Diane Blevins Posted July 13, 2006 Report Share Posted July 13, 2006 Proceedings of the Board of Trustees District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Billings, Montana June 19, 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, June 19, 2006, at 5:30 p.m. Chair Malcolm Goodrich presided and led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call Members present included: Trustees Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Karen Moses, Sandra Mossman, Conrad Stroebe, Superintendent Rod Svee, Interim Superintendent Jack Copps, and Clerk Leo Hudetz. Trustee Judy Johnson was absent and Trustees Dawn Achten and Joel Guthals were excused. Registered guests included Laura Tode and Dayle Hayes. News of the District There was no news to report, as Nancy Hines was unable to attend. 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 comments at this time. Approval of Agenda Trustee Getz made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kelker: Motion to approve the agenda. Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman and Rachel Stagg. The motion passed unanimously. Recognition and Gifts and Donations The Board recognized Roberta Taylor for 25 years of service and Pat Vogel for 35 years of service to the school foods program. Trustee Getz made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kelker: Motion to accept the gifts and donations with gratitude. Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman and Rachel Stagg. The motion passed unanimously. The following are the gifts: Big Sky – Village Golden K Kiwanis, money ExxonMobil Foundation, money for matching gift programs Debbie Dryer, volunteer hours for ExxonMobil matching program Bitterroot – Albertson’s Food & Drug, Don Thornson, cakes, flowers, candy, volunteer hours Heights Kiwanis, Samuel Thomas, BUG club sponsorship Wal-Mart, Mike Ray, gift card McDonald’s Restaurant, Travis Landers, student of the month lunches Julie Majeske, job contribution Office Depot, gift cards from the % back program and copying supply lists McKinley – Rimrock Lodge #149 AF & AM, two bikes BLM, Craig Haynes, Earth Day Presentation Fred McCracken, Earth Day Presentation Yellowstone County Extension, Roni Baker, Earth Day Presentation Custer National Forest, Gary Grocholski, Earth Day Presentation Paul Schultz, Earth Day Presentation Yellowstone County Extension, Amy Grandpre, Earth Day Presentation Michael Francis, Earth Day Presentation MSU-Billings, Dr. James Barron, Earth Day Presentation Hugh Huntley, Earth Day Presentation Robert Lubbers, Earth Day Presentation Miles Avenue – Karen Nave, 52 Time Life books Ponderosa – Towe, Ball, Enright, Mackey and Sommerfeld, Billings Gazette 24th Street Garden Center, Billings Gazette American Title & Escrow, Sandi Sweeney, Billings Gazette Edmiston Schermerhorn & Colton Law Firm, bike helmets Lewis & Clark – OPI, Scott Buswell, computer equipment Senior – Wing Enterprises, Tom Simpson, Little Giant Ladder Skyview – MEA-MFT, tarp to protect gym floor Monthly Legal Report Chair Goodrich reported Jeff Weldon and Larry Martin were unavailable for the legal report. He reported there was nothing new to report on the KTVQ case. The Rapp-Swecker matter has been settled and no funds were expended or administrative action taken; Columbia Falls issue – MQEC has filed a motion in order to show cause; the District is awaiting word from the Supreme Court for the Erekson case and the Petition of the Billings High School District; the M.T. case is in discovery; the Hudak matter is in discovery; a motion to dismiss filed by the District in the Harper case is pending before the District Court; and, the Opie case needs defense discussion by the Board at a meeting to be scheduled on June 27th. Trustee Kelker made the following motion with a second by Trustee Getz: Motion to accept the recommendation of the panel for the long-term suspensions. Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman and Rachel Stagg. The motion passed unanimously. Proposed Revisions to Policy 1130 and Procedure 1130-P1, Committees – First Reading Clerk Leo Hudetz reported that the Policy Committee met in June and requested legal counsel develop a draft of Policy 1130. He reviewed the changes on page 28-30 of the agenda. Trustee Mossman voiced her concern that the work of the committees, particularly the Audit Committee, would not reach the Board level. Trustee Kelker made the following motion with a second by Trustee Getz: Motion to approve the proposed revisions as printed on first reading. Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman and Rachel Stagg. The motion passed unanimously. The second reading will be before the Board at a future meeting. Education Foundation Report Anne Cole and Carrie McClelland were present to give the Board the yearly report of the Education Foundation. The endowment is slowly growing, along with the various programs. Carrie McClelland was hired as the Partners in Education Director and program director. The weather for Saturday Live was very bad which resulted in lower proceeds. There are over 30 partnerships in the community. Carrie McClelland reported planning would occur in August prior to the start of school. She hoped to be able to gain more partnerships for the schools. Anne Cole stated she hoped to be able to give $100,000 in classroom grants in the next five years. It is the third summer for Reading Rocks and is done in conjunction with the summer lunch program. There are 40-50 students each day. Two new scholarships were set up, one from the Karen Cox/Krueger family and the other for the Bonnie Slough scholarship. Anne Cole reported approximately $100,000 was put into the endowment, which is currently slightly over $400,000. Carrie McClelland has been reviewing the strategic plan and meeting with administration to update the plan. School Wellness Policy (8231) – Third Reading Dayle Hayes addressed the Board on behalf of the Billings Action for Healthy Kids and urged them to support the School Wellness Policy. It is important to establish a wellness committee to move forward with specific procedures. Trustee Getz made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kelker: Motion to approve Policy 8231 School Wellness on third and final reading. Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman and Rachel Stagg. The motion passed unanimously. Budget Amendment to Elementary & High School General Funds for Unforeseen Needs of the District Thomas Harper reported the District may be under the totals listed in the agenda but the final amount would not be known until after June 30th. Trustee Getz made the following motion with a second by Mary Jo Fox: Motion to adopt the Elementary General Fund Budget Amendment for unforeseen needs of the District as Presented for $1,013,305 and as shown on page 43 of the packet. Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman and Rachel Stagg. The motion passed unanimously. The resolution is as follows: WHEREAS, the trustees of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, Montana, have made a determination that as a result of unforeseen severance costs, gas and electricity costs, and special education increases associated with summer school and increased services, the district’s budget for the elementary school 101 general fund does not provide sufficient financing to properly maintain and support the district for the entire current school fiscal year; and WHEREAS, the trustees have determined that an amendment to the elementary school 101 general fund budget in the amount of $1,013,305 is necessary under the provision of Section 20-9-161 (6), MCA; for the purpose of unforeseen severance costs, gas and electricity costs, and special increases associated with summer school and increased services that cannot be postponed until the next school year without dire consequences affecting the safety of the students and district employees or the educational functions of the district and WHEREAS, the anticipated source of financing the budget amendment expenditures shall be the elementary School general fund reserve 101; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, Montana, proclaims a need for an amendment to the elementary school 101 general fund budget for fiscal year 2005-2006 in the amount of $1,013,305 under Section 20-9-161 (MCA) for the purpose identified above, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, Montana, will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Center on June 19, 2006 for the purpose of considering and adopting the budget amendment. Trustee Getz made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kelker: Motion to adopt the High School General Fund Budget Amendment for unforeseen needs of the District as presented for $666,307 and as shown on page 44 of the packet. Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman and Rachel Stagg. The motion passed unanimously. The resolution is as follows: WHEREAS, the trustees of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, Montana, have made a determination that as a result of unforeseen severance costs, gas and electricity costs, and special education increases associated with summer school and increased services, the district’s budget for the high school 201 general fund does not provide sufficient financing to properly maintain and support the district for the entire current school fiscal year; and WHEREAS, the trustees have determined that an amendment to the high school 201 general fund budget in the amount of $666,307 is necessary under the provision of Section 20-9-161 (6), MCA; for the purpose of unforeseen severance costs, gas and electricity costs, and special increases associated with summer school and increased services that cannot be postponed until the next school year without dire consequences affecting the safety of the students and district employees or the educational functions of the district and WHEREAS, the anticipated source of financing the budget amendment expenditures shall be the high school general fund reserve 201; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, Montana, proclaims a need for an amendment to the high school 201 general fund budget for fiscal year 2005-2006 in the amount of $666,307 under Section 20-9-161 (MCA) for the purpose identified above, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, Montana, will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Center on June 19, 2006 for the purpose of considering and adopting the budget amendment. Administrative Salary Proposal Dan Martin reported the administrators have a group to discuss salaries and have submitted a proposal for pay increases. One of their concerns is the daily rate and how it compares to the teachers. The requested amounts are in the proposed budget. Trustee Getz felt the District should pay competitively in the District. He asked what the turnover was for this District, where teachers leave for better jobs. Mr. Martin said most of the turnover is related to retirement but one administrator left for a Class C school for a $10,000 increase. Mr. Martin reported the administrative pool is not as deep as it once was and there are fewer looking into administrative positions. Trustee Getz voiced his concern the proposal should not be compared to teachers but outside of the District in administrative positions. He hoped to keep the salaries in line to draw the best candidates as positions open. Trustee Kelker felt the competition for administrators is going to get fierce in the next few years. Trustee Fox voiced several concerns: other districts have passed their mill levies where Billings has not; the reserves are low and need to be replenished; the closure of Crossroads; and, doubling activity fees. She felt administrators deserve a raise but more cuts should be made to show the public the District is balancing its budgets. Trustee Fox urged the Board to forego administrative raises this year. Dan Martin reported 4 administrative positions were cut. Trustee Mossman stated the proposed increase is below the cost of living increase. The Chair passed the gavel to the Vice-Chair. Trustee Goodrich voiced his concern about the level of the reserves and the reacting to perceived public opinion. When the cuts were made, it was a response to the fact that there were not enough funds. If we always react to what we perceive public opinion to be, it would be a disservice to the students as it is the staff who work with those students and administer programs. The Vice-Chair gave the gavel back to the Chair. Trustee Mossman pointed out that there were fewer central office administrators than Great Falls. The Chair asked if it would be feasible to cut 10% of the central office administrators. Mr. Martin stated it would not be possible as Billings is at the bare minimum. Superintendent Svee reported a difference would be seen next year in 9-12 curriculum due to the cut in administration. One person cannot carry the load. If more cuts are made, services will be greatly impacted. Trustee Getz stated he was comfortable with the 3% increase but troubled by the request for fewer days. Other districts have more days. Trustee Fox felt if the administrators received another raise, mill levies would not be passed in Billings for a very long time. Trustee Getz stated the Board has to look to the future in what is good for the District in attracting good prospective administrators. He did not want to discourage people who would consider Billings for administrative purposes. Trustee Getz made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kelker. Motion to approve the 3% increase in the proposal for administrative salaries but not the decrease in days. Those voting in favor of the motion were Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Rachel Stagg. Mary Jo Fox opposed the motion. The motion passed. Budgeting for Results Trustee Mossman reported the committee has been working this year with six people to discuss transforming our budgeting process. Steve Struthers of the Public Strategies Group and Chuck Tooley, former Billings mayor, were in attendance to help present the report. Steve Struthers, as well as committee members Stan Jones and Dennis Stellingwerf, reviewed the process that was followed as outlined in the agenda. Chuck Tooley reported it was his function to moderate a focus group. The most important points raised were to get a funding formula that is predictable and to build the trust with the people of Billings. Trustee Kelker felt the most important item being faced is the passing of a mill levy and laying out of the items for the public. Trustee Stagg stated a positive spin should be put on and urged those present not to use the word ‘cut’. Trustee Mossman made the following motion with a second by Trustee Fox: Motion, as the Board, to adopt Objectives and Indicators developed by the Guidance Teams along with Key Next Steps. Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman and Rachel Stagg. The motion passed unanimously. The indicators and objectives are as follows: All BPS graduates are employable and/or ready to succeed in their post-secondary education or training. · Percentage of BPS seniors who have taken either the SAT or ACT and the percentage of those who score at or above the national mean in Verbal/Math/Reading sections [Data Source: Testing organizations] · Percentage of BPS graduates who can demonstrate they possess basic “workplace competencies” (i.e., filling out a job application, etc.) [Data Source: To be created – possibly in collaboration with business community] · Percentage of BPS graduates who are either employed or enrolled in a postsecondary education/training program within 1 year of graduated [Data Source: Survey – to be created] All students become well-rounded citizens · Percentage of BPS students participating in extra-curricular and volunteer activities [Data Source: survey of students] · Percentage of BPS students who indicate they are avoiding risky and/or unhealthy behaviors [Data Source: state’s youth risk behavior survey] · Percentage of eligible BPS students and recent graduates who vote [Data Source: analysis of voter information files] All students are enthusiastic [have a positive attitude [about learning – now and later in life · Percentage of BPS students who report that they enjoy school/learning [Data Source: student survey – to be created] · Percentage of BPS students who are absent or tardy fewer than X times during the year [Data Source: analysis of district attendance records] · Percentage of BPS students who earned more than the minimum number of academic credits during the school year [Data Source: district systems] All students are safe at school and on their way to it · Percentage of BPS parents, students, and staff who report that they feel the schools are safe [Data Source: climate survey] · Rate of reported criminal activity at BPS schools [Data Source: Billings PD, school resource officers] · Percentage of BPS facilities that are judged/assessed to be structurally safe [Data Source: assessment tool – to be created] The District earns the public’s trust that it is spending resources wisely and acting in the best interest of students · Percentage of Billings residents who believe the District is spending their tax dollars wisely [Date Source: resident survey – to be created] · Ratio of current-year expenses to current-year revenues [Data Source: district budget] · Facility Condition Index (FDI) [Data Source: FDI is calculated by dividing the total value of deficiencies by the building’s current replacement value] Administrative Support Salary Proposal Dan Martin reported the administrative support proposal is similar to the BCEA salary increase. He stated the administrative support staff will be resolved over time due to retirements and would be replaced by BCEA employees. Trustee Kelker made the following motion with a second by Trustee Mossman: Motion to approve contract for administrative support personnel of 3.8 percent salary increase with longevity and language changes and insurance as specified. Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman and Rachel Stagg. The motion passed unanimously. Board Orientation Update The Chair requested the Clerk to look at dates to coordinate 100% participation in a Board retreat. Bills Paid – May 2006 Trustee Getz made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kelker: Motion to approve bills paid for the month of May 2006. Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman and Rachel Stagg. The motion passed unanimously. The bills paid are as follows: Fund Description Fund Total 101 Elem. General Fund $ 285,515.71 110 Elem. Transportation Fund 186,350.21 115 Elem. Misc. Programs 163,862.05 117 Elem. Adult Education 10,730.32 160 Elem. Building 384,607.96 161 Elem. Building Reserve 89,722.18 184 Elem. Student ECA 40,206.80 185 Elem. Misc. Trust 12,826.88 201 H. S. General Fund 409,515.52 210 H. S. Transportation 131,983.29 212 H. S. Food Services 278,734.99 215 H. S. Misc. Program 27,465.52 217 H. S. Adult Education 8,594.96 218 H. S. Traffic Education 320.38 228 H. S. Technology 3,603.55 229 H. S. School Flexibility Fund 14,012.59 261 H. S. Building Reserve 31,938.79 278 H. S. Self Insurance-Health 1,116,373.53 279 H. S. Self Insurance-Liability 667.60 282 H. S. Interlocal Agreement 117,070.21 284 H. S. Extracurricular 136,949.07 285 H. S. Misc. Trust 11,195.00 286 H. S. Payroll 3,556,770.10 TOTAL $ 7,119,016.21 ACH Tax Deposits $ 4,480,457.45 Payroll Warrants & Direct Dep. $11,059,065.50 GRAND TOTAL $22,658,539.16 Financial Reports – May 2006 (Unaudited) The following are the financial reports for May 2006: CS101 Account Expenditure by Fund CS102 Account Receipts by Fund CS105 Statement of Estimated and Actual Revenue CS108 Object Cost Analysis Superintendent’s Report The Board recognized Superintendent Svee and thanked him for his service, as June 30, 2006 is his last day of employment. Mr. Svee presented the Running Start Agreement for Board approval and also requested Board approval for the disposal process for the property near the College of Technology. He recommended the proceeds from the sale or lease of the property be placed in the general fund according to 20-6-604 (MCA), but a total of four funds could be used. The proposed running start agreement shows that the students would pay the fees as at the present time. Mr. Svee suggested businesses could supply scholarships for students and work off the loan for those classes. The hospitals currently run such a program. Mr. Svee reported the BEA (Billings Education Association) has accepted the proposed agreement as it matches what occurs at this time. Two appraisals have been received on the value of the property by the College of Technology, one for $237,000 and the other for $356,000. Mr. Svee reported the property would be valued at $300,000 in the disposal process. Trustee Fox was concerned that this issue has not gone before the Education Committee. Trustee Mossman felt all options should be reviewed for the deposit of the proceeds into a fund to make the best decision. Trustee Kelker felt a memorandum of understanding should be received from the BEA. Trustee Kelker made the following motion with a second by Trustee Fox: Motion to approve the running start agreement as outlined on pages 93-95 of the agenda, only with the proviso that no part of the agreement be implemented until we have a memorandum of agreement about implementation with the BEA and we have a structure outlining which students under which conditions would be able to participate with the agreement. Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman and Rachel Stagg. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Getz made the following motion with a second by Trustee Stagg: Motion to approve proceeding with separate disposal process for the property near the College of Technology. Trustee Kelker declared a conflict of interest as she is employed by MSU-Billings. The Chair declared he is a part time employee of MSU-Billings and felt it would be a conflict of interest. The Board did not feel there was a conflict of interest, as he would only be a part time employee, and could vote on the motion. Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Sandra Mossman and Rachel Stagg. The motion passed unanimously. Katharin Kelker abstained. Trustee Getz made the following amendment with approval by the second: Amend the motion that the process for disposal be with MSU-B. Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Sandra Mossman and Rachel Stagg. The motion passed unanimously. Katharin Kelker abstained. Mr. Svee recommended the superintendent of the Billings Public Schools hold a position of directorship on the Chamber of Commerce. He submitted his letter of resignation with the Chamber and recommended Jack Copps fill his spot on the Chamber. Personnel Report Trustee Getz made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kelker: Motion to accept the Superintendent’s employment recommendations as presented in the personnel report. Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman and Rachel Stagg. The motion passed unanimously. Consent Agenda Trustee Kelker 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. Trustee Fox asked to pull the item concerning the purchase of a security system at Skyview High School for discussion. She wanted to know what was involved with the purchase. Superintendent Svee reported Senior and West have an internal security system but Skyview does not. This purchase would be for a security camera system for Skyview, including portions of the parking lot. Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Sandra Mossman and Rachel Stagg. The motion passed unanimously. Items contained in the consent agenda are as follows: Regular Board Meeting Minutes, May 15, 2006 Special Board Meeting Minutes, May 8, 2006 Special Board Meeting Minutes, May 15, 2006 Special Board Meeting Minutes, May 23, 2006 Special Board Meeting Minutes, June 6, 2006 Special Board Meeting Minutes, June 12, 2006 Business Committee Minutes, April 10, 2006 Special Business Committee Minutes, May 8, 2006 Business Committee Minutes, May 16, 2006 Policy Review Committee Minutes, October 4, 2005 Policy Review Committee Minutes, November 1, 2005 Policy Review Committee Minutes, February 7, 2006 Policy Review Committee Minutes, March 20, 2006 Policy Review Committee Minutes, April 4, 2006 Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, Spanish Level 4 & AP Curriculums – 3rd reading IDEA-B FY 2007 Grant Application Skyview Surveillance System – 2006 Montana High School Association Membership Dues Increase in Students Activity Tickets Addition of Special Staff Function Trust Account at Lewis & Clark MS Addition of Skyview Star Observatory ECA Account at Skyview High Addition of Trust Accounts for BPEF 2006 Classroom Grant Recipients Business Committee High School Representative Request Summer Custodial FTE for Boys & Girls Club at Castle Rock Temporary Summer Help-Support Services/Materiel Center Facility Services Temporary Summer Help-2006 Free Summer Credit Recovery Program Bear Café, Bronc Café & Wings Café Remediation Program Tuition Rates 2006-2007 School Year Distribution of Supplies & Property at Crossroads Communication from Board Members There were no reports from Board members. Calendar/Agenda Planning The following are future scheduled meetings and events: June 21, 2006 12:00 p.m. Elementary Bond and Ad Hoc Committee on Building Ownership June 21, 2006 5:15 p.m. Special Board Meeting June 27, 2006 12:00 p.m. Agenda Setting July 10, 2006 Committee Meetings July 17, 2006 Regular Board Meeting As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Malcolm Goodrich, Chair Diane Blevins, Recorder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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