Diane Blevins Posted April 13, 2012 Report Share Posted April 13, 2012 Proceedings of the Board of Trustees District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Billings, Montana March 19, 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, March 19, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. Members present included Trustees Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen (via phone), Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon (arrived at 5:40), Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, Pam Ellis, District Clerk Leo Hudetz, and Assistant Superintendents Gail Surwill and Josh Middleton. Registered guests were Mary Westwood, Ivy Chesterman, Pam Christianson, Teresa Sandstead. Mary Jo Fox, Tessa Miller, Kyra Gaskill, Michael Subek, Amy Wilde, David Lindenbaum, Joan Sorenson, Mandy Koch, Brian T. Duray, Jennifer Nelson, Jeff Bottrell, Carl Bottrell, Reace Bramble, Mike Havers, JoAnne Havers, Andrew Havers, John Quandt, Sara Boman, Jeff Weldon, Karen Moses, Elizabeth Potter, Tom Potter, Judy Henderson, Nina Jackson, Ed Grant, Darcey Frewin, and David Trost. RECOGNITION AND GIFTS AND DONATIONS Trustee Kemp made the following motion with a second by Trustee Graves: Motion to accept the gifts and donations with gratitude. Those voting in favor of the motion were Greta Besch Moen, Kathy Aragon, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Connie Wardell, Lindy Graves, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, and Pam Smith. The motion passed unanimously. The following are the gifts and donations: Arrowhead -- Michelle Anderson, $34.62 Julie Harman, $57.72 Boulder -- Jeff Redding, $50 through Wells Fargo Community Support and United Way Campaign Miles Avenue -- Prudential Floberg Realtors, maps for kids First Interstate Bank, maps for kids Kenco Security and Technology, maps for kids AlphaGraphics, maps for kids Billings Gazette, maps for kids Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, maps for kids MSU-Billings, McMullen Hall, maps for kids Northwestern Energy, maps for kids Billings West Rotary, dictionaries for 4th graders Kerry Sherwood, $26 through Wells Fargo Community Support and United Way Campaign Ponderosa -- St. Thomas Catholic Church, Easter food baskets for some families Will James -- B & H bowling Supplies, two commercial embroidery machines Edith Carlson, $50 to soldiers’ fund Faith Chapel, $35 to the soldiers fund Gerald and Jane Manley, $50 to the soldiers’ fund Jeff Redding, $50 Ralph Spence, Jr.,$500 to the soldiers’ fund Scott and KellyWickam,$25 to the soldiers’ fund Delta Program -- Wal-Mart Store #1956, $240 The board recognized the following: National Forensics League Tournament Qualifiers: Senior High, Reace Bramble and Carl Bottrell; Skyview High - Ivy Chesterman, Andy Havens, Michael Siebert, and Brendan Bellows; National Forensics District Student of the Year, Brendan Bellows. The board also recognized David Lindenbaum, West High student, who received a perfect 36 score on the ACT. Ed Graff, Energy Ed. Inc., presented the board with the Energy Star Award. Mr. Lew Anderson, Facilities Director, accepted the award on behalf of the entire school district. The district has saved the taxpayers a lot of money and the district has clean energy. The district has passed the $2,000,000 mark in energy savings since entering into an agreement with Energy Ed. Inc. 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 in support of Trustee Ellis. He voiced his concerns of the letter regarding Pam Ellis from two administrators and why the parent gave the letter to the press. He hoped this does not cause this district to lose a good superintendent candidate. The chair asked Jeff Weldon, legal counsel, to address, whether Mr. Quandt’s comments violated anyone’s privacy.. Mr. Weldon reported on the right of privacy law by the state and did not believe anything said breeched that law. Pam Christianson believed that there needs to be transparent and accountability from the board on fund amounts, changing of the levies, demographics, and the meeting of Barb Bryan and Keith Beeman with city personnel on the sale of the Cottonwood property. She felt that this board and past board groups have bred mistrust by the public. Theresa Sandstead addressed the board regarding the possibility of moving sixth graders to the middle schools. She stated she supported the issue of moving those students. Mary Westwood addressed the board to remind them that all trustees made a promise to be more honest. If Dr. Middleton wanted to run for the superintendent position, then he needs to put in his application. The way information is being disseminated, it appears that the $25,000 planning grant would cost $200,000, which is more than the reported $6,500 district portion. Everyone must receive the same information. Ms. Westwood stated all members of the board and the public should have access to all information that is not a privacy issue and felt there were control issues taking place. Karen Moses urged the board to work as a team and take responsibility for what is taking place here. If the board wants to pass a mill levy, apologize and tell the taxpayers you are sorry. She asked the board to let the administrators do their jobs and stop micromanaging. If the board addressed the issue of overcrowding, this district might have a chance to pass the levies. Darcy Frewin spoke in support of Trustee Ellis and thanked Trustee Ellis for getting her involved in the works of the district and educating her. She stated she has vested interest in this district with five children. Elizabeth Potter addressed the issue of moving sixth graders to Will James from Arrowhead. She stated Arrowhead has provided great education for her children and is a safe environment. Ms. Potter reported she is flexible during this temporary change to move the sixth graders and asked the board to let this be the last temporary fix. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Stroebe pulled items J2, K, L, M, Q and T8. Superintendent Copps reported he contacted Richard Dews on the demographic data and asked him to submit a package to update that information. Superintendent Copps said we need to ask that the data in the Davis Demographic study, that is in dispute, be updated. Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to approve the agenda as amended. Those voting in favor of the motion were Greta Besch Moen, Kathy Aragon, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Donnie Wardell, Lindy Graves, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, and Pam Ellis. The motion passed unanimously. BUDGET DISCUSSIONS; PRIORITIES RECOMMENDED FOR USE OF THE $1.2 MILLION ELEMENTARY TECHNOLOGY LEVY Karen Palmer, Technology director, stated the objectives for elementary technology is to increase the district’s student learning infrastructure. There are 55% of the computers in K-8 that are older than five years. Infrastructure is very important when adding new software as well as professional development. A total of $180,000 of the mill levy would go to infrastructure, $240,000 to professional development, and the remaining funds would be used to purchase computers or the remaining funds could be given to the schools based on ANB as is being done in the high schools technology levy. Ms. Palmer reported the Technology Advisory Panel for K-8 grades is very thankful for the opportunity to serve and they could have a detailed report on the use of the funds by the April regular board meeting. COMMUNICATION FROM THE PUBLIC David Trost apologized for interrupting the meeting but appreciated the opportunity to speak as he had to leave the meeting. He stated he supported the efforts to move sixth graders to the middle schools. He reported he had served as the chair of the Cottonwood task force and felt a long-term fix is needed. He further stated he supported the elementary technology levy. BUDGET DISCUSSION CONT’D. Karen Palmer reported technology levy funds may be used for anything pertaining to technology. District staff would conduct professional development sessions. Trustee Graves stated, if the levy passed, PTAs could concentrate on playground equipment fundraising instead of computer lab fundraising. He asked for a condensed version of how the funds would be used to sell the technology levy to the public. Trustee Wardell asked that a percentage be put on the ballot for the disbursement to schools according to ANB. Superintendent Copps said it could be done but it might prevent the district from doing something different in the future. PRIORITIES FOR “INTENDED” GENERAL FUND LEVIES Superintendent Copps reported the reading series for elementary schools is being proposed for over $1,000,000 but it would give us a good start and the $155,716 in the high school levy would address the shortfall in the budget. BUDGET UPDATE 2012-13 Patricia Hubbard, Financial Officer, reported the upcoming election is set for May 8th, 2012. She reviewed page 9 in the packet. Superintendent Copps reported the QZAB funds are for $5,200,000 and believed it was very affordable as both the state and federal government will participate in funding repayment of those bonds. PROTESTED TAXES Ms. Hubbard reviewed page 11 in the board packet and stated that the district, in not receiving the protested taxes, which would affect the reserve accounts. One-half of the protested taxes on page 10 can be released now and the rest after the May tax protests review is completed. The district is asking to borrow against the escrow account in order to stay solvent. If any portion of the protests is ruled in favor of the protesting taxpayers, the district would be required to repay those funds plus interest. Most of the protests by the refineries are expected to take between six and eight years. Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to approve the County releasing the November 2011 and May 2012 protested taxes in the listed elementary funds in the board packet. Those voting in favor of the motion were Greta Besch Moen, Kathy Aragon, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Connie Wardell, Lindy Graves, and Pam Ellis. The motion passed unanimously. Trustees Stroebe and Smith are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to approve the County releasing the November 2011 and May 2012 protested taxes in the listed high school funds in the board packet. Those voting in favor of the motion were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Travis Kemp, Allen Halter, Connie Wardell, Lindy Graves, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, and Pam Ellis. The motion passed unanimously. RESOLUTION CALLING FOR AN ELEMENTARY TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION AND DEPRECIATION FUND LEVY ELECTION, MAY 8. 2012 Trustee Wardell asked if the language should be more specific on the ballot. Superintendent Copps believed that the district needs to be flexible but it can be quite open with the taxpayers and tell them that these funds would be used for technology. The district could agree to distribute the funds based on ANB and be equitable. Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to adopt the resolution calling for an Elementary Technology Acquisition and Depreciation Fund levy election to be held on May 8, 2012 and declaring the amount of the Elementary Technology Acquisition and Depreciation Fund Levy Election to be $1,200,000, such amount being approximately6.78 mills and to include in the language that indicates an allotment on a per pupil basis. Those voting in favor of the motion were Greta Besch Moen, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Allen Halter, Connie Wardell, Lindy Graves, and Pam Ellis. The motion passed unanimously. Trustees Stroebe and Smith are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. The following is the resolution: WHEREAS: the trustees of any district shall have the authority under the provision of section 20-20-201, MCA, to call for a school election; WHEREAS the trustees of any district shall have the authority under the provision of section 20-9-533, MCA, to submit a proposition to the qualified electors of the district to approve an additional levy to fund the depreciation of technological equipment; 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 voting upon the question of whether or not the trustees shall be authorized to make a levy for the purpose of purchasing, renting, repairing and maintaining technological equipment, including computers and computer network access and the associated technical training for school district personnel for the 2012-2013 school year, beginning July 1, 2012; The proceeds of this levy will be allocated on a per pupil basis; and, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the trustees of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County declare that the amount of the Elementary Technology Acquisition and Depreciated Fund Levy election shall be $1,200,000, such amount being approximately 6.78 mills. The levy is permanent once approved by the voters, assuming the district levies that amount each thereafter and satisfies the provisions of 20-9-533 MCA. RESOLUTION CALLING FOR AN ELEMENTARY LEVY ELECTION, May 8, 2012 District Clerk Leo Hudetz explained the impact on taxpayers and how it would be used. Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Ellis: Motion to adopt the Resolution Calling for an Elementary Levy Election to be held on May 8, 2012 and declaring the amount of the Elementary Levy Election to be $880,790, such amount being approximately 4.98 mills. Trustee Wardell stated she did not feel we should put all of the levies on the ballot as all may fail. Trustee Aragon felt the taxpayers should be given the options of which levies to pass. Trustee Smith wanted to run all instead of coming back to the taxpayers in six months. Superintendent Copps reported the district is spending $880,000 for reading textbooks. Those voting in favor of the motion were Greta Besch Moen, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon, Allen Halter, Lindy Graves, and Pam Ellis. Connie Wardell opposed the motion. The motion passed. Trustees Stroebe and Smith are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. The following is the resolution: WHEREAS, the trustees of any district shall have the authority under the provision of section 20-20-201, MCA, to call for a school election; WHEREAS, the trustees of this district shall have the authority under the provisions of section 15-10-425 and Title 20 of the Montana Code Annotated to set the amount of a mill levy; 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 voting upon the question of whether or not the trustees shall be authorized to make a levy for the purpose of providing funds to support the general fund for the proper maintenance and operation of the elementary district for the 2012-2013 school year; beginning July 1, 2012; and, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the trustees of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County declare that the amount of the elementary levy election to be held on May 8, 2012 shall be $880,790, such amount being approximately 4.98 mills. The levy is permanent once approved by the voters, assuming the district levies that amount each year thereafter. RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A HIGH SCHOOL LEVY ELECTION, MAY 8, 2012 The high school budget has a deficit of $450,000 and this levied amount would help offset that amount. Chair Stroebe felt the district is barely asking for what it needs and the high school budget must also be addressed. Superintendent Copps stated the levy would cost the taxpayers $.15 a month for the high school levy. Trustee Wardell felt the total of all levies will be hard to sell. Trustee Smith stated the district needs to educate the students as they are the leaders of tomorrow. Trustee Ellis reported taxpayers on fixed incomes may receive significant tax relief. Trustee Stroebe made the following motion with a second by Trustee Ellis: Motion to adopt the Resolution Calling for a High School Levy Election to be held on May 8, 2012 and declaring the amount of the High School Levy Election to be $155,716, such amount being approximately .66 mills. Those voting in favor of the motion were Greta Besch Moen, Kathy Aragon, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Connie Wardell, Lindy Graves, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, and Pam Ellis. The motion passed unanimously. The following is the resolution: WHEREAS, the trustees of any district shall have the authority under the provision of section 20-20-201, MCA, to call for a school election; WHEREAS, the trustees of this district shall have the authority under the provisions of section 15-10-425 and Title 20 of the Montana Code Annotated to set the amount of a mill levy; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the trustees of High 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 voting upon the question of whether or not the trustees shall be authorized to make a levy for the purpose of providing funds to support the general fund for the proper maintenance and operation of the high school district for the 2012-2013 school year; beginning July 1, 2012; and, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the trustees of High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County declare that the amount of the high school levy election to be held on May 8, 2012 shall be $155,716, such amount being approximately .66 mills. The levy is permanent once approved by the voters, assuming the district levies that amount each year thereafter. RESOLUTION CALLING FOR AN ELEMENTARY BUILDING RESERVE LEVY ELECTION, MAY 8, 2012 Mr. Hudetz reported the last building reserve levy was for $2,000,000 and was for five years. The proposed language for this levy is for $1,000,000 for five years. Ms. Hubbard stated Bozeman, Kalispell, and Butte have building reserve levies. Trustee Wardell felt the district needs to get a plan together before we ask for a building reserve levy. Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Wardell: Motion to complete the master facilities plan prior to running a levy. Mr. Hudetz stated the board could not make that motion as the item was pulled from the agenda. Chair Stroebe asked if this levy could be run in November. Trustee Ellis stated there are projects that could be addressed with these funds. Dr. Middleton, Assistant Superintendent, reported building reserve funds are used for unexpected situations. Mr. Anderson reported he has a list of projects that need to be addressed as soon as possible. Trustee Aragon reiterated that a master facilities plan is needed which would address important areas before running a building reserve levy. Trustee Ellis stated Bret Rutherford, Election Administrator, recommended at a previous meeting that the levy not be run in November as it is too confusing for voters. Superintendent Copps reported the district would have to go into reserve funds if an emergency arises. The motion was rescinded. Trustee Ellis made the following motion with a second by Trustee Graves: Motion to adopt the Resolution Calling for an Elementary Building Reserve Levy Election to be held on May, 8, 2012, and declaring the amount of the Elementary Building Reserve Levy Election to be $1,000,000 for five years, such amount being approximately 5.65 mills. Trustee Wardell amended the motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to delete the date of the levy election until after the master facilities plan is adopted. Those voting in favor were Greta Besch Moen, Connie Wardell, and Kathy Aragon. Those opposing were Travis Kemp, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, and Allen Halter. The motion failed. Trustees Stroebe and Smith are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. Those voting in favor of the original motion were Travis Kemp, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, and Allen Halter. Those opposing were Kathy Aragon, Connie Wardell and Greta Besch Moen. The motion passed. Trustees Stroebe and Smith are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. The following is the resolution: WHEREAS, the trustees of any district shall have the authority under the provision of section 20-20-201, MCA, to call for a school election; WHEREAS, the trustees of this district shall have the authority under the provisions of section 15-10-425 and Title 20 of the Montana Code Annotated to set the amount of a mill levy; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the trustees of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County call for an Elementary Building Reserve Fund election on the 8th day of May, 2012 for the purpose of voting upon the question of whether or not the trustees shall be authorized to make a levy for the purpose of providing funds for the Elementary Building Reserve Fund for the maintenance, construction, equipping, or enlarging of school buildings; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the trustees of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County declare that the amount of the Elementary Building Reserve Fund Election to be held on the 8th day of May, 2012, shall be an additional annual levy for each year for five (5) years to raise an annual amount of $1,000,000 and being approximately 5.65 mills, and establish a building reserve of this elementary district to raise a total amount of $5,000,000. RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING RESERVE LEVY ELECTION, MAY 8, 2012 Trustee Kemp made the following motion with a second by Trustee Smith: Motion to adopt the Resolution Calling for an High School Building Reserve Levy Election to be held on May, 8, 2012, and declaring the amount of the High School Building Reserve Levy Election to be $1,000,000 for five years, such amount being approximately 4.25 mills. Trustee Aragon stated she has the same reasons for not supporting the high school levy as she did for the elementary levy. Trustee Smith reported he would vote for the motion tonight as the board needs to address building projects. Trustee Kemp urged those present to visit a school to see why this levy is needed. Those voting in favor of the motion were Greta Besch Moen, Travis Kemp, Lindy Graves, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, Allen Halter, and Pam Ellis. Those opposing were Connie Wardell and Kathy Aragon. The motion passed. The following is the resolution: WHEREAS, the trustees of any district shall have the authority under the provision of section 20-20-201, MCA, to call for a school election; WHEREAS, the trustees of this district shall have the authority under the provisions of section 15-10-425 and Title 20 of the Montana Code Annotated to set the amount of a mill levy; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the trustees of High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County call for an High School Building Reserve Fund election on the 8th day of May, 2012 for the purpose of voting upon the question of whether or not the trustees shall be authorized to make a levy for the purpose of providing funds for the High School Building Reserve Fund for the maintenance, construction, equipping, or enlarging of school buildings; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the trustees of High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County declare that the amount of the High School Building Reserve Fund Election to be held on the 8th day of May, 2012, shall be an additional annual levy for each year for five (5) years to raise an annual amount of $1,000,000 and being approximately 4.25 mills, and establish a building reserve of this high school district to raise a total amount of $5,000,000. Trustee Moen was excused at 8:30 p.m. NEWMAN ELEMENTARY WINDOW REPLACEMENT (BOND PROJECT) Lew Anderson recommended Cucanic Construction whose bid came in under the projected estimate. Any leftover funds will go to the Lewis & Clark and Highland projects. Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Halter: Motion to approve Cucanic Construction for the window replacement project at Newman Elementary for $206,980. Those voting in favor of the motion were Kathy Aragon, Travis Kemp, Connie Wardell, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, and Pam Smith. The motion passed unanimously. Trustees Stroebe and Smith are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. WILL JAMES MIDDLE SCHOOL REMODEL 2012 Lew Anderson reported a preliminary design is being constructed for a Request for Proposal which will give the district sufficient time to construct four classrooms. Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Wardell: Motion to approve the timeline for advertising and bid letting for the Will James remodel. Those voting in favor of the motion were Kathy Aragon, Travis Kemp, Connie Wardell, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, and Pam Smith. The motion passed unanimously. Trustees Stroebe and Smith are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. REQUESTS FOR PROPOSAL (RFP): STUDENT INFORMATION SYSTEM Karen Palmer reported the Zangle company went out of business last year and has sued the districts that continued to use the software. PowerSchool was the replacement system implemented in the fall of 2011. Ms. Palmer stated she was pleased with what the district has seen in the new software. As there is no longer an emergency, an RFP is needed for a student system. Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to advertise the RFP for a student information system. Those voting in favor of the motion were Kathy Aragon, Travis Kemp, Connie Wardell, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, and Pam Smith. The motion passed unanimously. UPDATE ON SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH Jeana Lervick, Human Resources Director, gave a report on McPherson & Jacobson conducting several meetings with the public. The position closes on April 11, 2012 and a meeting has been scheduled for April 30th, 2012 to discuss candidates. However, that date may change. PERFORMANCE MONITORING/STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT Trustee Graves reported the committee addressed the advertising policy which is now going back to the governance committee to look at what account the money will be deposited. The policy will come back to the board for the third reading. The next meeting will be on the levy elections and what the district is permitted to do in disseminating information. WAREHOUSE REPORT Scott Anderson, Business Office, gave a brief presentation on the analysis study. The study was conducted by a group that worked with Billings Clinic and endorsed the viability of the warehouse. The objective was to come up with a plan that would fit into the budget. Outsourcing is also being considered. The building houses other areas besides the warehouse which are AVA, instructional materials, print shop, and the repair shop for equipment. The district needs to put out an RFP to see what can be done in an outsourcing system. The study also addressed the option for a revenue source. Rebate factors have not been considered thoroughly by purchasing differently. Mr. Anderson stated another report would be given after the RFPs are received. AA CAUCUS REPORT Trustee Wardell reported the next VisionNet session is set for April 2nd at noon. The last meeting was very informative which consisted of Denise Juneau’s, Superintendent of Public Instruction, proposals under Graduation Matters and common core standards. Superintendent Copps stated a large group of leaders in the community will help with the Graduation Matters program. Trustee Wardell reported the cost of common core standards is being considered. Denise Juneau will take that into consideration and will put together proposals for House Bill 2 which is the major funding bill for schools. Basic entitlement is on her list also, as well as technology. Ms. Juneau is also considering applying for a general waiver for No Child Left Behind as common core standards have been implemented. Trustee Wardell stated she, along with Trustee Aragon, will work on the transportation bill for the next legislative session. CITY OF BILLINGS BOARD LIAISON Trustee Ellis felt there was a problem with communication as to the liaison with the City of Billings and voiced her concern that Dr. Beeman had discussions with the city on selling property without discussing it with the school board. The property in question was the Cottonwood property. Trustee Ellis did not feel it was working with only one liaison to the city. She wanted to make sure that communication takes place prior to the city council meeting. Trustee Ellis believed the liaison appointment was for one year and it has now been three years. Trustee Aragon stated she has been personally involved with the planning board for the city, the city/school board meetings and a city/county meeting that she is not involved with personally. She reported she also worked on a grant that the district and city applied for together. That grant was not given to the parties but another grant has been submitted. Chair Stroebe stated another agenda item should be scheduled on the city/county meetings. Trustee Graves believed those meetings should have minutes and should be posted. CENTRAL OFFICE REORGANIZATION Superintendent Copps reported the shifting of responsibilities of the assistant superintendents as they will be either be taking a new position or retiring. The district does not have a person noted as a central financial officer. Mr. Copps recommended that Leo Hudetz fill that position of the chief financial officer position. It was his hope to provide savings at the central office site due to the shortfall in the budgets. Trustee Aragon suggested leaving the restructuring to the new superintendent. Mr. Copps reported Trustee Moen had requested his view on the restructuring. He is proposing that there will be some eliminations in the central office with a savings of approximately $300,000. A discussion will be held when Trustee Moen returns. Trustee Graves stated he was glad the superintendent did this ahead of time and felt it was wise to do it this way. He believed Mr. Copps is laying the ground work for the new superintendent. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Superintendent Copps reported he has met with the director of Channel 7 and a proposed contract will be drafted to televise board meetings and provide office space. CONSENT AGENDA Trustee Aragon 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 of the motion were Kathy Aragon, Travis Kemp, Connie Wardell, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Teresa Stroebe, Travis Smith, and Pam Smith. The motion passed unanimously. Items approved are as follows: Monthly Legal Report Personnel Report Bills Paid -- February 2012 Financial Reports -- February 2012 (Unaudited) Regular Board Meeting Minutes, February 20, 2012 Special Board Meeting/Planning & Development Committee Meeting Minutes, February 27, 2012 Special Board Meeting and Performance Monitoring/Stakeholder Relations Committee Meeting Minutes, March 5, 2012 Counseling Objectives English Language Arts Learning Objectives Calendar Committee Appointment As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m. Teresa Stroebe, Chair Diane Blevins, Recorder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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