Marta McAllister Posted January 31, 2005 Report Share Posted January 31, 2005 Proceeding of the School/Community Committee Meeting District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Billings, Montana January 10, 2005 Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Michael Dimich. Members Present: Mike Dimich, Karen Moses, Carol Wicker, Gail Surwill, John Selvig, Bobbie Larson, Michael Burke, Laura Simonsen, Jennifer Howe, Lisa Posada, Tom Willis, Bill Selph, Mike Huges, Jay Kirk, Paul DeLorenzo, Stephanie Krueger, Greta Besch, and Jan McCandless. Jim Hartung, Sheryl Scheafer, and Don Ami were excused Communication from the Public: None Boys and Girls Club Report and Request for Approval: Jeril Hehn, Randy Morrison, Tim Janiak, and Mike Marnin presented the proposed plan to open the Boys and Girls Club at Castle Rock Middle School. The data they gathered revealed that the Heights is an underserved area in need of an after school program. They explained that they would like to see the program run year round. The time frame to begin depends on funding, possibly summer or fall of 2005. They feel a commitment from the School District would help the funding endeavor. There was discussion regarding: financial commitments required from the School District, transportation, impact to Castle Rock, liability, litigation, and contract issues. The Boys and Girls Club reassured the Committee the Club is sound, responsible, has legal and insurance representation, and plans longevity with the School District. It was moved and seconded to pass this recommendation of approval to the full Board of Trustees in support of the Boys and Girls Club at Castle Rock. Daylis Stadium: Dave Williams, Executive Director of Student Activities, presented the results of the public opinion poll about Daylis Stadium. Dave reported that more than 500 people responded to the online survey. The survey revealed that fifty-five percent favored moving Daylis Stadium. Forty-two percent wanted Daylis Stadium to stay where it is. No one was in favor of spending public money for the project. Dave explained that there are safety issues and liability issues that need to be addressed and fixed before next year’s football season. Laura Simonsen suggested that clarification be given to the public due to several comments on the survey regarding Artificial Turf (should the District decided on Artificial Turf). Committee members cautioned about the perception of the public regarding the District spending money on a stadium when there are so many educational needs. A motion was made and seconded to deal with the east side bleachers as economically as possible immediately with or without private funding to bring up to code for safety. Add artificial turf, and seek private funding for both this repair, artificial turf and possible future building. 2005 Montana School High School Association Proposals: Dave Williams, Executive Director of Student Activities, presented the 2005 Montana High School Association Proposals. Dave reported on the seven proposals Billings voted on. Billing’s MHSA members voted in favor of the following proposals: Clarify Membership Participation – By law change to prohibit people from starting their own teams separate from the school to compete at invitational tournaments Add Dual Enrollment Interpretation – Participants can not have dual enrollment. Billing’s MHSA members voted against the following proposals: Proposal to Increase Due Proposal 6, 7, & 8 – Pertaining to Participation for students below 9th grade Proposal to Require Adult Line Judges for Varsity Volleyball - Rationale is that they can not always find enough judges. Communication Plan Update: Nancy Hines, Communication Consultant reviewed Key Organization/Communication Issues and the Timeline for Communication Plan. As an example of communication difficulties members discussed concerns regarding the School Board or administrators being unaware of information before committee members or the superintendent announces information, etc. There was discussion regarding a need to train one person at every school to talk to the press about the “good stories” that are happening in the schools. Nancy discussed a possible recommendation from her work might be hiring a communication person and that a cost would be a consideration. Nancy reminded members of the quick turnaround regarding the January 28 and February 2 review and feedback on the webpage she has established. Legislative Update: Michael Dimich provided updated information regarding the Legislative session. Mike informed members that Superintendent Svee addressed Senator Ryan’s Committee, House Bill 152 in defining a definition for “Quality” as it relates to educational needs. Mike reported he was present to hear the discussion in Helena on the MREA and MQEC proposals. Dan Martin spoke on House Bill 111. Mike encouraged everyone to continue with help and support. He reminded members to follow the District’s proposed bills on the Billings Public School’s web-site. Mike explained that some bills are incorporated with similar bills throughout the state. Mike reported that the Senate is moving forward with education issues and the House is working on their own approach. Hiring Freeze Proposal from the Business Committee: Carol Wicker reviewed the Hiring Freeze Proposal. Thomas Harper was present to answer questions and explain the proposal. The Hiring Freeze Proposal was brought forward to help plan a budget for the coming year. There was discussion regarding grants that require FTE and mandated exceptions. A motion was made and seconded that we accept the Business Committee’s proposal with the amendment that people required in and funded by a grant be allowed to be hired and report of that be made to the Business Committee as soon as possible. 20-Year Facilities Planning Committee Report: There was discussion regarding the School Community Committee’s charge from the Board to be an oversight Committee to the 20-Year Facilities Planning Committee. There are concerns from the School Community Committee members regarding the 20-Year Facilities Planning Committee’s reluctance to share information and allow this Committee to have a dialogue for input. It was suggested that there is a sense that the 20-Year Facilities Planning Committee charge was to be independent from the Board with very little restrictions and they do not need to report to the School Community Committee, but to the public. Other concerns discussed were: that the Heights area is not represented on the 20-Year Facilities Planning Committee, educational philosophies of the School District are not being considered, the 20-Year Facilities Planning Committee is not adhering to District policy regarding Committee input, and information is being shared with the public without District knowledge or input. Mike Dimich explained that on the Board Agenda this month a discussion addressing the issue that there needs to be clarity concerning the 20-Year Facilities Planning Committee’s guidelines and regarding their reporting responsibilities and how they share their information with the School Community Committee. A motion was made and seconded expressing the belief that we are the Committee that selected them so they were a sub-committee of us, therefore, they should be reporting back to us and we would recommend to the Board or we would send them back out to the field saying this is not going to work and try again. We suggested they come back to the School Community Committee and tell the Committee where they are and how they got there. Old Business/Announcements/Handouts: None Minutes of the School/Community Committee Meeting: A motion was made and seconded to approve the January 10, 2004 minutes. The motion carried. The next scheduled meeting is February 14, 2004. The Committee members will meet in the Board Room located in the Lincoln Center, at 415 N 30th at 6:00 PM. ____________________________ ___________________________________ Mike Dimich, Chairperson Brenda Cross, Recorder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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