Diane Blevins Posted May 15, 2012 Report Share Posted May 15, 2012 Proceedings of the Board of Trustees District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Billings, Montana April 16, 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, April 16, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. Members present included Trustees Connie Wardell, Greta Besch Moen, Allen Halter, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, Kathy Aragon (arrived at 6:50), Teresa Stroebe, Pam Ellis, District Clerk Leo Hudetz, Superintendent Jack Copps, and Assistant Superintendents Gail Surwill and Josh Middleton. Travis Smith was absent. Registered guests were Brian Dennis, Mary Westwood, Julie Ann Wilson, Gabriella Garcia, Julia Garcia, Jennifer Cooper, Charlotte Cooper, Josie VanVleet, Steve Arveschory, Hailey Jorgenson, Royal Johnson, Tyler Hess, Bonita Berg, DanI Whittmeyer, Carlson family, Sherry Ross, Bill Boyer, Nancy Boyer, Karen Moses, Peter Gesuale, Travis Niemeyer, Andy Wildenburg, and Josi Wilgus. The board recognized and thanked the students from Meadowlark who played ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ for those present. Kevin Croff, Meadowlark principal, stated these band members are part of the Response to Intervention program that was started at both Meadowlark and Alkali Creek. The program has helped the staff to come together in order to better serve the needs of the students. Colter Wilson, a kindergarten student from Meadowlark, read a story that he had written. The board further recognized the following Business Professionals of America National Qualifiers: Senior -- Cody Carlson, Alan Hardman, Shelby Young, Jennifer Cooper Josie VanVleet, Tucker Downs, and Jake Woodring; Skyview -- Alyssa Elm, Hailey Jorgenson, Jordan Sparr, Ben Keeley, Gabriella Garcia, Bailey Lind, Madison Probert, Kemper Hutch, Tyler Hess, and Emilio Diaz; West -- Ben Keeley, Vincent Moretto, Kendra Fournier, Paige Lueck, and Callie VanLuvanee. The board also recognized the Class AA Boys Basketball Champions from West High: Josh Zeller, Tanner Berg, Brandon McIver, Daniel Betcher, Jared Samuelson, Clay Compton, Brennan Whittmeyer, Nate Deming, Danny Robison, Stewart Harris, Nathan Smith, Andrew Campbell, Pat Barnett, Brady Gustafson, and Head Coach Doug Robison. Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Ellis: 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, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. The following are the gifts and donations: Arrowhead -- Michelle Anderson, $34.62 Julie Harman, $57.72 Bench -- April Beach, donation through Wells Fargo Matching Gift Program Shaunna McFarren, donation through Wells Fargo Matching Gift Program Lori Mader, donation through Wells Fargo Matching Gift Program Ponderosa -- Magic City Flyfishing, Ron Hildebrand, flytying class for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders Jackie Hill, Better Billings Foundation, Oasis day passes for incentives Professional Lerning Communities -- Wayne Hirsch, UIS Bank, $2,722 Skyview Business Professionals of America -- the following people served as judges: Austin Brown Austin Mapston, Rocky Mountain College Barry Mills, University of Montana Brad Bouchard, Altitude Technologies Brandon Braaten, Melstone Schools Christine Lindstrand, Christensen Fulton & Filz, PLLc Cindy Curnow, School District 2 Colter DeVries, Montana State University SIFE Connie Jhelvik, Melston e Schools Corey Hjelm, Montana State University David Otey, Speaking of Solutions, LLC Derek Fuchs, Valley Federal Credit Union Frank Kelley, RBC Wealth Management Gerry Thompson, Skyview High School Greg Bergum, Bureau of Land Management Helen Hougen, Melstone Jan VanDyke, Bridger Schools Jason Huebner, Entre Technology Services Jay Kohn, KTVQ Jenice Fugere, SM Energy Jennifer Quinn, Huntington Learning Center Jeremy Vannatta, Big Sky Economic Development John Klaman, Small Business Administration Justin Wutzke, Kinnetic Marketing and Creative Kelly Buchanen Ewing, Catherine Lane Interiors Kev Oravsky, Solitaire Solutions LLC, MontanaStars Event Photography `` Kim Bradley, Moore Kim Champney, Electrical Consultants, Inc. Lisa Pellersels, Wells Fargo Bank Lorinda Lucas, US Bank Mackie Schicktanz Mary Peters, Photography by Mary Peters Megan Egge Michael Schmidt, HDR Engineering, Inc. Mike Curtis, Gibson Advertising Monica Rollins, Wendy’s of Montana Patrick Courtnage Patrick Walshe, HDR Engineering, Inc. Peggy Sukut, US Bank Rebecca Hedegaard, Small Business Development Center, Big Sky Economic Development Richard Rodriguez, First Interstate Bank Russell Walks, Billings Career Center Sandy Wong, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Scott Chichosz, H&R Block Seth Wildung, Roger L. Daniel Farmers Insurance Stacy Dietz, Shepherd High School Susan Messerly, Bureau of Indian Affairs Tempi Ruth, Melstone Venetta McGuire, Skyview High School Vicki Lieu Vince Long, Billings Senior High Zach Curtis, Montana State University SIFE 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. Karen Moses thanked the Highland Task Force for their work on the EPA award. She addressed the student/teacher ratio and cited the classes that are over accreditation standards. She did not believe the district’s enrollment figures are flat. Ms. Moses urged the board to meet the needs of the students and address the issue of overcrowding in the schools. She asked the board to look at the requirements when setting the budget and to set priorities. Patty Fain stated she was encouraged by the EPA grant and believes in more information from outside entities and planning for the schools. Homeless students and drop out issues should also be addressed. Ms. Fain asked the board to put aside their personal agendas and personal interests in order to work on the issues of the district. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Stroebe changed the order of the agenda. Trustee Wardell pulled R7 and R9 from the consent agenda for discussion. BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB PRESENTATION Brian Dennis, Director of the Boys and Girls Club, reported the club has partnered with the district for several years. Without the partnership with this district and the Lockwood district, the club would not be able to reach the number of students it presently serves at the club. The Bench Clubhouse opened in 2009 and this year serves 57 students. Terry Sukut, Boys and Girls Club Treasurer, reviewed a proposed addition for Bench. Mr. Dennis stated the proposed addition is early in the process. This presentation begins the conversation on how the club can meet the needs of the Heights students. Superintendent Copps reported a capital campaign would take place by the Boys and Girls Club and possible board action in deciding what needs to be done. This conversation gives transparency for both groups. He suggested the Planning & Development Committee address this issue. OPI ACCREDITATION Superintendent Copps reviewed a handout of overcrowded classes for those present. The Office of Public Instruction (OPI) is asking for a plan in addressing the overcrowded classrooms in K-6. A presentation is set for May 11, 2012. There are 96 classrooms that are overloaded, of which 90 are in kindergarten, first and second grades. The district needs to develop a plan so this problem does not continue. There were 319 additional students in the elementary district alone this year. Since 2006, there has been an increase of 901 students. Forty-one additional teachers were added since 2006. The district will receive another $1,500,000 next year for the increase in enrollments this year. The plan includes hiring eight new teachers in order to address the accreditation standards. Chair Stroebe stated the board cannot allow OPI to not believe that this is due in part to funding for AA schools which are not equitable with other class school districts. Trustee Graves suggested Rimrock School be used and a plan be made to repair the building. Lew Anderson, Facitilies Director, stated $1,100,000 would be needed to fix the roof and heating system at Rimrock plus more for ADA standards. BUDGET DISCUSSION Patricia Hubbard, Financial Director, stated $1,700,000 will be paid for severance for retiring teachers and administrators. The majority of year-end funds will be used to shore up the district’s warehouse fund as it cannot be in the red. The proposed budget deficit is projected at $4,114,043 without a vote, and $3,077,537 with a vote by the taxpayers. Items listed on page 12 which are triple-starred are administrative recommendations. Superintendent Copps reported other items listed are based on negotiations with the various labor groups. Ms. Hubbard reported tax protests would not be known until November but money could be borrowed to cover those protests. The health insurance costs will be narrowed down by the end of April. Trustee Graves made the following motion which died due to a lack of a second: Motion to go line by line on the budget for discussion. Trustee Ellis made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to accept the administrative starred items on page 12 of the agenda and then vote on other items. Jeff Greenfield, BEA President, stated the board cannot talk about hiring new people and then fire people as it is an unfair labor practice. Superintendent Copps reported programs can be cut, classified staff could be cut or federal programs cut. Trustee Wardell suggested the board vote separately on the eight teachers and textbooks. Trustee Ellis amended the motion to vote separately on the hiring of eight teachers, 1.5 specialists as well as voting separately on textbook purchases with Trustee Aragon agreeing as the second. Gail Surwill, Curriculum Director, reported the 4-6 reading books are no longer available to purchase since they are out of print. The K-3 reading textbooks are also no longer available. Those voting in favor of the motion were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Stroebe is ineligible to vote on elementary issues. Trustee Wardell made the following motion which died due to a lack of a second: Motion to cut the $1,200,000 to $600,000 for textbooks in K-5. Trustee Ellis made the following motion with a second by Trustee Graves: Motion to vote on the hiring 8 additional elementary teachers, 1.5 specialists, and 2 custodians. Trustee Wardell stated the district did not have textbooks for the new teachers. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Allen Halter, and Travis Kemp. Connie Wardell opposed the motion. The motion passed. Trustee Stroebe is ineligible to vote on elementary issues. Trustee Graves suggested holding off on the decision for textbooks until after the May 8th levy elections. Superintendent Copps recommended approving $400,000 for the 5-8 textbooks. Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kemp: Motion to approve $400,000 for the 5-8 textbooks. Trustee Halter asked how far the $400,000 would go towards textbooks. Ms. Surwill reported it would be based on where the greatest need is for those classrooms. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Stroebe is ineligible to vote on elementary issues. Trustee Moen asked why the building reserve was not being recommended. Mr. Copps stated he would bring the reserves back to 5% if he could but it is not known if that can be done at this time. He recommended not putting anything into the reserves at the present time. Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to put $200,000 in each district’s building reserve fund. Trustee Aragon asked for a professional opinion with how it would affect the district’s bond rating. Ms. Hubbard reported she spoke with Bridget Ekstrom at D. A. Davidson who stated it would not be a factor in the bond rating. Those voting in favor were Connie Wardell, Allen Halter, and Greta Besch Moen. Those opposing were Kathy Aragon, Lindy Graves, Travis Kemp, and Pam Ellis. The motion failed. Trustee Stroebe is ineligible to vote on elementary issues. Trustee Ellis made the following motion with a second by Trustee Graves: Motion to approve the superintendent’s recommendations to not budget for the reserve funds and K-5 textbooks. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Stroebe is ineligible to vote on elementary issues. FIELDING NAIR FINAL PRESENTATION Trustee Aragon reported the final report from Fielding Nair could be given at a noon meeting on April 24, 2012 with as many members of the leadership team as possible. Trustee Moen made the following motion with a second by Trustee Ellis: Motion to listen to1 the final report from Fielding Nair on April 24th at noon. Trustee Graves felt it would be better to schedule the meeting at 5:00 in order to attract more members of the leadership team. Trustee Moen amended the motion to meet at 5:00 with approval from the second. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. EPA SMART GROWTH IMPLEMENTATION ASSISTANCE Steve Arveschoug, Big Sky Economic Development Council (BSEDA), encouraged the board to move forward with the collaboration with the city on this award. The BSEDA works to bring new businesses to Billings. He anticipated increased enrollment due to the Bakken oil fields. Andy Wildenburg, Rocky Mountain College, stated the award is a wonderful way to begin the process to work with the city on planning issues. Bill and Nancy Boyer addressed the board in support of the collaboration between the district and city. Planning is so important and the plan should include 5-10 years out. They reported the entire community needs to work together. Mark Restad gave the board letters from community members in support of the EPA grant. Mary Westwood stated she was a strong supporter of planning and felt this grant can be useful in the planning process but voiced her concern that a broad based and diverse group of people must work together. She urged the board to put their best people on the committee to best serve the needs of this community. Paige Darden stated the general mill levies are important to pass as it would help make up for the pending deficits. The closure of Rimrock Elementary and the kindergarten issues was left unsolved and has contributed to the overcrowding that is occurring now. Trustee Graves stated he was not against planning or this award but his concern was on not having enough information. The board should have been informed as to what was taking place. He believed the district needs both long-term and short-term planning. Trustee Aragon reviewed the process taken in the application for the award. A big part of the tools being offered to the district and city are collaboration based tools. Chair Stroebe felt some of the problem was miscommunication which caused bad feelings among the board members. Superintendent Copps stated he supported the assistance program. He met with Tina Volek, City Administrator, to form a combined committee consisting of people from the city and the school district. Trustee Moen made the following motion with a second by Trustee Wardell: Motion to accept the partnership with the city of Billings in working on the collaborative planning process outlined in the letter of the interest to the BPA. Trustee Graves felt staff members should participate on the committee. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Ellis: Motion to include a staff member appointed by the superintendent to the committee. Trustee Ellis felt a staff person should be added upon request of the EPA. Trustee Graves felt a staff member on the committee would bring information and recommendations to the board members. Superintendent Copps reported three members were requested from each entity with staff support from each group. Trustee Graves amended the motion that the superintendent would make recommendations of who will be part of the team including a staff liaison. Trustee Ellis seconded the amendment. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. CEFPI DAY OF PLANNING Trustee Aragon reported, last October, a group of trustees attended an MCEL session that addressed an evaluation of a school by the Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) at a cost of $99. It was agreed upon that West High would be the building to show to CEFPI. She asked Trustee Halter to contact the booster club at West, as he is the president, and ask them for their involvement on the planning day. Ms. Aragon requested the superintendent’s assistance in getting the necessary teachers to the day of planning. This could be incorporated into the master facilities plan. PROCEDURE 7320-P1 EXPENSE AUTHORIZATION Trustee Wardell stated the board has been told it does not approve procedures. Clerk Hudetz reported any procedure that is being changed is given to the board. The item was placed back on the consent agenda. ESTABLISH NEW TRUST ACCOUNT FOR STUDENT SERVICES -- AUTISM PROJECT Trustee Wardell stated she wanted the public to know that this new account is for the autism project. The item was placed back on the consent agenda. POLICY 4333 THIRD READING Dr. Middleton stated he recommended the adoption of Policy 4333 on third reading. Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to approve Advertising Policy 4333 on the third and final reading. Trustee Wardell thought an inventory of signs would be provided before approving this policy. Dr. Middleton stated he saw this as an administrative function and the information will continue to be gathered. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. FACILITIES PROCEDURE 4330-P2 Trustee Kemp made the following motion with a second by Trustee Ellis: Motion that the board accepts this procedure developed by administration without the need to approve, and accept it as printed in the board packet. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. UPDATE ON SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH Jeanna Lervick, Human Resources Director, reported 18 applications have been received for the position. The names will be vetted at the April 30th meeting, after background checks have been completed. At the April 30th meeting, McPherson and Jabcobson will bring a list of names to the meeting. She stated one day for each applicant’s interview could be scheduled or another option would to have one social event with all applicants over a two-day event. She recommended the option of one social event as it is difficult for a consistent group of people to speak to each applicant. Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Moen: Motion that a two-day method for all applicants be used. Trustee Ellis amended the motion to hold the interview sessions after the May 8th election to allow new trustees to weigh in on the hiring process. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT: QUALITY SCHOOLS GRANT; FACILITIES MASTER PLAN; AND DEMOGRAPHICS RFP Trustee Moen stated the Planning & Development has discussed the Quality Schools Grant, facilities master plan, and the demographics request for proposal. Dr. Middleton reported the grant is for $25,000 with the district putting in for $6,250. Trustee Ellis asked if there were funds remaining, could an application be submitted for another grant. Dr. Middleton reported it is possible and he is reviewing that option. Trustee Moen reported an RFP was finished last week and shared with the city council members at last week’s meeting. Goals of the master facilities plan were also reviewed. Dr. Middleton asked the board for authorization to release the RFP. This is an opportunity that stays locally with the architects in the community. There may be a need for some firms to partner as this is a large project. The dates are extremely aggressive but Dr. Middleton felt it was important to be aggressive. A realistic time frame will be developed. Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion that the board direct the superintendent and Dr. Middleton to complete the master facilities plan RFP and send it out to firms. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Dr. Middleton reported the demographic RFP was a rough draft to continue into the next phase. Andy Wildenburg assisted Dr. Middleton in the development of the draft. The RFP is data driven. Dr. Middleton stated it is time to look at boundaries. A technical committee made up of local stakeholders will oversee the work that this demographic firm would do and would include a staff liaison. Dr. Wildenburg reported the best way to begin is with the district’s records and the report would be placed on the district’s website. Trustee Moen made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kemp: Motion for Josh Middleton, Jack Copps and Andy Wildenburg complete the RFP and release it for bid when complete. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. PERFORMANCE MONITORING/STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT Trustee Graves reported the committee has been reviewing the warehouse final report. AA CAUCUS REPORT Chair Stroebe reported the MCEL meetings are scheduled in Billingsfor October and urged all board members to attend. The next VisionNet session is scheduled for May 7, 2012 at noon. The Delegate Assembly has been scheduled for June 7, 2012 in Helena. MONTANA QUALITY EDUCATION COALITION DUES Superintendent Copps reported the Montana Quality Education Committee (MQEC) prevailed in their lawsuit with the state and it has added $617,000 to this district’s budget. He recommended joining the coalition again for $4,000 a year on a prorated basis at approximately $2,000. Trustee Wardell made the following motion with a second by Trustee Moen: Motion that the district pay prorated dues to MQEC for the 2011-12 year as they were successful in gaining additional funds. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, and Connie Wardell. The motion passed unanimously. Superintendent Copps recommended passing a motion to pay $4,000 for the 2012-2013 school year. Trustee Graves made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kemp: Motion to pay MQEC $4,000 for the 2012-2013 school year. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Greta Besch Moen, Pam Ellis, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Travis Kemp, and Teresa Stroebe. Connie Wardell opposed the motion. The motion passed. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Superintendent Copps reported on the recent bus incident with a bus driver trying to kiss one of the students. He did not report the issue to the board as there were privacy issues. Every day there are incidents which are not reported to the board. 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 of the motion were Greta Besch Moen, Kathy Aragon, Travis Kemp, Connie Wardell, Lindy Graves, Allen Halter, Teresa Stroebe, and Pam Ellis. The motion passed unanimously. Items approved are as follows: Personnel Report Bills Paid - March 2012 Financial Reports -- March 2012 (Unaudited) Regular Board Meeting Minutes, March 19, 2012 Special Board Meeting Minutes, March 12, 2012 Special Board Meeting Minutes, April 2, 2012 K-12 Billings Math Common Core Standards and Learning Objectives Procedure 7320-P1 Expense Authorization Will James Middle School Remodel Establish New Trust Account for Student Services -- Autism Project Establish New Extracurricular Account for Sky view -- All Nations Indian Club Establish New Extracurricular Account for Highland Elementary -- Student Council As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m. Teresa Stroebe, Chair Diane Blevins, Chair Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.