Diane Blevins Posted October 13, 2010 Report Share Posted October 13, 2010 Proceedings of the Board of Trustees District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Billings, Montana September 27, 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, September 27, 2010, at 12:00 p.m. Members present included Trustees Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Joel Guthals, Connie Wardell, Barbara Bryan, Joyce Weber (via phone), Lindy Graves, Teresa Stroebe, and Superintendent Keith Beeman. District Clerk Leo Hudetz was excused. Registered guests were Kim Hash, Ryan Hash, Sarah Hash, Hillary Harris, Jeff Nedens, Julia Nedens, Loreann Oliver, Sheryl Smart, Joe Sukut, Larry Newell, David Creger, Mike Caskey, Jack Conner, Dan Jewell, Lynn DeMeyer, Chuck DeMeyer, Linda Meyer, Lind Bakken, Carol Forney, and Stan Barr. 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. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Weber: Motion to approve the agenda. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, Connie Wardell, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. RECOGNITION AND GIFTS AND DONATIONS The Board recognized Norene Peterson, an Adult Education instructor, who earned her Certificate for a manager in Program Improvement. The Board also recognized the following state ‘AA’ Championship teams -- Senior High’s 2010 State ‘AA’ Girls’ Track Champions Alexa Aragon Danielle Aragon Krista Costa Jordan Dreessen Brianna Eaton Andrea Emmett Auralea Fain Emma Fulton Brittnee Grimstad Kyla Jewell Chloe Kanning Kathryn Newman Katie Oliver Coach David Creger Skyview High’s 2010 State ‘AA’ Boys’ Track Champions Landon Polkow Lewis Polkow Gage Pickering Mike Nguyen Josh Conner Levi Frickle Thomas Neale Dustin Sandbak Dylan Dean Robert Peterson Coach Larry Newell West High’s 2010 State ‘AA’ Softball Champions Alison Jordon Lysbeth Ackerman Jessyka MacDonald Kassidy Rauch Devan Dennehy Keela Nedens Amanda Dunlap Sarah Nash Kim Adelblue Taylor Huebner Caryn Perrigo Molly Porter Nicole Storud Mariah Garza Becca DeMeyer Manager Jonathon Stone Coach Ed Kriskovich Jessyka MacDonald was also recognized as the Gatorade Player of the Year in Softball for Montana Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Weber: Motion to accept the gifts and donations with gratitude. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, Connie Wardell, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. The following are the gifts and donations: Arrowhead -- Dr. Kerstin Beijer, $250 Mr. and Mrs. Carl Jahr, $300 Michelle Anderson, $36 Mary Beth Krogh, $30 Beartooth -- Michelle Carlson, school supplies and backpacks Bench -- Target, Take Charge of Education, $257.50 Boulder -- Eric, Linda, and Calvin Bjorgum, payroll pledge from Wells Fargo Jeff Redding, payroll pledge from Wells Fargo Broadwater -- St. Pius X Church, school supplies Ortho Montana, school supplies United Blood Services, school supplies Wal-Mart, school supplies Evangelical United Methodist Church, school supplies, clothes, money Central Heights -- Little Horn State Bank, $630 for recycling program Eagle Cliffs -- Mr. and Mrs. Chris Brink, contributions through Wells Fargo matching program Mr. and Mrs. Art Brownell, school supplies and treats for staff Highland -- Pam Dimich and 6th Grade Parents, Smartboard, extenda lab, projector, desktop computer teacher Station, 2 flat screen monitors Anonymous, $150/month to Thomas Books in honor of Ms. Leonie Merrick Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic, $630 for recycling program McKinley -- Red Oxx Manufacturing, Inc, school supplies Western Area Power Admin. Employees Assoc., school supplies St. Pius Christian Service Commission, school supplies Rib & Chop House, school supplies Beartooth Chapter Harley Owners Group, school supplies PTA, $630 to fund recycling Verizon Wireless, school supplies Billings Clinic, Radiology and Oncology, school supplies Miles Avenue -- Christian Service Committee, St. Pius Catholic Church, supplies Newman -- Don Bergeron, CTA Architects Engineers $630 for recycling program Ponderosa -- Mr. and Mrs. Jim Ray, school supplies Grace United Methodist Church, school supplies Ann and Joel Guthals, $210 for recycling program Ellen Knight, $210 for recycling program Guthals, Hunnes & Reuss, P. C., $210 for recycling program Mr. and Mrs. Allen Karell, clothing, school supplies Barbara Harmon, socks, underwear and crayons Mr. and Mrs. Scott Mullen, school supplies Washington -- Tom Dimich, Pepsi-Cola Bottling, $630 for recycling program Lewis & Clark - Wells Fargo Employees, school supplies RESOLUTION OF APPOINTMENT -- POSITION OF ELEMENTARY/HIGH SCHOOL TRUSTEE OF SINGLE MEMBER DISTRICT 3 Trustee Aragon made the following resolution with a second by Trustee Wardell: Motion appointing Greta Besch Moen as Trustee for single Member District 3, effective September 27, 2010. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, Connie Wardell, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE TO ELEMENTARY/HIGH SCHOOL TRUSTEE OF SINGLE MEMBER DISTRICT NO. 3 Chair Bryan administered the oath of office to Greta Besch Moen for Single Member District No. 3. RENOVATE TO EDUCATE Bruce MacIntyre, Billings Chamber of Commerce and Renovate to Educate Committee, reported the recent mill election was overwhelmingly successful. He thanked Superintendent Beeman and Chair Bryan for their hard work in addressing various groups throughout the city in support of the mill levies. A number of businesses put signs up in their windows or on their marquees to promote the passage of the levies. There were 62% yes votes which Mr. MacIntyre felt was unheard of. It was an email campaign as funds were limited to promote the election. Mr. MacIntyre reported the levies passed in every precinct. Chair Bryan thanked the public for supporting the bonds and also thanked staff members for their hard work. Trustee Wardell thanked Chair Bryan for her tireless work to pass the bonds. Trustee Aragon thanked Chair Bryan, Superintendent Beeman, and Bruce MacIntyre for their work on developing the fact sheets on the bond measures. BOND ELECTION: CANVASS AND CERTIFICATE OF HIGH SCHOOL BOND ELECTION BY MAIL BALLOT ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2010 Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Stroebe: Motion to approve the Official Canvass of Votes of the High School Bond Election by Mail Ballot on September 7, 2010 and approve the Certificate of High School Bond Election by Mail Ballot on September 7, 2010. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, Connie Wardell, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. The following is a record of the votes: For High School Bonds 18,536 Against High School Bonds 11,743 CANVASS AND CERTIFICATE OF ELEMENTARY BOND ELECTION BY MAIL BALLOT ON SEPTEMBER 7 2010 Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Weber: Motion to approve the Official Canvass of Votes of the Elementary Bond Election by Mail Ballot on September 7, 2010 and approve the Certificate of Elementary Bond Election by Mail Ballot on September 7, 2010 Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, Connie Wardell, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. The following is a record of the vote: For Elementary Bonds 16,207 Against Elementary Bonds 9,637 BOND FINANCING Superintendent Beeman reported, as part of the passing of the bonds, was the promise to get the information and an update out to the public, as well as how the money will be spent. Bridget Ekstrom, D. A. Davidson Companies, stated there were only 15 of the 430 Montana schools who received these QSCB and QZAB bonds which were part of the stimulus act. The District must enter into binding commitments with third parties within six months of closing, which is June 29, 2011. 100% of the bond proceeds and earnings must be spent before the closing date of December 29, 2013 or the District must pay down the bonds. Building funds will be created from each of the bonds which are as follows: $200,000 or 10% of the $2,000,000 Elementary QZAB $242,000 or 10% of the $2,420,000 Elementary QSCB $758,000 or 10% of the $7,580,000 High School QSCB Ms. Ekstrom stated, if there are any funds left by the end of the three-year period, those funds must be used to pay down the bonds. The bond market conditions are currently favorable and there is increasing probability of locking rates at or under the tax credit rate. This means there would be no interest cost to the District’s taxpayers. Ms. Ekstrom recommended issuing the bonds sooner rather than later due to the interest rates and passing a resolution for the sale of those bonds. Trustee Guthals suggested forming a Board committee to handle issues that may come up as a result of the bonds in a future meeting. COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS REAUTHORIZATION Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Wardell: Motion to approve the committee chairs and member assignments through the end of 2010-11 school year, as listed in the agenda packet. Trustee Guthals stated some of the committee members will be approved through the end of this year. The Energy & Environmental Innovation Committee (EEIC) does not have a full membership at this time. Members will be polled to determine if they would like to continue service on the EEIC. Trustee Guthals reported he received a letter requesting a position on the Budgeting for Results (BFR) Committee for a member of the Montana Public Employees Association (MPEA). Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, Connie Wardell, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. The EEIC members will be on the next agenda for approval. HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT PRESENTATION Trustee Aragon introduced Hilary Harris from the Riverstone Health Department. Ms. Harris gave a brief presentation on the Health Impact Assessment which encompassed the District. There are no regulatory issues in the assessment which addresses projects, policies and programs. In the past, Riverstone Health has worked with the City to consider health in planning projects, as well as building sites. She felt the Board members should consider health in all of their decisions. Riverstone Health believes changing society impacts and benefits health issues. Ms. Harris would like to conduct two impact health studies a year with the idea that it would be another tool for decision making. There is no cost to the District for these studies. Information from the studies will be posted on the District’s website. HIGH SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY PLAN – PRESENTATION Superintendent Beeman reported the high school technology plan is for each high school through the 2011 school year. Karen Palmer, Technology Director, reviewed the high school technology plan for those present. Her staff identified getting the high school classrooms up to date into the 21st century learning. The objectives carried over from the February 2009 plan are to increase student learning opportunities, professional development, and improve access to current technology. Funds are being expended on computer labs, digital microscopes, mobile labs, increasing bandwidth, instant response systems, interactive whiteboards, document readers and projectors, communication improvements, infrastructure and support. Ms. Palmer reported providing the students’ security and safety is very important when they are online. A new position is also required for a network engineer which would be an on-going position. Positive impacts will also be felt by the elementary schools also. Trustee Guthals asked if the decisions had been made or for Board approval. Ms. Palmer replied the information is being presented as an informational piece only and some of the items have been completed already. Others will be ready to go soon. The general fund will not supply funds for the job position but will be covered by the technology levy. Ms. Palmer further reported she did not expect to see a large impact on the power costs in implementing the plan. Trustee Guthals suggested Dr. Beeman work with the high schools to develop a three-year plan that would be an efficient and equitable use of the funds. The next report from the technology department will be the summer of 2011. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Dr. Beeman reported he experienced a very successful opening of schools for the 2010-11 school year. He expects enrollment figures to remain the same as last year. The storm on September 14th carried lightening that struck both West High and Highland Elementary. A bomb threat occurred at Castle Rock. Dr. Beeman commended the staff and police department for their work during the threat. Senior High is experiencing sinkholes in their courtyard due to the rupture of storm and sewer pipes. Work is being done during the evening and weekend hours in order not to disrupt students’ learning. Dr. Beeman stated Arrowhead is being repainted. The Career Center has been recognized for their Jobs for Graduates program. He further reported that Deb Neiss, Counselor, has authored a children’s book on anti-bullying with illustrations being done by Jen Molnar, a District teacher. Superintendent Beeman stated the Skyview tennis courts are being redone using a plastic product at a cost of $36,000 instead of the cost of resurfacing at $200,000 to $250,000. Will James Science students have taken first place in engineering at the national level. Dr. Beeman reported he has had many opportunities to speak to the public in various community settings since he began on July 1st. UPDATE ON MONTANA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION AND WHEELER CENTER CONFERENCE Trustee Wardell stated the Montana School Board Association (MTSBA) has had several VisionNet sessions where the ‘AA’ caucus has developed a common statement on the needs of the ‘AA’ schools. The group is planning to speak to the governor before the budget talks begin at the state level. Trustee Kemp reported the Wheeler Conference showed the technology that could be used now in the classrooms to help education in the 21st century. Trustee Stroebe stated the conference did not talk about where the money would come from for the technology. She further stated money from the state for the general fund was also not discussed. Chair Bryan reported the next ‘AA’ Caucus meeting is on Monday, October 4th at 12:00 noon. Trustee Moen reported two members of MTSBA gave a presentation in Columbus, Montana on what will be put forth for the next legislative session. BUDGETING FOR RESULTS COMMITTEE REPORT Trustee Guthals reported the BFR committee met on September 13th and the members reaffirmed their willingness to continue to serve on the committee. The committee recommended the bills paid for Board approval, discussed and reviewed the financial reports, including the explanation why items are in excess of 16% complete in the budget which is due to the timing as to when funds are expended. Trustee Guthals further reported the health insurance report shows the fund is within $1,000 of breaking even. He will meet with Dr. Beeman and Thomas Harper, financial officer, to bring in department heads to the BFR meetings and present analysis and presentations as to how departments can cut their expenditures. The departments would be given benchmarks by the committees. BILLS PAID – AUGUST 2010 Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Wardell: Motion to approve the bills paid for August 2010 in the amount of $5,634,971.54. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, Connie Wardell, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. The following are the bills paid: Claims $2,705,939.22 ACH Tax Deposits 340,148.31 Payroll Warrants & Direct Deposits 1,135,023.13 Procurement Card 281,130.95 EBMS ACH Payments 1,090,139.07 ECI Building Rental 3,628.25 INTERCAP Loan 78,962.61 Network Infrastructure & Vehicle Purchases TOTAL $5,634,971.54 FINANCIAL REPORTS – AUGUST 2010 (UNAUDITED) The following financial reports were received for August 2010 for review only: CS101 Account Expenditure by Fund CS102 Account Receipts by Fund MONTHLY LEGAL REPORT Chair Bryan reported there was nothing new on the legal report. PERSONNEL REPORT There was nothing unusual contained in the personnel report. Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to approve the personnel report including the Superintendent’s current employment recommendations. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, Connie Wardell, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. CONSENT AGENDA Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to approve and accept the items within the Consent Agenda without objection to recommended action. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, Connie Wardell, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. Items contained within the Consent Agenda are as follows: Regular Board Meeting Minutes, August 16, 2010 Special Board Meeting Minutes, August 9, 2010 Policy Review Committee Minutes, July 27, 2010 Budgeting for Results Committee Minutes, July 12, 2010 Planning and Development Committee Minutes, June 7, 2010 Audit Committee Minutes, December 4, 2009 Procedure 7320-P1 Expense Authorization Reimbursement Procedure 7320-P3 and Form 7320-F1: Guidelines for Independent Contractor Agreement Policy 1111 Elections – Third Reading Policy 1400 Board Meetings – Third Reading Policy 1512 Trustee Conflict of Interest – Third Reading Policy 2050 Enrollment over 19 Years of Age – Third Reading Policy 7510 Fixed Assets – Third Reading Procedure 7510-P1, Forms 7510-F1, 7510-F2: Fixed Assets Policy 8410 Records Management – Third Reading Revised Audit Committee Charter Approval of Retreat to be Held in a Non-District Owned Facility Approve School Bus Funs FY2010-2011 Trustees’ Financial Summary FY2009-10 Addition of Library ECA Fund Account at Newman Elementary Addition of World of Work ECA Fund Account at West High Addition of School Store ECA Fund Account at Bench Elementary Trustee Wardell reported she attended the open house at the Career Center and suggested a Board field trip be taken to the facility in the future. Trustee Guthals suggested elementary Trustees visit the high schools also. As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Barbara Bryan, Chair Diane Blevins, Recorder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.