Diane Blevins Posted November 1, 2010 Report Share Posted November 1, 2010 Proceedings of the Board of Trustees District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Billings, Montana October 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, October 18, 2010, at 5:30 p.m. Members present included Trustees Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Joel Guthals, Connie Wardell, Barbara Bryan, Joyce Weber (arrive at 5:40), Lindy Graves, Teresa Stroebe (arrived at 5:35), Greta Besch Moen, District Clerk Leo Hudetz, and Superintendent Keith Beeman. Registered guests were Bridget Ekstrom, Lori Booke, and Connie Waggener. 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 Chair Bryan asked that the Retreat Minutes be removed from the Consent Agenda because they were not available yet. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Graves: Motion to approve the agenda as recommended by Chair Bryan. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. RECOGNITION AND GIFTS AND DONATIONS Terry Caekaert, Senior High’s Golf Coach, thanked the administrators, staff and golf professionals for the support of the golf program. In the past 22 years, Billings Public Schools has won 17 state championships; in the last 11 years, our schools have won 10 state championships; and our schools have won 7 in a row. The Board recognized the following state ‘AA’ golf champions: Colter Andren, Eirik Anderson, Trevin McNeil, Brandon Meyer, Blair Monson, and Coach Terry Caekaert. Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to accept the gifts and donations with gratitude. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, Joyce Weber, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. The following are the gifts and donations: Alkali Creek – Heights Eyecare, $630 for recycling Big Sky – EBMS, Inc., $630 for recycling Bitterroot – Tumbleweeds Program, coats for students Shiloh Methodist Church Women’s Group, classroom supplies Mr. and Mrs. Tavis Hoem, two cans of coffee for teachers’ lounge Wal-Mart Store #2923, candy for Saturday Live Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Maxwell, $25 McKinley – Paula Pasek, school supplies and books Miles Avenue – Dayle Hayes, Nutrition for the Future, Inc., $630 for recycling Friends of the Hobson Library/Museum, tickets to hay maze for 3rd graders Kent Ickes, painted SOAR logo on wall by office Aaron’s, school t-shirts for kindergarten students Target, Take Charge of Education, $426.98 Famous Dave’s, Rocky Mountain Ribs, Inc., free student meal coupons Wal-Mart, school supplies United Blood Services, school supplies Hope Church, three backpacks full of school supplies Newman – Mary Ann Miller, school supplies Curves and Curves West, school supplies, bottled water for staff Billings Lions Club, sweats and other clothing for students Carry Allen, State Farm Insurance Claims Office, school supplies St. Pius Church, school supplies Lisa Blohm, books and bookcase Diane and Jim Brawley, candy and gum for Saturday Live prizes Etta Burnham, winter hats and mittens Claudean Chapel, school supplies Collette Hogenson, misc. items for possible Christmas gift store for students Orchard – Simon Harper, Bubble Bath Car Washes, $630 for recycling Ponderosa – Wal-Mart, assembly for staff and students Shiloh Methodist Church Women, school supplies Washington – Mr. and Mrs. Panian, school supplies Bethlehem Lutheran Church, school supplies Marcia Rickman, school supplies St. Vincent Hospital Foundation, Washington School t-shirts for participants in “Heart and Sole Run” Lewis & Clark – Gary and Veronica Mavencamp, $100 Will James – Ben and Jan Valdez, $20 to soldiers’ fund Myrle Theimer, $25 to soldiers’ fund Col. Michael and Sally Morone, $40 to soldiers’ fund Paul and Cynthia Seyler, $20 to soldiers’ fund Scott and Becky Hatler, $15 to soldiers’ fund Kim and Elliot Bertrand, $25 to soldiers’ fund Gary and Angela George, $25 to soldiers’ fund Gary and Veronica Mavencamp, $100 in honor of Larry Fischer Brandy and Robert Strange, $50 for books Kris Cummings, The Kakatu Foundation, $3,600 grant for technology RECOGNITION OF ARTS WITHOUT BOUNDARIES Darrell Tunnicliff, President of Arts Without Boundaries, explained the role of Arts Without Boundaries. The program was formed to make sure every student who is interested in the arts has the opportunity to participate. The organization brings in guest artists/musicians to work with the students. On Monday evenings, students may go to West High for instruction at no charge to the student. Arts Without Boundaries also provides scholarships for high school students to work with the middle school students and college students work with high school students. The program also purchases instruments for the students to use. All of the money raised goes directly to the students in Billings Public Schools. Donated instruments are also accepted from the public. Rob Wells, Music Director, reported he has worked with Eckroth Music to provide the LINKS (Lonely Instruments for Needy Kids) program for the Billings students. Mr. Wells introduced Harmony Hoover as the new Orchestra Teacher at West High School who introduced students Geneva Copeland and Ryan Naegeli. Ryan reported he has played the violin for twelve years and has found the orchestra program at West High to be a very motivating program. He is planning on majoring in music during his higher education studies. Geneva reported she would not be the same person if it were not for the Billings Public Schools’ music program. She also plays piano and takes voice lessons. Both students played a work by Bach for the Trustees and the audience present. RECOGNITION OF ST. VINCENT HEALTHCARE Dave Williams, Activities Director, stated he started a program called AMP one year ago. The program not only addresses the athletes in our activities but it also includes an emergency response plan for all facilities. The Montana High School Association has recommended this program. Mr. Williams has worked closely with Dr. Ben Phipps and Kristin Fields from Sports Medicine Orthopedic Associates in the development of this program. Dr. Phipps addressed the Board to report that his organization has partnered with St. Vincent Hospital in the effort to provide a defibulator in all of the District’s buildings. The defibulators cost approximately $1,000 apiece. The first fifteen were purchased with the funds received from a grant and are now in the schools. Another large part of the plan is to train the teachers, administrators, and groups on CPR, first aid, and use of the machines donated by St. Vincent’s. Susie Barbero, St. Vincent Hospital, stated she represented over 2100 employees of St. Vincent’s Hospital who felt the grant funds should provide the machines for the schools. ADEQUATE YEARLY PROGRESS (AYP) PRESENTATION Dr. Beeman reported that the annual yearly progress (AYP) is measured at various grade levels. AYP is part of the NCLB (No Child Left Behind) program. Kathy Olson, Elementary Education Director, Scott Anderson, Secondary Education Director, and Gail Surwill, Curriculum Director, gave a brief presentation for those present on AYP for the Billings Public Schools. Students were tested in reading and mathematics in grades 3 thru 8 and sophomores using the Montana Comprehensive Assessment System. It is up to each state to provide its own measurement tool, under NCLB. If one subgroup fails, the entire school fails. Eleven of the Billings Public Schools made the AYP for 2010 of which four are Title I schools. Students in Title I schools have the choice to transfer to another public school that made AYP from a school that did not make AYP and the District is obligated to provide transportation as mandated by law. In order to make improvements to student scores, it takes the State, District, Billings, teachers, students and parent action. Three different math education pilots are being used in the high schools at this time. The quality of individual teachers has the greatest impact on student success. Mrs. Surwill reported that administration is looking at what is working in the schools that passed AYP and will replicate that in the schools who failed. Mr. Anderson stated six years ago this District was allowed to use the small schools testing rubric at which time this District excelled. The District can no longer use that rubric. PRESENTATION ON HOMELESS Susan Runkle, Homeless Coordinator, gave a presentation to the Board on the homeless students in Billings. She stated the District is currently meeting the needs of 200 homeless students from all over Billings in grades K-12. Since 2002 when the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act was reauthorized, students were not allowed to be at separate facilities but must be mainstreamed. During 2009/2010 school year, there were 450 students who were served by the homeless grant and Ms. Runkle expects that we will serve a similar number by the end of the current year. Ms. Runkle stated it is her duty to inform the students that they who are entitled to the same rights and privileges as their peers who are living in homes. They can not be denied access to any of the programs in our schools. BOND DECISIONS; RESOLUTION RELATING TO TAXABLE GENERAL OBLIGATION SCHOOL BUILDING BONDS, SERIES B QUALIFIED ZONE ACADEMY BONDS (FEDERALLY TAXABLE-DIRECT PAYMENT TO ISSUER); AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND PRIVATE NEGOTIATED SALE THEREOF Dr. Beeman reported both districts passed a series of bonds for $12,000,000 for meeting the needs of deferred maintenance on September 7, 2010. These resolutions would continue the process of issuing the bonds forward. Dr. Beeman asked the Board to authorize the District to continue in the process to sell the bonds. D. A. Davidson will work as financial advisors with bond counsel to determine the credibility of the bonds. Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Wardell: Motion to approve the Resolution Relating to Taxable General Obligation School Building Bonds, Series B Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (Federally Taxable-Direct Payment to Issuer); Authorizing the Issuance and Private negotiated Sale Thereof, as included in the packet. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Joyce Weber, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Trustees Guthals and Stroebe are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. RESOLUTION RELATING TO TAXABLE GENERAL OBLIGATION SCHOOL BUILDING BONDS, SERIES A QUALIFIED SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION BONDS (FEDERALLY TAXABLE-DIRECT PAYMENT TO ISSUER); AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND PRIVATE NEGOTIATED SALE THEREOF Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Weber: Motion to approve the Resolution Relating to Taxable General Obligation School Building Bonds, Series A, Qualified School Construction Bonds (Federally Taxable-Direct Payment to Issuer); Authorizing the Issuance and Private Negotiated Sale Thereof, as included in the packet. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Joyce Weber, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Trustees Guthals and Stroebe are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE HIGH SCHOOL TAXABLE GENERAL OBLIGATION SCHOOL BUILDING BONDS, QUALIFIED SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION BONDS (FEDERALLY TAXABLE-DIRECT PAYMENT TO ISSUER); AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND PRIVATE NEGOTIATED SALE THEREOF Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Stroebe: Motion to authorize the Resolution Relating to Taxable General Obligation School Building Bonds, Qualified School Construction Bonds (Federally Taxable-Direct Payment to Issuer); Authorizing the Issuance and Private Negotiated Sale Thereof, as included in the packet. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, Joyce Weber, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. ENGAGE BOND FINANCIAL ADVISOR Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Graves: Motion to approve a contract with D. A. Davidson & Company as Financial Advisor for current bond issues as. included in the packet. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, Joyce Weber, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. ENGAGE BOND COUNSEL Dorsey & Whitney LLP was the only respondent to the request for proposal for Bond Counsel to the District for its proposed bond issues. Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Weber: Motion to approve a contract with Dorsey & Whitney LLP as Bond Counsel for the current elementary bond issues as included in the packet. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Joyce Weber, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Trustees Guthals and Stroebe are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Stroebe: Motion to approve a contract with Dorsey & Whitney LLP as Bond Counsel for the current high school bond issues as included in the packet. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, Joyce Weber, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Dr. Beeman stated the Central Office Leadership Team (COLT) felt the two reports just given, AYP Report and the Homeless Report, were necessary to inform the Board and the public. The magazine ‘Simply Family’ recognized Highland’s counselor Tanya Kirschman for the Purple Hands Program at Highland that combats bullying. Steps are being taken to determine how the program can be strengthened in the city. Dr. Beeman reported he would share the progress with the Board at future meetings. Dr. Beeman stated he participated in the Walk to School Program recently. He also will schedule community forums in the future for parents and community members to receive their input regarding our schools. Changes are being made to the District’s website to include the Superintendent’s report for the public to read. Actions and accountability for the District will also be added to the website. Another area to be added is an area for interaction and suggestions to be made to staff members, including a section for staff to answer questions. Also included is a speaker’s forum request for staff members to go out into the community to make presentations. Also a school locater is on the web page where a specific address can be typed in and the elementary, middle and high schools that serve that address will appear. LEGISLATIVE SESSION; DISCUSSION OF LEGISLATIVE ISSUES; ESTABLISH LEGISLATIVE AD HOC COMMITTEE Chair Bryan reported that the Montana High School Boards Association (MTSBA) approved recommendations for letislation to be presented to the next legislative session. She also suggested an Ad Hoc Committee be established and asked if any Trustees wished to volunteer. Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to create an Ad Hoc Legislative Committee for the 2011 Legislative Session and authorize the Ad Hoc Committee to monitor bills, to provide testimony during legislative hearings and to make decisions on whether to support or oppose bills affecting Billings Public Schools . Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, Joyce Weber, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Wardell agreed to serve as the chair with Trustees Stroebe, Aragon and Besch Moen volunteering to serve on the committee. Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Wardell: Motion to appoint Trustees Wardell as chair and Trustees Stroebe, Aragon, and Besch Moen to serve on the Ad Hoc Legislative Committee. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, Joyce Weber, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Guthals stated, in the past, the Ad Hoc Committee would receive instruction from the Board and would know the Board’s wishes but the committee did not take it upon itself to take a position of support or opposition on a particular bill. He urged the members to be mindful of the open meeting laws. Also, at a future meeting, two registered lobbyists for the District should be approved to support the District. Trustee Wardell stated a meeting with legislative members needs to be set up following the election on November 2nd. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to reconsider the motion establishing an ad hoc legislative committee. Those voting in favor of the motion to reconsiderwere Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, Joyce Weber, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Wardell: Motion to establish an Ad Hoc Legislative Committee for the 2011 Legislative Session, and to authorize the committee to monitor bills related to education during the legislative session, to provide testimony during legislative hearings, to make the Board’s decisions on bills known, and to propose to the Board the introduction of legislative bills. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, Joyce Weber, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT Trustee Aragon reported the Planning and Development (P&D) Committee has one more meeting before finalizing the demographics report. The report is being presented to the Board for information only. The P&D Committee has met over the past six months to compile and revise the information. It is important to have good demographic data as the Board moves forward in planning for the District. Future meetings of the P&D Committee will be held with city personnel. Trustee Stroebe stated the Lockwood information is not correct in several areas. Trustee Aragon stated she would look into that area of the report. P&D members will review the final report and approve it before it comes before the Board for approval. The report will also be posted on the District website so that the public can comment on it before it is approved by the Board. UPDATE ON MONTANA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION (MTSBA) Chair Bryan reported two ‘AA’ Caucus meetings have been held via VisionNet. ‘AA’ superintendents met last Thursday and another meeting will be held on October 25th to discuss the Governor’s position on education on the next biennium state budget. A meeting of the ‘AA’ caucus will be held at the upcoming Montana Conference of Education Leaders (MCEL). Also, in conjunction with the MCEL conference, a tour will be held at the Career Center with administrators and staff from the outlying areas invited to attend. Trustee Wardell suggesting having Joe Barbero give a presentation during that meeting. Trustee Stroebe said she will represent Billings on the MTSBA board after October as Peter Gesuale’s role will end. CONSENT AGENDA Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Weber: 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, Joyce Weber, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Items contained in the Consent Agenda are as follows: Bills Paid – September 2010 Financial Reports – First Quarter Monthly Legal Report Personnel Report Regular Board Meeting Minutes, September 27, 2010 Approve Members of Energy & Environmental Innovations Committee for 2010-11 Approval of Retreat to be Held in a Non-District Owned Facility Resolution-Intent to Dispose of District Personal Property Addition of Rachel’s Challenge Trust Fund Account at Will James Addition of Library Trust Fund Account at Eagle Cliffs Addition of Trust Accounts for BPEF 2010 Classroom Grant Recipients As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Barbara Bryan, Chair Diane Blevins, Recorder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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