Diane Blevins Posted July 27, 2006 Report Share Posted July 27, 2006 Proceedings of the Board of Trustees District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Billings, Montana July 17, 2006 Call to Order The Regular Board 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, July 17, 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 Malcolm Goodrich, Katharin Kelker, Mary Jo Fox, Sandra Mossman, Joel Guthals, Dawn Achten and Rachel Stagg, Superintendent Jack Copps, and District Clerk Leo Hudetz. Dale Getz was excused from the meeting. Registered guests included Kirsten Bar, Audrey Pierce Seeley, Joan Brown, Patrick Evans, Sue Bach, Justine Summers, Donna Burgess, Kristi Summers, and Judy Bryngelson. 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. Kirsten Bar and Justine Summers addressed the Board on the issue of a weighted grading scale. Both urged the Board to consider the change to a weighted grading scale in order to give graduates more opportunities for scholarships. Approval of the Agenda Trustee Achten made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kelker: Motion to approve the agenda. Trustee Guthals requested Items N-5 and N-7 in the Consent Agenda be pulled for discussion. The Chair reported there is a rule of order to notify the Chair prior to the meeting in order to pull items. Trustee Guthals stated he was not aware of such a rule. The decision was made to discuss the items before the vote to approve the Consent Agenda. Those voting in favor of the motion were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Rachel Stagg. The motion passed unanimously. Monthly Legal Report Chair Goodrich reported he would be subbing for Jeff Weldon during the legal reports unless there was an issue that needed to be discussed. There was nothing new to report on the Columbia Falls suit, the KTVQ issue, and the Opie matter. In the cases of Erekson and the Petition of Billings High School District, the District is awaiting decisions by the Supreme Court. The M.T. and Hudak issues are in discovery phase. A motion to dismiss has been filed in the Harper case but no decision has been made. There were no long-term suspensions. Trustee Guthals asked the Board to consider using the office of the Country Attorney in order to save dollars. The Chair asked Trustee Guthals to look at the issue and to bring it to the agenda setting meeting. Proposed Revisions to Policy 1130 and Procedure 1130-P1, Committees – Third Reading Trustee Kelker made the following motion with a second by Trustee Guthals: Motion to approve the changes in Policy 1130 on third reading. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Rachel Stagg. The motion passed unanimously. Rimrock Early Childhood Center Presentation Judy Bryngelson, Director of Head Start, Joan Brown, Special Education Preschool Coordinator, and Audrey Seeley, Early Child Intervention, gave a brief presentation to the Board. The three programs are currently sharing Rimrock Elementary and sharing services. When Rimrock Elementary was closed, the Board promised no other programs would be housed there that would be funded from the general fund. Since July of 2002, when the Early Childhood Center was created, $115,000 in repairs and upgrades have been done at the facility. The Center works with approximately 140 families from the community. The majority of referrals are made from the medical community. Elementary School Bond Committee Report Dave Williams, Executive Director of Activities/Facilities, reported on the elementary bond projects. Ponderosa has been finished and the punch list has been completed. The major job at Meadowlark is completed and the contractor is waiting for hooks and shelves for installation. Orchard is moving along fairly well. The Ad Hoc Elementary Bond Committee approved the innovative items such as cubbies and blinds for the classrooms. Renovation of the old classrooms at Orchard is moving along and four of those classrooms will be ready for the start of school. The punch list is ready for Boulder School with a change order expected in the next week or so. Rose Park’s handicap ramp is on schedule for completion before school begins. The project on 4th floor of the Lincoln Center is ahead of schedule and under budget. Mr. Williams reported the bleachers At Daylis Stadium would be completed this week. The turf installation was slowed down due to the late arrival of the glue. A press conference will be scheduled on August 1st at Daylis Stadium to honor another donation. Trustee Guthals reported the committee is watching the dollars very carefully and the District is still in the black. However, the funds are getting close to a 0 balance, and owner supplied items are still needed. The last financial report from Rich Whitney showed balances remaining at Orchard at $144,000, Meadowlark at $34,000, Boulder -$16,800, and Ponderosa -$28,000. Some of the owner-supplied items may have to be postponed. Trustee Guthals also reported the committee adjudicated a dispute and agreed to pay $15,500 to settle the dispute. The remodel at Orchard will result in more change orders. There is need for playground equipment and grass at Orchard Elementary. A fundraiser may have to occur to help fund the lawn area. The Southside Task Force is also looking at the issue of playground equipment at Orchard. Trustee Mossman commended the design teams from the schools for their frugality with public funds. Trustee Kelker asked if the old playground equipment at Orchard could be used. The equipment was not up to code and has been disposed. Trustee Achten reported she would check if Newman Elementary had any funds left over from their playground project. There is also 3 acres of land by Orchard that the District is looking at to turn into a useable field for the students. Resolution – Declaration of Vacancy – H. S. Trustee of Lockwood (Nominating District A) The Chair reported Judy Johnson submitted her letter of resignation and it is the duty of the Board to accept that resignation and declare the position vacant. An appointed process would now be used. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Dawn Achten: Motion to accept the resignation and adopt the Resolution of Declaration of Vacancy of the position of High School Trustee of Lockwood (Nominating District A) as set forth on page 19 of the agenda. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Rachel Stagg. The motion passed unanimously. The resolution is as follows: WHEREAS, pursuant to Montana law, any elected trustee position shall be vacant whenever the incumbent resigns from the applicable district,; WHEREAS, Judy Johnson, School District No. 2 High School Trustee of Lockwood (Nominating District A), has submitted her resignation from the Board of Trustees effective July 17, 2006; THEREFORE, School District No. 2 Board of Trustees accepts the resignation of Judy Johnson and declares the position of High School Trustee of Lockwood (Nominating District A) as vacant. Resolution of Appointment – Position of H. S. Trustee of Lockwood (Nominating District A) Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Achten: Motion to adopt the Resolution of Appointment to the position of High School Trustee of Lockwood (Nominating District A) as set forth on page 21 of the agenda. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Rachel Stagg. The motion passed unanimously. The resolution is as follows: WHEREAS, pursuant to Montana law, whenever a trustee position becomes vacant in any district, the remaining members of the trustees shall declare such position vacant and they shall appoint, in writing within 60 days, a competent person as a successor, and; WHEREAS, the School District No. 2 Board of Trustees has declared the position of High School Trustee of Lockwood (Nominating District A) as vacant; THEREFORE, we the Board request interested applicants do apply for the vacated position of High School Trustee of Lockwood (Nominating District A). The application deadline shall be August 4, 2006 and the successor shall be appointed by August 21, 2006 and shall serve until the regularly scheduled election May 8, 2007. District Clerk, Leo Hudetz, shall receive applications and submit them to the Board. That this appointment is made pursuant to MCA 20-3-309 and School District No. 2 Board Policy 1112. Appoint Ad Hoc Subcommittee of Board Trustees Fox, Guthals and Achten volunteered to serve on an ad hoc committee to review applications for the vacant position from Lockwood (Nominating District A). District Clerk Leo Hudetz will advertise for applicants. Salary Adjustment for Clerk/Internal Auditor Trustee Kelker made the following motion with a second by Trustee Mossman: Motion to approve a 3% raise for the Clerk/Internal Auditor of $1,019.70 for the 2006-2007 school year. This would be an annual total of $35,009.70. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Rachel Stagg. The motion passed unanimously. Bills Paid – June 2006 The Business Committee has reviewed the bills paid. Trustee Kelker made the following motion with a second by Trustee Achten: Motion to approve the bills paid for the month of June 2006. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Rachel Stagg. The motion passed unanimously. The following are the bills paid. Fund Description Fund Total 101 Elem. General Fund $ 310,113.89 110 Elem. Transportation 200,759.74 113 Elem. Tuition 188,301.34 115 Elem. Misc. Programs 353,130.15 117 Elem. Adult Education 5,109.89 160 Elem. Building 549,167.10 161 Elem. Building Reserve 139,286.23 184 Elem. Student ECA 46,257.00 185 Elem. Misc. Trust 9,550.28 201 H. S. General Fund 198,681.77 210 H. S. Transportation 141,785.05 212 H. S. Food Services 385,059.74 213 H. S. Tuition 200,331.50 215 H. S. Misc. Program 39,991.32 217 H. S. Adult Education 46,891.88 218 H. S. Traffic Education 12,196.18 228 H. S. Technology 82,306.94 229 H. S. School Flexibility Fund 17,323.08 260 H. S. Building 107,330.30 261 H. S. Building Reserve 115,466.37 278 H. S. Self Insurance Health 1,602,801.50 279 H. S. Self Insurance Liability 3,337.35 282 H. S. Interlocal Agreement 157,228.20 284 H. S. Extracurricular 98,120.72 285 H. S. Misc. Trust 42,978.38 286 H. S. Payroll 3,066.536.85 Claims $8,120,042.75 ACH Tax Deposits 678,270.07 Payroll Warrants & Direct Deposits $1,432,619.59 TOTAL $10,230,932.41 Financial Reports – June 2006 (Unaudited) The following financial reports were received for June 2006: CS101 Account Expenditure by Fund CS102 Account Receipts by Fund CS105 Statement of Estimated and Actual Revenue CS108 Object Cost Analysis Thomas Harper reported staff is working on closing out the 2005-2006 school year. Superintendent’s Report Superintendent Copps reported that high winds have damaged the roof at Castle Rock Middle School. The roof has been secured but it is 27 years old. The issue would come back to the Board at a later date to decide on repairing or replacing. The District is waiting word from the insurance adjuster. Mr. Copps stated the District has saved money due to the freeze last spring. The elementary budget amendment will be reduced by $82,000 and the high school budget amendment by $248,000. The budget reserve accounts will be at less than .75% of 1% from where it was a year ago. Due to the freeze on spending, an additional $262,000 is available and will contribute to the increase to the high school reserves. $169,000 is also available from insurance costs being under budget and it is being recommended by the Business Committee to be placed in reserves. Mr. Copps reported some of the elementary vacancies would not be filled until enrollment figures are known. Administration has set back 8.2 FTE until the numbers are known. Mr. Copps stated the District must budget correctly and spend carefully in order to have a meaningful budget process. Mr. Copps also reported the Montana Quality Education Coalition (MQEC) filed a motion with the court on June 13th for a show cause hearing. MQEC is now asking the State to demonstrate that it has satisfied the court order to provide quality education to Montana students. The Credit Recovery Program at Senior High was designed to identify students who are at risk and potential dropouts and help them recover credits. There are 43 students from Senior, 23 from West, and 27 from Skyview attending the classes. Out of the 165 credits at risk, there should be approximately 110 credits recovered. Personnel Report Trustee Kelker made the following motion with a second by Trustee Achten: Motion to accept the Superintendent’s employment recommendations as presented in the Personnel Report. Trustee Guthals asked why there were so many assistant coaches listed on the stipend lists. Dave Williams reported some activities are high-risk and require more coaches for safety purposes. Trustee Fox asked why there were items not covered in the elementary music program or funded. She was concerned the program will be privatized and cost the students more to participate if that were to happen. Mr. Williams will discuss the issue with the Music Director and report back to the Board. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Rachel Stagg. The motion passed unanimously. Consent Agenda Trustee Guthals read the board policy regarding the Consent Agenda, which states an item may be removed and is urged to contact the Superintendent. He requested N-5 and N-7 be removed for discussion. Item N-7 approves the location of the meeting on August 4th, which is a breakfast with various business leaders and members of the community to discuss mobilizing resources for passage of a mill levy. Item N-5 is to approve the transfer of unused budgeted insurance costs of $169,699 to the Board contingency fund. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Achten: Motion to 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, Sandra Mossman, and Rachel Stagg. The motion passed unanimously. Items contained in the Consent Agenda are as follows: Regular Board Meeting Minutes, June 19, 2006 Special Board Meeting Minutes, June 21, 2006 Special Board Meeting Minutes, June 27, 2006 Acceptance of Minutes of Business Committee, June 12, 2006 Approve Membership on Policy Committee Addition of Crossroads Graduates Trust Account at Lincoln Center Comprehensive Insurance Renewal FY2006-07 & Fund Transfer Lunch Price Increase – 5 cents Approve Meeting Location for August 4, 2006 Board Quorum Meeting Appoint School Health Advisory Committee (HSAC) Members Communication from Board Members Trustee Mossman reminded the Board members of the Delegate Assembly of the Montana School Board Association’s meeting on August 26th. She urged the Board members to attend. Calendar/Agenda Planning The following are the scheduled events: August 1, 2006 – Agenda Setting August 4, 2006 – Board Quorum Meeting August 7, 2006 – Business Committee Meeting August 12, 2006 – Board Retreat August 21, 2006 – Regular Board Meeting As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m. Malcolm Goodrich, Chair Diane Blevins, Recorder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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