Diane Blevins Posted November 8, 2006 Report Share Posted November 8, 2006 Proceedings of the Board of Trustees District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Billings, Montana October 16, 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, October 16, 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, Dawn Achten, Dale Getz, Joel Guthals, Sandra Mossman, Katharin Kelker, Susan Messerly, Mary Jo Fox, Superintendent Jack Copps, and District Clerk Leo Hudetz. Trustee Rachel Stagg was excused from the meeting. Registered guests included Sarah Spielman, Meghan Spielman, Carol Spielman, Lara and Traci Baum, Meg and Jon Moyers, Suzanne Wollenburg, Jessica Olson, Judy Olson, Nikita Olson, Jake Yerger, Scott Halstvedt, Jim Yerger, Jolynn Yerger, Sarah Yerger, Jeff Weldon, Adam Keim, Scott and Rose Sample, Russ Yerger, and Janet Baum. 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. Suzanne Wollenburg addressed the Board on behalf of her daughter, a student from Castle Rock, who was hoping to organize cheerleading. Ms. Wollenburg asked the Board to reinstate cheerleading at middle schools for cheering before basketball games and at halftime. Approval of Agenda Trustee Kelker made the following motion with a second by Trustee Getz: Motion to approve the agenda. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Susan Messerly, and Sandra Mossman. The motion passed unanimously. Recognition and Gifts and Donations The Board recognized the following National Merit Scholarship Program: Senior – Semi-finalist – Desirae Friesen Commended – Samantha Forsythe Zachary Krumm Paul Stanley Elizabeth Tollefson Skyview – Semi-finalist – Patrick McInerney West – Semi-finalists – Alison Dewey Virginia Duke Kevin Greene Katherine King Kenyon Redfoot Benjamin Spence Sarah Spielman Andrew Wiens Commended – Laura Baum Breanna Breeding Mark Greene Amy Marcotte Megan Moyers Jessica Olson Sarah Sample Shandray Zigweid Michelle Harris, Skyview, was recognized as the recipient of the National Achievement Scholarship Program. Scott Halstvedt, West High, was recognized as the first place winner in the 2006 American Mathematics Contest. Megan Moyers and Jacob Yerger, West High students, were recognized as the State Winners of the NCTE Writing Contest. The following is the list of gifts and donations that have been presented to the School District in accordance with Board policy. Such items have been incorporated into the District’s inventory and an acknowledgment of the contribution has been made to the donor. Alkali Creek – City of Billings, Dave Mumford, road projects to increase student safety and improve traffic flow Bitterroot – Shiloh United Methodist Women, school supplies Target, money Broadwater – David and Jeanne Mumford, three chairs Eagle Cliffs – PTA, ibook wireless mobile computer lab and playground equipment Meadowlark – Joe and Jenifer Kniefel, 13” color TV and VCR Newman – City of Billings, Dave Mumford, road projects to increase student safety and improve traffic flow Orchard – Deputy Sheriff Benevolence Association, money Golden Steel & Recycling, money Breakfast Optimist club, money Exchange Club of Billings, money Western Security Bank, money Dr. Laura Rathe, money Dr. Karen Cabell, money Dr. Paul Kelker, money Dr. Susan English, money Dr. Dana Damron, money Joey Johnston, money Lucille Weisbeck, money Ponderosa – Poly Food Basket, hamburger and cheese for Saturday Live Interstate Diesel, use of generator for Saturday Live Action Electric, labor and electrical hookups for Saturday Live Hoy Enterprises, tortillas for Saturday Live Mr. and Mrs. Gary Harris, 4 wheeler for Saturday Live Big Splash, tent for Saturday Live Pat Choriki, water truck and volunteering for Saturday Live KOA, workers and prizes for Saturday Live Sysco, food for Saturday Live, Albertson’s, food for Saturday Live Sandstone – Wal-Mart, school supplies for all students Mrs. Sue Ness, school supplies for all students Dr. F. Curtis Newby, eyeglass repair kit Title 1 Schools – Hastings, money District – Mary Ventling, Compaq computer with printer Breakfast Exchange Club of Billings, money for Selover trading card program George and Patricia Selover, money for Selover for trading card program Jerry Lee, computer equipment Trustee Kelker made the following motion with a second by Trustee Getz: Motion to accept these gifts with gratitude. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Susan Messerly, and Sandra Mossman. The motion passed unanimously. Orchard School Primary Playground Contribution by Joseph S. and Miriam T. Sample Family and the Sample Foundation, Inc. Superintendent Copps announced the donation of $10,000 by the Downtown Exchange Club for the playground at Orchard Elementary School. The club also challenged the Billings community to donate to the project. Other community members donated an additional $18,000 for the playground at Orchard. The Downtown Exchange Club will also donate manpower to install the playground equipment. Superintendent Copps announced the Sample Family would also donate the sum of $50,000 for the Orchard playground project. A check for $50,000 was presented to the Board members. In addition, the Board members were also given a check in the amount of $390,000 from the Sample Family Foundation, Inc. to complete the entire project at Orchard Elementary. Superintendent Copps announced that Trustee Guthals was instrumental in obtaining the donation. Monthly Legal Report Jeff Weldon, legal counsel for the District, gave the legal report as follows: There was nothing new to report in the KTVQ case and the Opie issue; the Erekson case is currently pending before the Supreme Court; the jury trial for the M.T. case has been scheduled for October 29, 2007; the Petition of the Billings High School District No. 2 is pending before the Supreme Court; the Hudak matter is still in discovery phase; the Harper case is pending District Court decision on summary judgment motion; the Human Rights Bureau Complaint is pending before Human Rights Bureau investigation; the District has not been served in the Wickun matter; and a settlement has been reached in the BEA and Wickun issue. Jeff Weldon presented the long-term suspensions for Board approval. Trustee Kelker made the following motion with a second by Trustee Achten: Motion to accept the long-term suspensions. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Susan Messerly, and Sandra Mossman. The motion passed unanimously. Digital Tutorial Math Program Presentation Dan Martin reported Title V money has been used for a pilot program at Skyview. Teachers from Skyview, Senior and West were in attendance to give a report on the pilot math program being implemented. A mimeostick is used to copy teachers’ short presentations on the website for access by students from their home computers. The teachers in attendance gave a short demonstration on the short website presentations. Report on Budgeting for Results and Surveys Trustee Mossman reported surveys are being conducted during the month of November. The community survey is being developed at this time. The student survey has been provided at a reasonable cost and the data will be received after the survey is completed. Approve Funding for Budgeting for Results Data Analysis Superintendent Copps stated, in order for Budgeting for Results to be everything staff wants it to be and to be able to measure that data, the District needs to have baseline data available. Resources are needed for the Office of Development and Advancement in the amount of $20,000. An example of data would be the progress information on the Read 180 program. Superintendent Copps recommended the funding to come from Board contingency funds. There is $112,313.99 in the elementary fund and $233,589.21 in the high school contingency fund. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Kelker: Motion to approve $20,000 funding for Budgeting for Results data analysis to be funded from Board Contingency in an allocation of 1/3 from the high school Board contingency fund and 2/3 from the elementary Board contingency fund. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Susan Messerly, and Sandra Mossman. The motion passed unanimously. Update on Legislative Forum Trustee Kelker reported the Legislative Forum has been set for October 30th at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room. The Board members will give two brief presentations and those present will then break into four small groups for discussion. The legislators will be given the opportunity to answer questions given by the Board members. MCEL Update Trustee Mossman reported MCEL starts on Wednesday in Billings. The AA Caucus will run from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. There will also be another presentation at 8:30 a.m. on Friday by John Myers on the School Funding Study Results. Trustee Mossman urged all trustees to attend both meetings. Alcohol and Drug Policy Dan Martin presented the Alcohol and Drug Policy to the Board for the first reading. Trustee Getz felt the policy was a great step but did not like the use of the word ‘may’ and felt ‘shall’ or ‘will’ would be better. Mr. Martin stated the word ‘may’ was being used to allow some latitude of discovery. Trustee Mossman asked why the Drug Free Work Place Act was omitted in the policy. Mr. Martin did not believe it was active anymore but would check into the matter. Trustee Guthals felt the word ‘unlawful’ should be struck and use ‘prohibit all’ instead. He also suggested work places and work places and property should be changed to be consistent. He also recommended rewording of what the Superintendent may do in disciplinary action. Trustee Guthals believed wording should be included on prescribed medication. Trustee Getz felt there should be a change regarding discretionary action taken after a felony conviction has occurred. He did not feel it should be discretionary. Trustee Kelker made the following motion with a second by Trustee Achten: Motion to approve, on first reading with the recommendations to be studied, the new policy Alcohol and Drug- Free Workplace Policy 5007. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Susan Messerly, and Sandra Mossman. The motion passed unanimously. Review and Adoption of Strategic Goals The Chair reported he compiled the list of strategic goals from the Board survey questions and retreat. Trustee Kelker stated she was happy with what was done, but she suggested the change in title of the first portion from Overcrowding to Educational Facility Review. Trustee Mossman suggested the goals be reviewed periodically. The Chair stated it was his goal to review them on a quarterly basis. Trustee Guthals asked if the Board had committed to run a mill levy in 2007. The Chair stated it is a point of review and would be discussed at a later date. The list is subject to change during the quarterly review. Trustee Kelker felt areas on the agenda should be tied to the strategic goals. Trustee Kelker made the following motion with a second by Trustee Getz: Motion to adopt the printed 2006-07 Strategic Goals with the change in the wording of the title of the first focus area and reviewed quarterly. Trustee Guthals was concerned that the board had agreed in the motion to run a mill levy. The Chair stated it would be a point that the Board will discuss for the future of the District. The budget would need to be reviewed and a stable funding formula be adopted which may lead to an analysis of a mill levy, but it might not. Trustee Fox felt the language might be changed in ‘passing a mill levy’. The Chair suggested ‘review and evaluate the mill levy for 2007’. Trustee Kelker and Trustee Getz accepted the friendly amendment. Those voting in favor of the motion were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Susan Messerly, and Sandra Mossman. The motion passed unanimously. The strategic goals as adapted are as follows: SCHOOL DISTRICT TWO SCHOOL BOARD STRATEGIC GOALS 2006-2007 1. Education and Facility Review Tasks for completion: A. Improve reserve situation in High School District for possible bonding. B. Determine whether educational factors study is necessary and, if so, locate source of funding. Engage study if necessary. C. Examine whether present District facility, staffing and teaching configurations will meet or exceed state defined quality educational standards. D. Track “at risk” (as defined under state law) students. 2. Stable Funding and Budgeting Tasks for completion: A. Review and evaluate the mill levy for 2007 B. Support administrative reorganization for planning and development office to secure private funding of projects. C. Work with Foundation on funding issues. D. Work with legislators to explain need for, and to secure, increased school funding. E. Continue enrollment in MQEC. F. Support budget for results process. G. Develop easily understood budget information. 3. Staffing Matters Tasks for completion: A. Review, evaluate and revise district personnel policy where required. B. Review, evaluate and provide for administrative leadership succession. C. Review, evaluate and recommend for staff matters in light of average staff age, tenure review and marketplace salaries. D. Review, evaluate and recommend for smaller learning communities. 4. Community and Board Relations Tasks for completion: A. Present public forums for important District issues. B. Present funding needs in a coherent, easily understood way to the general public. C. Increase Board visibility before the public. D. Focus on strategic goals and not on day to day administration. 5. Educational Innovation and Efficiency Issues Tasks for completion: A. Review, evaluate and provide for educationally innovative programs in light of funding issues. B. Increase energy efficiency. Proposed School Calendars for 2007-2008, 2008-2009, 2009-2010 Superintendent Copps presented two calendar options for the Board to review and approve. The drafts are for 2007-2008, 2008-2009, and 2009-2010 school years. Option A does not contain spring breaks and Option B does. His recommendation was to approve Option B for the next three years. Trustee Getz made the following motion with a second by Trustee Mossman: Motion to adopt Draft B with a spring break for school calendar years 2007-2008, 2008-2009, 2009-2010. Trustee Achten stated she received input from the principals in the four south side schools and was concerned about having spring breaks due to babysitting issues for working parents. Trustee Kelker stated the community in her area prefers spring breaks. Some parents and teachers felt the students needed a spring break. Those voting in favor were Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Susan Messerly, and Sandra Mossman. Dawn Achten opposed the motion. The motion passed. Bills Paid – September, 2006 plus Procurement Card Expenditures Thomas Harper reported he added a few items to the list of bills paid. Legally, the Board must approve all bills paid so the Procurement Card amounts, INTERCAP Loan, and Elementary Bond payment have been included. Trustee Kelker stated the bills have been reviewed by the Budgeting for Results Committee. Trustee Kelker made the following motion with a second by Trustee Getz: Motion to approve the bills paid as presented. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Susan Messerly, and Sandra Mossman. The motion passed unanimously. Following are the bills paid: Fund Description Fund Total 101 Elementary General Fund $ 308,523.05 110 Elementary Transportation 42,779.99 115 Elementary Misc. Programs 90,859.21 117 Elementary Adult Education 7,055.28 128 Elementary Technology 2,070.59 160 Elementary Building 566,911.73 161 Elementary Building Reserve 79,034.81 184 Elementary Student ECA 15,593.62 185 Elementary Misc. Trust 4,579.37 201 H. S. General Fund 215,413.84 210 H. S. Transportation 24,999.52 212 H. S. Food Services 22,567.94 215 H. S. Misc. Program 13,607.99 217 H. S. Adult Education 90,937.03 218 H. S. Traffic Education 1,140.42 229 H. S. School Flexibility Fund 382.50 260 H. S. Building 49,500.00 261 H. S. Building Reserve 49,605.01 278 H. S. Self Insurance Health 882,435.40 279 H. S. Self Insurance Liability 16,530.70 282 H. S. Interlocal Agreement 147,030.86 284 H. S. Extracurricular 91,840.33 285 H. S. Misc. Trust 23,663.35 286 H. S. Payroll 665,366.29 Grand Total $3,412,428.83 ACH Tax Deposits 1,528,246.86 Payroll Warrants & Direct Deposits 4,245,820.51 Procurement Card 150,090.84 (Sept. 2006) 119,590.84 (Apr. 2006-Aug. 2006) INTERCAP Loan by 2-15-07 Elem. Bond. Pmt. TOTAL $9,456.177.88 Financial Reports – September, 2006 (Unaudited) The following reports were presented to the Board: CS101 Account Expenditure by Fund CS102 Account Receipts by Fund CS105 Statement of Estimated and Actual Revenue CS108 Object Cost Analysis Energy Education, Inc. Trustee Guthals stated the Superintendent received a proposal from Energy Education Inc., which was also given to the Energy Innovation Committee for review. The committee has met twice to discuss the proposal and felt that clarification and resolution of contractual issues that were identified by the District’s legal counsel need to be resolved. The committee will work further on evaluation the proposal and report to the Board at a future date with a recommendation on whether to proceed or not to enter into a contract with Energy Education Inc. The committee has also determined that Request for Proposals (RFPs) would have to be advertised. Mr. Ed Graff, Energy Education Inc., gave a brief presentation to the Board. There are three ways to save energy: buy it cheaper; keep the schools in good condition and modernizing your equipment; or by people’s individual or collective efforts to save another 15-30%, which is what Energy Education Inc. philosophy. The proposal guarantees energy savings will be at least equal to the cost of the contract. The proposal does not require any additional purchases in equipment but uses energy managers for the District. The total cost for the first year is $300,00 and $303,000 in savings is guaranteed for the first year. The proposal is for a four-year period and the company would continue to work with you after the contract expires. The proposal estimates a $4,200,000 savings in seven years. Trustee Guthals stated the committee wants to continue forward to investigate this process and may want to go forward with an RFP at the next meeting. It was the consensus of the Board to continue investigating the issue. Superintendent’s Report Superintendent Copps reported on safety in the schools. It is easier to protect children in small sections but it changes as the schools grow. Copies of the “Crisis on Emergency Quick Resource Flow Chart” were distributed to the Board members. All teachers now have a copy of the flow chart. Superintendent Copps also supplied a copy of the administrator’s draft to the Board members. The most important issue is prevention and preparedness in dealing with the problem. The recovery stage is to protect the people involved and return to a normal state. In elementary schools, everyone entering a school must check into the office. School Resource Officers are used in the middle and high schools that have numerous entrances. An automatic phone messaging system is almost ready to activate. The system calls every parent in the District in a matter of minutes in case of an emergency situation. Superintendent Copps presented an organizational chart to the Board members on the Office of Development and Advancement. He reported the Office of Development and Advancement would act on the following four initiatives: an early childhood regional center; technology initiative; safe schools initiative; and, a work force collaboration issue. Personnel Report Trustee Kelker made the following motion with a second by Trustee Getz: Motion to accept the Superintendent’s employment recommendations as presented in the personnel report. Trustee Mossman asked why there was a principal in a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) position at Alkali Creek. Kathy Olson, Executive Director of Elementary Education, reported the principal at Alkali Creek has taken family leave until January. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Mary Jo Fox, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Susan Messerly, and Sandra Mossman. The motion passed unanimously. Consent Agenda Trustee Kelker made the following motion with a second by Trustee Guthals: 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, Dale Getz, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Susan Messerly, and Sandra Mossman. The motion passed unanimously. Items approved in the Consent Agenda are as follows: Regular Board Meeting Minutes, September 18, 2006 Business Committee Minutes, August 7, 2006 Executive Committee Minutes, August 7, 2006 Energy Innovation Committee Minutes; September 26, 2006 2006-2007 Planning & Development Committee Membership 2006-2007 School Community Committee Membership Appoint Audit Committee Membership FY 2006-2007 Committees General Procedures – 1130-P1 Learning Objectives for New Course Offering at the Career Center: Survey of Forensic Science K-6 Social Studies Learning Objectives Addition of REWARDS Special Funds Trust Account at Lincoln Center Resolution-Intent to Dispose of District Personal Property Calendar/Agenda Planning The following are future scheduled meetings and events: October 23, 2006 – School Community Committee October 30, 2006 – Legislator Forum November 6, 2006 – Executive Committee November 6, 2006 – Budgeting for Results Committee November 7, 2006 – Agenda Setting November 13, 2006 – Planning & Development Committee November 20, 2006 – Regular Board Meeting As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Malcolm Goodrich, Chair Diane Blevins, Recorder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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