Home
|
Home |
|
Tuesday- December 12, 2006 - 6:00 p.m.
Board of Trustee Meeting/Workshop
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, December 6, 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 Craig Wheatley, Maria LaBarbera and Gil Hagen.
Superintendent Don Bartling, Clerk Diane Cartwright and Assistant Clerk Laurie Smith-Tremble were also in attendance.
Others Present: Gail Reoch, Walt Piippo, Carrick Remaley, Dick Behrens, Curt-Randall Bayer, Jim Nash, Chuck Quillin and Andrea LaPlante. Exhibit 1
6:00 p.m. Workshop on Surveys, Wellness Policy and Audit Follow-up
Surveys
A discussion was held regarding sending a survey to parents for their input on the current four day school week as well as district and state funding. It was suggested sending the surveys home with report cards in the middle of January. Color coding the surveys by school was recommended to assist in the ease of tracking the results. Maria LaBarbera stressed the importance of making the survey available to the entire community and not just to parents and guardians.
Board Communication
Melanie Staples stated her desire to improve communication between board members so as to keep everyone up to date on all topics.
Wellness Policy
Maria LaBarbera reported on her inquiries into the current Wellness Policy. Ms. LaBarbera stated that Idaho received an F- on a nationwide study. Gail Reoch, the Food Services Supervisor, stated that the Boundary School District #101 (BCSD) has received several awards and to remember concession stands and vending machines are included in the reports Ms. LaBarbera cited. Ms. Reoch also reported on the board approved committee on the Wellness Policy which has had poor attendance. Another meeting is scheduled for January 17, 2006 at Valley View at 6:00 p.m. Ms. Reoch will send out emails to help insure a larger turnout. She would like to be able to make a presentation to school administration after the scheduled meeting. Some suggestions at this point are scheduling changes, especially for the younger children to have recess first and eat after, which was proven by a pilot study at Mt. Hall Elementary in reducing waste and creating calmer classroom environments. Another suggestion would be an open snack of fruit and other healthier foods. Ms. Reoch says the continual problem is who is going to pay. The overall recommendation is for less sugary foods. Ms. Reoch stated that the current chocolate milk has fewer carbohydrates than the white milk.
Audit Follow-Up
Ms. LaBarbera would like the District Administration to report back in 2 to 3 months regarding their actions on the recommended improvements made by Leonard Schulte in his Audit presentation at the November 14, 2006 board meeting. Ms. LaBarbera also inquired as to the existence of documentation as to when and why a student leaves the district? Melanie Staples stated there used to be a form stating such information. Ms. LaBarbera wanted clarification on the Contingency Reserve, and whether or not the Board makes the decision to have one and for how much.
No decisions were made during the workshop.
6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting
I. Opening by Chairman - Meeting Announcements
Tim Bertling requested the visitors be able to make their presentations at the beginning of the meetings. No meeting announcements were made.
II. Visitors
Andrea LaPlante, the Middle School and Valley View Elementary Choir Director, wished to extend an invitation to the board and community to several school holiday programs including:
Band Concert on Thursday, December 14, 2006, the Middle School Choir and High School Choir Concert on Monday, December 18, 2006 and the Valley View Elementary Program on Tuesday, December 19, 2006. All programs are presented at 7:00 p.m.
III. Superintendent Report/Business Report
BCSD #101 Education Foundations
Dr. Bartling reported Roberta Bowen has agreed to be the Executive Director of the Boundary County Education Foundation, Inc. John Lindberg donated $1,000 for 100 hours to compensate Roberta Bowen. The Board of Directors are: John Lindberg, President, Marty Becker, Vice President, Darrell Kerby, Secretary/Treasurer, Rick Dinning, Doug Kim-Brown, Ron Smith, Tim Bertling, BCSD Board representative, and Don Bartling, Superintendent. In an effort to improve their fundraising, the Foundation is initiating a mailing to all Bonners Ferry High School (BFHS) graduates soliciting donations, mini grants, and scholarships and possible funding for other major projects. The Foundation helped raise funds for the Becker Auditorium, and is funding a mini-grant in January to enable the Gifted and Talented Program to purchase a new computer.
Enrollment
Dr. Bartling reported the Migrant population has left for the season causing a decrease in enrollment. Dr. Bartling wanted to stress that this decrease is factored into the budget. Total enrollment as of November 30, 2006 was 1579 compared to 1603 as of October 31, 2006. Average Daily Attendance (ADA) as of November 30, 2006 was 1460 compared to 1549 as of October 31, 2006. Dr. Bartling noted the numbers between Enrollment and ADA usually vary an average of 50 students.
Four Day School Week and School Improvement Surveys
Dr. Bartling would like to distribute a survey to the parents and guardians of the BCSD students regarding the four day school week, areas in need of improvement such as more teachers, more custodians, and whether or not the district meets current needs adequately? Dr. Bartling wants to highlight the difference between district and state funding. Maria LaBarbera would like the survey to be made available to the public as well as parents and guardians. Dr. Bartling asked whether both surveys are for public distribution. Craig Wheatley recommended inclusion of both surveys for all and to ask if you are not in favor of the four day school week, are you willing to pay for the extra costs connected to the five day school week. Melanie Staples wants the public surveys to be signed to alleviate duplication of submissions and Dr. Bartling believes that would increase the credibility as well. Tim Bertling suggested color coding the surveys by building/school for ease in tracking of results. Ms. Staples and Mr. Wheatley both recommended the addition of the District Office’s address in large letters at the top and to return to the school or district office by a certain date. Dr. Bartling stated they would be mailed out with the next report cards in January. Dr. Bartling will present a revised survey at the next board meeting on January 16, 2006 to include explanations of items which will have financial impact and implications.
Shawn Keough, Idaho State Senator
Dr. Bartling reported on his conversation with Idaho State Senator Shawn Keough in which she stated currently her number one priority is changing the Idaho Funding Formula. She has not had time to discuss with other legislators Dr. Bartling’s resolution to change Idaho Code 33-802 to support change in supplemental levies. Dr. Bartling suggested it would be nice to meet with her and members of the Board next time she is in town
Meeting of Five Powers of Boundary County
Dr. Bartling spoke with Mayor Darrell Kerby regarding a Five Powers of Boundary County meeting at the end of January. The Five Powers include, Bonners Ferry City Council, Moyie Springs City Council, Boundary County Commissioners, Kootenai Tribe & Boundary County School District #101.
IV. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes: November 14, 2006 with the correction of Tim Bertling approved for Boundary Education Foundation membership instead of Melanie Staples.
B. Approval of November, 2006 Accounts Payable
C. Approval of Snow Plow Contracts for the 2006-07 Season to Rodney LePoidevin and KG & T Septic.
D. Approval of Closure of Schools Due to Excess Snow on 11/13/06 and 11/27/06.
E. Personnel
Approval of Personnel List as follows:
Candice Lysiak as a Special Ed Assistant @ Valley View School. This is a classified, part-time position without district benefits; 3.5 hrs daily @ 8.53/hr. Starting date is 11-28-06.
Resignation of Cynthia J. Beck as a Kitchen Assistant as of 11-27-06.
An extension of birth leave, Jenny Ansley (BCMS Teacher) to 1-08-07. Extra leave without pay.
Volunteer Coaches @ BFHS:
Wrestling – Don Dinning Girls Basketball – Brion Poston Don Wilson
Kyle Watts
John Tompkins
Charles Ed DePriest as a Physical Ed Teaher at BFHS. This is a full time contract with District Benefits. BS + 2 yrs. 104 contract days - $19,140. General Fund.
Andy Rice as BCMS 8th grade Boys Basketball Coach; $1290 for the 2006-07 season: 01/08/07 - 03/08/07.
Linda McLeish as a Drama Instructor at BFHS. This is a part-time position but employee already works for BCSD #101 and receives benefits. This adds 2/7th more to her current contract. PE and Drama combined - $22,864.
Substitute staff for 2006 – 2007 school year:
Custodians: Rex Callister Teachers: Lindsey Martinez
Rob Carrington John Niewieroski
Kevin Church Christa Rice
Daniel Davis Tina Wilson
Michael Fodge
Kristina King Food Service: Vickie L. Blake
Resignation of Anna Van Dyke as Computer Lab Assistant at Valley View School as of December 21, 2006.
Donell Stippich as a Volunteer Cheerleading Coach at BFHS for 2006-07.
Provisional Authorization Certificate for Vicki Blake for the 2006-07 school year in Standard Secondary Music (6-12).
Tim Bertling moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Gil Hagen seconded. Motion carried
V. Administration/Staff/School Committees/BCEA Reports & Input
No reports.
VI. Action Agenda
A. Review of STD Presentation by Diane Blanford, Panhandle Health
Melanie Staples and Maria LaBarbera have viewed the presentation on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s) and both feel it is too graphic for the middle school students and more appropriate for the high school level. Craig Wheatley thinks it is too late to present to the students in high school. Maria LaBarbera suggested alternative presentations with an Abstinence message. Melanie Staples believes kids think it will always happen to someone else and a better method may be to bring in representatives currently suffering from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s), which may have more of an impact and be less graphic in nature. Maria LaBarbera stated information from text books is one thing but the CD is way too graphic. Craig Wheatley stated that the middle school students mature much faster statistically in our current society. Craig Wheatley asked Dick Behrens, Boundary County Middle School Principal, his opinion of the percentage of students in the middle school which are sexually active; he stated probably 30-40% but not as high as 50%. Dr. Bartling stated maybe we need to shock the kids because times have changed drastically and the outcome of the diseases are now life threatening. Melaine Staples wants to wait to vote until everyone on the board has watched it. Dr. Bartling would like to have Diane Blanford come back at the next meeting to answer any questions and suggested the board feel free to contact her prior to that time as well. Dick Behrens suggested providing a viewing night for parents before they sign the parental consents forms. Craig Wheatley wants it noted on the consent form the graphic nature and also reminded the board Diane Blanford can possibly edit the presentation. A decision has been tabled until the January meeting.
B. Fees for Provisional Certificate
The Board reviewed the current payment method of teacher’s provisional certificates. The school district has been paying the $100 required for the provisional certificates to the Idaho State Department of Education. Melanie Staples stated the Board should stop paying and beginning next year, the teacher should pay. Maria LaBarbera moved if the provisional certificate is approved by the state, the fee will be paid by the applicant. Gil Hagen seconded. Motion carried.
C. Sale of Two Lots – Old Junior High Property
Dr. Bartling reported a $2500 deposit had been received from Lincoln Landing, LLC to purchase the two lots adjacent to the Fry Auditorium with the balance of $10,500 to be paid in 90 days. They are currently hoping to use the Fry Auditorium for entertainment purposes. They have already begun improvements to the roof and heating system. Craig Wheatley moved to accept the offer with the inclusion in the contract that if not paid in the 90 days the $2500 will be forfeited, the property is being sold “AS IS” and escrow to be handled through First American Title. Seconded by Gil Hagen. A Roll Call Vote was taken: Gil Hagen, yes; Craig Wheately, yes; Maria LaBarbera, yes; Tim Bertling, yes; Melanie Staples, yes. Motion carried. See Resolution #2006-07-04. Exhibit #2
Executive Session: Idaho Code 67-2345(a)(c) Personnel/Legal Report/Negotiations
No executive session was held.
Trustee Input/Future Agenda Items
Education Law Institute
Dr. Bartling informed the board the Education Law Institute will be taking place in April. He probably will not be attending. He also encouraged the board to attend the Idaho School Board Association (ISBA) Annual Conference in Coeur d’Alene on November 14, 15 & 16, 2007.
Board Voting in Absentia
Don reported the BCSD’s Attorney, Steve Mead, stated voting should be done verbally and not in writing. Melanie Staples asked if the board can decide regarding absentee voting and not the attorney. Dr. Bartling would like to get written recommendations from our attorney. Craig Wheatley has previously left written instructions which were not honored and would like to know exactly what our policy is regarding voting in absentia. Dr. Bartling stated he would fax the policy addressing board voting requirements to Mr. Wheatley. Mr. Wheatley asked if a phone call represents legal voting. Dr. Bartling stated according to Attorney Steve Mead, if not present, no vote. Mr. Wheatley wants to know if board agrees that if board member is absent they may phone in to participate and vote. Board agreed. (Clerk’s Note: Per ID Code 67-2342 (5) (1) “The communications among members of a governing body must be audible to the public attending the meeting in person and the members of the governing body.”)
Bonners Ferry High School Surveillance System
Dr. Bartling reported on the receipt of the quotes from Ednetics, Inc. and Boundary Electric Supply for the installation of a surveillance system at the high school. Ednetics’ quote was $21,775 and Boundary Electric Supply’s estimate was $15,565. At the November 12, 2006 regular meeting, the Board instructed the Superintendent to approve the local estimate if it was within 10% of a lower out of town quote. Per prior Board instruction, the local vendor Boundary Electric Supply will provide the system as their quote was much lower.
Dick Behrens pointed out the “Thank You” signs from the Middle School students showing their appreciation to the board for their new librarian.
Adjournment
7:23 p.m. Craig Wheatley moved to adjourn. Gil Hagen seconded. Motion carried.
_______________________________ ____________________________
Chairman Melanie M. Staples Assistant Clerk Laurie Tremble
_______________________________
Clerk Diane M. Cartwright