Special Trustee Workshop

January 18, 2008

Boundary County School District Office

7:00 a.m.

A special meeting of the Board of Trustees of Boundary County School District No. 101 was convened at the above stated time and date, pursuant to authority provided by Section 33-510 and 67-2345, Idaho Code, and pursuant to affirmation by the clerk that written notice was conspicuously posted at the District Administration Office, Valley View, Naples, Mt. Hall and Evergreen Elementary Schools, Bonners Ferry High School, Riverside High School, Boundary County Middle School, Bonners Ferry Herald Office, and the Boundary County Courthouse on 14^th day of January, 2008. Trustees had actual notice of the time and date of meeting via telephone.

Chairman Melanie Staples, and Trustees Gil Hagen, Maria LaBarbera and Sulét Hiatt were present. 

Superintendent Dr. Don Bartling was also in attendance.

Others present: Donna Capurso, Ingrid Elena Pavia. Exhibit 1

Opening

7:00 a.m. Chairman Melanie Staples called the special workshop to order. No decisions were made.

I.   Review Goals

Short Term

            1.  Contingent Fund – Cushion for emergency situations.  The Board wants to maintain this fund.

            2.  Balanced Budget – At half year point the district is at 49% of its budget.  83% of the budget is          salaries, so looking sound.  Plowing and ground maintenance costs went up due to increase in fuel   costs.  Broken pipe and wiring costs are to be added.  Jim Bace and Dr. Bartling’s 10 year Facility   Plan includes painting a building and they hope to carry through this coming year.  At the           February Board Meeting budget requests will be heard.  Maintenance issues being dealt with at      that meeting are the lawn mowing contract which includes the new girl’s softball field.  Patron     Ingrid Pavia commented that the snow at the high school is piled up and on the streets by the             storage buildings and needs to be removed. 

            3.  Improving Communication – Thanks to Ed Katz for doing a great job on the website.  Next week the district policies will be included.  Dr. Bartling is speaking with Gwen Albers at the         Bonners Ferry Herald regarding the inclusion of a “School Notes” section in the newspaper. 

            4.  Employee Heath Insurance – Expected to increase about $700,000 yearly.  The school currently      provides $400 per eligible employee and it especially affects the classified personnel as many are             working just for the insurance.  Still needs further discussion.

            5.  Increase Study Skills – Taking a positive approach and it is looking good so far. 

Long Term

            1.  Balance Out Class Sizes Within District – currently being addressed.

            2.  Provide Security to Outlying Schools – Maria LaBarbera suggested a partnership between the          schools and the police department.  Patron Ingrid Pavia volunteered to write a grant if needed.          Further information needs to be gathered regarding costs and status of outdated surveillance       systems currently being used. 

II.  Agenda Format

Discussion was held on the current board meeting agenda format with the following suggestions:  Having the executive session earlier in the meeting, defining agenda items, and including a calendar of upcoming events.  Electronic communication devices were discussed with implications to Board Policy.

III. Annual Review Workshop Items - No discussion was held.

Adjournment

8:45 a.m.

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Chairman Melanie M. Staples