Diane Blevins Posted March 1, 2012 Report Share Posted March 1, 2012 Proceedings of the Board of Trustees District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Billings, Montana February 20, 2012 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 20, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. Members present included Trustees Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Pam Ellis, Connie Wardell, Allen Halter, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, Greta Besch Moen, Superintendent Jack Copps, District Clerk Leo Hudetz, Assistant Superintendents Josh Middleton and Gail Surwill. Trustee Aragon was excused. Registered guests included Mary Westwood, Richard Dews, Anne-Marie Wade, Tilden Butz, Shelli Butz, Jason Fox, Chris Goodridge, Bret Rutherford, Cece Butler, Sara Conklin, Kari Andrew, Tracy Larsen, Justin Larsen, Bayley Larsen, Tami Concepcion, Bridget Ekstrom, Amanda Roberts, Denny Maier, Karen Moses, Andy Wildenburg, Darcey Frewin, Chris Pilcher, and Mary Quandt. RECOGNITION AND GIFTS AND DONATIONS The Board recognized the following candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program: Trevor Vannoy, Skyview; Colter Andren, Senior, Bayley Larsen, Kathryn Maier, and Brianna Robinson from West High. Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Moen: Motion to accept the gifts and donations with gratitude. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. The following are the gifts and donations: Arrowhead – Steven Fischer, $200 Burlington – Mr. And Mrs. Phuc Nuynh, $200 for student lunches Cellular Plus, contributions for students during holidays and volunteer time at school Eagle Cliffs – Mr. and Mrs. Chris Brink, donation through Wells Fargo matching donation program Miles Avenue – St. Thomas Catholic Church, holiday food baskets and gifts Billings Clinic, sweat pants and calculators Newman – Salvation Army, Dress-A-Child Program, clothing for 18 children Donna Bliss, $250 for Christmas gifts for needy students Charlie Hamwey, $100 for Christmas gifts for needy students CTA Architects Engineers, visit from Santa and Elves with gifts for students and staff Montana Styling Co. and patrons, Christmas gifts for family of 7 and family of 2 Stockman Bank Heights, Christmas gifts for family of 6 Melonie Sanford and family, Christmas gifts for one family U S Bank, Christmas gifts and food for 2 families Ladies Bible Study Group, Christmas gifts for 4 families The Fuson Family, Christmas gifts for 1 family Sandra McNeese and family, shopping, wrapping, delivering gifts for 1 family Chad and Amy Kinnett and family, Christmas gifts for 1 family Kara McDonald, Christmas gifts for several students Billings West Rotary Club, Christmas gifts for 20 children Computers Unlimited, Christmas gifts for 17 students Julie and Dave Schopp and family, Christmas gifts for several children Downtown Exchange Club, visit from Santa and gifts for 1st and 2nd graders St. Thomas Catholic Church, Christmas gifts for 24 children Riverside Optimists, gift cards and fruit for 2 families YCCOA, RSVP, hand knit hats and mittens for several students Chapter Y PEO, winter coats, hats, gloves, other clothing Dianne Mattila and family, Christmas gifts for a family Billings Village Golden K Kiwanis, $500 Dawn Achten and family, Christmas gifts for a family Ponderosa – Faith Chapel, Angel Tree, Christmas gifts for 48 students Texas Roadhouse, special luncheon and support throughout the year Eric Enwall, donation for students Will James – Tom and Kim Hauptman, $255.84 for soldiers’ fund George and Bernice Mowat, $20 for soldiers’ fund Daniel and Linda Murphy, $50 for soldiers’ fund Lora Schultz, $82.94 for soldiers’ fund Lois Urion, $15 for soldiers’ fund Richard and Ceily Whitman, $50 for soldiers’ fund District – Leida Hanning, “Happy School Days, A Memory Book” 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 meeting. 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. Kevin Nelson addressed the board to report the Department of Revenue miscalculated the funds from the south Billings Tax Increment District. The additional funds would mean the district would not have to levy as much to the taxpayers as the allocation was not correct which resulted in $500,000 of the taxpayers’ dollars. Anne-Marie Wade stated the playground at McKinley needs to be updated. The PTA has decided to embark on a capital campaign for the playground but donors were not sure the school would still be operating in ten years. Ms. Wade requested a letter from the district stating the school would be in operation in ten years. Chris Goodridge addressed the board on the Davis Demographic Report. He asked the board to see how they feel about consolidation. Mr. Goodridge stated he would personally vote for a school on the west end if the other schools were not in danger of closing. He asked what is being done with the Fielding Nair report. He believed the Planning and Development Committee needs to have an honest discussion on possible school closures. Cece Butler asked the board to consider the benefits of a community long-range plan. She felt parents are tired of the bussing of their children to schools farther away from their homes. Mary Westwood echoed Ms. Butler’s suggestion to involve the public in the boundary issues. The public needs to know the truth about what is going on and felt the Davis Demographic numbers were changed by a small group of people. Ms. Westwood urged the board to open the facts up to everyone in the community to decide what is needed for the schools. She voiced her concern about the future of the state legislation as it needs to be changed regarding school funding. She urged the board to find someone who can persuade legislators to fund more dollars toward schools. Karen Moses spoke on the 90+ elementary classrooms whose enrollments are over accreditation standards. She urged the board, when making decisions, remember the 90+ classrooms and do not let the facilities conversation drive why trustees are serving the district. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Chair Stroebe pulled items J and M as Trustee Aragon was not in attendance to discuss the issues. Item Q was also added to the agenda after the original agenda was posted. Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kemp: Motion to approve the agenda with the exclusions of items J and M and the addition of Item Q. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION CALLING FOR AN ELEMENTARY/HIGH SCHOOL TRUSTEE ELECTION BY SINGLE MEMBER DISTRICT – MAY 8, 2012 Bret Rutherford, Yellowstone County Election Administrator, stated the trustee election is set for May 8, 2012 and will be a mail ballot. Trustee openings are in Districts 4, 6, and High School District A. He reminded those present to file their paperwork by March 29, 2012 if they plan on running for a board position. Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Graves: Motion to adopt the resolution calling for an Elementary School Trustee Election by single member district to be held on May 8, 2012. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Trustees Stroebe and Smith are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. The resolution is as follows: 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 an election of the registered electors of the district to be held on the 8th day of May, 2012, for the purpose of electing two (2) elementary trustees by single member district. One trustee shall be elected from each of the single member districts numbered four (4), and six (6); and, each 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. RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A H.S. TRUSTEE ELECTION (NOMINATING DISTRICT A – Lockwood) – May 8, 2012 Trustee Smith made the following motion with a second by Trustee Halter: Motion to adopt the resolution calling for a High School Trustee Election by single member district to be held on May 8, 2012. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. The resolution is as follows: 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 High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, call for a mail ballot election of the registered electors of the district to be held on the 8th day of May, 2012, for the purpose of electing one (1) high school trustee (of the Nominating District A). 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. ELEMENTARY TECHOLOGY LEVY Patricia Hubbard, Finance Director, reported $1,800,000 would be the ideal amount for the elementary technology levy. Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Travis Kemp: Motion to run the Elementary Technology Levy. Trustee Wardell asked if a levy of one-half of the amount could be run now and the other half in two years. Mr. Rutherford stated that could take place. Trustee Wardell asked the board to make sure each of the levies is understood before a decision is made and to have a total amount of all proposed levies for the taxpayers. Superintendent Copps stated administrators have had a tough time in discussing the budgeting for the next year as it is difficult to move forward as all numbers are not known. Obligations and pledges, including the increase of a librarian and counselor, must be kept in mind when working with the proposed budget. Administration must also address the 90+ elementary classrooms that are overcrowded, as well as what has been neglected in the past and where the district should go. This district is struggling as are many other districts in the state. Other items to be reviewed by the board are: 1) overcrowded classes which would cost the district $850,000 for 8 more teachers; 2) common core standards; 3) adding 1 counselor and 1 librarian; and, 4) textbooks. Some Science books were copyrighted in 1996 and need to be replaced for a total of $693,000; Health Enhancement books also need to be replaced. In order to reach the bare minimum for textbooks, it would cost $2,300,000 to catch up. It will require some cuts in order to get new textbooks. Also, the general reserve is below 5% and would take $1,500,000 to reach the 5% mark. The QZAB funds are very important in addressing deferred maintenance. If approved by the voters, the taxpayer would pay only 28% on those bonds. It is important for everyone to have the information on where this district is falling behind and what needs to be done to move ahead. The deficit is too large to manage in one year. Mr. Copps felt the community would help if the information gets out to the public. Trustee Ellis reported that Billings and Butte are the only AA districts who do not have technology levies. She asked if $1,200,000 would be enough or should the board go for $1,800,000. Superintendent Copps felt, if the board wanted to look at other areas for levies, set the amount at $1,200,000. Trustee Wardell asked what it would cost the taxpayer on QZAB bonds before deciding on the technology levy. Trustee Moen reported the elementary technology levy would aid the common core curriculum. Trustee Graves amended the motion to run the elementary technology levy for $1,200,000. Trustee Kemp gave his second. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Trustees Smith and Stroebe are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. Those voting in favor of the original motion were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Trustees Stroebe and Smith are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. ELEMENTARY AND HIGH SCHOOL GENERAL FUND LEVIES Ms. Hubbard reported the eligible amounts to request from voters would not be known until next month. The board could, however, vote on its intent to run a levy. Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Moen: Motion to table the issue. Trustee Ellis asked if the board could choose to run an elementary levy for $555,000 and dedicate it to textbooks. Mr. Copps stated it could be earmarked for reading textbooks. Trustee Wardell stated she has had numerous emails from stakeholders saying there is no community support for levies. Trustee Graves stated the superintendent just told the board what was needed. Those voting in favor of the motion were Connie Wardell. Those opposing were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter and Travis Kemp. The motion failed. Trustees Stroebe and Smith are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Ellis: Motion to show intent to run an elementary general fund levy based on the new numbers from the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) to be decided at a later date. Superintendent Copps stated that if it is the board’s intent to run a levy, anyone can discuss it in public but when a number is set for the levy, only certain people can address the issue of the levy in public. Trustee Graves felt the intent to run the levy would gain feedback from the public. Those voting in favor of the motion were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter and Travis Kemp. Connie Wardell opposed the motion. The motion passed. Trustees Stroebe and Smith are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Ellis: Motion for intent to run a high school levy based on OPI numbers. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, and Teresa Stroebe. Connie Wardell opposed the motion. The motion passed. CALL FOR RESOLUTIONS FOR QZAB AND QECB BONDS Dr. Middleton reported that $8,300,000 \is available for the elementary and high school districts in Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECB). Any expenditure of these bonds would be required to save the district 20% in energy savings. Bridget Ekstrom, D. A. Davidson, report there is also $5,800,000 available for the elementary district in Qualified Zone Academy (QZAB). This district received $12,000,000 in QZAB bonds in 2010 of the $60,000,000 that was available at 0% interest rate. The district also received a AA credit rating. This district is able to take advantage of the QCEB bonds because the University of Montana turned back the dollars. The district would pay approximately 28% of the $5,800,000 on the identified projects. A donation of 10% is also required which the Billings Public Schools foundation has agreed to contribute. If the levies are approved, there would be a three-year window to complete the identified projects. Bret Rutherford stated the deadline is March 12, 2012 to give the election department firm language for the levy elections, which he recommended be run on May 8. The board may cancel or change any portion of the levy election. Mr. Rutherford stated a standalone election in September would cost at least $60,000 to administer. Lew Anderson, Facilities Director, reported one of the boilers at West High has a crack and cannot be used. It would cost approximately $6,000 to repair it. Mr. Anderson reported he wanted to see the bond elections run as soon as possible. Trustee Wardell asked how many projects could be completed by October. Mr. Anderson reported he would continue to seek bids until they start to rise then he would hold off on the remaining projects until constructions costs became more favorable. He felt some projects could also be completed in November and December. Trustee Ellis asked if Broadwater School could be removed from the projected tasks in order to address it as a full upgrade. Mr. Anderson reported that once it has been identified on the ballot, it cannot be changed. Patricia Hubbard reported OPI does not like to have levies run in September or October as budget figures need to be addressed prior to that. Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Graves: Motion to approve the bond resolutions as presented in the board packet for QZAB bonds for the elementary district to be placed on the May 8, 2012 election for $5,811,000. Those voting in favor of the motion were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Trustees Smith and Stroebe are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. The resolution is as follows: WHEREAS, the board of trustees of a school district may issue bonds on the credit of the school district for the purpose of building, altering, repairing, buying, furnishing, equipping, purchasing lands for, and/or obtaining a water supply for a school, teacherage, dormitory, gymnasium, other building, or combination of said buildings for school purposes, upon approval of the electorate of the district; and WHEREAS, a board is authorized pursuant to Section 20-9-421, MCA, to call a bond election by adopting a resolution to that effect; and WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of School District No. 2 (Billings), Yellowstone County (the “District”), has determined that there should be submitted to the electors of the District qualified to vote at bond elections the question of whether the Board shall be authorized to issue and sell bonds of the District in one or more series to obtain funds for the purpose of paying the costs of rehabilitating and improving various schools within the District to address certain of the District’s deferred maintenance needs, including heating and ventilation improvements at the following schools: Burlington, Miles Avenue, Central Heights, Bitterroot, Will James, and Meadowlark; roof replacement or roof upgrades at the following schools: Burlington, Miles Avenue, Washington, Bitterroot, Broadwater, Will James, Riverside and Central Heights: window replacements at Riverside and Will James; plumbing replacement or upgrades at the following schools: McKinley, Bench, Highland, Bitterroot, and Rose Park; replacement or installation of fire alarms at Riverside and Central Heights; if proceeds remain and to the extent they are available, roof replacement or roof upgrades at any one or more of the following schools: Beartooth, Orchard, Sandstone, Rose Park, Boulder Annex, Eagle Cliffs, and Alkali Creek; related improvements; and paying costs associated with the sale and issuance of the bonds; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 13-19-104, MCA, a school district bond election can be conducted by a mail ballot election; and WHEREAS, the Board has determined that a mail ballot election conducted in accordance with the provisions of Title 13, Chapter 19, Parts 1-3, MCA (the “Mail Ballot Act”), is in the best interests of the District and the electors thereof, and notified the County Election Administrator of its intent to conduct a mail ballot election, which notification was not less than seventy days prior to the date of the proposed election, and WHEREAS, the Yellowstone County Election Administrator has prepared and will submit a mail ballot election plan (the “Bail Ballot Plan”) to the Secretary of State no later than 60 days before the election in accordance with the provisions of Section 13-19-205, MCA; and 60 days before the election in accordance with the provisions of Section 13-19-205, MCA; and WHEREAS, it is the judgment of the Board that the sum of not less than Ten Million Three Hundred Sixty-four Thousand Five Hundred Two and No/100 Dollars ($10,364,502.00) will be necessary to carry out the purpose set forth above; and WHEREAS, the indebtedness to be evidenced by the proposed bonds and all other indebtedness of the District does not exceed the limitation as set forth in Section 20-9-406, MCA; and WHEREAS, it is the judgment and determination of the Board that said bonds will be payable during a term not to exceed twenty (20) years; and WHEREAS, the District received allocations from the Montana Office of Public Instruction (“OPI”) to issue up to $5,811,000 in Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (“QZABs”) and from the Montana Department of Administration (“DOA”) to issue up to $4,553,502 in Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (“QECBS”). Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Graves: Motion to approve the bond resolution for QECB as presented in the board packet in the elementary district to be placed on the May 8, 2012 ballot for $4,553,502. Those voting in favor of the motion were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Trustees Smith and Stroebe are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. The resolution is as follows: WHEREAS, the board of trustees of a school district may issue bonds on the credit of the school district for the purpose of building, altering, repairing, buying, furnishing, equipping, purchasing lands for, and/or obtaining a water supply for a school, teacherage, dormitory, gymnasium, other building, or combination of said buildings for school purposes, upon approval of the electorate of the district; and WHEREAS, a board is authorized pursuant to Section 20-9-421, MCA, to call a bond election by adopting a resolution to that effect; and WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of School District No. 2 (Billings), Yellowstone County (the “District”), has determined that there should be submitted to the electors of the District qualified to vote at bond elections the question of whether the Board shall be authorized to issue and sell bonds of the District in one or more series to obtain funds for the purpose of paying the costs of rehabilitating and improving various schools within the District to address certain of the District’s deferred maintenance needs, including heating and ventilation improvements at the following schools: Burlington, Miles Avenue, Central Heights, Bitterroot, Will James, and Meadowlark; roof replacement or roof upgrades at the following schools: Burlington, Miles Avenue, Washington, Bitterroot, Broadwater, Will James, Riverside and Central Heights: window replacements at Riverside and Will James; plumbing replacement or upgrades at the following schools: McKinley, Bench, Highland, Bitterroot, and Rose Park; replacement or installation of fire alarms at Riverside and Central Heights; if proceeds remain and to the extent they are available, roof replacement or roof upgrades at any one or more of the following schools: Beartooth, Orchard, Sandstone, Rose Park, Boulder Annex, Eagle Cliffs, and Alkali Creek; related improvements; and paying costs associated with the sale and issuance of the bonds; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 13-19-104, MCA, a school district bond election can be conducted by a mail ballot election; and WHEREAS, the Board has determined that a mail ballot election conducted in accordance with the provisions of Title 13, Chapter 19, Parts 1-3, MCA (the “Mail Ballot Act”), is in the best interests of the District and the electors thereof, and notified the County Election Administrator of its intent to conduct a mail ballot election, which notification was not less than seventy days prior to the date of the proposed election, and WHEREAS, the Yellowstone County Election Administrator has prepared and will submit a mail ballot election plan (the “Bail Ballot Plan”) to the Secretary of State no later than 60 days before the election in accordance with the provisions of Section 13-19-205, MCA; and 60 days before the election in accordance with the provisions of Section 13-19-205, MCA; and WHEREAS, it is the judgment of the Board that the sum of not less than Ten Million Three Hundred Sixty-four Thousand Five Hundred Two and No/100 Dollars ($10,364,502.00) will be necessary to carry out the purpose set forth above; and WHEREAS, the indebtedness to be evidenced by the proposed bonds and all other indebtedness of the District does not exceed the limitation as set forth in Section 20-9-406, MCA; and WHEREAS, it is the judgment and determination of the Board that said bonds will be payable during a term not to exceed twenty (20) years; and WHEREAS, the District received allocations from the Montana Office of Public Instruction (“OPI”) to issue up to $5,811,000 in Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (“QZABs”) and from the Montana Department of Administration (“DOA”) to issue up to $4,553,502 in Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (“QECBS”). Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Graves: Motion to approve the bond resolution for QECB as presented in the board packet in the high school district to be placed on the May 8, 2012 ballot for $3,780,000. Those voting in favor of the motion were Grete Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. The resolution is as follows: WHEREAS, the board of trustees of a school district may issue bonds on the credit of the school district for the purpose of building, altering, repairing, buying, furnishing, equipping, purchasing lands for, and/or obtaining a water supply for a school, teacherage, dormitory, gymnasium, other building, or combination of said buildings for school purposes, upon approval of the electorate of the district; and WHEREAS, a board is authorized pursuant to Section 20-9-421, MCA, to call a bond election by adopting a resolution to that effect; and WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of High School District No. 2 (Billings), Yellowstone County (the “District”), has determined that there should be submitted to the electors of the District qualified to vote at bond elections the question of whether the Board shall be authorized to issue and sell bonds of the District in one or more series to obtain funds for the purpose of paying the costs of rehabilitating and improving Billings West High School, to include heating, ventilation and air conditioning improvements, roof replacement or upgrades, and window replacement; related improvements; and paying costs associated with the sale and issuance of the bonds; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 13-19-104, MCA, a school district bond election can be conducted by a mail ballot election; and WHEREAS, the Board has determined that a mail ballot election conducted in accordance with the provisions of Title 13, Chapter 19, Parts 1-3, MCA (the “Mail Ballot Act”), is in the best interests of the District and the electors thereof, and notified the County Election Administrator of its intent to conduct a mail ballot election, which notification was not less than seventy days prior to the date of the proposed election, and WHEREAS, the Yellowstone County Election Administrator has prepared and will submit a mail ballot election plan (the “Bail Ballot Plan”) to the Secretary of State no later than 60 days before the election in accordance with the provisions of Section 13-19-205, MCA; and 60 days before the election in accordance with the provisions of Section 13-19-205, MCA; and WHEREAS, it is the judgment of the Board that the sum of not less than Three Million Seven Hundred Eighty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($3,780,000.00) will be necessary to carry out the purpose set forth above; and WHEREAS, the indebtedness to be evidenced by the proposed bonds and all other indebtedness of the District does not exceed the limitation as set forth in Section 20-9-406, MCA; and WHEREAS, it is the judgment and determination of the Board that said bonds will be payable during a term not to exceed twenty (20) years; and WHEREAS, the District received allocations from the Montana Department of Administration (“DOA”) to issue up to $3,780,000 in Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs”). ELEMENTARY AND HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING RESERVE LEVIES Dr. Middleton stated administration is looking for a motion of intent to run building reserve levies tonight. Levy estimates need to be determined and how long you want the money to come to the district which may run up to twenty years. Trustee Ellis wanted to see what the other AA schools have for their building reserve levies. Trustee Graves stated he would like to see solid numbers. Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Ellis: Motion for the intent to run a building reserve elementary levy on May 8, 2012. Chair Stroebe stated the levy election could be moved to September after the district has a master facilities plan. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Trustees Smith and Stroebe are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Smith: Motion for the intent to run a building reserve high school levy on May 8, 2012. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS: RATIFICATION OF 2011-12 MPEA CONTRACT Jeff Greenfield, Billings Education Association President, addressed the issue of negotiations. He urged the board not to earmark funds for certain items as it is an unfair labor practice to commit funds prior to negotiations. The district’s negotiating team must have authority from the board to make a deal. When considering negotiations, the board must be resolved in the negotiating team. Dr. Middleton thanked the MPEA team for participating in the negotiations and requested board ratification for the 2011-12 contract. Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Smith: Motion to ratify the MPEA contract for 2011-12. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. TRUSTEES’ ROLE IN NEGOTIATIONS Chair Stroebe stated she has appointed Trustees Moen and Graves to serve on the negotiating teams. They will work with Jeana Lervick, Scott Anderson and Josh Middleton. Trustee Graves stated the group had decided that Dr. Middleton would be the spokesperson for the negotiations. He stated meetings needed to be scheduled for negotiations and ground rules set. Trustee Smith made the following motion with a second by Trustee Halter: Motion to approve the appointment of Trustees Moen and Graves to the negotiation teams to work with Scott Anderson, Jeana Lervick and Josh Middleton. Superintendent Copps stated a group of administrators review their handbook every year and make changes. Dr. Middleton asked board members to send their negotiation ideas to Trustees Moen and Graves. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. REPLACE LINCOLN AUDITORIUM ROOF Lew Anderson reported bids came in high last year and were re-submitted. $15,500 was saved by resubmitting the bids. The insurance claim received was for $20,000 with another $15,000 expected. Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Smith: Motion to award the Lincoln Auditorium roof project to Empire Roofing for $78,079. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. WINDOW REPLACEMENT – LEWIS AND CLARK MIDDLE SCHOOL (QZAB BOND PROJECT) Mr. Anderson reported $600,000 has been allocated for the window replacement at Lewis & Clark Middle School. Trustee Ellis made the following motion with a second by Trustee Graves: Motion to approve the award of the construction contract for the window replacement project to Fisher Construction for $297,000. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Trustees Smith and Stroebe are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. COMMUNITY SEVEN TELEVISION Trustee Graves reported he wanted to stream live on the internet the board meetings. Trustee Graves stated he contacted Community 7 TV and Bresnan to make sure there would be no problem. Bresnan reported there would be no problems in doing so. He asked Community 7 personnel to provide a digital copy of the meeting in order for the tech support to put it on the district’s website the next day. Trustee Graves also discovered the district has been paying $6,600 a year to Community 7 when the contract expired in 1999. The cost for a 2-hour DVD is $25. The district has the bandwidth but would need equipment to stream the meetings live. Trustee Graves recommended covering the DVD copy at tonight’s meeting only. Trustee Ellis suggested going back to Community 7 in order to renegotiate. She asked what was received for the amount paid every year. Superintendent Copps stated he is more than willing to meet with Community 7. Chair Stroebe felt more information was needed before moving forward except on the digital delivery options. Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Smith: Motion to request Community 7 provide a DVD for board meetings and direct Karen Palmer to put it on the district’s website. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Wardell stated the fee paid to Community 7 is a sponsorship. UPDATE ON SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH Jeana Lervick, Human Resources Director, reported that Mc Pherson and Jacobsen attended a board meeting last Monday. The community input sessions have been scheduled for the week of March 5th. A full list of groups that will give input will be sent to the board members. The March 12, 2012 meeting will be for reviewing the input received. April 11, 2012 is the ending date for the search. A meeting will be scheduled with community members after the April 11th meeting to select candidates. The interview dates are scheduled for May 8, 9 and 10. DAVIS DEMOGRAPHICS REPORT Mary Jo Fox addressed the board on the issue of the Davis Demographic Report. The draft report was received in January 2011 but the full board did not receive it at that time. She believed the draft of that report should be included on the District’s website. Ms. Fox stated the draft was changed prior to February 8, 2011 and felt the board members and public should be given the draft in order to see the changes made regarding Highland, McKinley, Newman, Poly and Rose Park schools. She reported the original contract was for $50,000 and she has been unable to find a board vote authorizing that contract. The final price after the revisions exceeded $100,000 which is beyond the approval authority of the superintendent or chair. She urged the board to have a public work session to discuss the original report. Richard Dews stated he was asked by Thomas Harper, the district’s former CFO, to fix a spreadsheet on enrollment norms and developed his own model that projected trends in enrollments. He was unable to use the Davis Demographic software that he believed Davis was contractually obligated to provide to the district. During his presentation at this meeting,Mr. Dews gave Leo Hudetz flash drives with his findings for the board members. Trustee Ellis asked Mr. Dews if Dr. Beeman had reduced the price to Davis Demographics. Mr. Dews was not aware of any reduction. Trustee Graves felt the district should have received an unbiased report. Trustee Wardell asked if the district had a product that could be used and relied upon. Mr. Dews believed the district did not have such a report and that Davis Demographic software was not usable at this time by the district. Barb Bryan, former board chair of the Board of Trustees, gave a brief rundown of her involvement with the Davis report. She, as well as Dr. Beeman, had decided the report was not acceptable. She reported she edited the report as she said she is a professional technical writer with over forty years of experience. She believed the final report projected all of the contractual obligations of Davis Demographics and the data is the same in both reports. She recommended a board committee work on the information from the Davis report and move forward. Trustee Wardell asked if the board could use the report. Ms. Bryan stated it could. Andy Wildenburg reported he has a Ph.D in computer science. He felt the Davis report should be cross validated and apply the model to previous years to see if it makes sense or go back a few years and use the same methodology. Chair Stroebe asked that both copies of the report be placed on the website. The draft report is included on the agenda portion of the website. Trustee Ellis made the following motion with a second by Trustee Wardell: Motion to put all three reports, Davis draft, and June 2011 report, and the Richard Dews’ report, on the district’s website. Trustee Moen asked a note be attached to the draft report that it was not received by the full board. Trustee Ellis stated, except for Barbara Bryan, the board members did not know there was a draft report that was being revised. Trustee Ellis amended the motion as follows with a second by Trustee Smith: Motion to put all three reports, on the district’s website, and state the Davis draft report that was not presented to the board. Those voting in favor of the amendment were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Those voting in favor of the original motion were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Ellis: Motion to follow guidelines of thePerformance Monitoring/Stakeholders Relations Committee as per Doug Eadie’s recommendations and establish the Legislative Committee is a subcommittee of the Performance Monitoring/Stakeholders Relations Committee to become active in July. Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Moen: Motion to table. Those voting in favor of the second motion were Connie Wardell, Allen Halter, Greta Besch Moen, and Teresa Stroebe. Those voting in opposition were Lindy Graves, Travis Smith, Travis Kemp, and Pam Ellis. The motion failed. Those voting in favor of the original motion were Allen Halter, Teresa Stroebe, Lindy Graves, Travis Smith, Travis Kemp, and Pam Ellis. Those opposing were Connie Wardell and Greta Besch Moen. The motion passed. MTSBA MEETING REPORT Chair Stroebe reported everyone who attended the Montana School Board Association meeting was willing to work on the inequity of school funding. It might be possible to recoup some inflationary dollars according to the suit filed by the Montana Quality Education Coalition. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Mr. Copps reported the core standards are moving forward with this school year being the planning and awareness year, the second year is the alignment year, 2013-14 is the implementation year, and 2014-15 will be the year for a large cost to the program. Castle Rock Middle School is submitting a grant to develop an outdoor classroom space for $75,000. If the grant is awarded, the Boys and Girls Club will donate an additional $80,000 to the project. The Graduation Matters grant that was received for $10,000 will be used to kick off the graduation pledge days. CONSENT AGENDA Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Halter: 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, Allen Halter, 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 – January 2012 Financial Reports – January 2012 (Unaudited) Regular Board Meeting Minutes, January 16, 2012 Special Board Meeting Minutes, January 6-8, 2012 Special Board Meeting Minutes, January 23, 2012 Special Board Meeting Minutes, February 6, 2012 Special Board Meeting Minutes, February 13, 2012 Assistant Superintendent Contracts Resolution Establish New Trust Account for Billings West High Students in Transition (S.I.T.) ADJOURNMENT Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kemp: Motion to adjourn. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Travis Smith, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:25 p.m. Teresa Stroebe, Chair Diane Blevins, Recorder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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