Diane Blevins Posted August 2, 2007 Report Share Posted August 2, 2007 Proceedings of the Board of Trustees District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Billings, Montana July 9, 2007 Call to Order The Special 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 9, 2007, at 5:30 p.m. Those present included: Trustees Joel Guthals, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Kathy Aragon, Dawn Achten, Sandra Mossman, Katharin Kelker, Tim Trafford, Superintendent Jack Copps, and District Clerk Leo Hudetz. Malcolm Goodrich was excused. Registered guests included Bert Reyes, Steve Pomroy, and J. H. Hansen. Communication from the Public The Vice-Chair announced that Trustee Mossman had resigned her position as Director of the Montana School Board Association so that position must be filled. It was suggested that Trustee Guthals fill the position as interim. The item will be placed on the July Regular Board meeting agenda. 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. Jerry Hanson addressed the Board to voice his concerns on five extra days given to administrators for vacation. He did not feel that was allowed according to Montana statute. Mr. Hanson also stated the total package for the Associate Director of the Office of Development and Advancement should be $60,146, which includes benefits, not $47,475 as listed on the agenda item. Tabled Item Regarding Administrative Salary Proposal Superintendent Copps reported his recommended increase for administrators is 3%, which is what the teachers received. A copy of the compressed matrix has been provided and Mr. Copps recommended the Board approve the increase tonight and review the matrix at a later date. Trustee Guthals asked for an explanation on the 255 days versus 260. Mr. Copps stated that public employee laws do not apply to administrators, only the superintendent. Administrators receive fifteen vacation days. Trustee Gesuale made the following motion with a second by Trustee Fox: Motion to remove the item from the table. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Tim Trafford. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Achten made the following motion with a second by Trustee Fox: Motion to approve the salary proposal in the amount of $105,041 or 3% in the elementary budget. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Katharin Kelker and Sandra Mossman. The motion passed unanimously. Trustees Guthals and Trafford are ineligible to vote on elementary issues. Trustee Achten made the following motion with a second by Trustee Fox: Motion to accept the recommendation from the Superintendent for the salary increase of 3% or $67,059 in the high school district. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Tim Trafford. The motion passed unanimously. Trustee Gesuale suggested the Board review the matrix and requested a report based on the proposed matrix. He stated he has never liked the matrix as he felt it creates internal and external inequities. Superintendent Copps will provide a report. Salary Adjustment for Clerk/Internal Auditor Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Fox: Move to approve a raise for the Clerk for the 2007/08 school year in the amount of $1,470.41 and fringe benefits. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Tim Trafford. The motion passed unanimously. Personnel Report Superintendent Copps recommended filling a new position for the Associate Director for the Office of Development and Advancement. The purpose of the office is to make sure the District takes advantage of all of the other resources that might be available from outside of Montana and other areas. He felt the office would be self-sufficient in one year’s time. He also reported that Nancy Hines would have a full-time position as Communications Director with the District. Previously, members of the business community and the District paid for her position. Trustee Guthals asked why the allocation of the Associate Director’s salary was made greater in the high school district than the elementary district. Mr. Copps stated there is a considerable concentration at the high school district. It might have to be reassessed at a later date. Trustee Mossman asked if there was still a grant writer. Mr. Copps replied there is and that position would be included in the Office of Development and Advancement. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Mossman: Motion to accept the Superintendent’s recommendation as presented in the packet for the Office of Development and Advancement. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Tim Trafford. The motion passed unanimously. Clean Renewable Energy Bonds Trustee Guthals reported that areas have been identified for wind power. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion that the Board approve the submission of three applications for clean renewable energy bond project as recommended by the energy firm of Matney-Frantz Engineering as set forth in the packet, Item F. Trustee Guthals explained the wind power grant applications by the District, including the Heights area and also the Westend.. Trustee Trafford stated the Board had approved $3,000 to have three applications submitted and no additional costs. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Tim Trafford. The motion passed unanimously. The Vice-Chair adjourned the special meeting at 6:30 p.m. for a work session. Thomas Harper reviewed the budget for the 2007-2008 school year. The 2008-2009 budget looks bleak and the District must figure out ways to deliver services with the grim outlook. Trustee Achten felt the Board should be informing the public now about the bleak picture for 2009. Trustee Guthals asked if there was something that could be done to lessen the deficit for 2009. Trustee Kelker suggested the Board decide on what is needed and tell the public what would be lost. Trustee Aragon asked about wellness programs for employees. Dan Martin reported the Insurance Committee is looking at different ways to deliver wellness, including having a wellness center for the District employees and City employees. Trustee Guthals asked Leo Hudetz and Thomas Harper to research how the District could legally put funds into reserves. Trustee Mossman suggested a certain percentage of funds be earmarked for reserves. Mr. Hudetz stated that the amount of reserves is directed by Board authority or policy. Trustee Kelker felt the District should also look at the number of people who might be retiring in 2009 and if severances were to be paid, which would come out of reserves. Budget items listed to be reviewed are energy savings, expenses for the immediate future, a few scenarios that show all of the possible resources, and a mill levy. Administration was directed to look at ways to save $200,000. As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m. Malcolm Goodrich, Chair Diane Blevins, Recorder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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