Diane Blevins Posted March 9, 2006 Report Share Posted March 9, 2006 Proceedings of the Board of Trustees District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Billings, Montana February 20, 2006 Call to Order 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, February 20, 2006, at 5:30 p.m. Chair Katharin Kelker presided and led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call Members present included: Trustees Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, Mary Jo Fox, Dawn Achten, Karen Moses, Joel Guthals, Malcolm Goodrich, Dale Getz, Conrad Stroebe, Clerk Leo Hudetz, Superintendent Rod Svee. Registered guests included Patty Lacy, Lynn Jensen, Diane Jensen, Russell Hutchinson, Danny Moore, Cathy Pomeroy, Nikki Clark, Diane Kessler, Chris Daem, Cheryl Daem, Caylee Daem, Wendy Connelley, Kerri Connors, Marti Edgmond, Kelly Cook, Laura Tode, Joe Halligan, and Tom Duff. 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 Trustee Moses requested moving the Superintendent’s evaluation and contract up in the agenda. The Chair stated the item would be discussed after the break. The Board members agreed to the move. Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Getz: Motion to approve the agenda as amended. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. News of the District Nancy Hines, Communications Director, reported Pat McNelly, a teacher in Senior’s Academy, has developed a toast program. As there is no Sodexho service in the academy, there are many freshmen, who do not have anything to eat in the morning. Mr. McNelly obtains high quality bread for a good price for the freshmen. West High has the Bear Café and Den, which is for those students to get extra help and is mandatory for a student who after three weeks into the semester is failing a class. The students receive lunch and get assignments from the class that they are failing. West High has also implemented a freshmen-mentoring program. There is 1 junior or senior assigned to every 4 freshmen. Gifts and Donations Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Achten: Motion to accept the gifts with gratitude. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. The following are the gifts: Bitterroot – Julie Majeske, money Breakfast Exchange Club, school supplies Eagle Cliffs, FCS Classes at Skyview, hats and ear warmers Orchard – Judy Moore, supply of paper and pencils Ponderosa – Jens Selvig III, pictures of 1st and 2nd grade students w/Santa packages FedEx Kinko’s, fun paper, cute prints Castle Rock – Jay and Debra Strever, money for Literary magazine ConocoPhillips Billings Refinery, money Stockman Bank, money Read 180 Update Gail Surwill, K-6 Curriculum Director, reported the Read 180 testing results showed improvement. The reading intervention program starts in the 4th grade and goes through high school. Mrs. Surwill stated the program is a success due to the work of the teachers and the tech support. Parents and students addressing the Board to thank them for the Read 180 program include Diane Kessler, Caylee Daem, Cheryl Daem, Christine Glenn, Brittany, Tina, Lon Drollinger, Stacey Arnold, and Connor Barta. Adult Education Program overview (Annual Report) Woody Jensen, Director of Adult Education, reported there were 125 GEDs earned last year through the District’s program. There were also 842 students involved in the Adult Basic Literacy Education (ABLE) and 167 high school completions. There were 23 students in the English as a Student Language program, 251 students in the basic literacy program, and 201 students in the evening high school program. Summer school education had 162 students last summer. Students speaking in support of the Adult Education Program were Russell Hutchinson, Nicki Clark, and Dan Kobold. Review of Scope of Work for Consultation Firm Trustee Getz reported a committee reviewed several potential firms to act as a consultant to the District. The Business Committee, at last month’s meeting, received a good report on EDI, which is very well versed in conducting these types of services. Trustee Guthals reported he made several changes to the scope of work for the high school facilities consultant. Referring to Item I, the resolution on high school renovation, Trustee Stroebe suggested the deletion of ‘facilities repair and renovation’ as it refers to increasing educational opportunity at the high school level. Changing the title to the Vision Statement could make that change. Trustee Guthals recommended the title be changed to ‘The High School Vision Statement’. It was the consensus of the Board members that they were comfortable with the language of the scope of work. The scope of work will give the firm an idea of where to begin. Trustee Stroebe asked when the Board would be able to meet with the consulting firm. The Chair did not have a date but it would begin in the Business Committee and then come to the Board. The draft will be used as the document from this point forward. Resolution on High School Renovation The Chair reported a subcommittee of the Board took the recommendations and compiled the list. The document titled “Increasing Educational Opportunities at the High School Level” is to be changed to “The High School Vision Statement”. Trustee Mossman corrected the life of Skyview from 25 to 20 years. The Chair requested the long-range plan portion be pulled and place it separately under ‘Recommendations’ as it was not a criteria for evaluation. Trustee Goodrich made a spelling correction in the word curriculum in the innovative Delivery of Education. Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Getz: Motion to adopt the High School Vision Statement with revisions as follows: § Change of 25 years to 20 years for Skyview on page 1 § On page 2, Long Range Plan is moved to ‘Recommendations’ § Changing ‘Minimize’ to ‘Optimize’ on page 2 of the title § Adding ‘District’ before buildings, and adding ‘and properties’ to the Taxpayer Value on page 2 § Removing the italicized section regarding forecasting under the ‘Recommendations’ section This discussion was held regarding the motion. Trustee Stroebe felt the problem statement should include the Career Center and reference the work of the facilities ownership group to obtain a recommendation. He also suggested the forecasting figures be removed as EDI would probably do that work. The Chair stated EDI will not be doing any of the demographic forecasting. There is also no plan for the Career Center to be renovated or repaired. Trustee Stroebe felt the impact on the Career Center or the Lincoln Center should be considered in the solution to the overcrowding issue. Trustee Mossman stated vision statements are organized and should be subject to continuous review. The Chair reported the Career Center and the Lincoln Center are both mentioned in the statement under recommendations. It was the consensus of the Board to remove the forecasting figures. Trustee Getz recommended the words ‘district’ and ‘properties’ be added to the taxpayer value. Rich Whitney asked that the word ‘minimize’ be changed to ‘optimize’ in the portion addressing maintenance, energy and operating costs. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. Superintendent’s Report Superintendent Svee reported he would offer a training session on the five-year plan and accreditation standards for informational purposes. The Chair asked for updated notebooks for new members of the Board. Trustee Mossman asked for a formal, complete copy of the accreditation standards and the School Laws of Montana. The Superintendent gave a copy of the report to Board members on the mold at Bench Elementary and the clearance from the State of Montana’s Department of Montana Labor and Industry. Mr. Svee reviewed the District’s transfer policy and the process used as included in the agenda packet. Trustee Achten stated the Boulder parents still feel they have a choice as to where their child would go to high school. The Superintendent stated they do not have a choice but a right to request a transfer according to the procedure. Trustee Moses reported the School/Community Committee has discussed the transfers and suggested the transfers be made the same across the board. Mr. Svee stated the reason high school principals do not handle the transfers for 8th graders into high school, is due to the fact that they do not know the 8th graders. Mr. Svee stated the procedure could be changed to remove the Executive Director of Secondary Education from the process. The Board does not develop procedures, just Board policy. Mr. Svee wanted the procedure to be clear and unambiguous. The Chair stated the reasonable thing to do is to send it back to the School/Community Committee and have them make a recommendation to have the principals involved in transfers. Trustee Fox asked if the language in the procedure was changed at an agenda setting meeting. Mr. Svee replied that it had been changed due to comments made at agenda setting. Trustee Fox voiced her concern that policy should not be changed at an agenda setting meeting but before the full Board. The Superintendent stated the Board only changes policy but administration changes procedures. The Chair directed the issue to the School/Community Committee. Superintendent Evaluation and Employment Contract Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Getz: Move to renew the Superintendent’s contract subject to a one year contract to the defined date for non-renewal and no raise and would refer that contract to counsel for drafting per the instruction and to Superintendent Svee for his approval. Trustee Goodrich reviewed the Board members’ rating on the Superintendent’s evaluation as included in the agenda packet. Trustee Fox asked Trustee Goodrich to start at ground zero in renewing or no renewal of the contract and work up from there. Trustee Goodrich felt his motion started at that level, as it contained no clause for renewal and would be dependent upon a vote. Trustee Mossman read the list of salaries for superintendents across the state as listed by the Montana School Board Association. Trustee Moses did not believe another contract would get the District where the Board wanted to go. Trustee Goodrich felt a one-year contract would give a year of transition and time to explore all the possibilities, reflect as a Board, to develop the criteria, and commence a search. It is being proactive, not reactive. Trustee Fox stated she asked to have the Board’s ratings separated so she could see what the other members thought as they had been here longer. She felt the overall rating of 5.5 was not acceptable and felt the Board and Superintendent were at odds on the new budget process, WWIDEA, Running Start, the transfer rule for 8th graders and a school bond election. Trustee Fox stated she could not support a contract for one year. Trustee Guthals reported the Board and District have many struggles ahead, including the bargaining with three units. He voiced his concern about making a sudden change of this magnitude. Trustee Goodrich felt Rod was a good person and this is a vote on leadership. He was concerned about where the legislature and District is at and worried about just limping along. He stated leadership style is important and active leadership is needed and the message is not getting out into the community. A year would give us a year to formulate new ideas for new leadership. Trustee Stroebe stated the leadership is the 9 Board members and the Superintendent does as directed by the Board. We sent him to Helena to work with the legislators. Superintendent Svee stated if 9 Board members are scored, the average is low, but considering only the administrative votes and scores, the lowest was 7.96 and the upper was at 8.775. There are no problems in the buildings. Mr. Svee stated it is his management style to be in the background and he is the protector of staff. He reported he is not interested in a one-year contract and the Board needed to start planning for a search. He felt the Board should set criteria and determine the process to be used. He felt the Board has too many meetings due to micromanaging. Mr. Svee requested a 3% raise as it is what the administrators and the BEA president received and he did not receive a raise last year. He stated there seems to be little appreciation for Lincoln Center or the administrative staff. Trustee Goodrich withdrew his motion and Trustee Getz withdrew his second to the motion. Trustee Fox made the following motion with a second by Trustee Goodrich: Motion not to renew the Superintendent’s contract. Trustee Stroebe did not agree that the Board micromanages, but did not feel the Board was making the right decision at the right time. Board members last longer than superintendents, as the District has had 7 superintendents in the past 20 years. The system is not working and hoped the Board will take its time to think about the comments made here tonight. Trustee Moses felt a disservice was being done to the schools by burning through superintendents. The District is not driven by the top but by those students we saw earlier in the meeting. Trustee Guthals disagreed that the schools excel in spite of the Board or Superintendent. Read 180 was brought forward by the administration and the Board approved the program. Trustee Guthals felt the Board should negotiate a contract with the Superintendent with different terms because steady leadership is needed and the Superintendent should not be terminated. Trustee Fox did not feel the Board was terminating the contract but was not renewing the contract as it sought leadership. Trustee Getz stated this is a very hard situation and there have been many good points raised. He was disappointed that Rod was not interested in working with the Board. If Rod is not interested in the original motion, the Board must move forward. Superintendent Svee stated his proposal allows automatic non-renewal of his contract in one year. The Board needs to make a choice and move on. Trustee Mossman stated the Superintendent made some strong statements about the Board as a group, which is why the scores reflected the way they are. She felt making a change to a new superintendent in March would not work, as it should have been started in September or October in order to do a good job. The Chair stated most Board members feel as though they have been inappropriately characterized, they have a clear strategic plan with varying degrees and expectations of concern on the Superintendent’s leadership, and the evaluations made that clear. The Superintendent does not want to be a lame duck, which leaves the Board with two options: to offer a year with potential for renewal; or, not to renew. Those voting in favor of the motion were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman and Conrad Stroebe. Joel Guthals opposed the motion. The Chair recessed the meeting at 9:30 p.m. to be reconvened on Tuesday, February 21st at 5:30 p.m. The meeting reconvened on Tuesday, February 21st at 5:30 p.m. Those in attendance included Trustees Katharin Kelker, Joel Guthals, Sandra Mossman, Mary Jo Fox, Dawn Achten, Malcolm Goodrich, Conrad Stroebe, Superintendent Rod Svee, and Clerk Leo Hudetz. Trustee Dale Getz was excused. Registered guests were Wendy Connelley and Patty Lacy. 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. Bills Paid – January 2006 Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Goodrich: Move to approve the bills paid for the month of January, 2006. Trustee Guthals reported a member of the Business Committee had questioned items paid in Flex Fund 229. The expenditures will be reclassified to the General Fund and the corresponding amount will be reclassified to the Flex Fund. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. The bills paid by fund are as follows: Fund Description Fund Total 101 Elem. General Fund $ 351,270.67 110 Elem. Transportation 373,368.31 115 Elem. Misc. Programs 111,774.45 117 Elem. Adult Education 922.52 128 Elem. Technology 4,535.00 129 Elem. School Flexibility Fund 26.87 160 Elem. Building 654,184.51 161 Elem. Building Reserve 20,071.74 184 Elem. Student ECA 47,480.63 185 Elem. Misc. Trust 7,689.91 201 H. S. General Fund 278,822.20 210 H. S. Transportation 261,322.17 212 H. S. Food Services 358,404.45 215 H. S. Misc. Program 37,969.78 217 H. S. Adult Education 157,335.97 218 H. S. Traffic Education 1,553.39 228 H. S. Technology 4,535.00 229 H. S. School Flexibility Fund 20,071.45 260 H. S. Building 769.15 261 H. S. Building Reserve 59,845.82 278 H. S. Self Insurance-Health 1,050,495.31 279 H. S. Self Insurance-Liability 257.52 282 H. S. Interlocal Agreement 103,866.20 284 H. S. Extracurricular 115,700.56 285 H. S. Misc. Trust 11,430.86 286 H. S. Payroll 1,951,462.32 TOTAL $5,985.166.76 ACH Tax Deposits $1,451,079.65 Payroll Warrants & Direct Dep. $3,743,053.95 GRAND TOTAL $11,179,300.36 Financial Reports – January, 2006 (Unaudited) Trustee Stroebe asked why the building utility costs are 13% above last year’s in the elementary district and 2% below in the high school district. Thomas Harper assumed it was partly due to the construction in the elementary schools and the District is getting a payback on the gas tanks that were installed in the high schools. The following are the unaudited financial reports for January 2006: CS101 Account Expenditure by Fund CS102 Account Receipts by Fund CS105 Statement of Estimated and Actual Revenue CS108 Object Cost Analysis Budget Discussion; Outcomes Based Budget Guidance Committee Report and Membership Appointment Thomas Harper, Financial Officer, reported the calendar in the agenda packet lists everything that needs to be accomplished in the new budget process. The revenue comparison, as listed in the agenda packet, shows the 9 budgets that must, legally, be adopted. The building reserve levies expire on June 30th, 2006 so the comparison chart shows no amount for 2007. The 2006 budget received an increase of $2,600,000 in the elementary general fund and $1,500,000 in the high school general fund due to the special legislative session. The flexibility fund has been funded through the District by a grant and has no other outside source of funding. Thomas Harper reviewed the general fund forecast for 2007. The ANB shows a decline in enrollment in both districts. The projected revenue for the 2007 elementary district is $51,956,705 with the expenses estimated at $52,303,252, which would include the rise in utilities and severance pay. It does not include increased money for health insurance or increased money needed as a result of negotiations with the various bargaining units. It does include money for steps and lanes in both the high school and elementary expenses. The deficit in the elementary general fund is $346,547 for 2007. Mr. Harper reported on other sources of revenue: flex funds are estimated at $160,000 in each district, the Mac funds are estimated at $450,000 between both districts, and Medicaid might not be available next year. Mr. Harper stated one of the biggest concerns is in the high school and the level of reserves. If there is any hope of doing something from the bonds standpoint, something must be done to fix the level of reserves in the high school district, but the reserves in the elementary district fall within the acceptable range. Trustee Mossman asked how much had been budgeted for steps and lanes. There was $250,000 budgeted for steps and lanes for elementary and $125,000 for the high school district. Thomas Harper reviewed the handout on Title programs and the miscellaneous funds. One-time money was received for 2007 from the special session. $466,000 was received for Indian Education for All in for one-time money and $1,500,000 for deferred maintenance and weatherization in the elementary district. In the high school, we received $277,648 for Indian Education for All and $894,000 for deferred maintenance and weatherization. The Chair asked if any of the health insurance expenses were included in the general fund. Mr. Harper replied that the health insurance expense is in the general fund but no increases were included. The increase is expected to be 7% to 10%. Trustee Stroebe asked how much was in the $32,755,707 budget in the high school district for wages and how much was in there for reserve buildup. Mr. Harper replied there was an amount of approximately $342,000 to reach where the underwriters believe the reserve should be ($1,500,000), but it was not included in the budget. There was $250,000 budgeted for steps and lanes for elementary and $125,000 for the high school district. Estimated retirement savings in the elementary district is $350,000 and $75,000 in the high school district. Trustee Stroebe asked where the deficit in the high school district is. Mr. Harper explained some of it is from Special Education Part B in both elementary and high school deficits. Trustee Stroebe asked why there is $13,000,000 in expenditures in elementary and less than $2,000,000 in high school when it is normally a two-third/one-third split. Most of the programs are geared to early intervention programs in the elementary district and is dependent on the grant programs. Mr. Harper reported salaries and benefits in the general fund run at approximately 91% without any increases. If we do not budget correctly, the only recourse is to declare a budget amendment and further draw down the reserves. The Chair stated the District has to deal with increased numbers and reduced funding in special education. Mr. Svee stated that is one of the issues in the court decision and the use of regular education funding for special education must be stopped. It was not addressed in the special session. Trustee Stroebe asked if the revenue page included the $13,000,000 in Title funds. Mr. Harper stated it does not and this is the first time it has been brought forward to the Board. Trustee Guthals asked how much additional money the District received from the 2005 budget to the 2006 budget. Mr. Harper explained the District received approximately $218,000 for utilities. The District will receive $6,000,000 for the 2007 year but the revenue will remain the same. $3,000,000 of that is building reserve which leaves $2,000,000 after the $1,000,000 drop in retirements. Trustee Stroebe stated the $3,000,000 is being eaten up by inflation and the legislature should be asked where the $1,000,000 in retirements is. Trustee Mossman reported the Outcomes Based Budget Guidance Committee met the end of January and decided to go to the public to ascertain results that the public would like to see. They want to define 10-12 themes of importance to the community. The goal is to receive approximately 1,000 surveys regarding what the respondents see as the results they would like to see for their children. After that information is analyzed, it will provide data for priorities for next year’s budget. The Board will then begin to review it and set priorities for the new budget process. The next committee meeting is scheduled for March. The consultant will return the end of March and spend a half-day with the guidance committee. A town hall meeting will then be held. Trustee Mossman asked the Board to appoint Kip Farnum to the Outcomes Based Budget Guidance Committee. The survey will be sent to parents and all staff. The demographics of the surveys will also be studied to assure responses are being received from all areas. Thomas Harper reported this process will have its own section on the District’s website. Trustee Goodrich made the following motion seconded by Trustee Moses: Appoint new member Kip Farnum to the Outcomes Based Budget Guidance Committee. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. Modified Hiring Freeze Proposal Trustee Goodrich stated he would like to expand the hiring freeze to include retirements and resignations for this year. The hiring freeze motion passed on February 17, 2005 contained FTE numbers that had been agreed upon by the unions, administration and committees. The agreement on the FTE numbers was made as of November 22, 2004. The motion was to freeze hiring at that level, except to permit administration, on a case-by-case basis, to go before the Business Committee for approval to hire someone. The Business Committee approved all requests that were made. Trustee Goodrich stated the Business Committee would like to expand that to include retirements and resignations so the FTE number could be held stable or possibly decrease. The safety valve is it would not prohibit administration from coming to the Business Committee for a variance of the freeze. The Chair reported the number of staff in the elementary district is important to reducing class size. It is important in some of the special programs for student performance. Trustee Goodrich reported the freeze allows the Board, through committee, to monitor the hiring to make sure that the Board is on top of where the numbers are. Trustee Guthals stated the Board must be very specific in the number when addressing the freeze. Trustee Achten voiced her concern over the situation at the beginning of the school year at Central Heights. She felt there should be a procedure for an emergency situation. Trustee Goodrich warned the Board that they had not concluded negotiations yet and there is a deficit in both districts. He hoped a hiring freeze would freeze the status quo so that the numbers don’t increase before we can get a handle on them and adopt the budget. Trustee Fox was concerned if an emergency arose, there would not be time to obtain Business Committee approval. Trustee Goodrich reported the Business Committee could meet at a moment’s notice to address the emergency situation. Monitoring the hiring allows us to understand where the numbers are. Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Mossman: Motion to expand the hiring freeze to include a freeze as for hiring as to any retirements or resignations for the remainder of the 2005/2006 year while keeping the same FTE cap that we had, plus the approved additions to date. Trustee Stroebe stated he was not opposed to the freeze but requested administrative recommendations and options to the freeze. The high school district is only at 90% of its budget and is understaffed. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. School/Community Committee Support for a K-6 Attendance Specialist at the Truancy Center The Chair stated the request for a K-6 attendance specialist at the Truancy Center is a recommendation for consideration as we go through the budget process. Trustee Mossman stated the needs at the Truancy Center. Trustee Achten spoke to a principal who felt this person would help her out greatly. Authority to Negotiate a Tentative Settlement The Chair reported the District is in the process of negotiations at this time. This would allow the teams to have the authority to negotiate with the bargaining units. The Board negotiation meetings may only be held in an open session. Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Stroebe: Motion to give each of the bargaining teams tentative settlement authority subject to final authority resting with Board approval. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. The Chair reported each Trustee has received a notebook to be used in the negotiations. If anyone has any questions, please contact Dan Martin. First Reading – Eat Well Policy Thomas Harper reported the Eat Well Policy is one that has been adopted by the Montana School Board Association (MSBA) and reviewed by the healthy food people. The policy addresses all of the requirements that must be met by July 1, 2006 but the procedural items will have to be ironed out. Mr. Harper met with the Sodexho people last week. A pilot program is being conducted in a few of the schools now. When the healthy food pilot began, the number of students eating school lunches dropped. Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Achten: Motion to approve the Eat Well Policy as presented on First Reading as presented. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. Discussion of Creation of Facilities Standing Committee Trustee Guthals reported the recommendation comes from the 20-Year Facilities Planning Committee, as they perceived facilities as a very important component of the District’s operations. The committee felt the Board should have a much more direct involvement oversight of the facilities than it currently has. Trustee Guthals urged the Board to be careful that the standing committee would be an oversight committee and not a managing committee. The Chair was concerned another standing committee would stretch the Board members a little thinner. Rich Whitney, Facilities Director, reported there has been a number of committees that work on facilities issues. There is currently a committee that works on the elementary bond projects. Trustee Stroebe suggested looking at a committee similar to the Audit Committee and possibly expand that committee to hire a firm to periodically audit the facilities. The Chair felt that was a good point and did not feel another standing committee would be necessary. She asked the Board to give more thought to this issue. The Chair asked Rich Whitney to take the issue back to his committee. Rich Whitney would take it back and get ideas on how facilities are being operated, how capital improvement dollars are being spent, what the vision looks like, and the accountability. MQEC (Montana Quality Education Coalition) Update Trustee Moses reported she attended the annual meeting where the Governor attended in a surprise visit. She expected a response from MQEC’s attorney in April. She read a portion of the Sherlock decision that ordered the State to change the way schools are funded. Superintendent Svee reviewed a memo from Jim Molloy, MQEC attorney, outlining the work to be done and the costs with respect to SB152. He asked if the Board if they wished him to continue working in Helena. Trustee Moses felt Mr. Svee’s work on this issue was invaluable. Trustee Stroebe asked what MQEC is doing about the funding side. Superintendent Svee reported it has not been discussed with him at this point, but they have identified that they need to have that discussion. His expertise is more in costing out what standards require rather than the revenue side. Trustee Stroebe felt it was important for MQEC to sit down with the Montana Taxpayers’ Association and the Montana Realtors’ Association because if they walk into the next session without a revenue solution the legislature will say it cannot afford it. Mr. Svee agreed and stated he has given a presentation on a system that uses coal tax funding on a loan basis and paid back on a bond issue. Trustee Stroebe felt they should participate in the educational forum on February 28th and should also start some type of continuing dialogue with legislators, especially on the revenue issue. There was consensus on the Board for Mr. Svee to continue his work in Helena. MTSBA (Montana School Board Association) Update Trustee Mossman reported she attended the yearly meeting of MTSBA. She urged the Board to read the strategic plan as included in the agenda packet. She will attend the next meeting on March 16th & 17th and would ask if one or two of the Trustees would agree to be a delegate. Elementary Bond Projects Update Rich Whitney, Facilities Director, reported the elementary bond projects are proceeding nicely. Ponderosa is getting close to completion. The cabinetwork is not up to the specs but the issue is being addressed. The owner-supplied equipment will be accomplished after the contract is closed out. Orchard is going very well due to the mild winter. Meadowlark is also proceeding nicely but is one month behind Ponderosa. Local craftsman are being used for the cabinetwork at Meadowlark. The budget on these projects is in the black. Ribbon cutting ceremonies will be conducted when the projects are complete. Clerk/Internal Auditor Evaluation The Board members were given copies of the evaluation form for the Clerk/Internal Auditor. The Chair reported the evaluation is based on the job description. She asked the members to complete the form as soon as possible and return it to her. Monthly Legal Report Jeff Weldon reported on pending litigation: the Rapp-Swecker issue is still pending, the KTVQ case is awaiting a scheduling order; the Erekson matter is before the Supreme Court; the Eastman case is still pending in discovery phase; the M.T. case is still stayed due to one parties’ service in the military; the petition in the Skyview case is awaiting a decision by the Montana Supreme Court; the Hudak issue is still in discovery phase; and, the Human Rights case is in the investigation phase. Mr. Weldon also reported there are two new cases. One is an employee lawsuit regarding an injury at Skyview and the other has been filed by the Opies against a number of people regarding several issues. It will have to be discussed at a later meeting. Mr. Weldon reported the BEA grievance is in the middle of a grievance hearing and will conclude tomorrow morning. The long-term suspension panel can decide that the Superintendent’s recommendation for disciple can be sent back to the Superintendent to reconsider. The Board may have to go into a closed session to discuss one of the long-term suspensions. Mr. Weldon removed one of the long-term suspensions from the list. Trustee Guthals felt the Board should discuss one suspension in closed session. The Chair suggested the Board take action on the others and go into closed session. Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Guthals: Move for approval of the long-term suspensions in their entirety except for LTS 2005-06-35. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. Personnel Report Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Mossman: Move to accept the Superintendent’s employment recommendations as presented in the personnel report. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. Consent Agenda Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Mossman: Approve and accept the items within the Consent Agenda without objection to recommended action. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman and Conrad Stroebe. The motion passed unanimously. Items contained in the Consent Agenda are as follows: Regular Board Meeting Minutes, January 16, 2006 Special Board Meeting Minutes, January 31, 2006 Business Committee Meeting Minutes, January 9, 2006 Education Committee Meeting Minutes, January 9, 2006 School/Community Committee Meeting Minutes, January 9, 2006 Addition of Peer Mediation ECA Account-Lewis & Clark Application for Business Committee Membership Communication from Board Members Superintendent Svee asked the Board for their expectations of his duties until the end of the year. He stated his expectation is to be here every day conducting business. Calendar/Agenda Planning The following are the future scheduled meetings and events: March 6, 2006 – Business Committee March 7, 2006 – Agenda Setting March 13, 2006 – Education and School/Community Committees March 20, 2006 – Policy Review Committee March 20, 2006 – Regular Board Meeting The Board went into closed session upon the request of legal counsel to discuss a long-term suspension. After the closed session, Trustee Goodrich made the following motion with a second by Trustee Fox: Motion to approve the long-term suspensions report. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, and Sandra Mossman. The motion passed unanimously. Adjournment As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned. Katharin Kelker, Chair Diane Blevins, Recorder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.