Diane Blevins Posted July 13, 2005 Report Share Posted July 13, 2005 Proceedings of the Board of Trustees District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Billings, Montana June 20, 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, June 20, 2005, at 7:00 p.m. Chair Katharin Kelker presided and led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call Members present included Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, District Clerk Leo Hudetz, Superintendent Rod Svee, and Conrad Stroebe. Registered guests included Cheryl Selle, Maureen Cicero, Jeff Weldon, Jerry Hanson, Michael Burke, Lana Lynch, Mike Patrick, and Paul Klaboe. Recognition and Gifts and Donations The Board recognized Vernetta Corbett and Diana Achten for their 25 years of service to the food service program. The Chair announced that Stan Moser is a new member on the Audit Committee. The following is a list of gifts and donations that have been presented to the School District in accordance with Board policy. Such items have been incorporated into the District’s inventory and an acknowledgment of the contribution has been made to the donor. Boulder – National Weather Service, Keith Meier, files, shelves, tables Broadwater – Lillie Wilson, boom box/CD player and misc. student games Burlington – Bernice Schleper, Casio keyboard Dean Cromwell, Chalet Market, drinks and containers for family fun nights Ponderosa – KOA, money Geyser Park, afternoon at the park for 4th graders Crossroads – PEO Chapter AS PEO, money Aubrey Darnielle, Darnielle Insurance Agency, money 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. Cheryl Selle, West High Booster Club President, addressed the Board regarding Daylis Stadium. She stated the Booster Club wanted to partner with the school district to move forward with the phases for the stadium for this fall. Michael Burke, a School/Community Committee member, urged the Board to move forward in a community effort for Daylis Stadium. Michael Patrick, West High teacher, spoke in support of the phases for Daylis Stadium. He felt the community would move forward to develop a stadium for the students. Mr. Patrick also spoke in support of a recovery program for dropouts and encouraged the Board to empower students, administrators and teachers to work on this problem. He also urged the Board to approve a review of the Special Education program. Approval of Agenda Mary Jo Fox requested (and the Board as a whole agreed) it be noted in all the committee minutes from June 13th that the 20-year Facilities Planning Committee was invited to come and address each committee and did not do so. The Chair stated items W, P & S would be moved forward in the agenda. Trustee Stroebe made the following motion with a second by Trustee Goodrich: Move to approve the agenda as amended. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. Bills Paid – May 2005 Trustee Getz made the following motion with a second by Trustee Goodrich: Motion to approve the bills paid for May 2005. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. The following are the warrants paid for May 2005: Fund Description Fund Total 101 Elem. General Fund $ 261,007.58 110 Elem. Transportation 186,461.74 114 Elem. Retirement 51.87 115 Elem. Misc. Programs 234,845.28 117 Elem. Adult Education 2,506.69 129 Elem. School Flexibility Fund 3,424.33 160 Elem. Building 153,217.78 161 Elem. Building Reserve 114,044.71 184 Elem. Student ECA 42,208.52 185 Elem. Misc. Trust 12,915.48 201 H. S. General Fund 272,472.01 210 H. S. Transportation 150,486.18 212 H. S. Food Services 920,411.86 215 H. S. Misc. Program 43,639.97 217 H. S. Adult Education 5,672.49 218 H. S. Traffic Education 1,018.05 229 H. S. School Flexibility Fund 50,713.28 260 H. S. Building 97.53 261 H. S. Building Reserve 140,324.29 278 H. S. Self Insurance Health 894,182.08 279 H. S. Self Insurance-Liability 4,177.57 282 H. S. Interlocal Agreement 106,329.33 284 H. S. Extracurricular 135,121.02 285 H. S. Misc. Trust 28,021.09 286 H. S. Payroll 3,598,662.02 Grand Total $7,362,012.75 ACH Tax Deposits 4,217,605.41 Payroll Warrants & Direct Deposits $10,514,823.63 TOTAL $22,094,441.79 Financial Reports – May 2005 (Unaudited) The following financial reports for May 2005 were received: 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 stated there was nothing new to report on the Rapp-Swecker, KTVQ, Erekson, Eastman, and M.T. cases. The Columbia Falls issue was discussed at the earlier meeting. The BEA in the Skyview teachers’ case filed a Notice of Appeal. Mr. Weldon had been informed the Billings Gazette had filed a cross appeal but he had not seen that document as of yet. Mr. Weldon reported a new case has been filed by Paul Hudak against Delta International Machinery Corporation and the District. The suit is based on an accident in the shop class at Billings Senior High. Mr. Weldon stated Mr. and Mrs. Opie had filed an appeal with the County Superintendent. The County Superintendent has granted the motion to dismiss and ordered the appeal dismissed as the Opies did not timely file their notice of appeal and the County Superintendent did not have jurisdiction over the dispute. The BEA has filed a grievance in the matter of Pam Farmer’s non-renewal of her contract for the 2005/2006 school year. On May 24th, the BEA sent a letter to the District stating it would move the grievance to arbitration. The long-term suspensions were presented to the Board members. Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Getz: Motion to approve the long-term suspensions. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Weldon stated HB212 came out of the latest legislation session. It is now the policy of the State to divulge excessive use of energy and water resources. He suggested the Business Committee review the possibility of entering into an energy performance contract Running Start Agreement Between BPS and MSU-Billings Jeff Weldon reported he spoke with Kathy Swift, MSU-Billings’ attorney, and was told there was one issue on the Running Start Agreement. MSU-Billings might want to purchase the property that is adjacent to the Career Center. Mr. Weldon stated, if the Board defined that option, it might require a resolution to dispose of surplus property. He suggested an interim plan be devised to allow enrollment for this fall and have an option to purchase the land. Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Joel Guthals: Move to designate a liaison and finalize the negotiation for the Running Start Agreement Program. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman and Conrad Stroebe. Chair Katharin Kelker stated she did not vote, as she is an employee of MSU-Billings. The motion carried. The Chair designated Malcolm Goodrich to be the liaison. Policy Review and Revision – Third Reading Trustee Guthals felt the Board would be investing more power in the Chair than is necessary in appointing members to committees. Jeff Weldon stated existing language is for the Chair to appoint members to the committees. Trustee Guthals gave his suggestions for membership in Policy 1130. The Board shall appoint members to the standing committees upon the nomination of the Board Chair. The Board Chair shall consult with the Board members regarding such appointments. The Policy Review Committee shall be three or more members of the Board appointed by the Board upon nomination of the Board Chair. The Chair of the committees should be selected by the committee. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Stroebe: Motion to approve Policy 1130 with the suggested changes on third reading with an immediate effective date. Trustee Stroebe requested the word ‘Chair’ be removed from page 89 of the agenda item. Mr. Weldon stated Policy 1130 has not been through three readings on that suggested change. He suggested the policy be suspended for the three readings to amend the policy. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Stroebe made the following motion with a second by Trustee Guthals: Motion to suspend the rules to consider the change on Policy 1130. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Stroebe: Motion to amend Policy 1130 by deleting the word ‘Chair’ after the word ‘Board’ in the second paragraph. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Stroebe made the following motion with a second by Trustee Goodrich: Motion to approve Policy 1130 and the procedures on the third reading. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Getz made the following motion with a second by Trustee Achten: Motion to approve the suggested changes on third reading of Policies 2313, 3205 and 5XXX in regards to electronic information. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Getz made the following motion with a second by Trustee Moses: Motion to approve the suggested changes on third reading to Policy 3222. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Stroebe asked for information from the School/Community Committee meeting. Jeff Weldon reported the Department of Education enforces the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA prohibits the distribution of personal identifiable information except the District may distribute directory information without prior parental consent. The Chair stated it is required by law to have this in policy. The point of the policy is to give the parent the right to refuse a release. Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Getz: Motion to approve Policy 3600 and Procedure 3600-P1 with suggested changes. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, and Sandra Mossman. Conrad Stroebe voted against the motion. The motion passed. Superintendent’s Report Superintendent Svee reviewed the earlier discussion with Jack Copps. Trustee Goodrich asked if there was any interest in forming a subcommittee to explore lobbying for school funding. Trustee Mossman stated she endorsed the idea and felt it should begin in Yellowstone County. Trustee Mossman will review the issue and report back to the Board. Personnel Report Trustee Getz made the following motion with a second by Trustee Goodrich: Move to accept the Superintendent’s employment recommendations as presented in the current personnel report. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. Daylis Stadium Project Recommendations; School/Community Committee; Education Committee; Business Committee Superintendent Svee stated the three standing committees recommend the bleachers should be built in time for this fall’s season; to fund the project with public donations and district funds, which could be from the excess Skyview bond funds; and, to determine the source of the public portion of the funding. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Goodrich: Motion to keep Daylis Stadium at the present location for the foreseeable future. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Moses: Motion for the Board to approve the refurbishing of Daylis Stadium in the phases provided to the Board by Dave Williams. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. Phase 1 is approximately $300,000, Phase 2 is $600,000-$700,000, Phase 3 is $800,000, and Phase 4 is $100,000 for a total of approximately $1,800,000. Trustee Goodrich suggested the motion address funding and the educational relevancy of the phases. Trustee Guthals made the following amendment to include Trustee Goodrich’s suggestions with agreement from Trustee Moses as the second: Motion to adopt the four phases subject to the Board approval of a financial plan. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Goodrich: Move that the Board should allow naming rights for the Daylis Stadium project with the amounts to be associated to each phase to the cost of the amount that is projected that is provided in the memo from Dave Williams for each phase, the naming rights proposals will be screened by the Naming Rights Committee of the Board and brought before the Board for action. Trustee Stroebe asked if there would be any guidelines. The Education Committee felt the cost should be borne by the community or by the fans. Trustee Guthals stated his motion addresses the issue of a donation for phase 1 having naming rights, and for each phase or the entire project. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. The Chair stated the next issue is the stadium project could be a combination of both private and public money. Money could be borrowed from the Skyview fund when the bonds have been retired and repaid as private funds become available. There has also been a discussion that the Board pays no more than $100,000. Superintendent Svee reported the issue is that the District cannot issue a contract without having the funding available. The Board would not have to approve the amount until the bids are received. Trustee Goodrich stated the Education Committee was concerned, as the bleachers were torn down for safety reasons, not having bleachers on that side is a safety issue as well. The committee was interested in giving seed money to give impetus to follow through to obtain private funding. Trustee Goodrich stated another option was to have temporary bleachers for the fall, then obtain the private/public funding, which would give the Board more time. Trustee Getz agreed with Trustee Goodrich’s observation. He was concerned in rushing a construction project for the fall and did not feel it was a realistic project. Trustee Getz supported the use of temporary bleachers to give more time to do the project right. Trustee Achten felt the construction could begin which would save the cost of temporary bleachers. Dave Williams stated it is feasible to begin the project but there is no guarantee. Trustee Getz reported it could take two months to obtain a building permit from the city. Trustee Moses felt it was hard to justify the cost of temporary bleachers. Trustee Guthals reported fundraisers told the Business Committee they would help in the cost of temporary bleachers. The Business Committee also felt it was a safety issue. Trustee Guthals felt the temporary bleachers would be better for adults, not students. He would leave that to the Superintendent’s discretion. The Chair did not feel the Board needed to decide at this meeting if temporary bleachers would be need to be approved. Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Mossman: Motion that the Board contributes $150,000 of the Skyview bond money to the construction of Phase 1. Paul Klaboe, West High’s football coach, addressed the Board and stated all three coaches wanted to keep Daylis at its current location. Not having bleachers this year would be disastrous. Mr. Klaboe stated the booster clubs informed the Business Committee members that it would not take long to raise $300,000. Trustee Getz asked who would own the bleachers when they are up if part of the funding is from private donations. The High School District would own the bleachers and would be donated through the foundation. Trustee Getz felt the District tore down the bleachers due to a safety factor and should pay for the entire cost of the bleachers. He felt the other phases could use the private partnership capability. Trustee Getz made the following substitute motion with a second by Trustee Achten: Move that School District #2 pay for the replacement bleachers at Daylis Stadium up to $300,000 and to fund it from the Skyview bond money. Trustee Goodrich suggested an amendment to the substitute motion to clarify it as funding for phase 1 as an exact amount is not known. Trustee Getz agreed to the suggestion. The Chair stated it would be considered a clarification. Trustee Goodrich was concerned about the safety issue at Daylis, but there was also the dropout study, the mill levy discussion and the special education program to consider. Trustee Fox stated the School/Community Committee considered that in its recommendation and proposed using up to $350,000 for the bleachers and the public would come forward and contribute. Trustee Getz amended his motion as follows, with agreement from Trustee Achten: Amend the motion to include leaving the door open for replacement of the phase 1 funds if it were available from private funds. Trustee Guthals did not feel it was an appropriate use of $350,000 of the Skyview bond funds. Trustee Goodrich felt a partnership could be established with $150,000. Trustee Mossman suggested the Board work for the partnership, as $150,000 was a very generous effort during these times. Those voting in favor of the amended substitute motion were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Karen Moses, Dale Getz, and Katharin Kelker. Those opposing were Joel Guthals, Sandra Mossman, Malcolm Goodrich, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed. Trustee Stroebe stated the Education Committee felt football was important but not the most important factor in the community. Trustee Fox felt there are organizations that like to put their names on things and will pay for it. She was confident that the groups could raise the money to pay it back. Trustee Getz stated he understood the number one predictor of success in high school is extracurricular involvement. He would not vote for any more expenditures for Daylis Stadium unless the community comes forward with donations. Trustee Moses was uncomfortable with putting money into Daylis when there are other needs at the three high schools. She felt the bleachers should be done and a partnership started. Those voting in favor of the substitute motion were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Karen Moses, Dale Getz, and Katharin Kelker. Those opposing were Joel Guthals, Sandra Mossman, Malcolm Goodrich, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed. Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Achten: Move to add a $1 surcharge fee on tickets for Daylis to start this coming fall reviewable upon demand. Trustee Moses asked to exclude the students. Trustee Goodrich made the following amendment with agreement of Trustee Achten: Amend to exclude students. Trustee Guthals felt the motion should be amended to reflect the $1 would go to the maintenance of Daylis Stadium. Trustees Goodrich and Achten agreed to the amendment. Dave Williams suggested adults pay $6 to go to a football game and an additional fee could be added to the family pass. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. Report from Dropout Committee Chair Kelker reported the students would like to have an academic tutoring center where they could receive individualized instruction in a situation that is not embarrassing for them. Trustee Goodrich thanked Dr. Colling from MSU-Billings and her helpers for the dropout study. He asked if there was any feel for getting that program going and the cost of a pilot program. Superintendent Svee wanted time to look at the report and report back to a committee or the full Board in July with a recommendation. Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Guthals: Move that the administration review the contents of this study, report back to the committees, particularly the Education Committee, within the next 90 days paying particular emphasis on establishing the tutoring program both from a cost and educational relevance perspective. Trustee Stroebe wanted to continue the discussion on the entire report at a later date. Trustee Mossman recommended that administration look at other areas of study also and Education Committee should be reported to first and then the full Board with the recommendations. Trustee Stroebe felt the tutoring center would be a supplemental piece but the students also wanted skilled, caring teachers and fewer students in the classroom. Trustee Goodrich suggested projected costs be reviewed for a tutoring center in the evenings. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. The Chair passed the gavel to the Vice-Chair. She stated she broke the report down into sections. One deals with curriculum, another with teachers and student teacher ratio, and one for counseling. Another section deals with punishments, homework when there isn’t a home to study in, and one on discrimination. She voiced her concern about discrimination and hoped that issue could be addressed. Superintendent Svee felt that when other issues are addressed, that feeling should lessen. Prioritized List of Special Education Review Team The Chair reported the Board’s strategic plan from last year contained a reference to a review of Special Education, which was in the work plan for the Education Committee. There has been a study conducted under the leadership of Kathy Olson who reported back to the Education Committee. The report was included in the agenda packet. Trustee Stroebe state this request is how to fund the fix. Pat Gum stated, when looking at the costs, the total cost is $550,000. Only 20% of that amount is Special Education. She felt students need to be taught how to behave appropriately, not to punish bad behavior. The At Risk Program is for all students, not just special education students. Chair Kelker stated part of the discussion is how we view inclusion and the expense in intervention. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Goodrich: Motion to receive the report. Mike Patrick addressed the Board to voice his concern about identifying the individual students and funding that system. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. Resolution Calling for a High School Levy Election – August 2, 2005 Trustee Stroebe made the following motion with a second by Trustee Moses: Move to call for a high school mill levy election as shown in the resolution. Trustee Stroebe hoped to fund the high school projects at the same percentage as the elementary. He suggested the Board think about these items, including Daylis, and have administration and principals decide on what is needed. Trustee Goodrich agreed but did not believe the timing was right. He was uncomfortable with going to the public without a plan and felt mixed messages were being given. Trustee Fox suggested the needs of Daylis be left out of the motion. Trustee Achten agreed with Trustee Fox and believed the public needs to be shown a project list before calling for a mill levy. Trustee Moses stated they could not articulate a need any further than they have made, as the needs are very clear. Trustee Stroebe made the following amendment with agreement from Trustee Moses: Motion to remove Daylis Stadium from the motion. Trustee Goodrich stated that administration had made a recommendation not to run a mill levy. Superintendent Svee did not believe that a mill levy would pass and felt it was not based on need. Trustee Goodrich did not feel needs were defined with specific programs. Trustee Achten felt it was too soon to have a mill levy election in August. The Chair handed the gavel to the Vice-Chair. She did not feel anyone was disagreeing that the District has needs in the schools. There are huge bond issues coming up and it will take a huge amount of effort to pass a mill levy. Staff is needed to help and all of the pieces need to be put together. She felt there is only one shot and there won’t be any more chances to ask the public for any more money. Trustee Guthals called for the question. Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Joel Guthals, Karen Moses, Conrad Stroebe, and Dale Getz. Those opposing were Dawn Achten, Sandra Mossman, Katharin Kelker, and Malcolm Goodrich. The motion passed. The resolution is as follows: 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: 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 2nd day of August, 2005, 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. The levy shall provide funds for Special Education, and High School Dropout Prevention. 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. Dan Martin stated the elementary budget is far worse off than the high school budget. He did not feel the high school levy would pass unless you run an elementary level with the high school levy. Crossroads Financial Options The Chair stated the Board needs to think about this in terms of two districts, elementary and high school. The Grand Avenue School is owned by the elementary district and is being using by the high school district. The estimates for refurbishing the building are between $2,500,00 and $2,600,000. The elementary district has not used the school since 1983. The elementary district could deem it surplus property. The Business Committee made the recommendation not to go forward with the sale of property until it is clear regarding rental between districts and where the Crossroads program shall be housed. Superintendent Svee reported the advisability for the elementary district would be to sell it, which could be purchased by the high school district. It could be leased by the high school district or traded. It is not advisable for the elementary district to keep the building, as it should not put any money into it for maintenance. It is illegal for the high school district to put any money into repairs at Grand Avenue. Trustee Getz stated the more the Board delays, the less likely it will realize the $1,800,000 for the sale. He suggested the elementary district should sell the building on Grand Avenue for its net disposal value as a building. And then the high school district could purchase it from funds from the excess bond proceeds at Skyview. Trustee Guthals felt a legal opinion was needed if the Board was to consider Trustee Getz’s recommendation. Trustee Mossman suggested any discussion be delayed until after the July meeting. Superintendent Svee stated the elementary district needs the commitment from the high school trustees that they are interested in doing that. He did not feel it was fair to the business offering the $1,800,000 for the building. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second from Trustee Getz: Motion that it is a sense of the High School Board to acquire the Grand Avenue School from the elementary school district, upon terms to be negotiated. Trustee Guthals suggested the Board get a sense if it wants to let the prospective purchaser know that the high school and elementary district are interested in selling the property to them once the details are worked out. Trustee Fox asked if it would be possible for the elementary district to benefit from the sale of Grand Avenue School. The Chair stated that is not possible. Chair Kelker handed the gavel to the Vice-Chair. The taxpayers are the ones who would get the value or not get any of the value. Trustee Stroebe stated, when the building was built, there was no division of districts. He suggested the Board wait until the July meeting to decide. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. Administrative Contract Dan Martin reviewed the handout for the Board. The proposal is for 3% increase on base on the salary matrix. Mr. Martin reported there is a little advantage due to the number of retirements. The cost in the high school district is $44,158 and $62,111 in the elementary district. The Chair stated the Board does not negotiate with the administrators. Trustee Goodrich reported there is language to be cleaned up in the contract, which can be done over the summer. Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Stroebe: Motion to accept the administrative benefits proposal based on the information in the handout from staff. Trustee Moses was uncomfortable with the amount of increases being requested. Trustee Achten stated the public is seeing administrators getting 3% raises when teachers have gone on strike, schools are being closed, and are attempting to fund programs. Trustee Getz felt it was a good thing to pay among the leaders whether it is the administration, teachers or custodians. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. The Superintendent is not included on the administrators’ proposal. Administrative Support Contract The administrative support proposal is $8,731.55 for longevity and the proposed salary increase of 6% for $27,780.54. The total amount of the package is $36,512.09. Trustee Moses voiced her concern in giving a raise that is substantially different than their counterparts. Trustee Moses made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kelker: Move that we give a $.70 raise to contract support in keeping with the rest of the secretarial staff. Trustee Stroebe reported there was some interest in bringing the contract support and BCEA groups together. The Chair stated she was not comfortable with 6% plus longevity and felt an hourly increase was fair. Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Guthals: Motion to table this motion until such time as Trustee Stroebe and I have met with the contract staff and report back at the next monthly meeting with further findings. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Stroebe asked for direction on the new administrative support handbook. The Chair stated as long as there are people in the group, a booklet is necessary. Resolution to Close Debt Service Fund 250 The funds can go into one fund now and be transferred at a later date. Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Achten: Motion that we adopt the resolution to close the remaining High School Debt Service Fund to the Building Reserve Fund as of June 30, 2005. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. The resolution is as follows: WHEREAS, the trustees of High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, Montana, have made a determination that all of the high school bonds and bond interest have been fully paid; and WHEREAS, all money remaining in the debt service fund for the high school district and all money that may come into the high school debt service fund from the payment of delinquent taxes must be transferred by the county treasurer to the building reserve levy fund, the technology acquisition and depreciation fund, or the general fund as designated by the school district, provided that the subsequent use of the funds by the school district is limited to constructing, equipping, or enlarging school buildings or purchasing land needed for school purposes in the district; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, Montana, proclaims the need to close the remaining High School Debt Service Fund to the Building Reserve Fund as of June 30, 2005 under 20-9-443 MCA for the purpose identified above. Budget Adjustments FY2004-05 The Chair reported the budget adjustments FY2004-2005 is for Board review and no action is required. Reading Intervention Grades 4-12 The Reading 180 Program received unanimous support from the Education Committee. Kathy Olson reported the shelf life of the program is 7-10 years and five computers would be needed at each site for the 4-8 grade program. The tech support would come from the rehiring of the technology specialists. Trustee Mossman reported the Education Committee voted unanimously for the Read 180 program. Kathy Olson stated students who cannot read tend to drop out of school. This program is considered to be a way of lowering the dropout rate. Pat Gum and Rilla Hardgrove spoke in support of the program. The Chair reported the program has been used in large school districts with success. Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Mossman: Motion for the Board to adopt the implement of the Read 180 Program for grades 4-8 at this point, provided that an investigation of funding sources finds the source of funding for the whole cost. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, and Sandra Mossman. The motion passed unanimously. Trustees Guthals and Stroebe are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. Trustee Moses requested a special meeting to discuss the possibility of calling for an elementary mill levy election. Consent Agenda Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Getz: Motion to approve and accept the items within the Consent Agenda without objection to recommended action. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. The following are items contained in the Consent Agenda: Regular Board Meeting Minutes, May 16, 2005 Special Board Meeting Minutes, May 16, 2005 Special Board Meeting Minutes, May 20, 2005 Special Board Meeting Minutes, May 25, 2005 Special Board Meeting Minutes, June 13, 2005 Education Committee Meeting Minutes, May 9, 2005 Business Committee Meeting Minutes, May 9, 2005 School/Community Committee Meeting Minutes, May 9, 2005 School Resource Officer Program for Middle and High Schools Montana High School Association Membership Dues Castle Rock Temperature Controls Upgrade-2005 IDEA-B FY2006 Grant Application Appointment of Special Education Advisory Committee 2005/2006 School Calendar Reclassifications/New Positions Budget Amendment to Elementary Tuition Fund for Unforeseen Tuition Costs First Student Contract Proposal Resolution of Intent to Dispose of District Personal Property Addition of Big Sky Fit Kids--Trust Account Addition of Trust Accounts for BPEF 2005 Classroom Grant Recipients Bargaining Format – BEA Negotiations FY06 Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Stroebe: Move that we adopt the collaborative format for the BEA negotiations. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Moses: Motion to establish a Thursday noon meeting to review calling for an elementary mill levy election. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, and Sandra Mossman. Trustees Guthals and Stroebe are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. The motion passed unanimously. Calendar/Agenda Planning The following are future scheduled meetings and events: Monday, June 27, 2005 – Board Retreat Wednesday, June 29, 2005 – Policy Committee Wednesday, July 6, 2005 – Agenda Setting Meeting Monday, July 11, 2005 – Special Board Meeting with 20-Year Facilities Planning Committees and All Standing Committees of the Board Monday, July 18, 2005 – Regular Board Meeting As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 12:20 a.m. Katharin Kelker, Chair Diane Blevins, Recorder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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