwear Rose Park – Alpha Tau Omega, U of M, books for library Sandstone – Curtis Satrom, money for student lunches CVS Pharmacy, Christmas gifts for five families Heights Wal-Mart, $100 gift card Dick Heidinger, money St. Bernard Catholic Church, $100 Harvest Church, donations for giving tree Angela and Jeremy Bartram, money for giving tree Billings Junior Women’s Club, donations for giving tree Farmers, 20 stockings for giving tree Castle Rock – School Computer Program, OPI, computer equipment District – David and Karen Palmer, computer w/monitor, printer, scanner UPDATE ON MTSBA FACILITATED STRATEGIC PLANNING Trustee Bryan reported the Strategic Planning Committee held a conference call with the Montana School Board Association (MTSBA). The first meeting of the entire committee will be held on Saturday, February 6th. Times will be set for the upcoming meetings. Ms. Bryan stated the committee is making good progress on soliciting committee members. A meeting has also been scheduled for Thursday, January 27th. UPDATE ON PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF 2010-2011 BUDGET; GENERAL DISCUSSION OF 2010-2011 BUDGET Thomas Harper, Financial Officer, reported the budget information was included in the agenda packet. Nothing further can be done until the February 1st enrollment counts are known for the elementary budget. Trustee Gesuale asked about the high school budget. Mr. Harper felt the budget previously presented would hold up and no changes are predicted. UPDATE ON POTENTIAL CALL FOR LEVIES AS APPROVED BY BOARD IN OCTOBER 2009 Chair Goodrich reported the Board called for a potential elementary mill levy, technology fund levy, and a high school technology mill levy at a previous meeting. Enrollment counts are still needed and the figures on health insurance are also needed to more accurately predict budget needs. A special meeting may have to be called in February when the figures are known. Trustee Bryan asked how the technology funds would be used. Superintendent Copps stated technology items can be categorized for software, hardware and professional development. The Chair reported the elementary levy would be used for salaries in the hope that staff cuts would not have to be made and class sizes would not increase. He felt it was hard to determine where to cut the $1,900,000 shortfall. The Chair stated the Board will have to make a decision as to whether or not to use the one-time only federal funds. The Chair reported there will be a joint Budgeting for Results (BFR)/Board meeting next Monday, January 27th where figures will be reviewed. No cuts will have to be made until after the results of the mill levy elections are known. Superintendent Copps reported that administrators need to do everything in their power to find cuts that will have as little as possible impact on the students. The Yes For Kids Committee is ready to support the levies and needs to know the Board’s decision on one-time only funds. Chairman Goodrich stated, if the decision is made to use one-time only money, administration has to be ready to see how it will be used. TECHNOLOGY LEVY USES Karen Palmer, Technology Director, reported the District is not keeping up with technology. State timber sale funds are used to purchase new computers. Last year, the District received a very small amount of timber funds. At the presentation to the BFR Committee next week, ways to improve services to staff and students will be discussed. Superintendent Copps stated the technology staff is developing standards for all of the District’s computers for basic needs. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE CHANGES/CUTS TO DISTRICT PROGRAMS Trustee Guthals reported from the last BFR/Board meetings on January 11th. Most of the agenda dealt with further investigation of sister/cluster schools impact and the costs to implement the concept. Sister/cluster school concepts would result in the reduction of teachers amounting to $800,000-$900,000 in savings. BFR did not recommend either sister or cluster schools. The busing aspect was also reviewed. Transportation would cost approximately $800,000 to implement the sister/cluster school concept. The only way it would work is if the District did not have voluntary bussing. Trustee Guthals stated that there might be another way to balance the budget by favorable enrollment counts, favorable news on health insurance, and possibly other changes that BFR has looked at. The committee also reviewed a report on one-time only money in that, in order to use that money, consent must be received in order to roll it over and use it in another year. Trustee Guthals reported that BFR also looked at middle school budgets and did not recommend any changes in middle school activities but wanted more information on community groups being able to provide support for middle school activities. The committee also looked at switching from middle schools to junior high schools which is not a three-year school but a change to six periods instead of seven. The approximate amount of savings would be $400,000. Trustee Guthals reported the next BFR meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 25th to discuss high school budgets and changes to technology. He stated the review of expenditures has been thorough and the committee also looks at grants but noted there are costs associated to grants. Trustee Fox stated the Board will have to make decisions to cut expenditures that will not be popular. She felt re-opening contracts might be a problem as those contracts are legal and binding. The choices are not attractive. Trustee Fox encouraged the BFR Committee to make recommendations to completely balance the budget when the numbers are known. Trustee Stroebe wanted to explore legislative changes in bussing if sister/cluster schools are the choice. Trustee Gesuale reported there are no positive notes on the revenue side. Seeking grants should always be sought but they will not solve the budget problem. He felt a knowledgeable person should present all aspects of the impact of tax increment districts (TID) and he will look for someone to present to the Board. Trustee Guthals reported that BFR also looked at changes in housekeeping which he felt would short change facilities. Decisions on TID funds are made by the City Council, not by the District. Trustee Weber asked for information on how a mill levy would impact a property owner. The Chair reported that information will be reviewed in the next BFR meeting. Trustee Aragon asked if there was any historical grant information. Mr. Harper reported that federal grant fund revenues have remained constant in the area of $13,000,000. Trustee Aragon asked if there was an avenue for staff to report any recommendations for cuts. Chairman Goodrich stated those recommendations should be given to Thomas Harper. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT Trustee Aragon reported a charge to the Planning & Development (P&D) Committee is to review and possible suspension of the three page strategic plan passed by the Board. The committee will look at goals and objectives for the committee and look at the strategic plan. There has been a growth of 300 new students in the Heights which will result in the committee reviewing of demographics of student populations. Candy Beaudry, City Planning Office, has encouraged cooperation between the District and the City. School District #2 data for the strategic planning process will be compiled using the GIS software. DECLARATION OF TRUSTEE VACANCY; DECLARATION OF TRUSTEE VACANCY Chairman Goodrich reported he accepted Trustee Achten’s resignation from the Board. District Clerk Leo Hudetz stated the Board must declare a vacancy and solicit applications as the Board must fill the position with sixty days. That trustee would serve until the next election in May. Trustee Fox made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to adopt the Resolution of Declaration of Vacancy of the position of Elementary/High School Trustee of Single Member District, Number 1. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Teresa Stroebe, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. The following is the resolution: WHEREAS, pursuant to Montana law, any elected trustee position shall be vacant whenever the incumbent resigns from the applicable district; WHEREAS, Dawn Achten, School District No. 2 Elementary/High School Trustee of Single Member District, Number 1, has submitted her resignation from the Board of Trustees on January 4, 2010. THEREFORE, School District No. 2 Board of Trustees accepts the resignation of Dawn Achten and declares the position of Elementary/High School Trustee of Single Member District, Number 1 as vacant. That this declaration is made pursuant to MCA 20-3-308 and 20-3-309 and School District 2 Board Policy 1112. APPOINTMENT PROCESS OF REPLACEMENT TRUSTEE District Clerk Hudetz recommended the Board open the trustee position up for applications but the person must reside in District #1. Applications will be accepted until February 12th Trustee Fox made the following motion with a second by Trustee Weber: Motion to state that all applicants submit a letter of interest, resume and answers to the questions included in the agenda packet to the Board Clerk by 4:00 p.m. on February 12, 2010. Trustee Bryan amended the motion allow other questions be added for the applicants. Trustee Stroebe seconded the amendment. Trustee Fox stated the list of questions listed in the packet does not preclude the panel from asking other questions. Those voting in favor of the amendment were Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Teresa Stroebe, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. Those voting in favor of the original motion were Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Teresa Stroebe, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. The Chair requested volunteers to serve on the panel for the trustee vacancy. Trustees Fox, Gesuale, and Bryan volunteered to serve. Trustee Stroebe made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to appoint Trustees Fox, Gesuale, and Bryan to screen, interview and make a recommendation to the full Board regarding trustee appointment for Zone 1. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Teresa Stroebe, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. TRUSTEE ELECTIONS MAY 4, 2010 Clerk Hudetz reported there are five trustee positions open for election. Trustee Goodrich stated he will not run in May. Trustee Aragon asked for the information to be placed on the District’s website. Mr. Hudetz reported it is being done. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Superintendent Copps addressed the District’s handicapped parking. It was felt the District was not in compliance with federal laws but steps are being taken to remedy that situation. APPROVAL OF RIMROCK AD HOC COMMITTEE AND MEMBERSHIP Trustee Gesuale made the following motion with a second by Trustee Fox: Motion to approve the Rimrock Ad Hoc Committee, to meet with Rocky Mountain College, the District attorney and Superintendent regarding the Rimrock School and report back to the full Board. To approve Trustees Joel Guthals and Barb Bryan as members of the committee. Trustee Fox stated the Board a year ago stated it was not interested in selling the Rimrock property. The Board has had the intention of using the property for education purposes. Trustee Guthals reported he reviewed the deed and found no reversionary language in it that stated if the District does not use the property for education it would revert back to Rocky Mountain College. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Teresa Stroebe, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. REPORT FROM AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE FOR SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH Trustee Guthals reported the committee is in the application period and is waiting for a report from MTSBA on possible applicants. The date for closing the acceptance of applications is on February 4th. The Board will have to set a date for a meeting in the beginning of March to make a decision. Trustee Fox reported the Rapid City Journal had a good article on superintendent searches. POLICY 1441 AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION – 2ND READING Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Fox: Motion to approve Policy 1441 on second reading. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Teresa Stroebe, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. MONTHLY LEGAL REPORT Chairman Goodrich reported the legal report is as printed in the agenda packet. BILLS PAID – DECEMBER 2009 Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Fox: Motion to approve the bills paid for December 2009 for the amount of 412,443,012.88. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Teresa Stroebe, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. The bills paid are as follows: Claims $2,846,816.40 ACH Tax Deposits 1,709,447.70 Payroll Warrants & Direct Deposits 6,134,384.75 Procurement Card 265,717.44 EBMS ACH Payments 1,486,646.59 INTERCAP Loan Network Infrastructure & Vehicle purchases TOTAL $12,443,012.88 FINANCIAL REPORTS – DECEMBER 2009 (UNAUDITED) The following reports were reviewed: CS101 Account Expenditure by Fund CS102 Account Receipts by Fund PERSONNEL REPORT Trustee Fox made the following motion with a second by Trustee Guthals: Motion to accept the Superintendent’s current employment recommendations as listed in the Personnel Report. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Teresa Stroebe, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. CONSENT AGENDA Trustee Fox made the following motion with a second by Trustee Guthals: Motion to approve and accept the items within the Consent Agenda without objection to recommended action. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Teresa Stroebe, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. Items contained in the Consent Agenda are as follows: Regular Board Meeting Minutes, December 21, 2009 Joint Special Board/BFR Meeting Minutes, December 14, 2009 Budgeting for Results Committee Minutes, December 14, 2009 Planning and Development Committee Minutes, December 7, 2009 Contract Amendment with Montana Department of Health and Human Services As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Malcolm Goodrich, Chair Diane Blevins, Recorder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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