Diane Blevins Posted January 5, 2012 Report Share Posted January 5, 2012 Proceedings of the Board of Trustees District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Billings, Montana December 19, 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, December 19, 2011, at 5:30 p.m. Members present included Trustees Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, Pam Ellis, District Clerk Leo Hudetz, Superintendent Jack Copps, and Assistant Superintendents Gail Surwill and Josh Middleton. Registered guests were Patrick Todd, John Quandt, Mary Westwood, Linda Zwenke, Al Halter, Deb Halter, Rene Freitag, Corby Freitag, Heather Kimball, Krystal Olson, Kristy R., and Valerie McMurtry. RECOGNITION AND GIFTS AND DONATIONS Chair Stroebe recognized the Sample Foundation for a $15,000 donation for maintenance and repair of the playground at Orchard Elementary. Board members expressed their gratitude. The Board recognized West High golfers as the ‘AA’ State Champions as follows: Brandon McIver, Corbin Bell, Jacob Zwemke, Tanner Berg, Austin Berg, and Coach Rob Bazant. Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Moen: Motion to accept the gifts and donations with gratitude. Those voting in favor were Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, and Pam Ellis. The motion passed unanimously. The following are the gifts and donations: Beartooth -- PEO Chapter AN, coats, hats, gloves and new clothing Big Sky -- Billings Village Golden K Kiwanis Club, $500 Cottonwood Computer Solutions, snowman Christmas tree from Festival of Trees Broadwater -- Billings Village Golden K Kiwanis Club, $500 Newcomers’ Club of Billings, net hats and gloves Miles Avenue -- OPI, backpacks and school supplies and snacks Billings Clinic, socks and belts Valley Christian Church, $1,800 to endowment for teacher support Newman -- CTA Architects Engineers, $300 and food baskets for 25 families for Thanksgiving Ponderosa -- Jan Schmierer, backpacks for students Golden Nails, items for food baskets Sandstone -- ExxonMobil, $630 to fund recycling program Kim Cummins, Farmers’ Insurance, $1,000 City Church, $2,145.83 Curtis Satrom, $55 per month for student lunches Lewis & Clark -- Billings Village Golden K Kiwanis Club, $500 Will James -- Kurt and Sandra Alme, donation for computer lab fundraiser Shawn and Jodi Byrne, donation for computer lab fundraiser Digna Caufield, donation for computer lab fundraiser Dr. David Chavez, donation for computer lab fundraiser Kent and Brenda Davis, donation for computer lab fundraiser Julie Diehl, $100 for computer lab fundraiser Kevin and Jami Funyak, $250 for computer lab fundraiser Greg and Deanna Hilton, donation for computer lab fundraiser Linda Horst, donation for computer lab fundraiser Carl and Janice Jahr, $100 for computer lab fundraiser Adam and Kevin Kimmet, donation for computer lab fundraiser Maureen Maloughney, donation for computer lab fundraiser Daniel and Traci Marchwinski, donation for computer lab fundraiser Linda Priddy, donation for computer lab fundraiser Anthony and Kim Prill, $250 for computer lab fundraiser Lee Miller and Curtis Satrom, donation for computer lab fundraiser Dana Shy, the Ritzz Salon, donation for computer lab fundraiser Gordon and Suzanne Streif, donation for computer lab fundraiser Robert and Kathryn Terry, donation for computer lab fundraiser Daniel and Julane Wells, donation for computer lab fundraiser Chris and Sona Westerlund, donation for computer lab fundraiser Kevin Woodin, donation for computer lab fundraiser Luke and Laura Szabo, $100 for computer lab fundraiser Robert and Sandra Sukin, $200 for computer lab fundraiser Stage FX, Inc., $250 for computer lab fundraiser Chris and Christine Sorli, $100 for computer lab fundraiser Dr. Donald Peretti, $250 for computer lab fundraiser Ortho Montana, $500 for computer lab fundraiser Col. Michael and Sally Morone, $1,000 for computer lab fundraiser Jack and Diane Hecht, $100 for computer lab fundraiser Glenn and Susan Guzman, $100 for computer lab fundraiser Paolo and Nancy Gerbasi, $100 for computer lab fundraiser 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. John Quandt addressed the board to discuss the issue of bussing students from the Ironwood Subdivision to other schools rather than Arrowhead. He reported he purchased his home in Ironwood because he wanted his children to attend Arrowhead. He urged the board to weigh other options before making a decision to bus students. Mr. Quandt asked if the children attending Arrowhead now be grandfathered in at Arrowhead. He urged Trustee Wardell to visit Arrowhead since it is in her district. Trustee Wardell replied Arrowhead school was not in her district. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Smith: Motion to approve the agenda. Those voting in favor were Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, and Pam Ellis. The motion passed unanimously. APPROVE TRUSTEE REPLACEMENT FOR ZONE 6 Trustee Graves stated the board had a good group of applicants for Zone 6. Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Wardell: Motion to suspend discussion and vote on a candidate now. Those voting in favor were Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, and Pam Ellis. The motion passed unanimously. A vote was taken on the six candidates with the results as follows: John Eisen -- 0 Allen J. Halter -- 7 Leo C. Hart -- 0 Mary Jo Fox -- 1 Michael Leo -- 0 Jeff Ogletree -- 0 Those voting for Allen Halter were Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Teresa Stroebe and Travis Smith. Pam Ellis voted in favor of Mary Jo Fox. Trustee Chair Stroebe asked those not selected to serve on the district’s various committees and stay involved in the district. RESOLUTION OF APPOINTMENT -- POSITION OF ELEMENTARY/HIGH SCHOOL TRUSTEE OF SINGLE MEMBER DISTRICT 6 Trustee Ellis made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to approve the Resolution of Appointment of Allen Halter for Elementary/High School Trustee for Single Member District 6. Those voting in favor were Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, and Pam Ellis. The motion passed unanimously. The resolution is as follows: WHEREAS, pursuant to Montana law, whenever a trustee position becomes vacant in any district, the remaining members of the trustees shall declare such position vacant and they shall appoint, in writing within 60 days, a competent person as a successor, and; WHEREAS, the School District No. 2 Board of Trustees has declared the potion of Elementary/High School Trustee of Single Member District No. 6 as vacant on November 21, 2011; THEREFORE, be it resolved that Allen Halter is hereby duly appointed Elementary/High School Trustee of Single Member District No. 6 effective upon taking the oath of office and shall serve until the regularly scheduled election May 8, 2012. That this appointment is made pursuant to MCA 20-3-09 and School District No. 2 Board Policy 1112. Clerk Hudetz administered the oath of office to Allen Halter and Mr. Halter joined the meeting. ADULT EDUCATION’S CAREER ADVANCEMENT Woody Jensen, Director of Adult Education, gave a presentation on the career advancement program. The program follows the careers needed in the community. New programs are created and are self-supporting. The career advancement programs set people up for work. The Adult Education Program approaches businesses in the community and asks what is needed for jobs especially in the fields for the underserved. Barb Gustafson, Nite Owls Coordinator, stated from 1999-2007 programs were in decline. Programs were moved into a certification program with new programs being built from suggestions from the community. In 2013, a medical coding program will be offered to aid the hospitals with their programs. Carlos Arsi, Billings Clinic, reported a partnership with the district is a win-win situation. Phlebotomists and medical coders give the clinic the chance to offer jobs, gainful employment and the ability to gain knowledge. Bruce MacIntyre, Chamber of Commerce, gave his perception of the Adult Education Program. There are almost 1200 students who found jobs after going through the programs. Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kemp: Motion to remove the Adult Education item from the table from November 21, 2011. Those voting in favor were Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, and Pam Ellis. The motion passed unanimously. Dr. Jensen stated formal endorsement from the board is needed for the expansion, a vote of approval for office restructuring, permission to use the district’s grant writer or to hire one for the department for finding additional funds, and more agenda time spent on proactive programs for the economic community. Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kemp: Motion to continue the Adult Education Career Advancement Program expansion, including the expanding of office staff, revising job descriptions reflecting their responsibility, effectiveness and mission contribution, and further permission to seek grants including the hiring of a grant writer or to use the district’s grant writer. Mr. Jensen stated the programs are self-supporting except there is also a high school district mill levy for students that are sixteen years or older that are not currently in school. Trustee Ellis felt the restructuring was not under the bounds of the board but is up to the superintendent. Superintendent Copps stated Adult Education is part of the district and is under the supervision of the district and he should be involved in the decision. Administration is looking at courses being offered at high schools as well as the Adult Education Program. The district needs to move in the direction of multiple diplomas and certification programs. Trustee Ellis stated she would feel more comfortable in removing the restructuring from the motion as it overrides the superintendent’s responsibilities. Dr. Jensen reported he started three years ago to change the job description of the coordinator but has been unable to as BCEA negotiations have not covered this topic. Without autonomy, he did not feel he could move ahead with a different setup in his department. Trustee Wardell believed, in order to move forward with the programs, Dr. Jensen needs to be allowed to restructure. Trustee Graves could not support the motion unless the superintendent was involved. He did not feel the motion made was included in the board packet prior to the meeting and believed it was sprung on the board. Trustee Moen asked if it was possible for Dr. Jensen to meet with the superintendent and put a plan together for the January board meeting. Trustee Wardell made the following amended motion with a second by Trustee Graves: Motion to add language in combination with the superintendent at the beginning of the original motion and to report back to the board for the January meeting. Chair Stroebe asked Clerk Hudetz if the motion was proper for parliamentary procedures. He responded that the recommended action in the motion was not properly noticed and should be noticed for a future meeting. Jeff Greenfield, BEA President, addressed the board to discuss salaries and job descriptions. He stated job descriptions are a mandatory subject of bargaining. Changes requested by Mr. Jensen can be made through the right channels which is bargaining as mandated by state law. Chair Stroebe asked Superintendent Copps if he would work with Dr. Jensen for restructuring. Mr. Copps replied he would but it must be addressed in negotiations. The Chair stated the suggested motion should be made to include the plan for the superintendent to work with Dr. Jensen. Those voting in opposition were Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, and Pam Ellis. The motion failed. Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Ellis: Motion to continue with Adult Education Career Advance Program development and expansion. Those voting in favor were Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, and Pam Ellis. The motion passed unanimously. Superintendent Copps reported he will work with Dr. Jensen and report back at the January board meeting. PONDEROSA, MEADOWLARK, MCKINLEY ROOF REPLACEMENTS (BOND PROJECT) Lew Anderson, Facilities Director, recommended awarding the contract for the roof projects to Empire Roofing for $896,502. Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to approve the award of the roofing contract for the Ponderosa, Meadowlark, and McKinley Roof Replacements (Bond Project) to Empire Roofing for $896,502.00. Mr. Anderson reported the work will occur in the summer of 2012. Those voting in favor were Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, and Pam Ellis. The motion passed unanimously. Trustees Smith and Stroebe are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. CAREER CENTER PARTIAL RE-ROOF Mr. Anderson recommended the award to Empire Heating & Cooling for the Career Center’s roof project. Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Graves: Motion to approve the award of the Career Center partial roof replacement to Empire Heating & Cooling for $403,955. Those voting in favor were Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, and Pam Ellis. The motion passed unanimously. SENIOR HIGH MECHANICAL HVAC PHASE 2a (BOND PROJECT) Mr. Anderson reported the first phase for Senior High was approved by the board earlier. He recommended awarding the bid for Phase 2a to Star Service. Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kemp: Motion to approve the award of the Senior High Mechanical HVAC Phase 2a to Star Service in the amount of $1,762,252.00. Those voting in favor were Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, and Pam Ellis. The motion passed unanimously. BOARD MEETINGS TECHNOLOGY REPORT Trustee Graves suggested the board go paperless and begin to use iPads instead of laptops. He made the following motion with a second by Trustee Moen: Motion to allow board members to use either a district issued iPad or laptop computer. Those voting in favor were Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, and Pam Ellis. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Graves suggested the use of web streaming meetings on Channel 7. The board of directors for Channel 7 will discuss at their next meeting. He stated he has not decided on how to rearrange the board room. BUDGET PRESENTATION AND APPROVAL OF 2011-12 EXPENDITURE BUDGET/COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT (CAFR) 2010-2011 Dr. Josh Middleton, Assistant Superintendent, reviewed the timeline for the budget and information on the budget. Patricia Hubbard, Business Services Director, stated revisions have been made on the budget due to the negotiations taking place with the BEA. She reviewed the audit findings of the annual, independent audit for the board members. Ms. Hubbard stated the Audit Committee is recommending the approval of the CAFR and submission to the state. Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Wardell: Motion to approve the 2011-2012 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report as presented. Those voting in favor were Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, and Pam Ellis. The motion passed unanimously. The board members thanked the members of the Audit Committee for their work. Trustee Wardell asked that a letter be sent to Marcy Mutch, Chair of the Audit Committee, for stepping back in and taking over again. Trustee Wardell asked for a list of who has a P-card and how much was spent each month by each person with a P-card. Superintendent Copps stated, at some time, the board should review the P-card procedures. There are large items charged to P-cards as the bank gives back a percentage of the purchases to the district. The Chair stated the process would be reviewed at a later time. Trustee Moen asked about the large number of blankets purchased recently. Superintendent Copps reported the Indian Education for All purchased a large number of blankets for the Native American program using Title VII funds. After speaking to the coordinator, the purchases were recoded and it was determined the blankets could have been purchased at a lower price. Trustee Wardell said the cost of all steps, lanes and Longevity increases for staff should all be recorded in the general fund budget and certain employees should not be budgeted under the MAC or Medicaid funds to balance the budget. She did not believe this was being direct with the taxpayers. Ms. Hubard stated in the budgets as presented, a portion of the costs of steps and lanes were covered by using the board contingency budget under the general fund in the elementary and high school districts. The board contingency funds for both the elementary and high school district would have a $15,000 budget remaining after removing funds for steps and lanes increases. The remaining balanced needed to cover steps, lanes and longevity would be funded using revenues from the MAC and Medicaid funds. Ms. Hubbard stated that in order to account for the cost of steps, lanes and longevity paid out of the MAC and Medicaid funds, several teachers would be moved from the general fund to the MAC and Medicaid. Ms. Hubbard reported it is the cleanest and most efficient way to handle the issue and it satisfies the auditors. Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kemp: Motion to approve the 2011-2012 Expenditure Budget as presented for the elementary district. Chair Stroebe handed the gavel to the Vice-Chair to state that education is not properly funded by the legislators. She retook the gavel. Those voting in favor were Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, and Pam Ellis. The motion passed unanimously. Trustees Smith and Stroebe are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. Trustee Aragon made by the following motion with a second by Trustee Kemp: Motion to approve the 2011-2012 Expenditure Budget as presented for the high school district. Those voting in favor were Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, and Pam Ellis. The motion passed unanimously. FIELDING NAIR CONTRACT Trustee Aragon believed the board should get back with the groups that met with Fielding Nair in September to see how to best move forward. She felt the decision to move forward should come from the various groups involved. Clerk Hudetz reported the additional cost for a meeting with Fielding Nair personnel in January could be $1,500-$2,000. Trustee Ellis did not feel comfortable giving Fielding Nair an open checkbook as there were no boundaries in the contract and she did not feel comfortable approving the extra cost. Mr. Hudetz reported the district has paid $25,000 of the $50,000 contract with the remainder due at the end of the project. Trustee Aragon believed the district should meet with the Fielding Nair team for the benefit of the teachers and committee members. Trustee Moen agreed with Trustee Aragon that the working groups should meet with Fielding Nair. She volunteered to work with Trustee Aragon to meet with the committee groups ahead of time. Trustee Ellis did not feel the district should be spending more money on this study but recommended starting with the boundary issue first. The priority for next year is to have room for all elementary students and felt the district should stop spending in every possible place we can. Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Moen: Motion that the board ask Fielding Nair to come back with their final report in person. Those voting in favor were Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, and Pam Ellis. Lindy Graves opposed the motion. The motion passed. Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kemp: Motion that Fielding Nair to return in person with their report and at a cost of $3,000 or less. Chair Stroebe stated she would support Trustee Aragon’s motion if it does no cost over $3,000 and wanted to hear community members if they wanted to have Fielding Nair back in person or present their report by Skype. Trustee Aragon made the following amendment with a second by Trustee Smith: Motion to conduct a gathering with committee members to have a discussion about the implementation and delivery of the Fielding Nair report. Those voting in favor were Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, and Pam Ellis. Lindy Graves opposed the motion. The motion passed. Those voting in favor of the main motion were Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, Lindy Graves and Pam Ellis. The motion passed unanimously. RETREAT PLANNING/APPROVAL OF RETREAT LOCATION Chair Stroebe recommended having the January board retreat in the library at the Career Center. Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion that the board retreat be held in the library at the Career Center. Those voting in favor were Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, and Pam Ellis. The motion passed unanimously. Items to be covered during the retreat are: 1) process of negotiations; 2) superintendent search; 3) governance; 4)budget; 5) process for addressing boundaries and overcrowding; and, 6) communication. Trustee Moen reported the facilitator has recommended a three-day retreat. Superintendent Copps stated he approved the three days. There was board consensus for three days. It was decided that the retreat would begin Friday night of January 6, January 7, and the afternoon of January 8. AA CAUCUS REPORT Trustee Wardell reported the next meeting of the Legislative Committee has been scheduled at noon on January 9, 2012. DUES OF COUNCIL OF EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES PLANNING INTERNATIONAL Trustee Aragon reported she attended several presentations during MCEL on facilities planning for an individual school. She felt Lew Anderson could serve as our member on energy measures and a facilities plan. Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Moen: Motion to approve dues to CEFPI for a single membership. Those voting in favor were Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, and Pam Ellis. The motion passed unanimously. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Superintendent Copps reported that teams have met for the BCEA and MPEA negotiations. The package for BCEA is being taken back to their members with no raise being offered. MPEA has not agreed to take it to their members but made a counter offer of $.10 per hour for compensation. Teams will return to the table after the first of the year. A notice must be given to the BEA which will be sent prior to January 1, 2012 that the district will be opening negotiations for next year. The same will occur for the other two unions. Superintendent Copps recommended a discussion during the board retreat on negotiations. Mr. Copps stated a request has been received from MSU-B on the activities field behind the Career Center to turn it into an activities field that could be used by both schools. In past requests, there would be no cost to the district but Mr. Copps was not sure that was still the case. He felt there would be no interest to proceed if there was a cost to the district. Mr. Copps reported there was a group of people from the Billings Clinic who were on loan to the district’s warehouse to find savings to the district. The clinic loaned those specialists to the district and they will be requested to look for savings at the warehouse. A proposal will be presented to the board at a future meeting. Any savings would have to be built into the budget by mid-February. CONSENT AGENDA Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Graves: Motion to approve and accept the items within the Consent Agenda without objection to recommended action. Those voting in favor were Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, and Pam Ellis. The motion passed unanimously. Items approved are as follows: Monthly Legal Report Personnel Report Bills Paid -- November 2011 Financial Reports -- November 2011 (Unaudited) Regular Board Meeting Minutes, November 21, 2011 Audit Committee Meeting Minutes, June 9, 2011 Audit Committee Meeting Minutes, November 29, 2011 Intent to Dispose of District Personal Property As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m. Teresa Strobe, Chair Diane Blevins, Recorder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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