Diane Blevins Posted February 26, 2008 Report Share Posted February 26, 2008 Proceedings of the Board of Trustees District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Billings, Montana February 18, 2008 CALL TO ORDER The Regular Board Meeting/Board Retreat 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, February 18, 2008, at 5:30 p.m. Members present included Trustees Tim Trafford, Sandra Mossman, Mary Jo Fox, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Malcolm Goodrich, Kathy Aragon, Dawn Achten, Peter Gesuale, Superintendent Jack Copps, District and Clerk Leo Hudetz. Registered guests included Tim Neiter, Dee Neiter, Owen Neiter, Kay LaFrance, Darrell Tunnicliff, Kevin Nelson, Jerry Hansen, Janet Baum, Lana Lynch, Woody Jensen, Shelsea Matzen, and Carol Forney. 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. Jerry Hansen addressed the Board to discuss building reserve funds, warrants and Montana Quality Education Consortium (MQEC). He voiced his concern that there would not be enough funds in the building reserve funds to carry the District through the rest of the year. The elementary building fund and building reserve fund has $3,342,000 for future projects, of which $543,000 is to be used for the Orchard playground and $2,124,000 is the proceeds from the Crossroads to be used for as future elementary school. The high school building and building reserve funds has a balance of $469,000 but the building fund has a deficit of $143,000. Mr. Hansen also reviewed the current warrants and felt some of the warrants did not fall within the guidelines for the use of building funds. He also was concerned over the purchase of computers from the funds and overnight shipping charge of $600.00. Mr. Hansen also asked why the high school building fund was paying for the heating and air conditioning expenses for Bench Elementary. He did not feel there were sufficient controls in place to properly control the financial activities of those funds. Mr. Hansen also was concerned that MQEC had not posted the list of contributors as he stated in a recent email to the Board. Kevin Nelson addressed the Board to urge them to go to the City to stop the creation of tax increment districts. He felt it would reduce the deficit in the budget. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Chair reported the warrants did not make it on the website within the time constraints allowed so the item would be moved to the meeting scheduled for February 25th. Trustee Kelker made the following motion with a second by Trustee Achten: Motion to approve the agenda with the removal of the warrants until next week’s meeting. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Tim Trafford. RECOGNITION AND GIFTS AND DONATIONS Dee Neiter was recognized as Montana’s Education Support Professional of the Year. Anne Cole, Billings Education Foundation, introduced Darrell Tunnicliff and Kay LaFrance from the Classics for Kids program. Kay LaFrance announced the donation made by the Classics for Kids program to the District would be used to purchase string instruments. Trustee Kelker made the following motion with a second by Trustee Achten: Motion to accept the gifts and donations with gratitude: Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Tim Trafford. The following are the gifts and donations: Bitterroot – Heights Albertson’s, boxes of candy canes Heights Kiwanis, BUG Club certificates and treats In the Dog House, Emily Larson, gift certificates for meals Boulder – Jeff Redding, $35 through Wells Fargo Giving Campaign Michelle Anderson, $35 through Wells Fargo Giving Campaign Eric Bjorgum, $70 through Wells Fargo Giving Campaign Burlington – Costco Wholesale, products Marilyn Adkins, coats and vests Chalet Market, Dean Cromwell, meat and cheese gift box for family at Christmas Billings Village Golden K Kiwanis, $200 Newman – CTA Architects and Engineers, Don Bergeron, food baskets for holidays, gifts for all students and staff delivered by Santa St. Thomas Christian Service Commission, food baskets and gifts RSVP, mittens and hats Senior High Accounting Class, Jody Stugelmeyer, new coats Achten Family, school supplies Chapter Y PEO, winter hats, gloves, $54 United Way of Yellowstone county, books for 1st and 2nd graders and teachers Downtown Exchange Club, Santa and gifts for 1st and 2nd graders Briarwood Community Club, gifts and clothing for three families Westend Rotary Club, gifts, clothing and food, Secret Santa Program Billings Village Golden K Kiwanis, $400 Salvation Army, clothing for children and families, Dress-A-Child Program Christ the King Lutheran Church, hats and gloves Big Sky Optimists, food and gifts for five children Laurie Murphy, gifts for one family Blue Creek Baptist Church, food baskets and gifts for several families Diane Canton, $100 and toys Westpark Village Senior Living Community, $250 Chase Hawks Rodeo Association, Frank Chesarek, rodeo tickets for 270 students and an accompanying Adult Lynete Romsos, $200 gift card Rose Park – Time Out Sports, Cindy Thompson, six lobby chairs Cindy Hanchett, nine hard back books for the library Will James – Dr. Kyle Wassmer, new Dell laser printer CARE Academy – Costco Wholesale, $50 KOA Contribution Committee, Nicole Kreiger, $200 District – Darrell Tunnicliff, Classics for Kids OPI, School Computer Program, computer equipment ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM OVERVIEW (ANNUAL REPORT) Woody Jensen, Adult Education Director, gave a brief overview of the program. The report covered the 2006-2007 school year: there were 759 individuals who took part in the Adult Basic and Literacy Education program; 118 students earned their GEDs; there were 2,018 classes or workshops within the Community Education Program; 151 students participated in the summer school program which resulted in 252 semester core credits being recovered; and, the Adult Education Program donated approximately 35 two-year old computers to the District. The Adult Education Program is no cost to the District. Dr. Jensen reported the Transitions Program was started to serve the At Risk students. It could eventually become an alternative high school, and it current uses NovaNet. Shelsea Matzen addressed the Board to report that she had been a dropout due to the overcrowded conditions in the high schools and became a new type of student for Transitions. She found Transitions to have a tranquil atmosphere. Ms. Matzen reported she planned to enroll in college in the next fall semester. REPORT FROM BFR COMMITTEE AND ADMINISTRATION REGARDING FISCAL YEAR 2008-09 BUDGET MATTERS Trustee Kelker stated the Budgeting for Results (BFR) Committee, at their last meeting, looked at enrollment counts. The count shows that there will be a significant decrease in enrollment figures. Thomas Harper reviewed the preliminary budget for FY09. For the elementary district, an anticipated cut in staff would be 42.5 FTE and 15 FTE in the high school district. There would be a $1,700,000 shortfall in the elementary district and a $600,000 shortfall in the high school district. He stated he is still looking at the federal programs side. The Medicaid Administrative Claims (MAC) program will disappear which is $227,000 in the elementary and $73,000 in the high schools, which means the general fund would have to pick up the difference. Trustee Kelker reported the BFR Committee discussed what would happen next. The MAC funds were used to fund salaries for employees but those funds will now have to come from elsewhere. Indirect funds will be reviewed to see if there are any funds available. Money from the indirect funds can be used for expenses to administer federal and state grants. The current rate is .99% in the high school and 4% in the elementary. Trustee Goodrich asked if this budget covers the costs of salaries for the facilities staff. Those salaries were moved back into the general fund. Trustee Goodrich asked that exact numbers be available at the regular March meeting. Trustee Guthals asked Mr. Harper to review the tax increment district to see if funds might be available. Trustee Gesuale stated that declining enrollments are not that great. The decline could mean only a student per school or less per each classroom. The Chair stated that school tax revenue does not increase automatically because taxable value increases. Taxpayers must approve any dollar amount up to a maximum allowed by law. AFFIRMATION OF MAIL BALLOT FOR ELEMENTARY LEVY Leo Hudetz, Disrict Clerk, reported the Board has an option to ask for a mail ballot election and the election administrator also has the option to run a mail ballot election. The Yellowstone County lection administrator has notified the District of his intent to conduct a mail ballot election on May 8, 2008. The Board has a right to appeal his decision but it must be decided by March 12. Trustee Trafford asked if mail ballots are more successful. Superintendent Copps reported that they were and generate a greater turnout. The Chair asked the Trustees if any of them wanted to appeal the decision of the election administrator. No Trustee moved to appeal. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Mr. Copps reported that on the Montana Quality Education Coalition (MQEC) and its efforts are to return to court. Legislation defined components of quality education but did not define any costs. Educators are charging the legislators did not fulfill its obligations as set forth by the Supreme Court. In 2009, a 1.9% increase will be given as an increase to the Billings schools. All of the Montana districts are in a difficult position as it does not cover a cost of living increase. All efforts to have the legislators call for a special session have failed so MQEC decided to go back to court. Districts are asking for supplemental relief and some relief to protect programs for the next year. Mr. Copps did not know a time frame but he hoped that the court would make a decision soon. There is a projected shortfall of $2,800,000 in the elementary district. The high school district is not as bad as the elementary district but some cuts will have to be made. BILLS PAID – JANUARY 2008 The bills will be addressed at the February 25th meeting. FINANCIAL REPORTS – JANUARY 2008 (UNAUDITED) The BFR Committee has reviewed the financial reports. The following reports were received: CS101 Account Expenditure by Fund CS102 Account Receipts by Fund CS105 Statement of Estimated and Actual Revenue CS108 Object Cost Analysis MONTHLY LEGAL REPORT Trustee Kelker reported the Columbia Falls case is ongoing. The Opie suit has been dismissed in District Court on January 22, 2008 There is an agreement between the District and the Opies not to go further with the case. PERSONNEL REPORT Trustee Guthals asked if here was anything unusual or extraordinary. Mr. Copps replied there were none. 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. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Tim Trafford. CONSENT AGENDA Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Mossman: Motion to approve and accept the items within the Consent Agenda without objection to recommended action. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Tim Trafford. Items contained in the consent agenda are as follows: Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting, January 21, 2008 Minutes of the Special Board Meeting, January 18, 2008 Audit Committee Minutes, September 13, 2007 Budgeting for Results Minutes, January 14, 2008 School Community Minutes, January 28, 2008 Approval of Committee Appointments Phase 2 – Orchard Playground Addition of Dual Credit Scholarship Trust Fund at Lincoln Center Committee appoints are as follows: School Community Committee Matt Walks, Skyview Student Representative 403(b) Ad Hoc Committee Janet Baum, BCEA President Travis Weidinger, MPEA President School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) Carey Eggen, West High Student Representative Ann Guthals, Community Member Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Achten: Motion to adjourn. Those voting in favor were Dawn Achten, Kathy Aragon, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Katharin Kelker, Sandra Mossman, and Tim Trafford. As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m. Malcolm Goodrich, Chair Diane Blevins, Recorder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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