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Tuesday- September 12, 2006 - 6:30 p.m.
Board Meets New Staff Members – 6:00 p.m.
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
Location: Middle School Library
The Regular Meeting/Public Hearing 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 Thursday, September 7, 2006. 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 Gil Hagen, Craig Wheatley and Maria LaBarbera.
Superintendent Don Bartling and Clerk Diane Cartwright were also in attendance.
Others present: Julie Koehler, Melissa Johnson, Walt Piippo, Nissa Joseph, Angela Armstrong, Jim Nash, Ken Olson, Michael Decker, Rob Spalding, Sandia Barker, Ingrid Pavia, Robert James, Cathy Thompson, Kim Wells, Robert Del Grosso, Etta Mae Schnuerle. Exhibit 1
6:00 p.m. Board Meets New Employees
6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting
Opening by Chairman - Meeting Announcements
Chairman Melanie Staples called the meeting to order. She announced that the Region I Idaho School Board Association meeting will be held October 16th, 2006.
Superintendent Report
Presentation to John Lindberg – Past Chairman of the Board
Superintendent Don Bartling presented John Lindberg with a service plaque. Dr. Bartling thanked Mr. Lindberg for his many years of service and his commitment to the students and community.
Mr. Lindberg stated he appreciates the Board doing their homework and thanked the Superintendent and Business Manager for their efforts.
Student Enrollment
Dr. Bartling reported enrollment is up 17 students from the year before at this time and up 53 students from the end of last year.
Dr. Bartling handed out a comparison of enrollment over the last 12 years. The highest
Enrollment in BoundaryCounty School District was in 1996. The rural areas have had a decline,
but the number of students enrolled is coming back up.
Summer Maintenance Update
Dr. Bartling reported the drainage projects have been completed. The parking lot for high school students needs some work. The sidewalks have been completed and most of the landscaping. Most of the summer maintenance work has been completed. Tim Bertling asked about the leaking in the auditorium. Dr. Bartling stated it was completed last month.
Four-day School Week Review
Dr. Bartling handed the Board a report on the four-day school week. He described the benefits of
the four-day week. He stated there seems to be a positive correlation in 4-day week for
attendance. Exhibit 2 Testing has remained stable or improved.
Dr. Bartling informed the Board that Average Daily Attendance (ADA) in 2004 was 89% and in 2005 was 94.8%. Exhibit 3
Business Manager Report
Cost Savings of Four-day School Week
Business Manager Diane Cartwright stated that a study would have to be done to determine any cost savings in utilities as a result of going from a 5-day school week to a 4-day school week due to the increase in price of natural gas, etc. and the fact that the district is providing utilities to a new, much larger high school. Definite cost savings were $101,107. (Clerk’s note: in addition to the cost savings, for 2005-06 the District budgeted with the anticipation of increased ADA, which would provide increased State Foundation Support in the amount of approximately $160,000.)
Consent Agenda
A. Approval Minutes: August 15, 2006
B. Approval of August, 2006 Accounts Payable
C. Approval of 2006-07 In-Lieu-of-Transportation Requests
D. Approval of the School Based Children’s Mental Health Services Contract
E. Governor’s grants through the Dept. of Education approval for Superintendent to sign.
Dr. Bartling asked for approval to approve and sign any of the $500 Governor’s grants for projects. Tim Bertling moved to approve the consent agenda as presented and allow the Superintendent to approve and sign any future $500 Governor’s grants. Gil Hagen seconded. Motion carried.
Administration/Staff/School Committees/BCEA Reports & Input
Usage of Physic Textbooks and Study Hall for High School – Principal Curt-Randall Bayer
Physic Textbooks
Principal Bayer stated high school teacher Nancy Bucher would like Board approval to use back up textbooks. The books are already owned by the school district, so they are not a purchase issue.
Study Hall at the High School
Principal Bayer informed the Board Debbie Musial would like to put together a study hall on Fridays. He asked permission for Debbie Musial to organize a study hall to be from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Fridays. The study hall would be operated by volunteers. He is not sure how well the study hall would be attended and there would be no mandatory attendance. Craig Wheatley asked if there is a downfall for the district. Principal Bayer stated should not be. If it does not work, it can be shut down. Parents will not be able to call and ask if their child is there. Gil moved to approve both the use of back up physics textbooks and the volunteer organized Friday study hall at the high school. Tim Bertling seconded. Motion carried.
Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony – Principal Dick Behrens
Principal Behrens informed the Board eighth grade staff members met after the last graduation. Staff members would like to move eighth grade graduation to earlier in the day. They would also like the graduation dress code to be financially equitable to all graduates. Mr. Behrens asked for Board approval to form a committee to meet and then make recommendations to the Board on eighth grade graduation. Melanie Staples stated time of day and dress code could be modified. A lot of communities do not have the graduation ceremony. Craig Wheatley moved to authorize a committee be formed to discuss eighth grade graduation and to bring recommendations to the Board. Gil Hagen seconded. Motion carried.
Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) – Curriculum Director Brenda Walter
Brenda Walter handed the Board a packet on Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and discussed standards that have to be met in order for the district to make AYP. Boundary County School District made AYP for the first time in four years. Exhibit 4 A & B
Action Agenda
Policies
1. First Reading
a. Secretary III Job Description – Assistant to the Clerk/Treasurer/Business Manager
Craig Wheatley moved to approve the first reading of the job description for Assistant to the Clerk/Treasurer/Business with the addition to #2 to include taking the minutes at the Board meetings. Tim Bertling seconded. Vote was as follows: Maria LaBarbera, no. Craig Wheatley, Tim Bertling, Melanie Staples and Gil Hagen, yes. Motion carried.
b. 1600 – Code of Ethics for School Board Members – ISBA Policy Update
Maria LaBarbera likes the current Code of Ethics for Board Members better. Craig Wheatley asked what could be gained by switching. Dr. Bartling stated it is an update provided by the Idaho School Board Association (ISBA) and approved by attorney Steve Meade. If it’s working, why change it. Craig Wheatley asked if Steve Meade could explain why the updated policy is better. Dr. Bartling said he talked with Mr. Meade who stated the Board can do what it wants with either policy. Craig Wheatley asked Dr. Bartling to ask Steve Meade where the flaws are in the current policy.
Craig Wheatley moved to table it until the opinion of Steve Meade is received.
2. Second Reading – ISBA Policy Updates
a. 1110 Election e. 4130 Public Access to Dist. Records
b. 1530 Records
Available to Public f. 4300 Conduct on School Property
c. 2390 LEP
Program g. 5320 Drug-Free Workplace
d. 3296 Bullying Awareness Week h. Acquisition, Use and Disposal of Property
Discussion was held regarding the above stated proposed policies. Craig Wheatley moved to approve the above policy updates with the exception of f. and g. Gil Hagen seconded motion carried.
Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) Grant
Dr. Bartling visited with Mayor Kerby to see if he has any ideas for funding the grant matching requirement. City Administrator Steve Boreman was present at the Board meeting to answer questions. The District would pay 1/3 of the cost of paving the parking lots at Valley View Elementary so the cost to the District would be $77,000.
Steve Boreman stated grants are complicated. Some grants come with quite a few requirements. The purpose of the CMAQ grant is to reduce air quality problems. The cost for paving would be $217,000. Construction would be in 2009. The District would have to pay $11,000 next spring. In the spring of 2009 the District would send the balance of the grant match to the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and they would oversee and administer the grant. The costs for the project were estimated last year. A 15% inflation was considered but might not cover all the expenses. The grant might not be adequate and the District might have to scale back. The District would be responsible for any overage. Part of the engineering costs are for running it through the ITD process. Dr. Bartling stated the district just got out of debt. The paving, however, would address long term drainage issues. The paving would also address long term maintenance issues. The City knows it is easier to maintain paving than gravel. Dust control is currently costing $4,000 per year. Melanie Staples stated she appreciates the grant, but when the District lacking teachers it is hard to justify the cost.
Craig Wheatley asked the District could do smaller projects through the state? Probably not, per Mr. Boreman.
Craig Wheatley stated that the grant has no direct impact on student education.
Craig Wheatley moved to gratefully decline the CMAQ grant do to lack of current funding. Tim Bertling seconded. Motion carried.
Maintenance Pick-up Replacement – Jim Bace
Dr. Bartling handed out cost quotes for a new pick-up. Currently, Maintenance Supervisor Jim Bace is driving a 1996 Chevrolet pickup with high mileage. The cost of repairs are large. Dr. Bartling asked that the Board approve the purchase of a new pickup with the funding coming out of the sale of property.
Craig Wheatley recommended looking for a used pickup, one to two or so years older.
Craig Wheatley moved to table the decision. Gil Hagen seconded. Motion carried.
Presenters/Visitors
Student Eligibility for Activities – Rhonda Bandelin
Rhonda Bandelin stated Summer school is great program, but the seats need to be full. She stated this last summer the summer school teacher did a great job. Ms. Bandelin questioned the policy that summer school students receive a pass/fail rather than a grade. Her opinion is if a student is not eligible for extracurricular in the fall because of ineligibility due to grades at the end of the previous school year, they should be able to take summer school and bring their grade point average (GPA) up so they would become eligible. Ms. Bandelin feels summer school should be an incentive. She would like the policy changed.
Discussion was held regarding policy.
High School Vice Principal/Athletic Director Ted Reynolds stated a committee was formed of parents, students, and teachers when the policy was developed. The committee puts policy together and makes recommendations to the Board.
Boundary County Middle School Principal Dick Behrens stated policies are written and the administrators’ jobs are to enforce the policy and make sure it is fair. He stated the policy is fair. If you allow summer school to make a student eligible for extracurricular activities in the fall, those students have the advantage over others the rest of the year. Summer school also does not allow some subjects, so not all students would be able to become eligible.
Melanie Staples stated the Board has to look at the whole picture and do what is best for all students.
Craig Wheatley stated the issue needs to be addressed, but policy should not be changed for one student. At no point should athletics be in lieu of education. The good part is the student can at least practice even if he/she is ineligible.
Etta Mae Schnuerle asked if parents can come to the committee meetings on policy. She told Mr. Reynolds to put it in the paper so everyone knows.
Principal Curt-Randall Bayer stated the number on the committee needs a cap.
Melanie Staples stated the Board will take what has been said and the policy will be reviewed.
Action Agenda Cont.- Correspondence/Personnel/Negotiations
Tim Bertling moved to approve the personnel list as presented. Gil Hagen seconded. Maria LaBarbera abstained. Motion carried.
The list is as follows:
1. Amy Fess as a Kitchen Assistant @ BFHS. This is a part-time position without district
benefits. 2 – 8 hr days, not to exceed 19.5 hrs/wk @$7.75 hr. Starting date is 08-28-06.
2. Elisabeth Faye Hudson as a Kitchen Assistant @ the Middle School. This is part-
time without district benefits. 2 – 8 hr days, not to exceed 19.5 hrs/wk @ $7.75 hr. Starting date is 08-28-06.
3. Cindy Beck as a Kitchen Assistant @ the Middle School. This is a part-time position
without district benefits. 2 – 8 hr days, not to exceed 19.5 hrs/wk @$7.75 hr. Starting date is 08-28-06.
4. Monay Coon as a Special Ed Pre-School Assistant at Valley View. This is a part-time
position without district benefits, one year only. 4.75 hr/day @ $8.73. Starting date
is 09-05-06. Special Ed funding.
5. Tamara Hooper as a Special Ed Life Skills Assistant @ the Middle School. This is a
part-time position without district benefits, one year only. 4.75hr/day @$9.13 hr.
Starting date is 08-30-06. General Fund
6. Cindy Garmon as a Special Ed Life Skills Assistant @ the Middle School. This is a
full time position with district benefits, one year only. 7.75 hr/day @$8.53/hr.
Starting date is 08-30-06. General Fund
7. Tina Clausen as a Special Ed Life Skills Assistant @ Valley View. This is a
full time position with district benefits, one year only. 7.75 hr/day @ $8.93/hr.
Starting date is 08-30-06. General Fund
8. Bethany Cavendar as an Instructional Assistant of Language and Reading @ Naples.
This is a part-time, temporary position 7 hrs/day, 4 days/wk @ $11.73/hr (Step 1 –
60 credits - Title 1 Salary Schedule). Starting date 09-11-06, ending date 12-21-06.
No district benefits – funded by Naples School Improvement Grant
9. Teri Roney as a Classroom Aide – 5th Grade @ Valley View. This is a part-time
position without district benefits, one year only. 4-4.5 hrs/day – 4 days/wk @$8.53/hr.
Starting date is 09-05-06. General Fund
10. Pamela Moe as a Classroom Aide – 5th Grade @ Valley View. This is a part-time
position without district benefits, one year only. 4-4.5 hrs/day – 4 days/wk @$8.53/hr.
Starting date is 09-05-06. General Fund
11. Valerie Sorenson as Secretary 1 @ the Middle School. This is a part-time, permanent
position without district benefits. 19.5 hrs/wk @ $8.53/hr. Starting date is 08-30-06.
12. Andy Rice as Football Coach @ the Middle School. Contract amt 7 wks @$129/wk
2006 Season - $903
13. Danny Swift as a Football Coach @ the Middle School. Contract amt 7 wks @$129/wk
2006 Season - $903
14 Joel Minor as a Football Coach @ the Middle School. Contract amt 7 wks @ $129/wk
2006 Season - $903
15. Melissa Johnson as Rural Elementary School/ 6th grade Counselor. 1.0 FTE – 5yrs
Experience with placement on the salary schedule at MA + 18 - contract amt $36,636 + MA stipend $1,195 = $37,831.
16. Stipend for Angela Armstrong - $2,000 for Migrant Program - $2,000 for LEP program
Migrant Budget – 252-512-110-000-000-0
17. Substitute bus drivers: base pay $11.01/hr
Jeff Cook
Doug Reoch
Wayne Wilkerson
18 Substitutes for 06-07 school year:
Classified substitute pay: Teacher assistant: $7.40/hr
Secretary, Custodian, Title 1 Assistant: $8.53/hr
Certified substitute pay: $70.00/day without teaching certificate: $60.00/day
Substitute Teachers:
Janet Aubuchon
David Carpenter
Theresa Clizer
Janice Frederickson
Kristy Kellogg
Everett Kent
Laura Kimball
Judith Mace
Robin Merrifield
Jeannie Robinson
William Douglas Shryock
Donna Wooten
19. Ron Large as Custodian @ the Middle School. This is a part-time position without
district benefits. 19 hrs/wk @ $9.13/hr. (Step 3) Starting date is 09-11-06.
20. Jennie Starr as Custodian @ BFHS. This is a part-time position without district
benefits. 19 hrs/wk @ $8.73/hr. (Step 1) Starting date is 9-11-06.
21. Resignation of Al Lopez as Custodian at Riverside High School.
22. Merle Dinning as Custodian @ Riverside High School. This is a part-time position
without district benefits. 3 hrs/day – 12 hrs/wk @ $8.53/hr. Starting date is 9-11-06.
Trustee Input/Future Agenda Item
November 8-11, 2006 ISBA Convention at the DoubleTree Riverside in Bois
Adjournment
8:30 Craig Wheatley moved to adjourn. Tim Bertling seconded. Motion carried.
_____________________________ ___________________________