School Community Committee Meeting - November 26, 2007

[Marta McAllister]

Proceeding of the School/Community Committee Meeting

District No. 2, Yellowstone County

High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County

Billings, Montana

November 26, 2007

 

 

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order by Tim Trafford.

 

Members Present:

Tim Trafford, Scott Anderson, Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Jim Hartung, Lynn Davis, Kevin Croff, Shanna Kerr, Jan McCandless, Jay Kirk, and Nancy Hines.

 

Communication from the Public:

None

 

Approval of the November 20, 2006 and February 12, 2007 Minutes of the School/ Community Committee.

 

Jim Hartung made the motion seconded by Lynn Davis to approve the November 20, 2006 School/Community Committee minutes with the following correction: the motion to approve Alcohol and Drug Free Facility Policy 5007 passed unanimously. The motion passed unanimously.

 

Jim Hartung made the motion seconded by Lynn Davis to approve the February 12, 2007 School/Community Committee minutes. The motion passed unanimously.

 

Committee Structure and Objectives:

Introductions were made. Former School/Community members gave background information and reviewed past accomplishments of the School/Community Committee.

 

Tim Trafford explained that the function of the School/Community Committee is to be

a connection between schools and the school Board, schools and community and parents.

Tim Trafford suggested that it is not the Board’s job to make the connections but it is the Board’s job to put forward ideas for the connections. The School/Community Committee’s purpose is to propose ideas and methods to connect these groups.

 

The school Board recommended a list of tasks for district Committees to implement. Tim Trafford requested the School/Community members prioritize which tasks the School Community members would like to accomplish.

 

Tim Trafford explained his goals for the School/Community Committee and how he would like the Committee to operate. At every meeting something productive will happen, follow the scheduled agenda in a timely manner, assign directives to happen between meetings, consider ideas and/or presentation for each meeting. and recommendations will be made to the Board by the Committee. Tim Trafford would like to set up a structure for measuring what has been accomplished with specific targets and benchmarks.

 

Scott Anderson will notify the principals and the PTA that the School/Community Committee is active.

 

Tim Trafford discussed the District’s computer software program named Zangle. Tim Trafford focused on the Parent Connection component of Zangle which is the on-line grading system and information center for students and parents. At this time there are some problems with the functionality of the software program. Tim Trafford would like to make some bench marks to measure Zangle. Scott Anderson suggested that grades will likely be mandatory by the superintendent on Parent Connection fall of 2008.

The administration will work with teacher education and training on Zangle.

 

Tim Trafford asked that if Zangle is going to be mandated how can Zangle be enhanced to become functional by this Committee.

 

Tim Trafford asked Scott Anderson to compile statistics regarding how many students and parents are registered to use Parent Connection and how many access the program. Tim Trafford suggested an on-line registration. Any information available should be presented at the January School Community meeting.

 

Nancy Hines suggested that a survey to gather data may be useful in setting a bench mark

 

Tim Trafford noted that reading through previous minutes of the School/Community Committee that a motion was made and passed that Nancy Hines, Communication Director, would provide quarterly updates of the Communication Plan to the Committee.

There was brief discussion regarding parent participation on the calendar committee and holding meetings at different school. Tim Trafford explained that the state law requires that school Board meetings be held on school property within the District which could alienate outlying schools.

There was Discussion by School/Community members regarding members visiting PTAs, inequities within PTAs at different schools and different programs within the district. Tim Trafford asked Kathy Arragon to research facts regarding active PTA and PTA sister schools.

There was some discussion on the neighborhood school concept, definition, and implantation. Tim Trafford does not want to duplicate what the Planning and Development Committee are doing in the definition of “Neighborhood Schools.” Tim Trafford suggested that the School/Community Committee should be their sounding board for the Planning and Development Committee. Tim Trafford will talk to Sandra Mossman on how to inter-face with the Planning and Development Committee.

 

There was discussion on the District’s employee and student Health and Wellness Plan. The Committee members were asked to go on-line to familiarize the members with the District’s Health and Wellness plan before the January 2008 meeting.

 

There was discussion on how to increase participation on the District’s Committees. It was suggested that this Committee recommend ideas that other entities will explore and implement.

 

There was discussion regarding continuing relationship with Yes for Kids, Chamber and Celebrate Billings. Tim Trafford suggested that the School/Community Committee not neglect realtors, builders, and developers. Dawn Achten suggested that different schools be featured at different meetings.

 

January Meeting:

 

Jim Hartung suggested a presentation on Zangle.

Nancy Hines will present an update on the Communication Plan.

Jim Hartung requested a membership list with member’s names and phone numbers.

 

 

February Meeting:

Dan Martin will be asked to present an update on the District’s employees and student Health and Wellness plan.

 

The Health and Wellness Committee will be asked to present the Health and Wellness Plan.

 

 

Adjournment:

 

Dawn Achten made a motion with a second by Lynn Davis to adjourn the meeting.

 

 

 

____________________ __________________________

Tim Trafford, Chair Brenda Cross, Recorder