School/Community Committee Meeting, 4/10/06

[Marta McAllister]

Proceeding of the School/Community Committee Meeting

District No. 2, Yellowstone County

High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County

Billings, Montana

April 10, 2006

 

 

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order by Karen Moses

 

Members Present:

Karen Moses, Mary Jo Fox, Gail Surwill, Sandra Mammenga, Michael Hughes, Jim Harthung, Jay Kirk, Michael Burke, Paul DiLorenzo, Molly Holt, Laura Simonsen, Shauna Kerr, Tom Willis and Jan McCandless.

 

Excused Members:

Carol Wicker

 

Guests Present;

Thomas Harper, Chris Dorr, Rachel Skaggs, and Kathy Aragon

 

Call to the Public:

None

 

Angel Fund Update:

Chris Dorr gave a presentation regarding the Angel Fund program. She explained the Angel Fund program was established primarily to help high school students. Chris Dorr reported that the Angel Fund program will be available to middle school students this year. The Angel Fund funds are held in a school district account at the schools. The principals at each high school have access to the funds and distribute the money through vouchers to students who need help. Chris Dorr stated that donations are solicited in several ways and the Angel Fund continues to increase as awareness grows. She reported the Angel Fund is a confidential program that is run efficiently and is successful.

 

Mill Levy Update:

It was reported that the April 8, 2006 workshop to address the budget cuts was well attended and productive. A hand out with the rankings of cuts and revenue for high school and elementary school was distributed to committee members. There were several questions regarding the handout and clarification was given. Members discussed the fact the funding received from the state was minimal. There was discussion regarding Crossroads, how services are provided, and dropout rates.

 

Eat Well Policy:

Rachel Staggs and Kathy Argon representing the Action for Healthy Kids (BAFHK) reported on the Eat Well Policy. Thomas Harper reported on background information regarding the Eat Well Policy. A pilot program is currently established at four elementary schools. A memo from Dayle Hayes, MS, RD was presented and read with suggestions that she would like added to the policy.

 

Rachel Staggs and Kathy Argon asked if a recommendation to establish a School Health Council could be added to policy. After discussion by the School/Community Committee it was noted that several of the suggestions were procedural and would not fit into policy. The School Health Council then would be charged with reviewing best practice to develop specific guidelines and recommendations for the district. Rachel Staggs and Kathy Argon suggested that reports from parents indicate food served at the pilot schools are still not as healthy as the BAFHK would like to see served. Thomas Harper concluded that the district is working to promote healthy foods, but a middle ground due to economics has to be established. Thomas Harper agreed to bring the committee back together and re-look at policy before moving forward.

 

Old Business/Announcements/Handouts:

Jim Hartung suggested that after Trustees are appointed to their Committee for the 2006-2007 year, discussion regarding how meetings are to be conducted and the role of the School/Community in setting policy and procedures should be addressed. Jim Hartung recommended some time be devoted to parliamentary procedures.

 

Gail Surwill distributed a template with member’s names and representation area. Gail Surwill announced that parent representatives are needed from the heights, far west, and high school areas.

 

Gail Surwill asked members to mail Marta Mcallister with their current e-mail at mcallisterm@billings.k12.mt.us.

 

The School/Community members thanked Karen Moses for her years as a school Board member.

 

Minutes of the School/Community Committee Meeting:

A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from March 13, 2006. The motion carried.

 

 

The next scheduled meeting is May 8, 2006. The Committee members will meet in the Board Room located in the Lincoln Center, at 415 N 30th at 6:00 PM.

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________ ___________________________________

Karen Moses, Chairperson Brenda Cross, Recorder