coen Posted March 17, 2011 Report Share Posted March 17, 2011 Proceedings of the Board of Trustees District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Billings, Montana February 21, 2011 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, February 21, 2011, at 5:30 p.m. Members present included Trustees Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Joel Guthals, Barbara Bryan, Greta Besch Moen, Lindy Graves, Teresa Stroebe, and District Clerk Leo Hudetz. Trustee Connie Wardell and Superintendent Keith Beeman were in Helena. Trustee Joyce Weber was excused. Registered guests included Brian Murphy, Jeff Arbizzani, Thomas Potter, Larry Fritz, Nathan Fritz, Susan Smith, Carol Highland-Fritz, Nick Duncan, Marilee Duncan, Dan Rieland, Heather Rieland, Mariel Rieland, Ieva Bailey, Barbara McLaws, Jim Graff, Louise Graff, Linda Leligdowicz, and Marian Leligdowicz. 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. Susan Smith, Safe Community/Safe Kids, urged the Board to support the bill to repeal medical marijuana. She reported she has spoken to deans, principals, and School Resource Officers who believe marijuana use has increased for more students. More support has been gained across the state to repeal medical marijuana. Ms. Smith stated she was misinformed that the District had supported the Billings Area Community Policy. Chair Bryan clarified the District had only approved the education portion of the community policy. Barbara McLaws, a parent, agreed with the issue and asked the Board to support the repeal of medical marijuana. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Bryan reported the agenda would be conducted as is but a portion of the meeting would be conducted tomorrow evening as the Superintendent and Trustee Wardell were in Helena testifying before the legislators. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to approve the agenda. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, and Teresa Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. RECOGNITION AND GIFTS AND DONATIONS The Board recognized the following US Presidential Scholars Program candidates as introduced by Principals Dave Cobb, Dennis Holmes, and Bob Whalen: Senior -- Nicholas Duncan and Alice Stears Skyview -- Aleksandra Abrahamowicz and Mariel Rieland West -- Krista Bailey, Nathan Fritz, and Ryan Marcotte Jeff Arbizzani and Tom Potter, Wells Fargo Bank officers presented the District with a check for $19,487 earned through the Pcard program for the District. Mr. Arbizzani stated the money was earned through sustainability, efficiency and earnings by District staff. Trustee Guthals 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, and Teresa Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. The following are the gifts and donations: Arrowhead -- Steven Fischer, $200 Beartooth -- Wal-Mart, $250 to help fund project to increase school attendance Bench -- Pam Malek, ExxonMobil, $3,000 Broadwater -- Susan Clark, coats for students Mike and Pam Alvord, $50 in honor of Sharon Sauther Rotary Club of Billings #999, dictionaries for third graders GFWC Billings Junior Women’s Club, clothing Eagle Cliffs -- ExxonMobil Foundation, donations through volunteer program Vicki Kincy, donations through volunteer program Miles Avenue -- Mr. and Mrs. Zeier, beautiful coats Ponderosa -- KOA, prizes for cakewalk carnival Wal-Mart, gift certificate for student clothing Kay Grayson, money for t-shirts for Rachel’s Challenge Project Rotary Club of Billings #999, dictionaries for third graders Will James -- Ceily and Richard Whitman, items valued at $50 to soldiers’ fund Joni and Tyler Blood, items valued at $75 to soldiers’ fund Sharon Steppler, items valued at $20 to the soldiers’ fund Ralph Spence, Jr., items valued at $500 to the soldiers’ fund R. B. King, items valued at $25 to the soldiers’ fund Monty and Dona Cranston, items valued at $20 to the soldiers’ fund Patricia Emerson, items valued at $30 to the soldiers’ fund Phyllis and Ron Lewallen, items valued at $25 to soldiers’ fund Brenda and Ron Wyatt, items valued at $20 to soldiers’ fund Faith Chapel, items valued at $50 to soldiers’ fund LEGISLATIVE AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORT Trustee Besch Moen reported the legislative committee continues to meet weekly along with other AA districts in the state through VisionNet every two weeks. Members attended a reception in Helena with area legislators. There was no opposition to the District’s transportation bill, SB177 but the legislators tabled the bill. SB388, the administrators’ tenure bill, is moving quickly and the vote will be taken tonight. Senator Kim Gillan’s bill on anti-bullying, SB171, has been supported by Montana School Board Association (MTSBA) which has added amendments but the School Administrators of Montana have opposed the bill. Trustee Besch Moen added the medical marijuana issue will be discussed at the next legislative committee meeting. MTSBA will give an update on educational bills at the VisionNet sessions. Clerk Hudetz will put the information on the District’s website. Schools are currently in a holding pattern for funding. The AA day of Advocacy has been scheduled for March 4th in Helena. Trustee Stroebe reported Senator Jones’ bill for equalization will drop 55 mills, but 90% of businesses would have a tax break. Basic entitlement should be increased but if the 55 mills are not funded there would be no equity. As it stands now, the District would see only 10% of the oil/gas revenues which is not enough. Trustee Stroebe felt basic entitlement should be placed in with ANB which would be better for AA schools. Trustee Guthals reported he has repeatedly made legislators aware of the inequity for AA schools but nothing is done. He suggested the legislators address these inequities that are visited upon the students in this District instead of trying to pass frivolous bills such as adopting the “Code of the West.” PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT Trustee Aragon reported there was no quorum at the last Planning and Development Committee due to a winter storm. The next meeting is scheduled for March to approve The Demographic Study. DESIGN CONTRACT FOR SENIOR HIGH 2011/2012 MECHANICAL REVITALIZATION Rich Whitney, Facilities Director, reported this item is a follow-up of the Board meeting held on January 28th. As this is a high dollar amount, it requires Board approval. He recommended Con’eer to design the project. The project is the work to be done this summer prior to the larger amount of work to be completed in 2012. Asbestos abatement, ceiling demolition in the hallways at Senior, and installation of a new hot water boiler are parts of this portion of the project. The 1939 boiler would then be used for a backup system. Trustee Stroebe asked if the leak by the gym was being addressed. Mr. Whitney reported it is not being addressed in this project. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to award the design contract for the Senior High 2011/2012 Mechanical Revitalization to Con’eer Engineering for $189,900. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, and Teresa Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. WIDE AREA NETWORK CONTRACT WITH BRESNAN Karen Palmer, Technology Director, stated the wide area network consists of the telephone network, access to the web, and fiber optics between buildings. A request for proposal process was followed and it was determined that Bresnan should receive the contract which would be a continuation of the contract as they have been the supplier the past five years. E-rate funds are based on low income school lunch program numbers with the funds going toward libraries and schools .Last year the District received a 55% decrease on the telephone bill under the e-rate program. The amount of $108,300 for the proposed contract is less due to the closure of Rimrock Elementary and the extra bandwidth was not needed. The contract has been reviewed by legal counsel. Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Guthals: Motion to approve the 60-month Wide Area Network contract with Bresnan Communications for the $108,300 annual cost after the E-rate discount. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, and Teresa Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. LABOR CONTRACT NEGOTIATING TEAMS Chair Bryan reported the Superintendent is seeking authorization from the Board to appoint negotiating teams. Negotiation sessions would take place after the legislative session ends. It was believed that members of the Board will not be included on the teams. It was suggested the issue be tabled until tomorrow evening. Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Guthals: Motion to table the issue of Labor Contract Negotiating Teams. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, and Teresa Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. TRUSTEE ELECTIONS Chair Bryan reported four seats on the Board are up for election this May: Elementary/High School District #1; Elementary/High School District #2; Elementary/High School District #3; and, High School District B. Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kemp: Motion to approve the resolution calling for a High School/Elementary Trustee Mail Ballot Election by single member district to be held on May 3, 2011. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, and Travis Kemp. The motion passed unanimously. Trustees Guthals and Stroebe are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. The following is the resolution: WHEREAS the trustees of any district shall have the authority under the provisions of section 20-20-201, MCA, to call for a school election and; WHEREAS an election of trustees shall be conducted annually on the regular school election day, the first Tuesday after the first Monday of May. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the trustees of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, call for a mail ballot election of the registered electors of the district to be held on the 3rd day of May, 2011, for the purpose of electing three (3) high school /elementary trustees by single-member district. One trustee shall be elected from each of the single member districts numbered one (1), and two (2); and, each position shall be for a three-year term. One trustee shall be shall be elected from single member district number three (3); and, this position shall be for a two-year term. If it is later determined that any portion of the election is not required, the Board of Trustees authorizes the Yellowstone County Election Administrator to cancel that portion of the election in accordance with 13-1-304 and 20-3-313, MCA. The elector shall return the ballot by mail or deliver it to a place of deposit designated by the Yellowstone County Election Administrator so the ballot is received prior to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kemp: Motion to adopt the resolution calling for a High School trustee Mail Ballot Election (Nominating District B) to be held on May 3, 2011. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, and Teresa Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. The following is the resolution: WHEREAS the trustees of any district shall have the authority under the provisions of section 20-20-201, MCA, to call for a school election and; WHEREAS an election of trustees shall be conducted annually on the regular school election day, the first Tuesday after the first Monday of May. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the trustees of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, call for a mail ballot election of the registered electors of the district to be held on the 3rd day of May, 2011, for the purpose of electing one (1) high school trustee (of Nominating District B). The position shall be for a three-year term. If it is later determined that any portion of the election is not required, the Board of Trustees authorizes the Yellowstone County Election Administrator to cancel that portion of the election in accordance with 13-1-304 and 20-3-313, MCA. The elector shall return the ballot by mail or deliver it to a place of deposit designated by the Yellowstone County Election Administrator so the ballot is received prior to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. 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, and Teresa Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. Items approved within the Consent Agenda are as follows: Personnel Report Monthly Legal Report Bills Paid -- January 2011 Financial Reports -- January 2011 Regular Board Meeting Minutes, January 17, 2011 Special Board Meeting Minutes, January 28, 2011 Policy Review Committee Minutes, November 9, 2010 Addition of Wellness Trustee Fund Account at the Lincoln Center As there was no further business, the meeting recessed at 6:40 p.m. to resume February 22nd at 5:30 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 5:30 p.m. on February 22, 2011. Members present included Trustees Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Joel Guthals, Barbara Bryan, Greta Besch Moen, Lindy Graves, Connie Wardell, Teresa Stroebe, Superintendent Keith Beeman, and District Clerk Leo Hudetz. Trustee Joyce Weber was excused. Registered guests included Pam Christianson, Darcy Dahle, David Lewis, Steve Zabawa, Ross Waples, and Marjorie Flynn. 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. Pam Christianson addressed the Board on the no closed meeting bill and freshmen academies. She asked that Board members take into consideration plans moving forward on the freshmen academies. Ms. Christianson asked the Board to ask for public comment on freshmen academies and negotiating teams. She further requested the Board support the repeal of medical marijuana. David Lewis, Lauren Needham, Jacob Needham, and Steven Zabawa all urged the Board to support the repeal of medical marijuana. LABOR CONTRACT NEGOTIATING TEAMS Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to remove the labor contract negotiating teams from the table. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Superintendent Beeman stated he was seeking authorization from the Board to appoint negotiating teams for the Billings Education Association, Montana Public Employees Association, and the Billings Classified Education Association. At the Board retreat, Board members decided not to participate in the negotiations. Dr. Beeman reported he would include administrators and legal counsel on the teams. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kemp: Motion to authorize the Superintendent to appoint negotiating teams and to begin planning for collective bargaining negotiations for successor agreements between the Billings Public Schools and the following representative bargaining units: Billings Education Association, Billings Classified Employees Association, and Montana Public Employees Association. Dr. Beeman reported he would select a core team but might ask others to step in, if needed. The teams will be comprised of principals from both districts, human resources personnel, facilities personnel, and business community persons. Trustee Kemp asked what the cost would be. Dr. Beeman stated there would be no additional cost for using district employees since it would be part of their daily wage. There would be a cost associated to it if legal counsel or outside consultants were used. The cap would be set at $50,000 without approval from the Board. Trustee Wardell asked if Board members could sit in on the negotiations. Dr. Beeman stated he has reservations about allowing that but it was up to the Board to decide. He will bring the team names to the Board at the March meeting. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Dr. Beeman stated he, as well as Trustees Bryan, Wardell, and Stroebe, participated in the AA caucus at the legislative session in Helena to discuss additional funding. On March 14th, MTSBA and SAM will sponsor a Day of Advocacy in Helena to discuss additional issues. Dr. Beeman reported the Career Center has been recognized for the JMG (Jobs for Montana Graduates) Program. Washington Elementary has received Energy Star recognition. Gail Surwill and Angel Zickefoose will present on Thursday in Helena in a math and science forum which focuses on our students’ strengths. There are two other teams that are negotiated with: contract support and administrators. Dr. Beeman reported their handbooks will be reviewed. Dr. Beeman stated all non-tenured teachers will be evaluated by March 15. Their first evaluations were completed by January 15th. Principals will make recommendations for teachers to be tenured who will be recognized at a future Board meeting. Dr. Beeman will make sure all administrators are evaluated this year by March 15th and all others by May 15th. He will also reorganize the central office staff into three separate divisions. An Assistant Superintendent will also be hired which will be cost effective and will cut the costs in half for administration at the Lincoln Center. Three elementary schools will have principal vacancies due to retirements. Input will be sought from staff and parents. Dr. Beeman expressed sympathy to the families who lost children in the last two weeks. Trustee Guthals reported thirty teachers will retire and asked about retirement savings. Dr. Beeman stated there is an increase in elementary enrollments so we may have to hire some elementary teachers and will contact state universities to recruit. In the high schools, enrollments are declining so no new teacher positions will have to be created. Vacancy savings will be positive fiscally at approximately $200,000. To fill the elementary principal positions, candidates will be sought within the district as well as without. POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT Chair Bryan reported the Policy Review Committee has met twice in the last month to review current policies on teacher assignments and recommends leaving that policy in place. Teacher transfers are the duty of the Superintendent. Trustee Wardell stated the District has no policy to transfer elementary teachers after a certain amount of time at one school. Trustee Aragon stated the Policy Review Committee authorized forming a subcommittee to work on advertising in the schools. The committee will approve the members at their next meeting. Five people have stated they would serve on the subcommittee. Trustee Aragon reported she has contacted MTSBA and NSBA for a model policy on advertising. Trustee Guthals felt it should be the Board’s decision as to where the revenue from advertising would be deposited. Chair Bryan stated it would go before the Policy Review Committee and then to the Board for the final decision. Chair Bryan stated the committee will review the duties of the subcommittee and will have more information on committee structure at the next meeting. POLICY 1111 ELECTION -- FIRST READING Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to approve Policy 1111 Election on first reading. Trustee Guthals suggested different language on page 34 of the agenda. He recommended including wording that did not require redistricting if it was not necessary. Trustee Wardell withdrew her motion and Trustee Aragon withdrew her second. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to refer Policy 1111 back to committee for modification and approval of the Board. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. UPDATE ON LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE Trustee Wardell reported she made a presentation on SB388, the administrator tenure proposal, to the education committee and was well received. The bill will go before the Senate tomorrow morning. SB350 has passed the Senate. More flexibility with funds was added to SB329. On the anti-bullying bill, SB241, the District has not taken a position at this time. It passed through the House with amendments. 2011-2012 BUDGET Dr. Beeman reviewed the 2011-2012 budgets as it stands at this time. Moving the freshman academies back into the high schools would save approximately $533,000 in personnel and transportation. The transportation costs have come out of the general fund. Trustee Guthals asked if there would be reduction in staff. Dr. Beeman reported the reduction will be handled through attrition. Trustee Guthals stated he wanted to make sure the positives of the academies carry over to the high schools if they are moved. Dave Cobb and Jeril Hehn, West High administration, reviewed their plans if the West Academy were moved back to West High. Administration at West has always embraced the freshmen academy concept. Discussions have been held with staff and a committee was formed consisting of staff members to aid in devising a plan. Freshmen classes will be held away from the main flow of the building. Before any decisions can be made at West, Board approval is needed. Administration would want to give the freshmen a sense of security at West High. They would have the opportunity to interact with other students and teachers. There will be approximately 2,000 students at West High. More classes at the Career Center are being opened up for sophomores. Dennis Holmes, Joe Sukut, and Jeff Uhren, Senior High administrators, reported on Senior High’s plans. One of the most beneficial things after the academies began, were the lessons learned on smaller learning centers. Staff is working on a smaller learning center for the freshmen who would be moved back into Senior with classes in math, science and English. Looping is also considered so teachers would follow the freshmen into their sophomore year. Staff will also rely on the Successful Practice Network. Staff will also determine how to effectively utilize the 89 teaching stations at Senior. An overcrowding situation is not expected to occur at Senior. Dr. Beeman reported a plan will come before the Board in June on how to utilize the Career Center more and how to use the extra space that would open up at the Lincoln Center if Senior High’s freshmen academy is moved. Bob Whalen, Skyview High Principal, reported there are currently two smaller learning centers at Skyview. Their new plan is for 22 sections of English, math and science in a separate wing of Skyview. Staff has set a goal of 85% purity next year in smaller learning centers with 200-250 freshmen being served. Dave Cobb, West High Principal, stated one of the most important aspects of moving the freshmen back to the home high schools is staff development. Trustee Graves recommending utilizing the Career Center more which would aid in decreasing the dropout rate. Trustee Aragon agreed and stated high schools have held 2,300 students in the past which is not ideal. She felt the demographic study could be used as an aid. Trustee Guthals voiced his concern that the high schools will be overcrowded if the students are moved back. Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Graves: Motion to approve the resolution to move the freshmen back into the high schools. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Barbara Bryan, Lindy Graves, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. The resolution is as follows: Be it resolved that the Board of Trustees for Billings Public Schools. 1) Authorizes returning freshmen students from West and Senior High Schools to their home high schools for the full school day, effective starting the 2011-12 school year. 2) Directs district administration to develop and present to the Board by the May 2011 board meeting a plan of strategies and programs (including, but not limited to, smaller learning community concepts) at West, Senior, and Skyview High Schools to meet the particular needs of freshmen students. 3) Directs district administration to undertake appropriate public/parent communication to inform affected parties of the above changes and plans. MILL LEVY DISCUSSION Thomas Harper, Financial Officer, reviewed the handout on election options for FY2011-12. Trustee Wardell did not feel the Board should ask for a mill levy in May as the legislators have not made any decisions yet. Chair Bryan stated no action will be taken tonight. Trustee Guthals asked if the Board could request a deferred maintenance levy. Mr. Harper responded it could. Budget information will be known by the end of April but a decision must be made by March 24th if a May election is requested. Trustee Guthals requested information for the next Board meeting on building reserve levies for both districts. Karen Palmer, Technology Director, reported the 2010 technology levy was for high schools only. Currently, elementary schools use supply budgets to purchase technology. Grants, one-time only funds, and PTA fundraisers are also used. Timber funds have been used in the past to purchase technology but have dwindled down over the past few years. The levy will be used to purchase computers, 21st Century Tools, professional development, technology integration, infrastructure, and support. Ms. Palmer stated her hope was to have one computer for every five students. Trustee Graves asked about donated computers. Ms. Palmer replied donated computers must be checked out by technology staff to assure there would be no costs incurred with the donation. Chair Bryan reported a work session could be scheduled on Friday, February 25, 2011 to gain more information on the budget. As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Barbara Bryan, Chair Diane Blevins, Recorder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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