February 11, 2009
The February regular meeting of the Elementary and High School District No. 1 Board of Trustees was held on February 11, 2009 in the Choteau High School Library. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Kirk Moore.
Members Present: Kirk Moore, Sharon Rice, Robert Stokes, Mark Henderson, Perri Lindgren, and Katie Rasmussen.
Members Absent: Brenda Cunniff.
Supt. St. John, Elementary Principal Gameon, High School Principal Achenbach, and Clerk Davis were present throughout the meeting.
A motion was made by Katie Rasmussen, seconded by Mark Henderson and unanimously carried (1 absent) to approve the elementary minutes for the January 15, 2009 work session, the January 15, 2009 regular meeting, the January 20, 2009 work session, and the February 2, 2009 work session as read.
A motion was made by Robert Stokes, seconded by Sharon Rice and unanimously carried (1 absent) to approve the high school minutes for the January 15, 2009 work session, the January 15, 2009 regular meeting, the January 20, 2009 work session, and the February 2, 2009 work session as read.
Visitors: Choteau Acantha Editor Melody Martinsen; District Patrons Gary Passmore, Sherrel Passmore, Cliff Heuscher, Sally Heuscher, Denny Barlow, Beth Barlow, Katie Vandolah, Jon Stoltz, Ron Daley, Jim Lightner, Julie Peterson, Tom Peterson, Lorraine DeBruycker, Nikki Ley, Mary Skinner, and Josh Sonju; Students Burmaa Erdenebat, Nicole Lightner, Brooke Schlesser, Hilary Field, and Logan Ley; and Staff Members Sue Facklam, Eva Anseth, Sally Lee, and Greg Alzheimer.
Chairman Kirk Moore allowed the visitors to address the Board regarding items not on the agenda at this time. Honor Society Advisor Sue Facklam informed the Board that there was an inadvertent computer error in calculating GPA that resulted in a student not being inducted into Honor Society at the January 27, 2009 banquet. The National Honor Society Association requires that all participants are inducted at a formal public meeting so Honor Society Advisor Sue Facklam, Honor Society President Brooke Schlesser, and Honor Society Member Hilary Field inducted Nicole Lightner into Honor Society with a short ceremony at this time.
A motion was made by Katie Rasmussen, seconded by Perri Lindgren and unanimously carried (1 absent) to approve the elementary claims clearing warrants #14311-#14407 and payroll clearing warrants #18449-#18573 for payment. A vendor list for claims is attached to the minutes of this meeting.
A motion was made by Mark Henderson, seconded by Perri Lindgren and unanimously carried (1 absent) to approve the high school claims clearing warrants #14311-#14407 and payroll clearing warrants #18449-#18573 for payment. A vendor list for claims is attached to the minutes of this meeting.
Correspondence:
A) Supt. St. John shared with the Board an e-mail he received from District Patron Mike Munoz thanking the Teton County Development Corporation and the School District for using grant funds to upgrade the physical fitness equipment for community use in the multipurpose building.
PRINCIPALS’ REPORTS High School Principal Nate Achenbach reported to the Board on the following matters:
A) High School Principal Achenbach informed the Board that the Youth Behavior Risk Survey would be given to the student body on February 24th.
B) High School Principal Achenbach informed the Board that the Junior High Science Fair was held in the Elementary Gymnasium today. It was a very successful event with the judges determining that all of the entries should be allowed to and encouraged to attend the Regional Science Fair in Great Falls on Saturday, February 21st.
C) High School Principal Achenbach informed the Board that a successful high school wrestling season is winding down with the team taking 2nd place at the Divisional Tournament in Fort Benton last weekend and tomorrow 9 wrestlers would be heading to the State Wrestling Tournament in Billings.
D) High School Principal Achenbach informed the Board that the District Boys and Girls Basketball Tournament would be held in Cut Bank February 18-21; with the first round of the boys’ teams playing on Wednesday, February 18th, the first round of the girls’ teams playing on Thursday, February 19th, and then both boys and girls playing stacked games on both Friday and Saturday, February 20th and 21st. The top four girl teams will attend the Divisional Girls Basketball Tournament in Glasgow on February 26th-28th and the top four boy teams will attend the Divisional Boys basketball Tournament in Cut Bank on March 5th-7th, which will also be the weekend of the State Girls Basketball Tournament in Hamilton.
E) High School Principal Achenbach informed the Board that they would be considering the request to travel out of state for the Senior Trip later in the meeting, but he has heard there have been concerns being voiced that the school has a policy that the Seniors cannot use their class funds to buy gifts for themselves to be given at their graduation party. High School Principal Achenbach informed the Board that the graduation party is not school sponsored and in the past the students have purchased gifts for themselves; but when classes began to request out of state travel for the Senior Trip, they were encouraged to use their class funds in this manner as a gift to themselves and use any unexpended funds by giving back to the community or school. Last year’s Senior class did not have a lot of money and were concerned that they could not cover the costs of graduation, a party, and their Senior Trip to Silverwood; so they sought and obtained a lot of donations to cover a lot of the costs associated with these events and actually ended up with a balance of $1200, which they donated to the Lion’s Club Swimming Pool Replacement Fund. Past classes have purchased needed trophy cases, a new reader board, and other such items for the school. High School Principal Achenbach noted that this Senior class is smaller and has a very healthy class fund so they will be able to use these funds to pay for all expenses involved in their planned activities, possibly still buy a uniform gift such as a t-shirt or sweatshirt for each class member, and hopefully still give back to the community or school in some manner. High School Principal Achenbach informed the Board that there will be a meeting for all parents of Seniors on Monday, February 23rd where these ideas will be discussed and voted on. High School Principal Achenbach further informed the Board that this class also has voted (14-4) to consider changing the announcement of scholarships during the graduation ceremony and the parents will also consider this matter at the meeting. The options under consideration are to leave it as is, which the past practice has been to read any and all scholarships received and the future plans of each graduate when their name is announced, or to print a list of the scholarships in the graduation program and only read the future plans of each graduate.
F) High School Principal Achenbach informed the Board that the yearbook committee and staff recently voted to contract with a company out of Helena to publish this year’s annual, as it was felt the quality of the on-site publication was not of high enough quality since the bindings break down easily and the color in the color pictures is very distorted and of poor quality. The cost of this year’s annual will hopefully remain in the $40 range.
G) High School Principal Achenbach informed the Board that about 10 members of the Choteau FFA Chapter will be hosting a lockdown for about 8 members of the Conrad FFA Chapter this holiday weekend. The event will be held in the auditorium and shop and will be held on Sunday from 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Monday with two male and one female adult chaperones.
Elementary Principal Chuck Gameon reported to the Board on the following matters:
A) Elementary Principal Gameon informed the Board that the spring session of America Reads will get underway on March 16th and volunteers are always needed.
B) Elementary Principal Gameon informed the Board that the Elementary School continues to collect plastic bags to recycle and have had a very successful year having earned over $1200.
C) Elementary Principal Gameon informed the Board that the Elementary will conduct the second trimester parent-teacher conferences on March 10th-11th.
D) Elementary Principal Gameon informed the Board that the Elementary School participates in a program sponsored by the National Guard Drug Reduction Task Force, where they visit the school and give presentations on making healthy lifestyle choices. The program concludes in May with a big day of events, including a helicopter fly in.
E) Elementary Principal Gameon informed the Board that the 6th Grade will take their annual field trip to the prison outside of Shelby on Monday, February 23rd.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT A copy of the Superintendent’s report provided to the Board by Supt. St. John is attached to the minutes of this meeting.
A) Supt. St. John reviewed his report with the Board at this time.
B) Supt. St. John took time to congratulate Elementary Principal Chuck Gameon on receiving the high honor of Principal of the Year from his peers at the recent MAEMSP conference.
C) Supt. St. John encouraged any interested Trustees to attend the February 17th MTSBA workshop on negotiations.
POLICY The Board held the third reading of revised policy #8132 regarding activity trips and team bus occupants. Supt. St. John provided the Board with additional information from Maxine Mougeot, the Director of Transportation with the Office of Public Instruction, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s guidelines for safe transportation of pre-school age children in buses. It was noted that even though all school buses are exempt from the state’s child restraint regulations, nationally it is recommended that child restraint systems are used for pre-school age children.
Trustee Sharon Rice stated that after reading the national guidelines, she feels the policy should be amended to read spouses and school age children of coaches may be allowed to ride the team bus with administrative approval and made a motion to do so. Chairman Kirk Moore called once and called twice for a second to the motion on the floor. Trustee Katie Rasmussen seconded the motion on the floor so that it could be discussed.
Trustee Robert Stokes stated he feels such wording would restrict the intent of the proposed revision and feels the better course of action would be to research having the proper child restraint systems installed. Trustee Perri Lindgren felt that it would not be practical to require the bus contractor to install such child safety restraints since the contracted buses are used in this capacity too. Trustee Katie Rasmussen noted that she no longer supports the proposed policy revision at all based on High School Principal Achenbach’s comments at the January Board meeting.
A vote of the motion on the floor was called for. Trustees voting for the motion were: Sharon Rice. Trustees voting against the motion were: Kirk Moore, Katie Rasmussen, Perri Lindgren, Mark Henderson, and Robert Stokes. The motion to amend Policy #8132 to read that only school age children of coaches may be allowed to ride the team bus with administrative approval failed with a 1 to 5 vote (1 absent).
A motion was made by Perri Lindgren and seconded by Robert Stokes to adopt Policy #8132 regarding activity trips and team bus occupants as read. Discussion of the motion on the floor was called for. Trustee Sharon Rice asked High School Principal Achenbach why he does not support this policy revision. High School Principal Achenbach once again outlined that the coaches have requested this revision for several years now but he has not fought for this revision as he believes it places the District in a vulnerable position as there is a liability risk that will need to be policed. On the other hand High School Principal Achenbach stated he understands the reasons for their request and since he supports his coaching staff, he will do everything necessary to make such a revision to the policy work and work right. Supt. St. John added to this position, stating that the District’s insurance company is alright with such a revision to the policy but they do not encourage it, noting that this practice is more common with the smaller Class C schools. Trustee Mark Henderson stated that it is very difficult to determine how best to weigh what is best for the District in this matter with the liability exposure on one hand and supporting the effort and time devoted by the coaching staff on the other hand. Bus Contractor Gary Passmore addressed the Board and noted that he is not certain if his insurance coverage will allow non-participant riders; but it was agreed that if it does not and a contracted bus is being used as an activity bus, the administration will not allow a coach’s spouse or children to ride.
A vote on the motion on the floor was called for. Trustees voting for this motion were: Perri Lindgren, Robert Stokes, Kirk Moore, and Sharon Rice. Trustees voting against this motion were: Mark Henderson and Katie Rasmussen. The motion carried with a 4 to 2 vote (1 absent) to adopt policy #8132 as read which will allow spouses and children of the coaching staff to ride activity buses with administrative approval.
CONSIDER SENIOR TRIP Supt. St. John informed the Board that policy #2330 states that the Board must approve any out of state travel and the Seniors are once again requesting to go to Silverwood, the water amusement park in Idaho, for the Senior Trip. Senior Class President Hilary Field presented the Board with a packet that outlined the available Senior Class Funds, the projected costs for graduation, the trip itinerary and budget. The Board reviewed this packet and questioned Miss Field about the particulars of the trip.
A motion was made by Katie Rasmussen and seconded by Perri Lindgren to approve allowing the Senior Class of 2009 to travel out of state to the Silverwood Amusement Park in Idaho for their Senior Trip as outlined in the above packet, a copy of which is attached to the minutes of this meeting. It was questioned if there were behavior expectations and disciplinary guidelines. Clerk Davis noted that last year’s Senior Class included the administrative expectations, procedures, and consent form with their packet which answered these questions and that the administration gave this Senior Class the same guidelines, a copy of which are attached to the minutes of the February 14, 2008 Board Meeting.
A motion was made by Katie Rasmussen, seconded by Perri Lindgren and unanimously carried (1 absent) to amend the motion on the floor to add that the Senior Class must follow the administrative expectations and procedures regarding the out of state Senior Trip. A vote of the amended motion was called for and was unanimously passed (1 absent) that the Senior Class of 2009 be required to meet all the administrative expectations and procedures provided to them so that they can take their Senior Trip out of state to the Silverwood Amusement Park in Idaho.
Senior Advisor Eva Anseth took this opportunity to thank Diane Field, the mother of Senior Class President Hilary Field, for gathering all the necessary information and making the arrangements for this trip. Trustee Sharon Rice noted that the trip sounds fun but asked if next year the Board shouldn’t question the District’s legal liability for such a trip and discuss a way of taking the school completely out of the process.
CONSIDER FIVE YEAR BUS ROUTE CONTRACT RENEWAL WITH TETON BUS SERVICES Supt. St. John reminded the Board that the five year bus route contract with Teton Bus Services expires June 30, 2009 and that law allows the District to negotiate a new contract with the current carrier as long as the new negotiated contract costs do not exceed by more than 12% per year the basic costs of the previous year’s contract. Bus Contractor Gary Passmore with Teton Bus Services Inc. submitted a proposal for a new five year contract to the administration that incorporated the current contract fuel index addendum with the new per mile rate being $2.49, which is a 12% increase from the average cost of $2.22 per mile for the 2008-09 school year. Mr. Passmore also is requesting that the activity trip rate be changed from the current per mile rate of ½ of the contract per mile rate and an hourly rate for the bus driver to a flat rate with a minimum rate. Mr. Passmore is proposing a minimum rate for in town trips at $60 or 2 hours and $30 each consecutive hour, with the 2 hour minimum applying when there is more than an hour interval between service, and a minimum rate for out of town trips at $200 or $2.00 per mile, whichever is greater. Supt. St. John noted that he had negotiated and Mr. Passmore had agreed to a compromise on the in town rate to a minimum rate of $45 or 1½ hours. Mr. Passmore would also like the Board to consider removing item 7) of the contract which requires an annual performance bond. The administration reminded the Board that this item has been deleted from past bus route contracts after a number of years as these bonds are expensive and hard to come by, but they had placed it back in the contract five years ago to protect the District since this large contract was put out to bid and there was the possibility of it being awarded to a new carrier with no prior experience. Mr. Passmore also requested that the old language in item 3) that drivers must be holders of a Montana chauffeur’s license be changed to reflect the correct terminology of a Montana driver’s license with a commercial vehicle operator’s endorsement.
The Board discussed the new proposed five year bus route contract. It was noted that there was no change in the bus routes or other terms of the contract. A motion was made by Mark Henderson, seconded by Katie Rasmussen and unanimously carried (1 absent) to enter into a new contract with Teton Bus Services Inc. to provide bus route services for the Choteau Schools for a period of five years beginning July 1, 2009 and ending June 30, 2014 under the following provisions:
1) A mileage rate of $2.49 per mile, with this mileage rate subject to revision according to the fuel cost index;
2) The new activity trip rates will be a minimum of $45 or 1½ hours and $30 each consecutive hour for in town trips, with the 1½ minimum applying whenever there is more than an hour interval between service; and the greater of a $200 minimum or $2.00 per mile for out of town trips;
3) These services will be provided by regular school buses no older than 10 years at any
time during this contract;
4) The requirement for a performance bond is deleted for the term of this contract;
5) Drivers will be holders of a Montana driver’s license with a commercial vehicle
operator’s endorsement;
6) Services will be provided over the following routes described below:
(a) Route #1-Pendroy - This route will be run as a loop. In the morning, this route will proceed from the Choteau Schools on the Farmington Highway to Pendroy and return on Highway 89. In the evenings, this route will proceed from the Choteau Schools on Highway 89 to Pendroy and return on the Farmington Highway. This route is approximately 98 miles per day and requires a 60 passenger bus.
(b) Route #2-Agawam -From the Choteau Schools on the Farmington Highway to S. 28th Road NW, turn around and return south on the Farmington Highway to 20th Road (Styren junction) and travel east for three miles, then one mile south, and then three miles west back to the Farmington Highway, turn south and return to the Choteau Schools on the Farmington highway. This route is approximately 72 miles per day and requires a 60 passenger bus.
(c) Route #3-Bellview - From the Choteau Schools on the Bellview Road three miles beyond the missile site then return, turn south on the Pishkun Road to the David Hirschfeld driveway, and then return to the Bellview Road and on to the Choteau Schools. This route is approximately 92 miles per day and requires a 36 passenger bus.
(d) Route #4-Teton Canyon - From the Choteau Schools on the Teton Canyon Road to the mail boxes just west on the South Fork Road, and then return to the Teton Canyon Road and on to the Choteau Schools. This route is approximately 94 miles per day and requires a 48 passenger bus.
(e) Route #5-Dutton - From the Choteau Schools east on the Dutton Highway to 2nd Lane NE, turn around and return on the Dutton Highway to the Choteau Schools. This route is approximately 52 miles per day and requires a 21 passenger bus.
CONSIDER GRADUATION REQUEST Supt. St. John informed the Board that Dorjburam Erdenebat is a 12th Grade Exchange Student living with Denny and Beth Barlow and she has requested to be allowed to graduate with the class of 2009. Supt. St. John reminded the Board that procedure 3145P was revised just last spring and allows the Board to consider on a case by case basis the policy that states that a foreign exchange student may not graduate or receive a diploma from Choteau High School.
High School Principal Achenbach informed the Board that he and High School Counselor Patsy Betcher have determined that by the end of the school Burmaa will meet all of the graduation requirements for Choteau High School and currently maintains a 3.2 GPA while carrying a very hard class load. High School Principal Achenbach informed the Board that Burmaa has already graduated in Mongolia and has been accepted to medical school; but noted that graduating and receiving a diploma from Choteau High School will provide her more opportunities such as attending college in the United States, and in fact she has applied to attend Rocky Mountain College.
A motion was made by Robert Stokes, seconded by Katie Rasmussen and unanimously carried (1 absent) to grant the request of Dorjburam “Burmaa” Erdenebat and allow her to graduate with the Class of 2009 and receive a diploma from Choteau High School as long as she remains on her current course and meets all graduation requirements. The Board took this opportunity to congratulate and wish Burmaa good luck.
EMPLOY HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS TENNIS COACH FOR THE 2008-09 SCHOOL YEAR Supt. St. John informed the Board that this vacancy has been advertised in and out of house extensively. There has been one letter of interest for the position submitted by Bob Scott. Mr. Scott currently serves as the Elementary Assistant Wrestling Coach and served as the High School Assistant Wrestling Coach for a number of years. Supt. St. John informed the Board that the administration would recommend Mr. Scott be employed in this position based on his expressed interest and past experience as a non-staff coach with the District.
A motion was made by Robert Stokes, seconded by Katie Rasmussen and unanimously carried (1 absent) to accept the administrations’ recommendation and employ Bob Scott as the High School Girls Tennis Coach for the 2008-09 school year.
CONSIDER NEGOTIATIONS REQUIREMENT WAIVER Supt. St. John informed the Board that he was in receipt of a letter from Choteau Education Association President Jennifer Birnel dated January 27, 2009 stating their intent to negotiate for the 2009-10 school year. Article 17.2 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement states that the Board is to be notified prior to January 1st of the CEA’s intent to negotiate. Supt. St. John informed the Board that he contacted Andy Seaver, the negotiations specialist with the Montana School Boards Association, regarding this matter and it was Mr. Seaver’s recommendation to waive this contractual requirement. Mr. Seaver feels that the Board should do everything possible in the best interests of the district and treating employees right is one way to do this, and treating employees right in this circumstance would be waiving this deadline and avoiding an 18 month headache by agreeing to bargain.
The Board discussed this matter and Supt. St. John stated that it is a given that the teachers intended to negotiate a new contract this year, so he believes that it was just an oversight on the part of the CEA to put their intent to do so in writing. A motion was made by Robert Stokes, seconded by Perri Lindgren and unanimously carried (1 absent) for the Board to consent to waive the January 1st notice requirement under Article 17.2 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and allow the certified bargaining unit to open negotiations as stated in the Choteau Education Association correspondence received on January 27, 2009; with this waiver being contingent upon the understanding that the CEA agrees that a past practice is not established.
APPROVE EMPLOYMENT OF LONG TERM SUBSTITUTE Supt. St. John informed the Board that 4th Grade Teacher Rachel Christensen was scheduled to go on maternity leave in mid-March and had requested that Mrs. Lorraine DeBruycker be placed in her classroom as the long term substitute. The long term substitute rate is $80.00 per day as per the non-certified salary schedule, and this rate is used if a substitute is placed in a classroom for longer than 15 days and is responsible for all aspects of that classroom. Mrs. DeBruycker agreed, was available for this long term substitute situation, and has served as a long term substitute for the district for several other teachers. Unfortunately, Mrs. Christensen had complications and delivered a 4# 13 oz. little girl prematurely on Saturday, January 31st. Mother and daughter are doing fine, but the baby will be in the neonatal unit for at least three weeks, if not until her delivery date in mid-March; so Mrs. Christensen will be using the full 12 weeks allowed under the family medical leave act. Mrs. Christensen will use her accumulated sick leave of 55 days, her 3 personal days, and possibly a few days from the certified sick leave bank to cover this 12 week period, which will not put her back into her 4th grade classroom until May 11th. Mrs. Christensen has a student teacher in her classroom that has been able to take over the classroom until the end of her student teaching on February 25th, at which time Mrs. DeBruycker will take over the duties of Mrs. Christensen’s 4th grade classroom. Supt. St. John noted that Mrs. Debruycker is not a certified teacher and cannot be placed under contract after 30 consecutive days, but she is the best candidate to be placed in the classroom for this period so the administration would recommend to approve the employment of Lorraine DeBruycker as a long term substitute for the 4th grade at a wage rate of $80.00 per day, as that is what is best for the students in Mrs. Christensen's classroom.
The Board discussed this recommendation further with the administration. A motion was made by Katie Rasmussen, seconded by Perri Lindgren and unanimously carried (1 absent) to accept the administrations’ recommendation and employ Lorraine DeBruycker as a long term substitute for Mrs. Rachel Christensen’s 4th grade classroom at a wage rate of $80.00 per day effective February 26, 2009 until May 11, 2009, as that is what is best for the students in Mrs. Christensen's classroom.
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF AND APPROVE DEPOSIT OF CHECKS A motion was made by Perri Lindgren, seconded by Mark Henderson and unanimously carried (1 absent) to acknowledge receipt of and approve depositing the following checks in the appropriate funds.
1) Citizen’s State Bank Money Order #012704 in the amount of $1,000.00 for a donation to the multi-purpose building from the homecoming dinner, to be deposited in the High School Building Fund.
2) Schwann’s Food Service check #202129 in the amount of $56.87 for a rebate rewards program, to be deposited in the Elementary Lunch Fund.
3) A direct deposit from the Office of Public Instruction in the amount of $1,612.58 for reimbursement of RTI training costs, to be used to restore the Elementary General Fund Budget.
CONSIDER HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM PAINTING PROJECT PROPOSALS Supt. St. John informed the Board that they need to consider accepting one of the proposals submitted by Teton Masonry & Chinking or McGurran Precision Painting as presented and outlined at the February 2, 2009 work session for preparing and painting the exterior of the high school gymnasium. Supt. St. John further informed the Board that the old paint has been tested and lead paint removal is not an issue. Supt. St. John provided the Board with the following synopsis of the two proposals:
Teton Masonry & Chinking McGurran Precision Painting
Total Cost $19,133.09 (+ 3,285 w/stripe) $26,466 (- 3,000 w/ 5-year Warranty)
Prep Remove loose primer & paint Remove coating down to the block
Method Pressure Wash Wet sand blast High Pressure w/ some hand scraping
Warranty 5 Years 10 or 5 Years (see above)
Primer/Paint Flexcoat/BASF Loxon/Sherwin Williams
Supt. St. John then provided the Board with the following analysis and recommendation of the two proposals:
A pervasive factor in this decision is the knowledge and concern we have regarding the peculiar problems with the removal of old paint and or stain. This is important because of the connection to the fundamental premise, “the durability/quality of any paint job is only as good as the surface being painted.” A mitigating pressure is our desire to not employ the expertise of an architect/engineer. The warranty by both contractors provides the district with some assurance.
In the end, experience and the methodologies used for prepping are the critical components for choosing between the two respective bids. The McGurran bid is $1,047.91 higher (if the Board opted for the 5-year warranty). The other comparisons (i.e. product, application, etc.) are relatively equal. Both contractors have excellent reputations as high quality contractors. The significant distinction is the specific experience with painting projects involving the prepping and painting of cinder block buildings. All indications from research and our work session is that Mr. McGurran, (reportedly painted approximately 100,000 square feet of cinder block buildings over the past decade) has the strongest background for this peculiar project.
For the reasons identified it is recommended that the Board accept the McGurran Precision Painting bid (5-year warranty) contingent upon proof of the appropriate documents i.e. insurance, bonding and licensure.
The Board had discussed this matter at length at the February 2, 2009 work session. A motion was made by Sharon Rice, seconded by Robert Stokes and unanimously carried (1 absent) to accept the McGurran Precision Painting proposal with a five year warranty at a cost of $23,466. Supt. St. John will draw up a contract between the District and McGurran Precision Painting outlining the above noted particulars of the project, a project completion time table, a project payment schedule, and the need to provide proof of insurance, bonding, and licensure.
CONSIDER 3 RIVERS BANNER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Supt. St. John informed the Board that High School Counselor Patsy Betcher is once again in receipt of a letter from 3 Rivers Communications inquiring whether or not the District would like to participate in its banner scholarship program. The program grants a $500 scholarship to be awarded to a student at our discretion, with the stipulation that we agree to display a banner from 3 Rivers Communication in our gymnasium. Supt. St. John noted this offer has been rejected by past Boards, including last year, but felt that since the offer is made each year that the Board should once again consider this matter.
A motion was made by Katie Rasmussen and seconded by Sharon Rice to enter into a one year agreement with 3 Rivers Communications to receive a $500 scholarship to be used for a graduating senior’s higher education in exchange for displaying a mutually agreed upon banner supporting the Choteau Bulldogs with the 3 Rivers logo on it in the high school gymnasium. Discussion of the motion on the floor was called for.
District Patron Sally Heuscher asked to address the Board regarding this matter. Mrs. Heuscher noted that she had already spoken with Supt. St. John and each Trustee about her position. Mrs. Heuscher informed the Board that she has seen the banner on display in the gymnasiums of other schools and they are very innocuous and not really an advertisement but a banner of support for the Choteau Schools so would hope the Board would give a graduating senior the opportunity for a $500 scholarship. Mrs. Heuscher asked the Board to give this program a try since they can say “No” to other advertising banners and this is an annual agreement.
Trustee Mark Henderson stated he could understand the position of past Boards because there is a delicate balance between supporting our schools and allowing an outside advertising influence; so if this program is approved, it will be imperative for the Board to consider the merits of each such request on a case by case basis. Trustee Mark Henderson further noted that since 3 Rivers is a vocational business he would like this to be a vocational based scholarship. With that said, Trustee Mark Henderson made a motion to amend the motion on the floor to read the $500 scholarship would be used for a graduating senior going into a two year vocational higher education program. Chairman Kirk Moore called once and twice for a second to this motion and declared the motion to amend dead due to a lack of a second. It was noted that since the school sets its own criteria for awarding this scholarship the Board did not feel any criteria should be a part of the motion to enter into the program, and the criteria established would not necessarily rule out that the scholarship could be awarded to a student going into a two year vocational program.
There was further discussion of this matter with Trustee Katie Rasmussen noting her support of entering into this agreement as she believes it is the Board’s responsibility to offer any and all opportunities for additional scholarship funds, whereas Trustee Robert Stokes noted that 3 Rivers is not being entirely altruistic as this scholarship will be the only one offered with strings attached. A vote of the motion on the floor was called for. Trustees voting for this motion were: Katie Rasmussen, Sharon Rice, Kirk Moore, and Mark Henderson. Trustees voting against this motion were: Perri Lindgren and Robert Stokes. The motion carried with a 4 to 2 vote (1 absent) so the District will enter into a one year agreement with 3 Rivers Communications to receive a $500 scholarship to be used for a graduating senior’s higher education in exchange for displaying a mutually agreed upon banner supporting the Choteau Bulldogs with the 3 Rivers logo on it in the high school gymnasium.
ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF AND APPROVE RESIGNATION OF HIGH SCHOOL HEAD GOLF COACH Supt. St. John informed the Board that he had received a letter of resignation from Zach Murphy as the 2008-09 High School Head Golf Coach on February 5, 2009. Supt. St. John read this letter to the Board at this time, a copy of which is attached to the minutes of this meeting. Mr. Murphy was very regretful that he could not fulfill this contract, but he is relocating to Havre for a job opportunity that he could not turn down.
A motion was made by Katie Rasmussen, seconded by Mark Henderson and unanimously carried (1 absent) to acknowledge receipt of and approve Zach Murphy’s letter of resignation as the High School Head Golf Coach for the 2008-09 school year.
CONSIDER EMPLOYMENT OF HIGH SCHOOL HEAD GOLF COACH FOR THE 2008-09 SCHOOL YEAR Supt. St. John informed the Board that this position is being advertised with a closing date of February 17th both in house and with the Choteau Acantha so no action can be taken at this time. Supt. St. John noted that the administration hopes to put the top candidate in place right after this closing date, with formal approval by the Board at the March Board meeting, to allow the coach time to be prepared for the start of the program on March 16th.
2009-10 PRELIMINARY BUDGET REPORT Supt. St. John informed the Board that based on the budget information provided at the January regular meeting, it is recommended that the Board support and work towards maintaining the same budget authority in 2009-2010 as adopted in 2008-2009. Supt. St. John went on to state that with anticipated increases in expenditures resulting from inflation and negotiations, our ability to maintain class-sizes in the elementary is jeopardized. If indeed our budget authority is stagnate or even decreases, we need to consider the districts best use of its Title II, Part A allocation. These monies may potentially be used to maintain class-size in an effort to most positively impact student achievement. This would constitute a major decrease in expenditures currently earmarked to meet the district’s professional development goals, but we would look to restore this use of Title II, part A funds by naturally considering reductions of our staff via retirements, while giving all due consideration to accreditation and local curriculum expectations. The Board and administration discussed this position further, with Trustee Robert Stokes noting that the public must be made aware that maintaining the District’s current budget authority will result in additional mills levied at the local level.
CLERK/BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT Clerk Davis reported to the Board on the following matters:
A) Clerk Davis informed the Board that the Teton County Treasurer made the following investments on behalf of the Teton County Investment Committee.
1) $400,000 in a certificate of deposit for 270 days from 1/22/09 with 1st National Bank of Fairfield at 2.51%.
2) $400,000 in a certificate of deposit for 365 days from 1/22/09 with 1st National Bank of Fairfield at 2.85%.
B) Clerk Davis informed the Board that the spring count date on February 2nd showed a drop of 3 to 189 for the K-6 enrollment, a drop of 2 to 76 for the 7-8 enrollment, and a drop of 2 to 127 for the 9-12 enrollment. Clerk Davis noted that all but 1 of these drops was known and taken into consideration so the 3 year ANB average did not change and that is the figure she and Supt. St. John used to calculate the 2009-10 preliminary budgets, so the preliminary budget information presented at the January Board Meeting has not changed at this point.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Supt. St. John had nothing further to report to the Board or wrap up with at this time.
PRINCIPALS’ AND CLERK/BUSINESS MANAGER’S EVALUATIONS Chairman Kirk Moore announced that the next items on the agenda involve individual privacy. Chairman Moore declared that the meeting would be closed while the evaluations of Elementary Principal Chuck Gameon, High School Principal Nate Achenbach, and Clerk/Business Manager Gloria Davis were discussed as he had determined that the demand for individual privacy clearly exceeds the merits of public disclosure. The Board went into executive session with the respective staff members while Supt. St. John presented the Board with an overview of Mr. Gameon’s job performance as the K-6 Elementary Principal, then Mrs. Davis’ job performance as the District Clerk/Business Manager, and finally Mr. Achenbach’s job performance as the 7-12 High School Principal. Chairman Kirk Moore declared the meeting open again for regular business after discussing the above evaluations.
APPROVE PRINCIPAL CONTRACTS Supt. St. John informed the Baord that he would highly recommend that both Mr. Gameon and Mr. Achenbach be rehired as the K-6 and 7-12 principals respectively for the 2009-10 school year. Supt. St. John noted that he not only wants the minutes to reflect the principals have been rehired, but to offer contracts noting that salary and benefits are subject to negotiations so that signed contracts are on file for these positions.
A motion was made by Katie Rasmussen, seconded by Mark Henderson and unanimously carried (1 absent) to employ Charles P. Gameon as the K-6 Elementary Principal for the 2009-10 school year, with salary and benefits subject to final negotiations.
A motion was made by Robert Stokes, seconded by Perri Lindgren and unanimously carried (1 absent) to employ Nathan E. Achenbach as the 7-12 High School Principal for the 2009-10 school year, with salary and benefits subject to final negotiations.
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
ATTEST: _______________________ CLERK _________________________ CHAIRMAN