Diane Blevins Posted December 14, 2011 Report Share Posted December 14, 2011 Proceedings of the Board of Trustees District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Billings, Montana November 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, October 17, 2011, at 5:30 p.m. Members present included Trustees Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen, Lindy Graves, Barbara Bryan, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, Pam Ellis, District Clerk Leo Hudetz, and Assistant Superintendents Gail Surwill and Josh Middleton. Registered guests were Erica Schwartzkopf, Cooper Brush, Parker Brush, Blaire Bush, Patrick Todd, Bob Jones, Décora Jorgenson, John Eisen, Cecilia Emerick, Scott Emerick, Mary Westwood, Jody Sulser, Mark Sulser, Becky Messman, Shelly Stanton, Lisa Sauer, Chris Goodridge, Ron Messman, Krista Hertz, Wade Spartz, and Josh Keller. RECOGNITION AND GIFTS AND DONATIONS Registered guests were Patrick Todd, Joe Michels, Mary Westwood, Don Bergeron, Emily Bonnam, Amber Rall, Katie Day, Julie Lowe, Jeff Weldon, Kristen Armstutz, Kristen Horton, Karen Tibbs, Jodi Schreiber, Wade Spartz, Karen Moses, and Lauren Pedersen. RECOGNITION AND GIFTS AND DONATIONS The Board recognized the following members of the 2011 Class AA Girls Soccer Champions from Senior High: Mandi Achten, Sarah Cochlan, Jordan Dreessen, Maddy Emerick, Clancee Ferrin, Chez Keehn, Sarah Heard, Gabi Heflin, Alex Harvey, Celia Kirland, Madi Klepps, Rachel Koehler, Michaela Kueffler, Carissa Okragly, Chloe Rector, Blaque Saur, Morgan Sulser, Alexa Torbert, Marissa VanAtta, Jordyn Wagner, and Coach Megan Parish. The Board also recognized Shelly Stanton, West High teacher, as the recipient of the Most Outstanding Secondary Business Teacher of the Year 2011 by the Montana Business Education Association of Montana. Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Smith: Motion to accept the gifts and donations with gratitude. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. The following are the gifts and donations: Arrowhead -- Michelle Anderson, $34.62 Julie Harman, $57.72 Bench -- Shaunna McFarren, donation through Wells Fargo Educational Matching Gift Program April Veach, donation through Wells Fargo Educational Matching Gift Program Lori Mader, donation through Wells Fargo Educational Matching Gift Program Boulder -- Nutrition for the Future, Dayle Hayes, $630 for recycling Eric, Linda and Cal Bjorgum, $69.23 through Wells Fargo Educational Matching Gift Program Jeramy Harrison, $13.86 through Wells Fargo Educational Matching Gift Program Wells Fargo -- matching $83.09 Eagle Cliffs -- Penny Hoagland and Harvest Church, snack basket Mr. and Mrs. Chris Brink, donation through Wells Fargo Educational Matching Gift Program Highland -- Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic, P.C., $630 for recycling Jeff and Amy Griffin, iMac computer Meadowlark -- PTA, $300 for recycling Miles Avenue -- Faith Chapel, $500 worth of school supplies Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, shoes for kids Ortho Montana, school supplies PEO Chapter B.G., student clothing Pamela Dalyrmple, dictionary, school supplies, pumpkins Target, Take Charge of Education, $466.31 Quilt by Association, quilts United Way, school supplies Fawn Gongre, school supplies Jim Eliason, school supplies Anna Messmer, school supplies Poly Drive -- Jim and Heidi Duncan, $200 Rick and Kerrie Emerick, monetary donation Craig and Tory Hepp, $100 Henry Morgan and Mary Waggoner, monetary donation Sanderson Stewart, $630 for recycling Ponderosa -- Ellen Knight, $210 for recycling Ann and Joel Guthals, $210 for recycling Guthals, Hunnes & Reuss, P.C., $210 for recycling Washington -- Pepsi-Cola, Tom Dimich, $630 for recycling Will James -- Rodger and Janice Wilson, $200 for computer lab fundraiser Randall and Lee Gibb, $1,000 for computer lab fundraiser Global Travel Alliance, Inc., $1,000 for computer lab fundraiser Straw Hat Pizza, $620.75 for computer lab fundraiser Steven and Kymmberly Stark, $200 to soldiers’ fund David and Dana Pulis, $37.75 for computer lab fundraiser Thomas and Elizabeth Potter, $50 for computer lab fundraiser Bjorgum Family, $53.84 David and Pam Christianson, donation for computer lab fundraiser Career Center -- YRBS Program, OPI, $2,000 grant District -- Felt, Martin, Frazier & Weldon, P.C., $50 for recycling Technology -- John and Laurie Stockman, flat screen monitor Genie Thorberg, MacBook computer 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. Parker Brush, a Highland Elementary student, addressed the Board to discuss his class size which is 30 students. He stated there is not a lot of space for that number of students and not enough chances to show off your work. Computers and textbooks must also be shared. Blaire Brush voiced her concerns on the overcrowding at Highland Elementary. She did not believe there was physically enough room for all of the students in her son’s class. She encouraged the Board to use creative solutions for the overcrowding. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Trustee Wardell pulled items O11, O12, and O13 from the consent agenda. There were no objections to the amended agenda. EDUCATION FOUNDATION PRESENTATION Krista Hertz, President of the foundation, gave a brief history of the Billings Education Foundation for the Billings Public Schools. The board of directors are all volunteers from the community. 2011 was one of the best years for the foundation to help the students in the district. There was $67,000 spent on classroom grants with 85 classrooms being impacted. Grants were also given for technology, books, science, arts, music, and 2,100 educational scholarships were also given. All of the district’s elementary schools have a partner in education from the business community. During the summer literacy program, over 2,300 books were given to area students with approximately 150 volunteers participating. Saturday Live generated over $109,000 which goes back to the schools’ PTAs. Also, $12,000 was given by the employees by payroll deductions which have been given to the classrooms. Trustee Stroebe thanked the foundation for its generosity to the students. REMOVE TABLED ITEM FROM OCTOBER 24, 2011 MEETING Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Smith: Motion to remove from the table agenda item regarding trustee vacancy and application process in Zone 6 at the October 24, 2011 meeting. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. DECLARATION OF VACANCY ELEM./H.S. TRUSTEE OF SINGLE MEMBER DISTRICT, ZONE 6 Trustee Kemp made the following motion with a second by Trustee Ellis: Motion to adopt the Resolution of Declaration of Vacancy of the position of Elementary/High School Trustee of Single Member District, Zone 6. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. The resolution is as follows: WHEREAS, pursuant to Montana law, any elected trustee position shall be vacant whenever the incumbent resigns from the applicable district; WHEREAS, Barbara Bryan, School District No. 2 Elementary/High School Trustee of Single Member District, Zone 6, has submitted her resignation from the Board of Trustees on October 18, 2011; THEREFORE, School District No. 2 Board of Trustees accepts the resignation of Barbara Bryan and declares the position of Elementary/High School Trustee of Single Member District, Zone 6 as vacant effective November 21, 2011. That this declaration is made pursuant to MCA 20-3-308 and 20-3-309 and School District No. 2 Board Policy 1112. APPROVE SCREENING COMMITTEE/APPLICATION PROCESS Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kemp: Motion that the full board be involved in the interviewing process for a trustee in Zone 6. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Clerk Hudetz outlined the information as included in the board packet on page 15 along with the questions on page 18. He stated an ad would be placed in the newspaper and the district’s website. Trustee Ellis made the following motion with a second by Trustee Smith: Motion that interested persons should submit a letter of interest. Trustee Ellis felt the questions could be used during the interview process. Trustee Wardell believed it would be better to have the candidates answer the questions ahead of time to give the board members a chance to ask further questions to make it a more in depth process. Trustee Wardell made the following amendment to the motion with a second by Trustee Moen: Motion to add the answers to the questions as part of their letter of interest. Trustee Graves felt they should answer the questions as it would be a better gut check. Trustee Moen suggested submitting a resume would also be helpful. Those voting in favor of the amended motion were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. There was consensus of making resumes optional. Trustee Moen made the following motion with a second by Trustee Wardell: Motion that applicants supply three references. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Those voting on the original motion were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Moen: Motion for candidates to have their letter of interest submitted by December 5, 2011 by 4:00 p.m. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. December 12, 2011 at 5:30 was set as the special board meeting to interview applicants. FIRST STUDENT BUS TRANSPORTATION RECOMMENDATION Dr. Middleton reported the bus contract with First Student is expiring and a renewal for two or five years is needed for a 2% increase for the first year and increases for 2-5 years based on the consumer price index. Diesel fuel went up $.19 in the past two years. There are also adjustments in the contract for the number of busses to be used. Trustee Graves asked if there were any other vendors. Superintendent Copps reported the law states the district can look at the current contract unless it is over a 12% increase. He stated he is very satisfied with the service from First Student. The last time the contract was put out to bid was in 1996. Trustee Graves reported he was concerned about a five-year contract. Sondra Baker, Transportation Director, stated it has always been a five-year contract due to the overhead. The savings would be $200,000 with a 2% increase next year. Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Smith: Motion to approve a five-year contract with First Student. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. GENERAL CONTRACTOR FOR WINDOW REPLACEMENT PROJECT AT SENIOR HIGH (BOND PROJECT) Lew Anderson, Facilities Director, stated the timeline is very short for the window replacement at Senior High. He recommended Cucanic Construction for the project as they have done other projects very well and on time. Superintendent Copps stated the replacement windows have ventilation and screens. Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Wardell: Motion to approve Cucanic Construction for general contractor for the window replacement project at Senior High. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. The project is part of the voter approved bond funds and will be a two-year project. SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL -- ROOF REPLACEMENT (BOND PROJECT) Mr. Anderson reported the bids came in between $1,495,000 and $1,999,119. He recommended Summit Roofing for the project. A thermoplastic membrane will be used which meets the energy code. The design life is for twenty years. Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Wardell: Motion to approve the award of the roofing contract for the Senior High School Roof Replacement (Bond Project) to Summit Roofing for $1,495,000. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. BIG SKY CHILLER REPLACEMEN FOR 2011 Mr. Anderson reported two pumps are out at Big Sky Elementary and is operating on only one pump. The project would be funded by deferred maintenance dollars. Trustee Graves wanted to see a list of projects remaining for the deferred maintenance. A list will be provided to board members. Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kemp: Motion to approve Plumb MT, Inc. as the successful bidder and award the contract in the amount of $85,900 for the replacement of the chiller at Big Sky Elementary out of deferred maintenance account in the general fund. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. VEHICLE PURCHASES FOR FACILITIES Dr. Middleton reported the vehicle purchase request is to be funded from the deferred maintenance account and was approved by the board previously. The purchase would be two-thirds from the elementary district and one-third from the high school district. Trustee Smith asked why a one-ton truck was needed. Mr. Anderson reported it is used to move heavy items from one school to another and has a lift on it. The district will be saving money in gas with the purchase of the vehicles. Trustee Kemp made the following motion with a second by Trustee Graves: Motion to approve the purchase of three (3) new vehicles for Facilities Service at the total cost of $80.544.52 to replace the high-mileage vehicles noted in the board agenda packet. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. ADULT EDUCATION’S CAREER ADVANCEMENT AS NEW DIRECTION HAVING SUCCESS As Dr. Jensen was not in attendance, Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kemp: Motion to table the presentation. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. ECI CONTRACT EXTENSION David Munson, Director of Early Childhood Intervention, requested approval of the contract Number 12-143-1800 with the Montana State Department of Public Health and Human Resources and Early Childhood Intervention (ECI), and School District No. 2. The goal of ECI is to prevent the ECI children from going into special education. The contract is with the state of Montana to provide services. This is an extension of services with no cost to the district. Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kemp: Motion to approve the contract Number 12-143-1800 with the Montana State Department of Public Health and Human Resources and Early Childhood Intervention and School District No. 2. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. REINSTATE POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE Chair Stroebe stated this item could be discussed at the next board retreat. Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Moen: Motion to table the discussion on reinstating the Policy Review Committee until the board retreat. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. AUDIT COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT Dr. Middleton reported there is a vacancy on the Audit Committee. Marcy Mutch has volunteered to continue to serve on the committee and Todd Preston has also volunteered to serve in place of Joyce Weber who recently resigned. Trustee Moen made the following motion with a second by Trustee Graves: Motion to accept the resignation of Joyce Weber and approve the appointment of Todd Preston as a community member to the Audit Committee. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. REPORT FROM AD HOC COMMITTEE FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING Trustee Moen read the visioning process summary of the work performed by Fielding Nair International (FNI). The visioning report will be given to the public by FNI in January. Trustee Ellis felt the need for the report in January should be referred to the board retreat as it is another estimated cost of $10,000 in travel and expenses. Trustee Wardell stated this was part of the approved plan which was for the team to come to Billings in November but was moved to January. Clerk Hudetz stated the board approved the contract with FNI in July and it included payment of $50,000 plus reimbursable expenses such as travel and office supplies. Chair Stroebe stated felt the contract costs needed to be clarified. Trustee Moen suggested the contract be reviewed before moving forward. RETREAT PLANNING/APPROVAL OF BOARD RETREAT LOCATION Chair Stroebe polled the board for a possible date for a retreat. The evening of January 6, 2012 and all day January 7, 2012 was chosen for the retreat. The place will be determined at the December meeting. Trustee Kemp made the following motion with a second by Trustee Moen: Motion to approve January 6-7, 2012 as the dates for the retreat. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. AA CAUCUS REPORT Trustee Wardell reported on the November 7th VisionNet meeting. There have been conflict discussions on the manner of how the group is operating. A budget for the AA Caucus will be set. A vision statement will also be reviewed for presentation to the Montana Legislature’s Interim Education Committee. BOARD ROOM RENOVATION Trustee Graves stated direction is needed from the Board before facilities can move forward on renovating the board room. He felt a friendlier and more inclusive room is needed but he did not want to spend any money at this time. The discussion will continue at a later meeting. It was further decided that Lew Anderson and Trustee Graves will experiment with the furniture without spending any money. Trustee Graves felt iPads could be used and the board could go paperless. Live streaming by Channel 7 could also be done with remote cameras. PROCEDURE 7000-P3 FUND BALANCE RESOURCES FOR SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS (GASB 54) This procedure which was included in the consent agenda is following the resolution passed at the October board meeting authorizing administration to develop a procedure based on the resolution. It was presented as an informational item only. INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT Trustee Wardell asked if Chair Stroebe had the authority to sign this contract. Clerk Hudetz reported she had the authority because the Board gave her that authority in a vote at the special board meeting on November 9, 2011. Trustee Wardell asked what the cost was for sick leave, vacation, etc. Trustee Stroebe reported she discussed this contract with the district’s legal counsel, Jeff Weldon. The cost would be between $600 to $700 for leaves. Travel would be for the AA superintendent’s meetings and Montana School Board Association meetings. Trustee Graves suggested that board approval be requested if the contract should run over $22,000. Trustee Wardell asked why an evaluation would not take place. Chair Stroebe stated Jack Copps is an interim superintendent and board time will be used in finding a permanent replacement. CONSENT AGENDA Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Ellis: Motion to approve and accept the items within the Consent Agenda without objection to recommended action. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Items approved are as follows: Monthly Legal Report Personnel Report Bills Paid -- October 2011 Financial Reports -- October 2011 (Unaudited) Regular Board Meeting Minutes, October 17, 2011 Special Board Meeting Minutes, October 10, 2011 Special Board Meeting Minutes, October 24, 2011 Special Board Meeting Minutes, November 8, 2011 Special Board Meeting Minutes, November 9, 2011 Establish New Extracurricular Account for Will James -- Computer Application Technology Establish New Trust Account for Castle Rock Chain Links Club Establish New Trust Account for Bench Elem. PTA Establish New Trust Account for Will James Middle School PAC (Parent Advisory Committee) Establish New Trust Account for Castle Rock Middle School PAC (Parent Advisory Committee) As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Teresa Stroebe, 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.