Budgeting For Results Committee Mtg. - Jan. 11, 2010

[Guest sullinss]

School District No. 2, Yellowstone County

High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County

Billings, Montana

January 11, 2010

Call to Order

 

The Budgeting For Results Committee of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County and High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, Montana met at Lincoln Center, 415 North 30th Street, Billings, Montana, on Monday, January 11, 2010. Committee Chair Joel Guthals called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance. Budgeting For Results Committee members present were: Sandie Mammenga, Rod Gottula, Joan Sleeth, Bruce MacIntyre, Deana Elder, Joel Guthals, Paige Darden, Peter Gesuale, Peter Grass, Barbara Bryan, and Kelly Donovan. Committee members absent were Don Stanaway and Ross Johnson. Also in attendance were: Kathy Olson, Thomas Harper, Scott Anderson, Gail Surwill, Teresa Stroebe, Leo Hudetz, Rich Whitney, Malcolm Goodrich, Dave Williams, Joyce Weber, Mary Jo Fox, and Sondra Baker.

Registered guests were: Sandy Weiss, Karen Norsworthy, Jase Norsworthy, Pam Christianson, Rob Rogers of the Billings Gazette, Jim Hartung, Marian Leligdowicz, Linda Leligdowicz, Bob Chatriand of MPEA, Karen Sanford Gall, Mari Jane Orner, Josi Wilgus, Karen Stears, Amy Griffin, Pam dimich, Erin Zimmer, Julie Whitworth, Jane Leuthold, Terry McGuinness, Mary Lave, and LaVonna Robinson.

Communication From the Public

Karen Norsworthy addressed the Committee as a parent who has previously taught in schools with the cluster concept. Karen believes in the cluster schools concept you lose parent involvement, a sense of community, a sense of progress, continuity, and the buddy system. Karen encouraged the Board to take their time and consider what’s best long-term.

Sandy Weiss addressed the Committee as a tax payer. Sandy said we used kindergarten one-time funds to open Rimrock and closed it one year later. The District hired teachers and now proposes to fire most of them. She said this is not good management, and that’s why voters are reluctant to give you their tax dollars through a mill levy. Don’t threaten cluster schools to pass the levy. Sandy encouraged a long-term vision for the schools. Sandy spoke against increasing the salary to be offered to our next Superintendent.

Jase Norworthy addressed the Committee as a parent and real estate agent. He represents incoming physician candidates at Billings Clinic. Physician candidates with children ask about the school district. Jacon believes the quality of education is good even though we face budget problems. Jase said parents and teachers did not like cluster schools and believes that concept would have a profound and negative impact on the community.

Karen Sanford Gall addressed the Committee as a parent and former chair of Yes For Kids Campaign. Karen said we have a great school district, administration and teachers. Karen said we are strapped for resources, and we all need to get out and support mill levies. The last campaign supported neighborhood schools. Karen does not support the cluster concept as she believes it divides families, creates more traffic and bussing, making parents less supportive of the school system. Look for other ways to save funding than the cluster concept.

Joel Guthals stated this is an ongoing study process, and no decisions will be made tonight. The State has imposed a budgeting calendar on the District; therefore, budget decisions must be made within the next couple months. The Budgeting For Results Committee meets monthly, and we welcome community members to attend. The Committee spends hours studying and understanding the District’s financial situation and trying to figure out how the School District can function within the financial resources provided by the State funding mechanism for the15,500 students served. The Budgeting For Results Committee is composed of community members, and School District employees. The Committee listens to presentations from senior members of the School District’s Administration. The Committee does not make decisions; it makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees. The Committee has looked at many possible scenarios for solution or changes to solve financial challenges. School Board members are also parents and taxpayers in the community; but they must make decision on how to best deal with these issues. The Cluster /Sister school concept is one of a number of solutions they are looking at, and they realize it will make impact on families; however, everything they do will impact families. They must figure the optimal solutions for these problems. Joel Guthals thanked the community members for their input and assured them the Board shares many of their feelings and will consider their input.

Budgeting For Results Committee Minutes of December 14, 2009

Peter Grass moved to recommend Board approval of the Budgeting For Results Committee minutes of December 14, 2009. Bruce MacIntyre seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

 

Bills Paid – December, 2009

 

Bruce MacIntyre moved to recommend Board approval of the bills paid for December, 2009. Rod Gottula seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

 

Adjournment

 

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:52 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

Joel Guthals, Chair

 

 

 

 

Sherrill Sullins, Recorder