Special Board Meeting of August 22, 2005

[Diane Blevins]

Proceedings of the Board of Trustees

District No. 2, Yellowstone County

High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County

Billings, Montana

 

August 22, 2005

 

Call to Order

 

The Special 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, August 22, at 5:30 p.m.

 

Those present included: Katharin Kelker, Superintendent Rod Svee, Clerk Leo Hudetz, Dawn Achten, Sandra Mossman, Joel Guthals, Malcolm Goodrich, Mary Jo Fox, Karen Moses, Dale Getz, and Conrad Stroebe.

 

It was decided the morning breakfast served by the Board Trustees on the first day of school would be changed for the 2006/07 school year.

 

Trustee Moses reported more people are needed to testify on August 30th and 31st in Helena. She had little hope of anything of substance coming out of the meeting and was concerned about what would be sent to the interim committee. Superintendent Svee stated the final report would probably be out by October 15th. There is some concern if Governor Schweitzer would call for a special session. Superintendent Svee reported the Supreme Court’s decision calls for a definition, a cost out of that definition, and to define a system to be used. Eric Feaver felt Senator Gillen’s SB341, which utilized the current funding system with some changes and more money, could be implemented.

 

Trustees Stroebe, Mossman and Moses stated they would go to Helena on the 30th and 31st. Trustee Stroebe felt every trustee needed to be in Helena from the larger districts so they can hear our concerns. The smaller schools are attending and being heard. Trustee Mossman reported she spoke to Jack Copps who has contacted the Governor’s office but cannot get a return phone call. The Governor’s representatives are either mute or actively opposing.

 

Negotiations Discussion

 

The Chair stated this study session is to give information to the new Board members as the Board has voted on participating in collaborative bargaining sessions. Training may be necessary. All meetings must be held in the public eye. Dan Martin, Director of Human Resources, stated it is important to remember to negotiate the contract, but not negotiate the budget. He reported there is a limited pot of money for the next bargaining session. A Board member should not say ‘there is no money’, but should state ‘it is not a priority’. The Board should be able to state the amount of revenue. Mr. Martin reported the union would not consider anything definitive until after March 1st, which is the deadline for retirements and vacancy savings.

 

The Chair stated it has been the practice in the past that health insurance is the same for all groups. Trustee Stroebe asked for information before the Board enters into the bargaining sessions. He also requested a philosophical discussion before the groups get to the table.

 

Mr. Martin stated if there is contemplation on contract language changes, administration should be consulted regarding the educational impact. The language is more critical than money. There is a need to create language that does not cost the District money in litigation. Current BEA language issues include: coaching priority for members that have been non-renewed; equivalent experience for Physical Therapists (PT), Occupational Therapists (OT), and nurse; define criteria for more than three consecutive discretionary leave days; Critical Family Illness leave; clarify Military leave; define ‘qualified’ to determine compliance with the Federal No Child Left Behind regulations; discuss problems with bumping from one district to another; review Staff Development Advisory Council language; and, rolling beginning steps together and maintaining a generator base salary for a more attractive beginning salary. Allan Audet, BEA President, stated he could do a memo of understanding to address the PT, OT, and nurse equivalent experience. Another major effect is the increase of 8-14% increase in health insurance premiums. Mr. Martin stated there would be lengthy, difficult discussions if there were a reduction in benefits.

 

A discussion ensued covering teacher salary comparisons. Dan Martin reported the District was ranked fourth among the ‘AA’ schools. Trustee Getz suggested a list be given to new Board members of lessons learned from prior negotiations. He urged the Board to be fair, honest and open. Trustee Getz stated it must be give and take in negotiations. He encouraged the Board and unions to have a single spokesperson and have joint statements with the bargaining groups to create a public perception of cooperative, collaborative negotiations. He suggested both sides agree early on for the number of years of the agreement, salaries are only one component and health insurance is a big factor. Allan Audet reported joint statements for the BEA and District were released to the press during the last negotiations. Each group had its single spokesperson also. The Chair stated the only thing that she felt needed to be changed was better support from the Business Office than the previous time. Trustee Getz was excused at 7:10 for a prior commitment.

 

Trustee Stroebe felt the Board should set down and look at where the dollars were coming from and get the numbers on the table prior to the beginning of the collaborative bargaining. Chair Kelker stated the Board members have to agree on the amount to be given. Trustee Goodrich asked if there was a benefit to completing the negotiations before March 1st. He felt the negotiations should be completed after March 1st, as the Board would be making priority decisions without knowing the cost of teacher salaries. The Chair recommended the Board look at revenues and set priorities in order to know what is available.

 

As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

 

 

 

 

Katharin Kelker, Chair

 

 

Diane Blevins, Recorder