Special Board Meeting, March 29 and 30, 2010

[Diane Blevins]

Proceedings of the Board of Trustees

District No. 2, Yellowstone County

High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County

Billings, Montana

 

March 29, 2010

 

CALL TO ORDER

 

The Special 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, March 29, 2010 at 5:30 p.m.

 

Members present included Trustees Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Teresa Stroebe, Barbara Bryan, Travis Kemp, Joyce Weber, and District Clerk Leo Hudetz. Trustee Kathy Aragon was excused.

 

Registered guests were Julie Morris, Jeff Weldon, and Mary Lave.

 

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.

 

MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETINGS

 

Trustee Fox made the following motion with a second by Trustee Weber:

 

Motion to approve the minutes of the Special Board Meetings of March 1 and 2, 2010, and March 8 and 9, 2010.

 

Those voting in favor were Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously.

 

INTERVIEW PROCESS

 

Chair Goodrich reported the interviews will be conducted via electronic media. Members of the newspaper media will also listen into the interview of Eric Ely but will not participate. Also, a television station has requested to listen which is allowed by State statute. Trustees will be given time to ask additional questions.

 

SUPERINTENDENT FINALIST INTERVIEWS

 

Interview of Eric Ely

 

Chair Goodrich asked the following question: There is currently a very public controversy regarding Schenectady Public Schools, focused on the facilities director but also implicating your role and leadership. We have been unable to resolve the disparate views regarding your character and qualifications. Convince us that in spite of this controversy that you are the right candidate for Billings Public schools and specific ideas you have for how to overcome these challenges and establish your leadership of Billings Public Schools. Mr. Ely stated, before this occurred, there was never any question about his character and that he lived his life with integrity. He is the eighth superintendent that this individual worked under and there have been incidents dating back to the 1970’s with the facilities director. Mr. Ely was not the superintendent who promoted the facilities director to his present position. His role was to deal with this individual on a day to day basis and he spoke to him about the incident with the activities director. Mr. Ely stated he sent an email to the facilities director regarding the investigation but it was not his job to investigate something that happened at 2:00 a.m. The trial is over so we will see what will happen. Mr. Ely reported he never did anything wrong. His leadership style is to go to the individual to ask him about a rumor he may have heard.

Trustee Stroebe asked Mr. Ely to give them a brief explanation of how he has been involved in strategic planning, magnet schools, and the building lease programs. Mr. Ely stated it has to be a strategic planning process that is community based in order for a district to move forward. In his present position, there was a five-year strategic plan which is focused on student achievement. His district needed more buildings and entered into long-term and short-term leases for all of their leased buildings. The district leased parochial schools that had been closed. The diocese brought the buildings up to code for public education. The long-term lease was approved by a referendum from the public. The magnet schools in his district have evolved into two magnet schools: one was for the arts and the other was for communication and culture. Their K-8 magnet schools allowed parents to apply for their children’s attendance but some parents were not comfortable with magnet schools.

 

Trustee Guthals asked for the demographics of Mr. Ely’s district. Mr. Ely stated there were 10,200 students with 1,700 staff members. There are 21 schools, two K-8, twelve K-6, two early childhood centers, one high school, two middle schools, and a career center. Trustee Guthals asked what experience Mr. Ely had negotiating with collective bargaining units. Mr. Ely reported there are eight units in his district. He negotiated a four-year contract with the teachers group and a five-year contract with the administrators. He has been able to negotiate with the units and to avoid problems with the unions. Due to the current economy, he is looking at mediation this year. Trustee Guthals stated the Billings Public Schools is experiencing a shortfall in the budget over $6,000,000. He asked Mr. Ely how he could address the shortfall and still foster an improvement in student achievement. Mr. Ely stated his district went from a $14,000,000 shortfall this morning and brought it down to $11,000,000 later in the day by the administrators looking at different ways to do things and then costing it out. His district has local businessmen who meet on a regular basis to discuss the budget and look at different ways to benefit kids and protect jobs. Trustee Guthals stated, since New York does not have open meeting laws and public comment times that Montana has, how does he obtain public input. Mr. Ely reported Montana has a more conservative approach similar to New Hampshire where he has worked in the past. He felt Montana has to protect their employees and executive meetings (closed sessions) are held, but in New York each public business meeting has a public comment section. Mr. Ely stated no person should have their character attacked during the public comment section. His philosophy is that it is better to make decisions in an open meeting.

 

Trustee Bryan asked Mr. Ely what information he would need before entering negotiations. Mr. Ely reported he would need as much data as possible such as what the financial impact is when negotiating a package. He also considers what issues have come up in the current contract and the financial status of the district. One of the issues is also to consider what impact teacher absences has on the students. Trustee Bryan asked how Mr. Ely determines the qualities for his administrative team and annual goals. Mr. Ely stated all of his administrators and principals have annual goals, which is a nine-step process. His district fashions the interview questions around the goals and are good at building a good team. When hiring, he tries to find someone with a wide, diverse background. Trustee Bryan asked Mr. Ely for his philosophy in leadership and management. Mr. Ely stated that if he could not lead, then he could not manage. Superintendents must be able to trust some things to people who you trust. Leadership brings others to a higher purpose. Management cannot be done by total chaos. He focuses on leadership.

 

Trustee Gesuale asked what has changed in Mr. Ely’s district as a result of his management style, and what changes did he make to improve student achievement? Mr. Ely stated he could not take full credit or the sole responsibility for the changes but he has worked with administrators for the changes. The achievement happened slowly for the district, and he approached it from a very systemic process and has seen growth. Achievement gaps have narrowed significantly. His district restructured their high school and has established a freshman academy which brought people together for the good of the students. He proved to skeptics that, special education students and some ethnic groups could achieve at higher levels. Trustee Gesuale asked about teacher accountability and if it started at the top? Mr. Ely stated his goals for administrators were to strive to improve achievement levels. He addressed attendance of the teachers in his buildings to hold them more accountability. He stated he does walk-throughs and observations of teachers.

 

Trustee Fox stated she read the state controller’s report of 2009 regarding overtime for the facilities director. She felt Mr. Ely’s response was ill founded and unreasonable regarding the overtime. She asked why he felt he didn’t need to do any further investigating. Mr. Ely reported the facilities director was also the energy manager, head of capital improvements projects, and the one the police called if there was a problem. The last superintendent made a deal with the facilities director that he could have 18 hours of overtime each pay period and Mr. Ely honored that deal. No one could corroborate his overtime if he would check buildings on weekends. The facilities director also oversaw the energy management program and saved the district $3,000,000. Mr. Ely reported a new approach has been implemented to make sure that the excessive overtime does not occur. Trustee Fox asked, when a principal emailed him regarding the facilities director ordering a custodian to deliver campaign literature during business hours, did you feel that was appropriate? Mr. Ely responded that was not correct. The custodian took personal leave and he did not get paid overtime. He investigated and found it was not true. Trustee Fox asked, when a former activities director came to you in 2006 to tell you he had found an incendiary device on his windshield, his tires were slashed and felt the facilities director was responsible, why did you tell him that was a police matter and not school business? Mr. Ely reported he spoke to the facilities director who denied the charge. Trustee Fox asked, when Mr. Ely’s contract extension was placed in the consent agenda, why did you not allow the people from the community to speak on the issue? Mr. Ely stated a member of the Board made a motion to give an extension for a year so the public were not allowed to address it at that time. He reported the Board has an agenda and makes the decisions on who speaks. He was not going to turn down an extension to his contract.

 

Trustee Weber asked if Mr. Ely would be able to focus on the Billings Public Schools due to the press coverage in the Schenectady district. Mr. Ely stated there were no legal matters and no more lawsuits pending. He did not anticipate in being involved further.

 

Interview with Scott Rogers

 

Chair Goodrich stated, compared to your current district, Billings Public Schools is significantly larger, with more students, staff and community population. Convince us that you are ready for the transition and challenge of leading Billings Public Schools and that you are the right choice for Billings Public Schools. Dr. Rogers stated he left a district of 500 students to move to his current district of 4,000 students. He enjoys substitute teaching one per month but he realizes he would not be able to do that in this district. He would want to continue to be visible in the classroom and felt he is very effective in directing and holding people accountable. He knows the importance of assigning tasks, delegating and follow through. He would listen and learn from different groups in this district before making an agenda.

 

Trustee Stroebe asked how he would bring the sense of community involvement into the Billings Public Schools. Dr. Rogers stated he has to contribute time in talking to the community as it is a 365 day process, not just during mill levy times. He reported he is very accessible and it is important to meet face to face with people. He would want to be involved with the strategic planning and other groups. The parent groups want to see the superintendent and board members visible in the schools. Dr. Rogers further stated he is good at managing mass media groups. He would schedule to communicate with the public each day.

 

Trustee Guthals asked Dr. Rogers for the demographics of his current district. Dr. Rogers stated there are 4,000 students, of which there are 70% free and reduced lunch, 16 administrators, 263 teachers, and 230 classified employees. 20% of the students are of a limited English learning population. Dr. Rogers reported the population in his county district is 35,000 to 38,000 and his district is the largest employer. There are twelve buildings in his district, nine school buildings and three others. He recently asked for a mill levy which was approve by 84.9% of the voters. There are two unions, teachers and classified employees. His community is rural and was consolidated 25 years ago into a joint school district. Trustee Guthals asked how Mr. Rogers would address the budget shortfall with the Board and the community. Dr. Rogers reported he has gone to the Montana Office of Public Instruction website, and has discovered the Montana funding model is a little more complex than Idaho’s. He negotiated a decrease in teachers’ salaries. He felt the Yes for Kids campaign is a good campaign. He believed one main problem is a multi-year contract and felt a year to year contract is best in these economic times. Enrollment has been decreasing at the high school level with a little bit of an increase in the elementary level. Dr. Rogers stated the District needs to look at other revenues such as grants. The District needs to be innovative and creative in developing methods to obtain more grants. Budget reductions must be looked at in a systemic manner and there must be on-going, prudent fiscal management.

 

Trustee Bryan asked, with the quest to pass a mill levy, $120,000,000 in problems in deferred maintenance, a $6,000,000 shortfall in the budget, new trustees coming on to the Board, a new Superintendent, and getting members of the community to run for the Board, how would you proceed? Dr. Rogers replied that it is not a one-year solution but it could be done with trust from the public. The best way is strategic planning and negotiating on the multi-year contracts and share with the teachers and community what the reality is. Trustee Bryan asked about the Iowa Lighthouse Project and how it can move stuck districts. Dr. Rogers stated it is about sharing the vision, and building good will. There is a group of superintendents from the western states who meet once a year on making improvements and sharing ideas.

 

Trustee Gesuale stated the needs of all students must be addressed. He asked Dr. Rogers how he addresses the needs of minority groups in different ways. Dr. Rogers reported the Hispanic group in his district has been growing faster than other groups and felt districts need to replicate what successful districts are doing. There was an incident in his school regarding Hispanic students which resulted in two teachers being placed on unpaid leave and their contracts were not renewed. Staff made sure that students were safe and school went on. His district receives grants for $75,000 for a migrant educator in each building. Dr. Rogers reported the district has made an effort to get more Hispanic involvement that can serve in an advisory capacity. It is an on-going concern and an on-going effort is made. The majority of his staff is female and 13-15% of staff positions are filled by Hispanics.

 

Trustee Fox asked about a personal matter that was mentioned in the references collected by the MTSBA. Dr. Rogers stated it was an issue relating to his wife.

 

Trustee Gesuale asked Dr. Rogers about accountability in the classroom. Dr. Rogers reported the evaluations of teachers, principals, and administrators are a good tool in addressing goals for employees. He previously moved an ineffective principal back to the classroom based on performance input from staff, parents, and students. He reported that making tenure was not a default and his district has a performance program. Dr. Rogers stated his district has not had a grievance go into the courtroom during his time in the district. Dealing with grievances is all in the way it is documented and what can be proved.

 

Dr. Rogers stated his district has an excellent record in improvement of student achievement and did not feel there is a better mandate for trust and effectiveness in strategic planning. Dr. Rogers reported he has a strong background in financial management and felt a district can thrive and grow in difficult times. He also believed he was a strong manager for facilities as he has a ten-year capital improvement program and has built two new buildings.

 

The meeting recessed at 8:00 p.m. and will reconvene on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.

 

The Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees reconvened on Tuesday, March 30th, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.

 

Members present included Trustees Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Teresa Stroebe, Barbara Bryan, Travis Kemp, Joyce Weber, and District Clerk Leo Hudetz. Trustee Kathy Aragon was excused.

 

Registered guests were Julie Morris, Barb Fettig, and Mary Lave.

 

Interview of R. Keith Beeman

 

Chair Goodrich asked Dr. Beeman to convince the Board that he has the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities in other areas other than human resources, including budgeting, facilities, community engagement and instructional leadership and that he is the right choice for the Billings Public Schools. Dr. Beeman stated he has a strong background in human resources, as well as budgeting. He felt it was all about involving the people in the community in the budget discussions and to keep in mind the mission statement. He reported his current district has a budget of $200,000,000 and shared the budget information with the public to successfully pass an $80,000,000 bond issue. As a result of the bond issue, there were twenty-six projects running at one time. He used his human resources background to engage the community to understand and get them involved in their school community. He relied heavily on public forums where he listened to the public’s concerns as a whole and used that knowledge to allow his district to make good changes. Dr. Beeman reported he helped recruit, train and retain successful classroom teachers and employees in other areas. He brought all of the principals together to discuss ways to improve student achievement and worked on a K-12 plan that covered kindergarten students through the high school students. Dr. Beeman reported he would bring these types of experiences to Billings for successes and work with the Board on strategic planning.

 

Trustee Gesuale asked how he would deal with people to make big changes. Dr. Beeman stated it is his responsibility to make sure that everyone knows where the district is going. People have to know what their role is in reaching the destination. He has to give people an opportunity to lead and he must not be heavy handed. He stated he must also hold people accountable. Dr. Beeman reported he understands that there will be paid in changes and in order to make the changes, he has to listen to people also, especially the veterans. Trustee Gesuale asked Dr. Beeman about Board leadership. Dr. Beeman stated he and the Board must come together to form a strong governance program. It is essential that he gets to know the Board and its wishes for the district, how we see our respective roles, and how we portray those roles to the community. Trustee Gesuale asked, faced with changes, what the most difficult challenge is for a superintendent. Dr. Beeman felt it is important to be clear about the track the district is heading. They must work hard for the buy-in, in order to gain trust from the community. They must work closely with people from the start and explain why their part is important in order to reach the goals.

 

Trustee Bryan asked, given the governance team and the Board, what is important to focus on and what kind of data do you give them. Dr. Beeman stated it is critical for the Board to spend each meeting discussing student achievement. The Board has to look at programs to make sure the students have success. Districts have to make sure that each of the classrooms have a qualified teacher and that they are teaching the courses that they are suppose to teach according to their credentials. His reports to the Board would reassure it and the community that the district is meeting the students’ needs. He did not believe that teachers should be teaching the multiplication tables to early elementary students as international statistics show achievement rates are better when taught at higher grade levels so that students can concentrate on other math problems. Trustee Bryan asked how he evaluated administrative teams. Dr. Beeman reported, on an annual level, he charges them to work with him on educational goals in all areas. He benchmarks them and does not wait until the end of the year, but works with them quarterly. Dr. Beeman felt it is his responsibility to make sure that they reach their goals. Trustee Bryan asked Dr. Beeman about his financial management. Dr. Beeman reported he has worked in two districts that were taken over by the state. He first focused on payroll and discovered that deceased employees were still receiving wages. He also focused on services supplied and delivery of supplies and found that they were being paid when the services were not performed or supplies delivered. Dr. Beeman reported this district had taken out a loan for $20,000,000 which was paid back in three years. Districts have to make sure it has sound policies in place. The budget must support the district’s mission.

 

Trustee Guthals asked for the demographics of his current district. Dr. Beeman reported nineteen individuals report to him and he works directly with the principals, assistant principals which range from twenty to twenty-five people. Dr. Beeman reported he is very much involved in putting the budgets together of which 85-92% is spent on personnel. He stated he is very involved in the salaries, benefits and professional costs contained within the budget. Dr. Beeman reported there are 30,000 students in his current district. Trustee Guthals asked Dr. Beeman, as Billings is facing a severe deficit, what would he do to address the shortfall in the budgets and what changes would he make. Dr. Beeman felt one of the things to do first is to review the numbers with staff to determine where the shortages are and why there is a shortage. Nothing will be off limits but items must be looked at first that are away from the classroom as much as possible but they must also keep in mind that everything that is done, supports the classrooms in one way or another. Dr. Beeman reported they must also look at ways to be more efficient and more effective in what we are doing. That discussion must be held with employees and the community. All schools are unique and all students must be treated equally. Some schools may need more for programs, services, and personnel.

 

Trustee Guthals asked Dr. Beeman about his experiences in obtaining community approval for mill levies. Dr. Beeman reported, in the last twenty years, he has not worked in a school district that needed mill levies. He has gone out to the community to discuss other areas of funding, such as bonds, and felt it must be explained to the public why the money is necessary for the schools. Once the public sees how the funds will be used, trust is gained.

 

Trustee Bryan asked what personnel restructuring Dr. Beeman had conducted. He reported he has worked with the unions through the negotiating process to create a two-tier teaching schedule and gave an incentive to the lower paid teachers. He moved teachers on the salary schedule who were moved into an area that was hard to cover. He also looked at professional development and stopped development that was no longer covered by the strategic plan.

 

Trustee Gesuale asked how Dr. Beeman laid off a large group of tenured teachers. Dr. Beeman reported it was necessary last year to lay off 169 teachers that were probationary employees and non-tenured staff. He looked at different issues such as seniority and credentials to teach in other areas. Dr. Beeman stated the layoff plan had to be presented to an administrative law judge who ruled that the district did everything correctly and that it was lawful to lay off personnel. His district was able to call back some of the employees. This year, an additional 87 teachers will have to be laid off. Dr. Beeman reported he investigated a retirement incentive system which resulted in calling some teachers back. Trustee Gesuale asked how he worked with interschool summits outside of the school day. Dr. Beeman reported it takes a commitment of time and energy. The summit meets twice a month with the principals and he formed the principals into a professional learning community. Dr. Beeman refigured the schedules where students were released early one day so that teachers could work in the learning program with different staff for the feeder system. It took two years but they have feeder groups working together to help the students succeed. Hard data is not in yet but principals are interacting with other principals either on the phone or in person to ask for help.

 

Interview of Keith Meyer

 

Chair Goodrich stated the Board is impressed by Mr. Meyer’s longstanding success within the Helena School District but was concerned about his lack of experience as a superintendent. What has compelled you at this state in your career to seek the position of Superintendent of the Billings Public Schools. Trustee Goodrich asked him to convince the Board that he is the right choice for the Billings Public Schools. Mr. Meyer stated he has served as the assistant superintendent for the last five years where he has had many opportunities to help in the running of the district. He felt comfortable and excited about the community of Billings.

 

Trustee Stroebe asked how the district gets what it wants under these difficult economic times and keep what the community values most. Mr. Meyer stated it is done with dialogue and the district must set the direction for what is important for the district. He stated he is spending time this summer working with a group that has formed a subcommittee from administrators from each of the buildings that meet on a monthly basis to begin the education process and to listen to those people. Then with that information, the group will look at strategic planning but also involve each one of the leaders of the schools. Trustee Stroebe asked Mr. Meyer to explain his concerns regarding single member districts. Mr. Meyer believes that each school represents a neighborhood. He spent time at the Lockwood schools last month and was asked to attend meetings if he were superintendent to create communication as they are a feeder school system to the Billings Public Schools.

 

Trustee Bryan asked him to explain his leadership role. Mr. Meyer explained how his district opened up one of their closed schools due to the lack of space for special education students and created a learning center with Head Start. The gifted and talented program was also housed in this center. Mr. Meyer explained that he led the district through that process. It is very rewarding to see that learning center and the work being done. Another project was the “guest teachers”, or substitutes, as they were previously called. It was hard to find qualified people to serve as guest teachers but with the help of administrators, there has not been one classroom without a qualified teacher this year. Trustee Bryan asked how Mr. Meyer would have a strong leadership role for a better future instead of maintaining status quo. Mr. Meyer felt his district is stronger due to the leadership he has been able to give in personnel management, facilities, curriculum development, and day to day operations. He believes in looking at and researching the best ways to educate students and to provide what is needed in a fiscally sound way. Mr. Meyer stated he could look at making tough decisions. He reported he keeps the ship afloat and on an even keel. He works with principals on a daily basis and is on call every day. Mr. Meyer stated he fills in for the superintendent when needed and meets with parents.

 

Trustee Gesuale asked how he could bring the partners in the district through a process to negotiate what is best for students. Mr. Meyer stated he has extensive training in building consensus and taking groups through a consensus model. For individuals at the table, setting the community culture is important, and then it is easier for groups to bring forward their thoughts and beliefs. We first must have a model of delivery, look at the situation we are trying to manage, and look at where reductions would be. We also have to keep the state accreditation standards in mind when making reductions. When we look at priorities, we have to gain trust of each other. Trustee Gesuale stated this district is unpracticed in involving the community and how do we develop that. Mr. Meyer stated that this district put together a very active group of 16 parents from 16 schools that meet once a month with himself and the superintendent. They realize it is a place that they can bring their needs, issues, questions and sense of wanting to be part of the school district. It is a sound listening tool. He would want to create that type of meeting of stakeholders in Billings to listen to the strengths and weaknesses of the schools. These people feel that they could run for the Board as they have learned about the district and will have more knowledge. Trustee Gesuale asked how Mr. Meyer would assess staff and incorporate the forums with the unions. Mr. Meyer stated that any type of assessment has to start from the top. He would ask for feedback from staff and the community. If the superintendent is modeling that, it is easier to roll to the next level. The purpose is to increase student achievement.

 

Trustee Fox asked for an example of a situation Mr. Meyer faced where it could have resulted in animosity. Mr. Meyer stated that he felt he is an active listener. In his first year, he had to let the community know that two schools would have to be closed. He learned that you need to respect people’s opinions and continue to work with them and help them understand why the district needed to do this. Respect them and treat them with dignity. He has met with groups of parents for a year after the closing of the schools and did not leave them hanging. Trustee Fox asked how Mr. Meyer would remove a teacher who is not performing but tenured. Mr. Meyer reported an elementary teacher in his district was having difficulty. After many meetings, they came to an agreement that she needed to resign her position and move on in life outside the field of education. Trustee Fox stated she was impressed with Mr. Meyer’s involvement with the community and service groups. She asked him why that was important. Mr. Meyer stated that being in education, it is imperative and important to be involved in the community. He has been involved with the YMCA board and the Helena symphony. He would like to continue that connection in Billings.

 

Bob Vogel, MTSBA, reviewed reference calls on the candidates. Dr. Beeman, Mr. Meyer, and Dr. Rogers all received good reviews. Mr. Vogel did not conduct additional checks on Mr. Ely after the original checks.

 

Chairman Goodrich reported that a special Meeting will be held on April 5th to select a superintendent. At that time, the Trustees will debate each candidate, review the criteria, and measure the candidates. Trustee Fox stated she wanted to narrow the field tonight. Trustee Gesuale stated the Board needed to discuss these candidates and he was not willing to make any changes in the field. Trustee Bryan agreed stating the Board needed to discuss all of the candidates. Discussing all of the candidates would allow the community to know why the Board made its selection.

 

Trustee Fox felt the Board should being the ranking session tonight. Trustee Stroebe wanted time to review her notes before ranking the candidates. Mr. Vogel recommended a scoring system after reviewing the criteria with each candidate. He suggested each Trustee have five points to rank each candidate as they would like. Chairman Goodrich stated the Board would defer until April 5th to give them time to review all of the data.

 

Trustee Fox made the following motion:

 

Motion to remove Eric Ely from consideration.

 

The motion failed due to a lack of a second. Trustee Guthals stated that it is important for the Board to come to a consensus in the selection of a superintendent. Trustee Guthals asked Mr. Hudetz to email the Board the matrix with the criteria to be used in ranking the candidates.

 

As there was no future business, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

 

 

 

 

Malcolm Goodrich, Chair

 

 

Diane Blevins, Recorder