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Tuesday- March 13, 2007
Board of Trustee Regular Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Location: Middle School Library
The Regular Meeting/Workshop 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, Evergreen, and Mt. Hall Elementary Schools, Bonners Ferry High School, Boundary County Middle School, Bonners Ferry Herald Office, and the Boundary County Courthouse on Wednesday, March 7, 2007. Trustees had actual notice of the time and date of meeting via verbal and written communication.
Board Members Present: Chairman Melanie Staples, Vice-Chairman Tim Bertling and Trustees Maria LaBarbera, Gil Hagen and Craig Wheatley.
Superintendent Don Bartling, Clerk Diane Cartwright and Assistant Clerk Laurie Smith-Tremble were also in attendance.
Others Present: Dick Behrens, Walt Pippo, Jillian Anderson, Angela Armstrong, Brenda Walter, Ken Olson, Francine Santoro, Craig Anderson, Jan Bayer, Rob Kent, Carrick Remaley, Leonard Eby, Paul Bonnell, Curt Bayer, Ingrid Elena Pavia, Robert DelGrosso, and Chuck Quillin. Exhibit 1
6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting
I. Opening by Chairman - Meeting Announcements
Melanie Staples encouraged all board members to attend the Idaho School Boards Association Region I Spring Meeting Monday, April 30th in Coeur d'Alene, at Coeur d'Alene High School in the library, N5530 4th St., at 6:00 p.m..
II. Visitors
None
III. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of February 6, 2007 & February 26, 2007 Minutes
B. Approval of February, 2007 Accounts Payable
C. Approval of Personnel List
Sharlene Anderson as a Special Ed Assistant @ Mt. Hall School. This is a classified, temporary, part time position without district benefits. 4 hr/day @ $8.53hr. Starting date is 2-26-07.
Janet Aos as a Title 1 Assistant@ Mt. Hall School. This is a classified, temporary, part time position without district benefits. 4.5 hr/day @ $11.53 hr. 251-512000-111-000. Starting date is 02-26-07.
Noah Grand as a Title 1 Assitant @ Mt. Hall School. This is a classified, temporary, full time position with district benefits through May 31, 2007. 9 hr/day @ $11.53 hr. 251-512000-111-000. Starting date is 02-26-07.
Resignation of Valerie Sorensen as Middle School Secretary March 8, 2007.
Substitute teachers for 06-07 school year:
Nelda Sanchez
Laura Johnson
Tye Bergstrand
Substitute custodian for 06-07 school year:
John Steen
Substitute bus drivers for 06-07 school year:
Joseph Brown
Steve Petesch
Retirement of Carolyn J. Hunt as 1st Grade Teacher at Valley View Elementary after 35 years of service. Effective at the end of the 2006-2007 school year.
Retirement of Walt Piippo as Principal at Valley View Elementary. Effective at the end of the 2006-2007 school year.
Volunteer Coaches for the 2007 Season
Track - Dave Hampton
Baseball - Dan Dinning
Justin Anderson
Steve Petesch
Tim Bertling moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Gil Hagen seconded. Motion carried.
IV. Administration/Staff/School Committees/BCEA Reports & Input
Valley View Principal Retirement – Walt Piippo
Mr. Piippo read his retirement letter addressed to Don Bartling, Superintendent, and the Boundary County School District #101 Board of Trustees. Dr. Bartling and the Board thanked Mr. Piippo for his years of dedicated service and wished him well in his much deserved retirement. Exhibit 2
Report on Robotics Competition – Ed Katz – Unable to attend.
Textbook Report – Brenda Walter
Brenda Walter, Curriculum Director, distributed a report detailing the Current Adoptions of Textbooks for 2006-2007. Exhibit 3 During the last and current school years, 27 new textbooks have been adopted. One at the 7th -8th grade level in Language Arts which has a total of 13 textbooks in use, 5 between the 6th and High School level in Social Studies which has 14 textbooks in use, 2 at the High School level in Humanities which has 7 textbooks in use, 10 thru all levels in Mathematics which has 13 textbooks in use, 1 at the High School level in Science which has 15 textbooks in use, 8 for Preparatory Technology which has 23 textbooks in use, and no new adoptions in Health which has 5 textbooks in use. Ms. Walter stated there are definitely some areas in need of upgrading such as social studies, technology and science. The goal is to streamline the areas into one publisher as was accomplished with the adoption of the Everyday Math program for this school year. Ms. Walter reported that Idaho State Superintendent Tom Luna included a textbook allowance in his proposed budget for the 2008 fiscal year. Ms. Walter said the costs of textbooks are increasing and currently are $80-$85 at the secondary level with some math textbooks costing over $100, $50-$60 at the elementary level, and an additional 10% for shipping. Also, there are the separate costs for ancillary materials and equipment, especially for math and science. Ms. Walter has an upcoming presentation scheduled with a textbook publisher which offers an option where the district and teacher can decide what material they want included in a textbook to accommodate their particular area of focus thereby eliminating unneeded material and reducing cost. Maria LaBarbera asked how much the new Everyday Math program cost. Ms. Walter said she has not added up all the costs and funds were used out of last year’s and this year’s budget, but she believes the cost is at least $140,000 for the textbooks and ancillary materials. Ms. Walter noted that due to the No Child Left Behind Act, federally funded reading programs and materials need to be research based. Ingrid Pavia inquired whether downloading textbooks from the internet would provide a cost saving option while providing the most current information. Ms. Walter stated it is much more cost effective to purchase books than download and print. Rob Kent, Technology Coordinator, agreed and addressed the districts limits in our current internet capabilities. Ms. Walter did add the internet does provide excellent resources for teachers. Craig Wheatley asked what the districts book cost per student is. Ms. Walter did not have an exact figure but dividing the number of students into the $108,000 budgeted should provide the per pupil expenditure. Dr. Bartling stated a rough figure is probably $70 to $80 per student. Ms. Walter noted as the past levy amounts have gone down we are currently playing catch up on upgrading our textbooks, but we really have come far in the last couple of years. Ms. Walter said as textbooks are replaced the district tries to sell the old ones to recoup some funds. Ms. Walter stated if the district were to immediately upgrade all areas in need it would cost around $250,000 or more, but hopefully if the levy passes and with additional state funding, we will be in a really good place in a few years.
V. Superintendent Report/Business Report
M&O Election Update
Dr. Bartling reported on his many Supplemental Maintenance and Operations Levy (M&O) Election presentations throughout the county and that the Boundary County Commissioners and Bonners Ferry City Council have made official motions supporting the approval of the M&O Levy. Dr. Bartling provided a summary of the School Improvement Survey which was sent home to parents. Exhibit 4. Dr. Bartling stated he is very pleased with the results, which are much more positive than 4 or 5 years ago and he is going to give a copy to the newspaper. Dr. Bartling wanted the board to be aware that due to the retirement of the current .5 High School Choral Instructor position, the possibility of combining that with Middle School’s .5 Music Instructor position and advertise accordingly. It would be simpler and provide cost savings due to only one benefit package being provided. It was agreed to advertise for one position.
VI. Action Agenda
Bond Refinance – Bud Way, Wells Fargo
Dr. Bartling wants to consider refinancing the BCSD’s 2003 Bonds which could save around $200,000. Bud Way of the Public Finance Department with Wells Fargo stated the 2003 General Obligation Bonds currently include $3,525,000 which are protected through 2013 and $6,260,000 which are available for refinancing. Mr. Way stated he had been given the parameters of a minimum savings of $200,000 over the life of the debt for the refinancing to be considered by the BCSD #101 and its Board of Trustees. Mr. Way has been monitoring the market and believes those parameters can be met now. Mr. Way noted that Idaho bonds are more readily received in the market place due to the difficulty in their being passed in the first place. If the refinance took place in the market as of yesterday a savings of $206,000 would be realized. The District will be issuing new bonds with the same expenses but under current rules, municipalities do not expend any out of pocket monies as the costs are absorbed in the refund, so the $206,000 savings is after expenses. The estimated expenses would be $25,000 which include but are not limited to; Bond Attorney Fee, Escrow Verification Report from a CPA, Paying Agent, Registrar, and Official Statement Fee. A Preliminary Official Statement is presented out in the market to sell the bonds. Mr. Way stated there are not many refundings, but BCSD #101 does qualify. Dr. Bartling stated the savings is to the tax payers of the county. Bud Way stated the savings are in the lower interest rate. Craig Wheatley asked where the fees are. Mr. Way said the fees are captured in the interest rate. The interest rate is expected to be 3.87% for the $6,260,000 bond. Craig Wheatley asked if three different institutions would provide the same numbers. Bud Way stated there are costs of doing business and the underwriting fee is built into the interest rate and believes the estimated $25,000 is slim. Tim Bertling stated it is a win-win situation. Bud Way said he could provide comparables, what the market is doing and what other districts are doing and noted that there is no cost obligation until the bonds are sold. Dr. Bartling stated the board was satisfied with Mr. Way as their agent. Mr. Way presented a Parameters Resolution which includes the parameters already provided to Wells Fargo and if it could be approved tonight it would save about 3 weeks operation time and would allow Wells Fargo to get started. Melanie Staples, Gil Hagen and Tim Bertling all agreed only if it doesn’t cost the district anything. Tim Bertling moved to sign the Parameters Resolution allowing Wells Fargo to begin the process of refinancing the 2003 General Obligation Bond in the amount of $6,260,000. Gil Hagen seconded. Motioned carried with Craig Wheatley opposing. Mr. Wheatley stated it is too significant of a decision to make without having any documentation. Mr. Way noted that as we proceed everyone is very involved and he will be working closely with Dr. Bartling and the Board. Mr. Wheatley asked Mr. Way if interest rates go up does our position get better or worse. Mr. Way stated, worse. Mr. Wheatley changed his voted to yes. See Resolution #2006-07-06. Exhibit5.
Correspondence/Personnel/Negotiations
2006-07 Administrative Evaluations
Dr. Bartling would like to recommend approval of the 2006-07 Administrative Evaluations. Tim Bertling moved to approve the 2006-07 Administration Evaluations. Gil Hagen seconded. Motion carried.
Acceptance of Invitation to Begin Contract Negotiations from the Boundary County Education Foundation (BCEA). Gil Hagen moved to accept the invitation to begin contract negotiations with the Boundary County Education Foundation (BCEA). Craig Wheatley seconded. Motion carried.
Policies – 2nd Reading
Policy – Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA) 2168 & 2168P
Policy – Substitute Hiring Procedure 5701 & 5701F(4) & 5702 & 5702F & 5702F & 5703 5705
Dr. Bartling stated these policies have been before the BCSD’s Executive Council twice and are now ready for board approval. Dr. Bartling also noted Maria LaBarbera’s help and suggestions on the Substitute Hiring Procedure Policy and that the legislature is looking to put more funding into the Idaho Distance Learning Academy (IDLA) program. Melanie Staples voiced her concern of the increased work load for the counselors. Dr. Bartling stated it is the Principal’s decision if the student can take the class for credit. Patron Ingrid Pavia inquired about the student’s ability to work on the IDLA course at home. Dr. Bartling stated they could work at home but the testing has to take place at school. Dr. Bartling also noted the district still gets the ADA funding and some school districts are waiving the $50 fee because they receive the ADA. Tim Bertling stated it is definitely something that will need to be monitored and Gil Hagen agreed. Gil Hagen moved to approve the 2nd reading of Policies 2168 & 2168P Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA) and 5701, 5701F(4), 5702, 5702F, 5703 and 5705 Substitute Hiring Procedure. Tim Bertling seconded. Motion carried. Clerk note: At the 4/19/07 Regular Board Meeting a motion was made revising the 2nd reading to final reading and adoption of these policies.
2007-08 School Calendar - 1st Reading- Exhibit 6
Jan Bayer handed out the first draft of the 2007-2008 School Calendar which has been approved by the Executive Council. Craig Wheatley moved to approve the 1st reading of the 2007-2008 School Calendar. Tim Bertling seconded. Motion carried.
Set Time, Date & Place of Budget Hearing
Diane M. Cartwright stated we are required by law to approve and publish a budget and once the date for the meeting has been set, it can not be changed due to Idaho Code requiring the budget hearing be held 28 days prior the annual meeting. Patron Bob DelGrosso asked if there will be other hearings or meetings prior to the budget hearing and Dr. Bartling recommended workshops before the board meetings be held. Gil Hagen moved to set June 12, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. in the BCMS Library for the budget hearing. Tim Bertling seconded. Motion carried.
Summer School – Extra Curricular Eligibility
Curt-Randall Bayer, HS Principal, reported on Dr. Bartling’s request to look into how extra curricular eligibility at the high school is affected by summer school. Mr. Bayer introduced Mr. Anderson, Chairman of the Building Management Team, to present the opinions of the teachers. Mr. Anderson stated they had canvassed everyone in the building and a definite consensus of opinion was received, and he would like to share a couple of letters which best reflect this opinion. The first letter was from the staff members of the BFHS Special Education Department and they do not support summer school classes being offered for the purpose of athletic eligibility. Exhibit 7. Paul Bonnell, English Department Chair & Cross Country Coach read a letter – Exhibit 8- from Clint Arthur a teacher, coach & former student, which captures many of the views being expressed. One major point was that students who fail to meet the eligibility requirements after the first semester receive no opportunity for a second chance, so summer school credits offer an unfair advantage for fall sports participants. Also, students receive multiple updates on their academic performance throughout the regular school year, so they know when their eligibility is on the line. Mr. Arthur also wrote sports need to provide more than just exercise. They instill concepts such as dedication, responsibility, and work ethic and a firm academic standard helps to solidify these lessons. Mr. Bayer said the general feeling earlier today was to continue with the 2 week program as Pass/Fail and leave status quo, but later in the day it was presented to him the possibility of using IDLA for summer school. The 9 week course through IDLA would provide a letter grade and possible eligibility. Jan Bayer, BFHS teacher, stated other schools which allow summer school grades to count for eligibility have a longer summer school program. Linda Hall, BFHS teacher and parent, stated academics should be foremost and if any parent thinks otherwise they have no right to ask policy to be changed. Students must perform in the classroom. Ms. Bayer said the teachers are available for extra help. Ted Reynolds, BFHS Vice Principal/A.D., stated a Friday study hall has been implemented and that in his 3 years there has been only 1 objection and he believes it was due to misinformation from the summer school staff. Janis Tucker, BFHS teacher and Volleyball Coach, one of her students still practiced when illegible and learned more from the experience than if she could have recouped in summer school; you don’t always get those 2nd chances in life. Mr. Anderson stated his child who is a freshman said this morning, that now is a time of decision for how you are going to live the rest of your life. Melanie Staples stated it is wrong not to have summer school available. Dr. Bartling recommended the IDLA option with eligibility. Tim Bertling disagreed. Mr. Reynolds stated the teachers agree with receiving the alpha grade through the IDLA courses. Craig Wheatley agrees with the IDLA for the grade increase but not for eligibility. Mr. Bayer said that once you recognize the increase for GPA, it will be argued as to why it can not affect eligibility too. Laura Anderson, BFHS Counselor, stated we are in the business of education and if the student can bail themselves out, why not just quit part way through the semester. Mr. Wheatley said if you know ahead of time and it is in policy it should all work out fine. Mr. Bayer said someone out there will challenge it. It is an unfair balance for fall sports. Mr. Bayer then stated it was his job to present to the board what the HS staff believes. Gil Hagen stated his agreement with the faculty. Ingrid Pavia said she appreciates good education and why we can’t give them the opportunity to improve eligibility and shouldn’t we have eligibility be determined 2 semesters out to be fair. Ms. Hall stated life has choices and consequences and students should do the work in the classroom or not at all. Mr. Bayer noted that the IDLA courses have to be alpha graded. Mr. Reynolds said that according to the school handbook if a student re-takes a class an average is given. Dr. Bartling said the board has the discretion to determine averaging too. Ms. Bayer said you’re still giving kids another chance and the handbook states eligibility is checked in June. Ken Olson, RHS Principal and Special Ed. Director, said kids make bad choices and summer school gives them opportunity to amend those choices; just because a student makes a bad choice their summer options should not be taken away. Ms. Staples asked what about the kids during the school year. Mr. Olson agreed there are passionate pleas on both sides. Ms. Staples believes the IDLA offers the tougher program. Dr. Bartling asked if we want to talk about this for another month. Dick Behrens, MS Principal, loves the Middle School’s policy where the students miss 4 ˝ weeks of the program. Dr. Bartling realizes this is a big decision but we do need to advertise for positions for summer school. He also stated that the IDLA currently offers 65 courses. Bob DelGrosso stated playing sports is a privilege and slackers do not set examples, and I would not let my kid participate in a program if he messed up. Ms. Staples asked to close discussion. Tim Bertling moved to continue the summer school program as is - 2 weeks in length and pass/fail grading and to table the decision on IDLA inclusion for one more month. Craig Wheatley seconded. Motion carried.
One Qualified Candidate – No Election Instruct Clerk to Declare Candidate Elected.
Clerk Diane Cartwright informed the board that pursuant to Idaho Code 33-502B, if only 1 qualified candidate has been nominated to fill the position of Trustee “no election shall be held for that position…and the school district clerk with written permission from the Board, shall within 13 days before the scheduled date of the election declare such candidate elected as trustee…” Tim Bertling moved that pursuant to Idaho Code 33-502B, if only 1 candidate has been nominated to fill the position of Trustee, the Clerk may declare such candidate elected within 13 days prior to the scheduled election. Gil Hagen seconded. Motion carried.
Trustee Input/Future Agenda Items
Melanie Staples reminded everyone about the date change of the April Board Meeting to the 19th.
Executive Session: Idaho Code 67-2345(a)(c) Personnel/Legal Report/Negotiations or Adjournment
Chairman Staples announced the next order of business would be discussion of personnel, negotiations and legal matters. After a full and complete discussion upon a motion duly made by Craig Wheatley and seconded by Tim Bertling, the following resolution be adopted:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of Boundary County School District No. 101 recess from a public meeting into an executive session pursuant to Section 67-2345, Idaho Code, for discussion of personnel.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that following the executive session the board will reconvene in regular session for the purpose of conducting further business or for adjournment of the meeting. Vote being had on the above and foregoing resolution and the same having been counted and found to be no less than two-thirds (2/3) of the membership in favor thereof, the chairman declared said resolution adopted.
The trustees entered an executive session at 8:37 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, 2007 and returned at 9:27 p.m. March 13, 2007.
9:27 p.m. Chairman Staples called the meeting back to order.
Acceptance of Superintendent Evaluation
Craig Wheatley moved to accept Dr. Bartling’s Evaulation. Maria LaBarbera seconded. Motion carried. Craig Wheatley moved to give a vote of confidence to Dr. Bartling, Superintendent. Tim Bertling seconded. Motion carried.
Adjournment
9:30 p.m. Craig Wheatley moved to adjourn. Gil Hagen seconded. Motion carried.
_______________________________ ____________________________
Chairman Melanie M. Staples Assistant Clerk Laurie Tremble
_______________________________
Clerk Diane M. Cartwright