Tuesday - December 11, 2007

Regular Meeting: 6:30 p.m.

Location: Boundary County Middle School Library

The Regular 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, Evergreen, and Mt. Hall Elementary Schools, Bonners Ferry High School, Boundary County Middle School, Riverside High School, Bonners Ferry Herald Office, Boundary County Courthouse, and the KBFI/KPND Radio Station (PSA) on Wednesday, December 5, 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, Trustees Maria LaBarbera, Gil Hagen and Sulét Hiatt. 

Superintendent Don Bartling, Clerk Diane M. Cartwright and Assistant Clerk Laurie Smith-Tremble were also in attendance.

Others Present:    Robert C. Del Grosso, Donna Capurso, Rick Braun, Chuck Quillin, Angela Armstrong, Brenda Walter, Dick Behrens, Cindy Orr, Vicki D. Downing, Elsie Hollenbeck, Grace Siler, Ingrid Elena Pavia, Lori Plato, Wendy Bertling, Sharman Hollenbeck, Geoff Hollenbeck, Ken Olson, Jim Nash. Exhibit I.

6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting

Opening by Chairman - Meeting Announcements

Pledge of Allegiance – Cub Scout Pack #188

Chairman Melanie Staples welcomed Cub Scout Pack #188 who was present to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.  Board Trustee Sulét Hiatt is their Cub Scout Leader and the scouts provided an explanation of each line of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Student Recognition - BFHS Boy’s Soccer 2007 State 3A Champions – Wayne Wilkerson

Chairman Melanie Staples introduced the Bonners Ferry High School Boy’s Soccer 2007 State 3A Champions and their coach Wayne Wilkerson.  The team’s captain Andrew Galloway thanked the Board and the community for their support and presented the Board with a picture of the team.  Coach Wilkerson said his is extremely proud of the boys and how hard they worked.  He also thanked the community and school district for all their support.   

I.  Visitors

Mt. Hall Water

Chairman Staples asked Ingrid Pavia if she would please direct her questions to the Mission Creek Water Board.  Ingrid stated she had some additional information.  Chairman Staples asked her to deliver the information to Dr. Bartling.  Ms. Pavia said okay.

Patron Appreciation

Elsie Hollenbeck expressed her appreciation to the Board of Trustees for working hard to open the lines of communication with the community and all the effort put forth by the Chairman and all the trustees.  Chairman Staples thanked Ms. Hollenbeck for her kind words.   

II.  Superintendent Report/Business Report

School Closure/Dismissal Notification Procedures

Dr. Bartling explained the procedures for school closure notification in which the district has a “Calling Tree” in place which includes all employees, channels 2, 4 & 6, 3 radio stations, district hotline 267-8934 and the district’s webpage at www.bcsd101.com.    

MRSA Update 

Dr. Bartling asked the Administration Team at their last meeting if there were any newly reported cases and no new cases have been reported since October 30^th.  The district purchased liquid disinfectant dispensers and other items totaling $7,007 at this time.  Dr. Bartling expressed his thanks to the schools for successful handling of the situation.

Mt. Hall Water System Update

Dr. Bartling stated there is currently plenty of water at Mt. Hall and they should have a filtration system in place by February 1, 2008.  The system currently being reviewed by Jim Wilson with the Rural Community Assistance Corporation is the Reverse Osmosis System and he will be contacting different companies for quotes.  Dr. Bartling said he should have a recommendation by the January meeting.  Dr. Bartling also stated there have been no problems reported and no complaints. 

Donations

Dr. Bartling shared some really wonderful news in regards to the request Debbie Musial, on behalf of the Booster Club, was going to present to the Board to match the Booster Clubs contribution of $2,500 for new band equipment. Exhibit II.  Dr. Bartling received a phone call from a local philanthropist who is donating the matching $2,500 as well as $16,500 for 15 new computers at the high school.  Dr. Bartling had initially submitted a wish list totaling about $50,000 of needs through a third party acting on behalf of the donor who wishes to remain anonymous.  The Board expressed its gratitude and appreciation. 

III. Consent Agenda   Exhibit III

A.  Approval of Minutes: November 13, 2007

B.  Approval of November, 2007 Accounts Payable

C.  Approval of In-Lieu-of-Transportation:

D.  Approval to Purge Election Materials – M&O

E.  Approval of Closure of Schools Due to Excess Snow - All Schools

F.  Approval of Closure of Schools Due to No Heat – Bonners Ferry High School

G.  Approval of Closure of Schools Due to Water Damage – Mt. Hall     

H.  Personnel

            1.  Approval Personnel List

                  1.  Approve Jenny Mackey’s transfer from 2 hours per day BCMS Librarian and .7 fte seventh and                eighth grade ISAT Intervention Teacher to BCMS 8^th Grade Language Arts Instructor effective                     December 3, 2007. BA+0 with 0 yrs. Exp.; 104 remaining contract days @ $190.19 per day totaling                $19,839 for remaining year. Benefits included. GF – Category I – one year only.

                  2.  Approve Theresa Clizer as Special Education Preschool Aide at Valley View Elementary effective            December 3, 2007 with 3 years exp. - $9.38 per hour/7.75 hours per day with benefits. This is a school                  year position - Title VI-B funded.

                  3. Approve Bev Heigel as Special Education Teacher’s Assistant at BCMS effective November 12,                2007 - $8.78 per hour/7.75 hours per day with benefits. This is a school year position – GF.

                  4.  Approve Wendy White as Kitchen Aide at BFHS and Valley View effective November 19, 2007 –            19 hours per week/4 days per week (4.75 hours/day) - $7.98 per hour – no benefits. This is a school                      year position paid through food service.

                  5.  Approve Shaun Watt as a volunteer as needed second semester at BFHS as an in school suspension          monitor.

6.  Boundary County School District #101 made a good faith effort in attempting to hire someone with the appropriate certification when replacing the current Drama Instructor at BFHS who has resigned. The Board moves to approve Jennifer Murphy as Drama Instructor effective 1-7-2008 and the Board approves applying to the State Department of Education (SDE) for a Provisional Authorization/Alternate Route to Certification. Ms. Murphy has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Sociology. Pay as per negotiated salary schedule. 89 days left of a 163 day contract year:  Category I. No benefits. GF.

                  7.  Approve the following as substitutes:

            Mara Hanson – Teacher, Custodial, Food Service

                              Shannon Simmons - Teacher

                              Estela M. Overman - Teacher

                              Angela M. Finch – Food Service

                  8.  Volunteers:

                              BFHS Wrestling:  Don Dinning, Steve Boorman, Rex Koehler

I.   Approval of Art & Geometry Curriculum Grant – Vicki Downing from Riverside High School said 20 teachers,             including herself, from all over Idaho created a curriculum consisting of ten lessons combining geography   and art.  The expenses were all paid by the Monsanto Company and there was enough money left over for        stipends for other materials.  Chairman Staples asked if the district pays the stipend of $500 and then is            reimbursed by the State.  Diane M. Cartwright asked if the initial $350 includes reimbursement for the            substitute which was necessary during Ms. Downing’s absence for the training class.  Ms. Downing said she             has submitted the form for reimbursement  

Chairman Staples asked if there was any dissent regarding the Consent Agenda.  In the absence of any dissent Chairman Staples approved the Consent Agenda.

IV. Administration/Staff/School Committees/BCEA Reports & Input

Parent Math Night – Brenda Walter

Brenda Walter handed out a schedule of the Parent Math Nights and Professional Development sessions with Dr. Cynthia Thomas which took place in November.  Exhibit IV.  Ms. Walter stated the Parent Math Nights will now be an annual event and all the schools had a really large turn out and the information provided was well received.  Angela Armstrong, Mt. Hall Principal, said it was really useful to have Dr. Thomas available to work with the staff and with her assistance, it went really smoothly and 137 people turned out.  Jim Nash, Naples and Evergreen Principal, said it was nicely put together and everyone enjoyed the activities and the event could have gone longer than the allotted time.  Cindy Orr, Valley View Principal, stated one of the most positives aspects was the parents left with games they could play with their children.  Valley View had 109 people attend which was a great turnout considering it was the night of the big storm.  Ms. Walter said Dr. Thomas had allowed the individual schools to create their own presentations. 

VI. Action Agenda

Approve/Disapprove the Idaho Meth Project – Francine Santoro

Francine Santoro handed out information regarding the Idaho Meth Project.  Exhibit V.   Ms. Santoro had previously distributed a Meth or Life DVD, provided to her by the Idaho Education Association, to the Board and Administrators at the BCMS, RHS and BFHS and asked for their reactions.  Tim Bertling stated that he believed at the middle school level some of the students may blank out some of the information, but the high school will get something out of it.  Ms. Santoro said meth is the current drug of choice and it is cheap and easy to get.  This project is intended to prevent that first time use.  Chairman Staples said she likes how it is about Idaho kids.  Gil Hagen stated he like the realism and graphic nature.  Mr. Bayer said he gave the DVD to Janis Tucker to watch and she is going to incorporate it into her health class.  Mr. Bayer doesn’t believe it lends itself to an all school assembly presentation and needs to be shown in a small classroom environment.  Patron Ingrid Pavia asked about it being shown in advisory class.  Mr. Bayer said the advisory classes are only 25 minutes long, although that class size would be appropriate.  Ms. Santoro said in her classroom at Evergreen Elementary she has children with parents that are meth users and nurses and doctors say once addicted won’t even choose their children over the drug.  Ms. Santoro read the goal of the Idaho Meth Project is to significantly reduce the prevalence of first-time methamphetamine use in Idaho and to achieve this goal they are establishing a program that will be active in three areas:  Public Service Messaging, public policy and community action.  Ms. Santoro said utilizing this DVD would be a start.  Gil Hagen moved to approve the presentation of the Idaho Meth Project DVD, Meth or Life, at the Boundary County Middle School, Riverside High School, and the Bonners Ferry High School.  Tim Bertling seconded.  Motion carried. 

Policies

1^st Reading – Policy 1520-2 Public Participation at Board Meetings

Patron Robert Del Grosso asked to speak in reference to Policy 1520-2 and stated that the public generally does not know what policy or changes are being discussed.   Mr. Del Grosso believes in open communication between government bodies and making public information easily accessible.  Maria LaBarbera moved to postpone the 1^st Reading of Policy 1520-2 Public Participation at Board Meetings.  Motion died.  Tim Bertling moved to approve the 1^st reading of Policy 1520-2 Public Participation at Board Meetings.  Sulét Hiatt seconded.  Motion carried.  

Approve/Disapprove Request for .5 FTE Health/Science Teacher at Riverside High School – Exhibit VI.

Ken Olson presented the request for an additional half-time Health/Science instructor to meet the needs for growth at Riverside High School and in light of the challenge of meeting core course requirements with a small staff and the highly qualified teacher requirement.  Vicki Downing stated the need for the additional teacher lead classroom time as many of the kids find this interaction invaluable, but that the Idaho Digital Learning Academy, IDLA, will still be part of the school.  Chairman Staples asked how many students are currently enrolled at RHS.  Ms. Downing said enrollment is up to 40 students and RHS will be graduating 15 seniors this year, three in January and the rest in June.   Jan Moyer presented the two options:  Plan A– Half-time teacher to teach one period of high school health and one period of science each of the next two quarters of the 2007-08 school year.  Plan B – Half-time teacher to teach science and health professions (as opposed to health), which would include working with the hospital.  Tim Bertling said many classes in the district are way over the student/teacher ratio and if this is approved it would open the floodgates.  Mr. Olson said this is a one time request and for one year only.  Sulét Hiatt said her concern is about how the students will get the credits for graduation if we don’t provide them.  Ms. Staples commended the RHS staff for their commitment, but the Board is between a rock and a hard place.  Tim Bertling moved to disapprove the request for a .5 FTE Health/Science teacher at RHS.  Maria LaBarbera seconded.  Motion carried.  Ms. LaBarbera asked how many teachers are helping and working with IDLA?  Mr. Olson said Greg Springett and a classified staff member who puts in 1.5 hours a day.  Ms. Staples asked if the Title-I staff person helps.  Vicki Downing said the Title-I staff person does not help at all as she has her students all day long

 Reschedule January Board Meeting

Chairman Staples stated the choices to change the January board meeting to are the 10^th, 14^th and 17^th.  The need for the change is due to the staff just returning from winter break.  Maria LaBarbera moved to reschedule the January board meeting to Thursday, January 10, 2008.  Tim Bertling seconded.  Motion carried.  Gil Hagen voting nay. 

VII.    Trustee Input/Future Agenda Items

Workshop Date

The Board scheduled a workshop for January 18, 2008 at 7:00 a.m. at the BCSD #101 District Office. 

VIII. Executive Session: Idaho Code 67-2345(a) Personnel

Chairman Staples announced the next order of business would be discussion of personnel matters.  After a full and complete discussion upon a motion duly made by Tim Bertling and seconded by Gil Hagen, 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.

Chairman Staples called a five minute recess at 7:35 p.m.

The trustees entered an executive session at 7:43 p.m. Tuesday, December 11, 2007 and returned at   

8:20 p.m. Tuesday, December 11, 2007.

IX.     Adjournment

Tim Bertling moved to adjourn at 8:20 p.m.  Gil Hagen seconded.  Motion carried. 

_______________________________                      ____________________________

Chairman Melanie M. Staples                            Assistant Clerk Laurie Tremble

_______________________________

Clerk Diane M. Cartwright