Regular Meeting of March 21, 2005

Diane Blevins · April 25, 2005

Proceedings of the Board of Trustees

District No. 2, Yellowstone County

High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County

Billings, Montana

March 21, 2005

Call to Order

The Regular 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 21, 2005, at 5:30 p.m.

Chair Katharin Kelker presided and led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call

Members present included Katharin Kelker, Superintendent Rod Svee, Clerk Leo Hudetz, Judith Herzog, Dale Getz, Gene Jarussi, Karen Moses, Stephanie Krueger, and Malcolm Goodrich. Mike Dimich was in Helena.

Registered guests included Matt Brosovich, Dick Fellows, Jeff Weldon, Barbara Bryan, Donell Small, Ken Cunningham, Ed Workman, Peg Smith, Linda Frey, Angela Lanyon, Toni Henneman, Carolyn Osik, Tim Cranston, Janet Baum, Lynn Kottrup, Ralph Thayer, Carol Forney, Kim Halverson, David Munson, Brenda Sommerville, and Greg Senitte.

Recognition and Gifts and Donations

The Board recognized Ben Larsen as a recipient of a Partners in Science Program Grant from M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust. Scott Anderson conveyed gratitude on behalf of Mr. Larsen who was home sick.

The Board recognized the members of the Audit Committee, Dick Fellows, Thomas Harper and Jane McCracken. Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Herzog:

To accept the gifts with gratitude.

Those voting in favor were Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Judith Herzog, Gene Jarussi, Katharin Kelker, Stephanie Krueger, Karen Moses and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. The following are the list of gifts and donations presented to the School District:

Bench – State Farm Companies Foundation, money for volunteer hours

Jeanne Astle, volunteering

Big Sky – Stonesfair Management, LLC, school supplies

Boulder – State Farm Companies Foundation, money for volunteer hours

Ron Sanchez, volunteering

Burlington – Old Country Buffet, cookies

Papa John’s Pizza, pizzas

Highland – Dr. St. John Robinson, HP printer and scanner

Meadowlark – Cindy Hanchett, books for the library

Orchard – Costco Wholesale, Costco card

Loretta Howard, boxes of craft supplies

Poly Drive, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company, drinks for children with perfect attendance

Castle Rock – Neal and Pam Hoagland, Cardio Glide Stride Ride

20-Year Facilities Planning Committee Report

Barbara Bryan reviewed the three scenarios as recommended by the 20-Year Facilities Planning Committee. The committee will give presentations to various community groups. Ms. Bryan requested Board permission to send packets home with the students and to direct all media questions through the committee. The committee would have to revise the scenarios if the Grand Avenue building were to be sold. She stated the committee would like to extend their deadline to address the elementary issues. Ms. Bryan asked for clarification on the deadlines for the committee set by the Board and the Board’s desire. She asked for the dates and deadlines for a fall bond issue, if the Board chooses that avenue.

Chair Kelker reported the plan was the 20-Year Facilities Planning Committee would address the School/Community Committee on May 9th and the Board on May 16th. A study session could be scheduled on May 23rd, as there will be new Board members. The issue of sending information home with students was discussed at the Business Committee, but not the Education Committee. Trustee Stroebe stated the Education Committee heard the 20-Year Facilities Planning Committee’s presentation and will discuss it at their next meeting in April. Trustee Moses reported the School/Community Committee reviewed the issue and did not feel it was time to send the information home with the students, as the process through the committees has not been completed. Trustee Goodrich stated the Business Committee had a good discussion but was concerned about sending information home now because of the mill levy situation and all of the numbers would not be available now. The Business Committee’s primary concern is the operational funding issues. The Business Committee will need to reflect on facilities at some point but the numbers are uncertain at this time. The sale of the Grand Avenue building was tabled by the Business Committee.

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. There were no public comments.

Approval of Agenda

Superintendent Svee reported he has received a request for a second year of leave from a teacher. He stated he will not grant it but will include it in his report. Trustee Stroebe made the following motion with a second by Trustee Jarussi:

Motion to approve the agenda as amended.

Those voting in favor were Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Judith Herzog, Gene Jarussi, Katharin Kelker, Stephanie Krueger, Karen Moses and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously.

Bills Paid – February 2005

Trustee Stroebe made the following motion with a second by Trustee Goodrich:

Motion to approve bills paid for the month of February 2005.

Those voting in favor were Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Judith Herzog, Gene Jarussi, Katharin Kelker, Stephanie Krueger, Karen Moses and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. The warrants paid are as follows:

Fund Description Fund Total

101 Elem. General Fund $ 359,871.32

110 Elem. Transportation 146,371.98

114 Elem. Retirement 821.06

115 Elem. Misc. Programs 161,795.15

117 Elem. Adult Education 2,219.04

129 Elem. School Flexibility Fund 381.16

160 Elem. Building 117,004.78

161 Elem. Building Reserve 1,945.00

184 Elem. Student ECA 21,769.54

185 Elem. Misc. Trust 7,760.06

201 H. S. General Fund 369,165.84

210 H. S. Transportation 94,329.50

212 H. S. Food Services 415,982.35

215 H. S. Misc. Program 28,983.10

217 H. S. Adult Education 4,401.72

218 H. S. Traffic Education 3,059.41

229 H. S. School Flexibility Fund 13,575.59

261 H. S. Building Reserve 41,867.54

278 H. S. Self Insurance-Health 1,043,018.82

279 H. S. Self Insurance-Liability 8,379.49

282 H. S. Interlocal Agreement 50,012.09

284 H. S. Extracurricular 118,495.95

285 H. S. Misc. Trust 9,853.50

286 H. S. Payroll 1,632,922.88

Grand Total $4,653,986.87

ACH Tax Deposits 1,413,588.86

Payroll & Direct Deposits 3,699,647.40

TOTAL $9,767,223.13

Financial Reports – February 2005 (Unaudited)

Trustee Goodrich reported the Business Committee reviewed the financial reports and found them to be satisfactory. The following were the unaudited financial reports for February 2005:

BD101 Account Expenditure by Fund

BD102 Account Receipts by Fund

BD105 Statement of Estimated and Actual Revenue

BD108 Object Cost Analysis

Monthly Legal Report

Jeff Weldon reported on the following litigation: the judge has dismissed all counts in the Rapp-Swecker case except for the denial of admittance to the school of choice without tuition; Judge Fagg dismissed the discrimination claim in the Erekson matter with the public document claim remaining; and, in the matter of the petition of Billings High School District, documents were released to the Gazette with the only remaining issue is the attorney fees. Mr. Weldon will get the amount of the fees to Trustee Jarussi. Mr. Weldon also requested a study session to discuss privacy issues. There was nothing new to report on the Columbia Falls, KTVQ, Eastman or M.T. cases. Trustee Stroebe requested a discussion regarding the Columbia Falls issue.

The pending BEA grievance has been withdrawn. The decision for the MPEA grievances was made on February 25th. The employees that worked on the two holidays will be given premium pay. Trustee Stroebe felt these issues should have gotten settled before arbitration. Superintendent Svee reported the unit would not settle and arbitration was necessary. Trustee Stroebe felt it should have been settled before the grievance was filed.

Mr. Weldon reported on pending legislative issues. HB302 has passed the house and has been sent to the Senate. Amendments were made and sent back to the House. HB574 was heard but the Senate Education Committee has taken no action yet. Superintendent Svee reported he had heard it would not pass but has not seen any evidence. HB747 has been amended to include similar projects for higher education. It has gone through the House but has been stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee and might have been tabled. Mr. Weldon will contact Mr. Cromley to see where the bill is at the present time.

Trustee Moses reported the MQEC would have its board meeting on March 22nd at 5:00 p.m. She asked if the Board had changed its direction from the MQEC’s recommendations on ANB and the health insurance. Dan Martin reported two amendments have been made to KSHIP, change in the board makeup in the number of teachers from five to three and the ability to get out of the fund one time. Trustee Jarussi voiced his concern about three teachers, three administrators and three board members administering this health plan. None of them have insurance background, which could be a potential risk. He urged caution if moving forward with this plan. Trustee Stroebe felt it was time for the Board to start discussing this issue and stop just monitoring. It is only an advisory board and would depend on the experts to run it. Trustee Stroebe suggested the Board find out the good picture of what KSHIP means for our employees because there is $4,000,000 on the table for the District.

Superintendent Svee stated he heard this morning $17,000,000 was cut out of HB2, but was not sure if that is out of KSHIP. The Board should keep in mind Havre’s increase for Blue Cross was 28% last year, 43% this year, and will be 40% next year. It is a huge issue for education funding and must be addressed. Dan Martin reported the District has a good deal with its claims manager of 5%. The problem is the majority of our population is over 48 years old. The District had planned for an increase of 18-20%, but it will be approximately 28%. Trustee Jarussi urged the Board to keep in mind the cost of the insurance and what type of coverage. The coverage through KSHIP is slightly better than what the District currently has. Superintendent Svee reported MQEC’s position was to establish an amount and a program that was minimal for immediate relief regardless of what the members under the umbrella believe.

Dan Martin felt there were two bills that would best serve the taxpayers in Billings. One is Gary Branae’s bill on teacher entitlement as it is all state money. Mr. Martin stated our emphasis should be to back bills that would bring money to our District without taxing homeowners. The governor’s proposal increases the permissive tax below the 80% by approximately 15%. The other issue is KSHIP, which would give us $4,500,000 relief in the general fund dependent upon how you bargain. Trustee Moses felt the Board should stay the course. Trustee Getz urged caution as we have a good deal here with two hospitals, and Trustee Stroebe felt the District should get on board the KSHIP bill. Trustee Krueger felt the Board should analyze and be careful. Trustee Goodrich thought the District will have to pay for health insurance either through KSHIP or locally and voiced his concern on coverage. He would be willing to sign onto the concept if the coverage would not be any less, as he wanted to protect the employees and the budget. Trustee Herzog urged the Board to continue to monitor and wanted local control. Trustee Jarussi felt they should continue to monitor and was concerned how KSHIP would affect the two hospitals. It was the consensus of the Board there would be no change in status.

Jeff Weldon asked for approval on the long-term suspensions. Trustee Stroebe made the following motion with a second by Trustee Herzog:

Motion to approve the decisions made by the panel on long-term suspensions.

Those voting in favor were Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Judith Herzog, Gene Jarussi, Katharin Kelker, Stephanie Krueger, Karen Moses and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously.

Jeff Weldon addressed the issue of filling a vacant single-member trustee District position. If a trustee would sell his/her home and move residence from the zone, the seat would be vacated. The Board would have to appoint a person within 60 days after the vacancy or it would go to the County Superintendent.

Mr. Weldon explained he had not completed the drafts for the Board’s Ad Hoc Policy Committee. The committee would schedule a meeting to work on Policy 5000.

Mr. Weldon reported a draft agreement has been submitted to the Home Builders Association. Jim Murphy has reviewed it and sent it back. Changes will be made and will be given to the Career Center, Hoiness LaBar, and the Superintendent.

Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent Svee reported on the potential funding system for the definition from SB152. It is still in flux but he was not sure it would be completed this session. He felt it is very likely there will be a special session.

Mr. Svee reported he received a request for a second-year unpaid leave from a teacher. Her year is for a one-year extension as she is in Germany where her husband is employed. Mr. Svee stated he would not approve two years of leave. Trustee Herzog felt it should be reconsidered. Mr. Svee reported the teacher could use her teacher retirement to purchase a year and there would be no expense to the District. Trustee Stroebe felt her request should be considered. Trustee Krueger stated the policy/procedure should be followed as the teacher could reapply, to which Trustee Jarussi agreed. Trustees Moses and Goodrich stated she would leave it up to the Superintendent.

Mr. Svee reported there have been two applications for the attorney position. They will be held until they go into the budget session. The advertisement will continue for more applicants.

Personnel Report

Trustee Herzog made the following motion with a second by Trustee Goodrich:

Motion to accept the Superintendent’s employment recommendations as presented in the current personnel report.

Those voting in favor were Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Judith Herzog, Katharin Kelker, Stephanie Krueger, Karen Moses and Conrad Stroebe. Gene Jarussi opposed the motion. Mr. Svee reported he had recently received retirement notices for Ralph Thayer and the Associate Principal at Skyview.

Running Start Program

Superintendent Svee requested approval of the memo of understanding on the Running Start Program with MSU-B. He will work with MSU-B and bring a finished agreement back to the Board. Trustee Stroebe made the following motion with a second by Trustee Krueger:

Motion to approve the memo of understanding with MSU-B.

Those voting in favor were Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Judith Herzog, Gene Jarussi, Katharin Kelker, Stephanie Krueger, Karen Moses and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously.

Discussion and Analysis of Policy 1700 and its Procedures

The recommendation from administration is the Board would consider a change in the policy to pull out procedural items in order to give it to individuals who file complaints. The Ad Hoc Policy Committee would review it and bring it back to the Board.

Clerk Hudetz would serve as an intake officer and screen the complaints and channel the complaint to the right person and place. One part of the intake process is whether the complainant has standing, whether their rights or their student’s rights have been violated. Trustee Herzog felt it was a great idea to have all complaints go to one individual and make the decision of what was violated and not based on hearsay. Trustee Jarussi asked how a complaint would go to the intake officer if it were a verbal complaint. The Chair stated it is a draft and can be changed with the Board’s expectations for policy. Trustee Goodrich stated the complaint form asked for the number of the law or policy violated, which he felt was a difficult task. The Chair reported the form was developed by administration to give the intake officer the opportunity to determine the nature of the complaint. Superintendent Svee stated it is direct wording from the current policy. Trustee Getz suggested the intake officer be independent of administration. The Clerk is independent of administration as he reports directly to the Board.

Administration should be given an idea of some events that would lead to an independent investigation. Trustee Herzog recommended the Ad Hoc Committee work on this and make recommendations to the Board. Trustee Getz stated the Board needed to be definitive in the policy. The Board was interested in defining independent investigation and defining the occasions when it may occur and how it would occur. The Ad Hoc Committee will also review the diligence in investigation.

The Chair stated it is possible for a person to come to the Board during the Communication from the Public and circumvent their complaint that is going through the process. E-mails should be handled in the same manner. She asked the Board members if it would be appropriate for a gag order in that instance. Trustee Getz suggested the process include a statement of expectation of confidentiality while the investigation is ongoing. Trustee Goodrich stated the Supreme Court has already made a very clear finding on this issue in their statement on the privacy expectations of teachers. Trustee Getz recommended inclusion of an expectation of timeliness, which would reduce the potential of disclosure that would enflame.

The Chair asked the Board if they would prefer having the complaints go from the building administrator straight to the Superintendent and skip the director. The Superintendent suggested more definition be put in similar to special education that deals with other policies. It was decided the Ad Hoc Committee would review the issue. The Chair stated the value of a chain of command process is to settle something at a lower level and not come to the Board.

The Board discussed progressive discipline procedures. Trustee Moses felt there needed to be documentation.

The Board has the power to hire and fire employees but only with the recommendation from the Superintendent. It has no authority in dealing out discipline as prescribed in law. Superintendent Svee stated the level of discipline carries over into negotiations. Trustee Herzog stated the Board should have nothing to do with discipline as it is a policy making Board. The procedural ad hoc group, chaired by Trustee Getz, will meet first and pass the information onto the policy committee. Judith Herzog and Katharin Kelker will serve on the ad hoc committee.

District Policy Revision

Trustee Moses made the following motion with a second by Trustee Goodrich:

Motion to refer the proposed policy revisions to the policy committee.

Those voting in favor were Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Judith Herzog, Gene Jarussi, Katharin Kelker, Stephanie Krueger, Karen Moses and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously.

Written Procedure Information

The Chair stated any procedures the Board finds problematic with policy should be brought to the attention of the Board. Those will be placed on the agenda at the agenda-setting meeting.

Indirect Costs

Leo Hudetz reported the Business Committee had requested he look at indirect costs. Part of the grant and indirect costs that are given to the District may be used for administrative support funds. OPI will automatically calculate those costs. The District has accepted those numbers. In the last couple of years, rates have changed due to all severance costs that are allowed to be put into the indirect cost pool. Mr. Hudetz has identified additional costs, $1,200,000, which could have been requested. Trustee Goodrich stated this shows there is no free lunch, that each federal dollar has a direct cost to our budget. Superintendent Svee stated they would have to negotiate with OPI and then present it to the federal government to approve a rate.

Discussion Regarding Possible Mill Levy Elections

The Business Committee took a vote on calling for a mill levy, which was four in favor and three against. School/Community Committee voted to forward to the Board its recommendation to call for a mill levy with the vote being nine for and one against. The Education Committee did not take a vote. Trustee Goodrich stated the Business Committee met and voiced their concerns on insurance increases. Part of the insurance increase is something the District may not have to address. The revised budget shows a deficit in the elementary district of $350,000 and $950,000 in the high school with the governor’s money included. Trustee Goodrich voiced his concerns over running a levy and potential cuts in the budget. Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Krueger:

Motion to call for an elementary levy election subject to the following: a) the Board must convene a study session as soon as possible to review the budget and possible budget cuts; b) in the event that sufficient cuts may be made, which do not adversely or unduly affect students, and the provision of services, then the requirement for the mill levy should be re-evaluated.

Trustee Herzog felt the District should tighten its belt and find the cuts. Trustee Getz suggested the $354,000 is less than 1% of the total budget and cuts could be found. By signaling the intent to go for a mill levy at this stage, he felt the Board had not signaled belt tightening enough. Trustee Moses spoke in favor of a mill levy. Trustee Kelker stated she supported the motion. Trustee Jarussi felt the Board made decisions that put the District in this shape and credibility needed to be developed with the public. He suggested the Board decide to live with our means and consider the taxpayers burden. Trustee Goodrich did not believe the Board did it all but the legislators started us in this process as the system has been under funded. He expected the deficit to be higher than $350,000.

Those voting in favor were Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Stephanie Krueger, and Karen Moses. Dale Getz and Gene Jarussi opposed the motion. The motion passed. Judith Herzog and Conrad Stroebe are ineligible to vote on elementary issues.

Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Moses:

Motion to call for an high school levy election subject to the following: a) the Board must convene a study session as soon as possible to review the budget and possible budget cuts; b) in the event that sufficient cuts may be made, which do not adversely or unduly affect students, and the provision of services, then the requirement for the mill levy should be re-evaluated.

Trustee Moses urged the Board to vote in favor of the motion as the high school district is not at the cap and address the things that have been left undone for the past decade. Trustee Stroebe stated the Board has to go to the public and ask the voters for funds to address issues such as dropouts. Trustee Herzog agreed with Trustee Stroebe but did not think this community would support two levies. She suggested the Board look at creating smaller learning environments.

Those voting in favor were Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Stephanie Krueger, Karen Moses and Conrad Stroebe. Dale Getz, Judith Herzog, and Gene Jarussi opposed the motion. The motion passed.

The Chair reported a study session would be held on March 28th on prioritization and cuts.

Resolution Calling for an Elementary Trustee Election by Single Member District ; Resolution Calling for a High School Trustee Election (Nominating District B); Resolution Calling for an Elementary Levy Election on May 3, 2005; Resolution Calling for a High School Levy Election on May 3, 2005

Trustee Stroebe made the following motion with a second by Trustee Herzog:

Adopt the resolution calling for a high school trustee election (nominating district B) to be held on May 3, 2005.

Those voting in favor were Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Judith Herzog, Gene Jarussi, Katharin Kelker, Stephanie Krueger, Karen Moses and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. The following is the resolution:

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

an election of the registered electors of the district to be held on the 3rd day of May 2005, for the purpose of

electing one (1) high school trustee (of the Nominating District B). 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. Polls are to be open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on the said day of the election.

Judges and polling places to be established by the Yellowstone County Election Administrator.

Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Getz:

Adopt the resolution calling for an elementary trustee election by single member district to be held on May 3, 2005.

Those voting in favor were Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Gene Jarussi, Katharin Kelker, Stephanie Krueger, and Karen Moses. The motion passed unanimously. Trustees Herzog and Stroebe are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. The following is the resolution:

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 3rd day of May 2005, for the purpose of

electing two elementary school trustees by single-member district. The positions 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. Polls are to be open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on the said day of the election.

Judges and polling places to be established by the Yellowstone County Election Administrator.

Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Krueger.

Motion to approve the resolution for an elementary levy election on May 3, 2005.

Those voting in favor were Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Stephanie Krueger, and Karen Moses. Dale Getz and Gene Jarussi opposed the motion. The motion passed. Trustees Herzog and Stroebe are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. The following is the resolution for the elementary mill levy:

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;

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 3rd day of May, 2005 or an alternative date if allowed by subsequent legislative action, 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 2005-2006 school year, beginning July 1, 2005. Polls are to be open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on the said day of the election. Judges and polling places are to be established by the Yellowstone County Election Administrator.

Trustee Stroebe made the following motion with a second by Trustee Goodrich:

Motion to approve the resolution calling for a high school levy election on May 3, 2005.

Those voting in favor included Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Stephanie Krueger, Karen Moses and Conrad Stroebe. Judith Herzog, Dale Getz and Gene Jarussi opposed the motion. The motion passed. The following is the resolution for the high school mill levy:

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;

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 3rd day of May, 2005 or an alternative date if allowed by subsequent legislative action, 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 2005-2006 school year, beginning July 1, 2005. Polls are to be open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on the said day of the election. Judges and polling places are to be established by the Yellowstone County Election Administrator.

Elementary Bond Projects

The Chair commended the Business Committee for their thorough discussion on the elementary bond projects. The Chair excused the high school trustees from the meeting.

Rich Whitney explained value engineering would reduce the contract price and would add value to the project. Trustee Jarussi made the following motion with a second by Trustee Goodrich:

Motion for Board to allow Rich Whitney to work with the project architect in the manner described on agenda P-1.

Those voting in favor were Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Dale Getz, Gene Jarussi, Stephanie Krueger, and Karen Moses. The motion passed unanimously.

Rich Whitney reviewed the bid for the classroom addition at Ponderosa Elementary. The total bid recommended by the Business Committee with alternatives #1 and #4 would total $1,313,312. Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Getz:

Motion to approve Agenda P-2, accept the base bids and the alternates in a total amount of $1,600,206 less the

the stated contingency item.

Those voting in favor were Dale Getz, Gene Jarussi, Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Stephanie Krueger, and Karen Moses. The motion passed.

Rich Whitney stated the recommendation is for Cucancic Construction for the amount of $712,000, which includes alternate #1, #3, #5 and #6 and less contingency amount for the Boulder and Rose projects. Trustee Getz made the following motion with a second by Trustee Goodrich:

Motion to accept the base bid for the Boulder classroom addition plus Rose Park and alternates #1, #3, #5,

#6 in the amount of $712,000 less the contingency $41,000.

The Business Committee felt in terms of ADA for ramps/lifts for handicapped kids it would be worth spending building reserve funds. Those voting in favor were Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Stephanie Krueger, Dale Getz, Gene Jarussi, and Karen Moses. The motion passed unanimously.

The recommended bid for the Orchard addition/renovation is to Hardy Construction for $260,000. The base bid had already been approved. Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Getz:

Motion to approve the bid for alternates for P-4 for $1,300,000.