School District 101
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Monday - September 12, 2005 - 6:30 p.m.

Board of Trustee Meeting

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, Mt. Hall, Evergreen and Naples Elementary Schools, Boundary County Middle School Bonners Ferry High School, Bonners Ferry Herald Office, and the Boundary County Courthouse on Thursday, September 8, 2005. Trustees had actual notice of the time and date of meeting via verbal and written communication.

Board Members Present: Chairman John Lindberg, Vice-Chairman Tim Bertling, and Trustees Tina Wilson, and Gil Hagen and Craig Wheatley.

Superintendent Don Bartling and Clerk Diane Cartwright were also in attendance

Others Present: Lucy Dukes, Roko Govorchin, Donna Short, John Sanders, Debbie Musial, Ed Katz, Dave Gause, Dick Behrens, Brenda Walter, Ken Olson, Walt Piipp, Curt-Randall Bayer, Jan Bayer, Jim Nash, Ted Reynolds, Ken Olson, Julie Smith, Travis Smith, Ingrid Elena Pavia, Amy Cowley, Cynthia Stovall Sanders, Jaak Sanders, Jenny Lundak, Burt Lundak, Paul Krames, Chery Bronstein and Kelly Hinthorn.

I. Opening by Chairman - Meeting Announcements

6:30 Chairman Lindberg called the meeting to order.

II. Superintendents Report

A. Sale of Paradise Valley Property - Sept. 21, 2005, 2:00 p.m. Bid Opening

Dr. Bartling informed the Board the time and date of the bid opening for the Paradise Valley Property.

B. K-12 Enrollment/ADA

Dr. Bartling stated enrollment is just a little higher than it was last year at this time. There are 12 more students enrolled this year over last year. At this time, 96% of the students enrolled have been in attendance.

C. District Web Page

Ed Katz has done a fantastic job with the web site, Dr. Bartling stated to the Board. The sports calendar and school calendars are on the web site. Mike Listman is also helping with the site. An HTML club might be formed.

D. High School Bell/Fountain Project - Horizon Landscape

Julie and Travis Smith of Horizon Landscape presented pictures to the Board of the proposed possible water feature project to be located at the high school. Julie Smith stated a water feature would tell people we have pride in our schools. The water feature can also be ad educational tool. She gave examples of how geometry, biology, creative writing and FFA students could learn from the project. If students help, they can see the results of their efforts she stated. Travis and Julie would like to see this as a community effort. They will seek donations for supplies. Crew members will be billed at cost. Julie and Travis would donate their own time. Julie stated that all the trees out front of the middle school were donated. The class of 1994 planted them.

Dr. Bartling endorsed the work of Travis and Julie Smith and stated that they have donated half the work they have already completed at the high school. He appreciates everything they have done.

Tina Wilson asked about winterization of the water feature. Julie stated winterization something the students can do. Enzyme bacteria is used and the water feature can run year round. Dr. Bartling stated he has received offers for donations from community members. Work still needs to be done before bringing the final plan to the Board. The cost would be about $6,000 if they get donations of rocks, equipment rental, etc, The cost would be paid through donations.

Dr. Bartling asked for the Board’s approval to go forward with the water feature/bell project. Craig Wheatley asked about vandalism. Julie Smith stated they have not had problems at other schools. If teachers help keep it as part of the curriculum, then students maintain interest and they won’t destroy it. Tim Bertling stated he is worried about long term maintenance, Julie Smith stated the biggest cost would be pump at about $400, which would have a one year warranty from factory. Water features are about 10 minutes/week if installed correctly.

Tina Wilson moved to allow for detailed planning for the project, what they can get donations for and making sure they coordinate with Principal Curt-Randall Bayer and Maintenance Supervisor Jim Bace. Tim Bertling seconded. Motion carried.

Dr. Bartling discussed rigorous proposed requirements of the state for curriculum. He reviewed/compared the past and proposed requirements for students to graduate from high school. The requirements for physical education may increase to four. Career focused requirements may change. Currently, a total of 42 credits is required by state. Boundary County School District requires 45. The State Board of Education is proposing 46 credits be required to graduate from high school. Junior high must have a C. Proposal only. Dr. Bartling handed the Board a page out of the student handbook.

III. Business Manager’s Report

A. District Market Value and the Effect on Tax Levies

Business Manager Diane Cartwright gave a report on the market value of the county and the effect on property taxes. Ms. Cartwright informed the Board the September market value increased from $534,868,756 to $611,733,464. She stated that if all other possible variables remain the same, and the taxable value of a home is $100,000, the possible decrease in school taxes from last year could be $93.64.

IV. Presenters/Visitors

A. Appreciation of the Kootenai Tribe for Proposition I Funds

Dr. Bartling presented a plaque to Bernadine Boychief in thank you for the Kootenai Tribe’s many donations . The Tribe always supports the schools and has never let the schools down, the Superintendent stated. Bernadine Boychief stated the Tribe has spent the majority of funds here in Boundary County. She stated this is the first year that a certain amount has gone to Libby and Troy schools. Those school districts have a depressed economy and need the funds, she said. Dr. Bartling stated the district would like to spend the money on the student information system at a cost of about $60,000. If the Board approves, the district can move forward. Tina Wilson moved the majority of the Tribal dollars go toward the student information system and to purchase the system as soon as possible. Tim Bertling seconded. Bernadine Boychief just wanted to know how it is spent so they have the correct information when the Tribe lobbies. Tina Wilson called for the question. Motion carried.

B. Four Day School Week - Ingrid Pavia

Ingrid Pavia stated she is in favor of the five day school week. She gave the Board binders with information she has collected. She stated she is here representing many people in the district. She also represents taxpayers, she stated. She especially represents the under privileged. She stated that serious concerns have been brought to her from other people. Her request, aside from immediately moving to a five day school week, is she would like a door to door survey be done. Not everyone has accessability. Not everyone in the district reads and writes. She said there is a need to dispel the mis-communication and the mistakes and atrocities, then we have a better chance of restoring faith. I don’t want to hurt anybody, she stated, but how can a few people choose sports over people’s real life circumstances. We know we could raise the funds, she stated. The sports program took $238,000. We only needed $108,000 to keep a five day week. The lunch program might fail. Community members are worried about the nutritional loss from not going to school the fifth day. We can raise funds for sports, but not education? Some people are losing 20 % of their pay. We need to look at who we’re hurting. Her mother was in the hurricane. She stayed, was missing over a week. The powers that be did not want to spend the money to secure the levies. Idaho Virtual academy; Connections academy; They are taking dollars from our school district. People are enrolling their students there because they feel their children are getting short changed. She appreciates everyone’s input. She doesn’t want to hurt anyone, but there are people hurt

Chairman Lindberg thanked Ingrid Pavia for her presentation.

C. Point Paradise Donation - Donna Short and Roko Govorchin

Donna Short stated Sandpoint went through the same problems as Boundary County is going through due to growth. Paradise Valley Inn has a special use permit. They have moved out of the area. Arlene and Gene Sloan would like to make it a retirement community and call it Point Paradise. It would mean 8.6 million dollars to local businesses and 186 local jobs. In many areas, donations to local entities are required. The Sloan’s proposal is to donate $25,000 to the local school district to be spent as the district sees fit, if they are able to go ahead with the project and properties sell.

Chairman Lindberg asked where are the Commissioners with the Sloan’s proposal Donna Short stated it was turned down in 2004. The proposal for Point Paradise will be presented again in October of 2005. Chairman Lindberg stated he would never turn down $25,000. He lives in the area of the proposed retirement community and sees no problem.

Tina Wilson stated in other states and counties, it is common to go to other entities. She has been contacted by Gary Williams of Mountain View Development, who is interested in selling 10 acre parcels. The subdivision would be called The Meadows at Fall Creek. He has offered to the school district $1,000 per parcel sold. He is hoping for $42,000. Regardless of what is approved by the Board of Commissioners, he can go with 29 lots. Out of the 160 acres, 20 acres would be for common area. Would the district be willing to accept the donation, Tina Wilson asked on behalf of Gary Williams?

Gil Hagen is leery of accepting the donations. To him, it sounds like a bribe. He thinks it should be approved by the County first. In Bonner County, if you go to any hearing, the school district gives a report on the affect of any proposal.

Craig Wheatley stated the donations are not impact fees. As long as the district stated it makes it clear that it does not have to give anything back, the district can take a “voluntary impact fee.”

Craig Wheatley moved to accept any donations with the understanding that no reciprocal obligations would exist and the district takes a neutral position on any developments with no endorsement. Tina Wilson seconded. Tim Bertling stated we definitely need the money. Gil Hagen called for the question. Gil Hagen voted “no.” All other members of the Board voted “yes.” Motion carried. The Board asked Dr. Bartling to write a letter to Point Paradise and Mountain View Development stating what the Board approved.

7:45 p.m. Chairman Lindberg stated the Board would recess for five minutes.

7:50 Chairman Lindberg called meeting back to order.

V. Consent Agenda (Please call ahead regarding questions, changes or corrections)

A. Approval Minutes: August 8, 2005 Regular Meeting, August 24, 2005 Special Meeting, August 30, 2005 Work Session

B. Approval of August, 2005 Accounts Payable

C. Approval of 2005-06 In-Lieu-of-Transportation Requests:

D. Approval of Revised Extracurricular Gate Fee Increase

Tina Wilson moved to approve the consent agenda. Gil seconded. Motion carried.

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

A. High School Principal Curt-Randall Bayer

1. Junior ROTC - no discussion held.

2. Vending Machines

Principal Curt-Randall Bayer stated Right 2 U wants to put in a new vending machine at the high school. The only place feasible would be in the commons area. He could shut it down during lunch. Tina Wilson moved to allow Curt-Randall Bayer to continue to investigate. The Board asked that he discuss it with Food Service Supervisor Gail Reoch. As long as Mr. Bayer can shut it down as needed, the Board has no problem with it.

3. Pepsi Prices

Curt-Randall Bayer and Jan Bayer talked with (Associated Student Body) ASB officers who understood why the increase is needed on Pepsi products. The recommendation is to increase Gatorade prices in the machines to $1.25 and leave Pepsi and the water the same. Principal Dick Behrens will do the same at the Middle School. Tina Wilson moved to approve the increase in the price of Gatorade. Gil Hagen seconded. Motion carried.

4. Football Field Lights

Mr. Bayer informed the Board that there was a problem with the lights not working at the football field. It was unknown at the time if the lights would be working in time for the football game to be held the next evening. They were able to get two lights up with help. Mr. Bayer would like to have an athletic complex with lights at football field, soccer and baseball fields eventually. The Booster Club can donate $3,200 for 3 standards for material only, not labor. Maintenance Supervisor Jim Bace is trying to get the labor as a donation. With Jim Bace’s help the labor will be cut in half. Discussion was held regarding the league penalties and loss of gate fee revenues in the event a game would have to be canceled. The total loss to the district could be as much as $5,000.

John Lindberg recommends putting in steel poles. They will use 40% less fixtures and the electric bill would be reduced. He has contacted a vendor who will send staff at no cost to district to give an estimate. Chairman Lindberg will let Principal Bayer know when he gets further information.

Jim Bace stated it would probably cost $500 for electrician, plus a boom would be needed which would cost $1,000 to $1,200. Tina Wilson moved that the District finance the boom and electrical costs not to exceed $3,000. Tim Bertling seconded. Jim Bace stated he took core samples 6 years ago, the poles are as good as they were originally. Ted Reynolds stated Bill Hayden put in the poles. Motion carried.

B. Curriculum Director Brenda Walter

1. Professional Development

Brenda Walter thanked the Board for approving the purchase of the student information system. She gave an update of schedule for staff inservices for 2005-06. Exhibit 2. The District increased the number of inservice days from four to nine with only an increase of $1,000 projected. The inservice costs are paid with the help of grant monies. The District has also stretched dollars by training their own staff who will in turn provide inservice training. A globe science presentation will be done in October at the Wildlife Refuge. The North Idaho Math Project Teachers met for the second time today. The District has aggressive professional development programs this year, for administrators as well. Cognitive coaching is a two year . Brenda will be going to which is funded by the state. Friday the 23rd of September meet for mentor program.

2. Certificated Support Plan/ New Teacher Mentor Program

Brenda Walter thanked the teachers who are taking it upon themselves to be mentors and she appreciates their commitment. In Boise, the District has four full time teachers who oversee the mentors.

VII. Action Agenda

A. Correspondence/Personnel/Negotiations

1. Approval of 2005-06 Classified Salary Schedule

2. Approval of Extracurricular Personnel

Tina Wilson moved to approve the above two action agenda items. Gil Hagen seconded. Motion carried.

Fixed Asset Proposal

Tina Wilson moved to accept the proposal for fixed assets appraisal submitted by Valuations Northwest. Tim Bertling seconded. Motion carried.

B. Sale of Junior High Property Update - Petition City to Vacate Streets and Alleys

Dr. Bartling reported the sale of the Junior High property. He stated the appraiser stated the importance of vacating the streets and alleys. Dr. Bartling has been negotiating. The District does not have a clear title. Finney, Finney and Finney has been working on it. Tina Wilson stated Gary Finney was going to meet with Judge Verby. Mr. Finney hopes to have it complete d by October 1, 2005. She thinks it would be wise to petition the city. If the city will not vacate the streets, she recommends getting a new appraisal. Quiet title should be granted by October 1st. The Frey Auditorium is built on an alley. Tina Wilson is relatively certain that the city does not have the authority to vacate. Dr. Bartling asked the Mayor and the City Manager who invited him to apply. Tina Wilson moved to instruct the Superintendent to contact the city to vacate streets and alleys at the property located on Oak Street. Gil Hagen seconded. Motion carried.

C. Sixth Grade Enrollment

Dr. Bartling stated on May 9th the board made a motion the 6th grade could remain at Mt. Hall and Naples Elementary schools if enrollment was 21 or more. 14 students enrolled at Naples. He asked if the Naples 6th grade students should be moved into the middle school. He recommends moving November 4th, 2005, the end of 1st nine weeks. Next week is ISAT testing. Waiting until the 4th would allow for planning as well. John Lindberg stated conferences are Nov. 11th. Dr. Bartling stated it would be a plus to have the students in town for conferences. Per Brenda Walter, Sept. 19 - October 28th is the testing period. Tina Wilson moved to approve the superintendent’s recommendation to move the Naples Elementary students into the Middle School Nov. 4, 2005. Tim Bertling seconded. Craig Wheatley asked how much displacement would be created for the Naples 6th grade students. John Lindberg asked Jenny if the 6th grade teacher would be willing to move. Jenny stated he wouldn’t want to, but would do it. Dick Behrens stated 91sixth students are enrolled at the middle school. He also stated 5 or 6 Naples students are already attending the middle school. Mr. Behrens informed the Board the students will be divided equally between the teachers, keeping in mind the special needs children and the aides. Ken Olson stated it’s hard to predict the effect of the move. He thinks he will be better able to serve the special needs students. Brenda Walter stated that some adapting for Math curriculum may be necessary. Textbooks are on order. Naples Elementary Principal Jenny Lundak stated traditionally, Naples students have excelled in Math. Dave Gause stated that disrupting part way through the year will create transition problems. Every minute is valuable, he said. Tina Wilson called for the question. Motion carried.

D. Third Reading and Adoption - 3000 Series of the Policy

Dr. Bartling stated many people have been working on the 3000 series of proposed policy. Curt-Randall Bayer headed up the committee that worked on it, he said. Dr. Bartling recommended the Board adopt the policy. It has been approved by the leading attorney in the state on policy. Tina Wilson moved to adopt the 3000 series as presented. Gil Hagen seconded. Craig asked if all persons involved approved. Motion carried.

E. ISBA Policy Updates

Dr. Bartling handed out the updates that the Idaho School Boards Association (ISBA) has recommended. He stated he has gone through the updates and compared them to our policies. The Board can use the policies or change theirs or not change. He asked that the Board approve the first reading. of policy 2715-1. He said regarding the Secondary Route to Graduation, Ken Olson and Curt-Randall Bayer will work on revision; trying to not have two different possibilities. Tina Wilson moved to accept as first reading 2715-1. Tim Bertling seconded. Motion carried.

F. Reopen Negotiations - One Time Bonus From State

Tim Bertling moved to reopen negotiations with the purpose of deciding how the one time bonus for salaries from the State would be dispersed. Gil Hagen seconded. Motion carried.

Tina moved to approve substitute personnel as listed below. Gil Hagen seconded. Motion carried.

Substitute teachers: Robert Saboe Jack Blake

Janet Aubuchon Andrea LaPlante

Bethany Cavender Paula Petesch

Josh Sherven

Substitute secretary: Tammy Hedrick

Tina Wilson moved to approve the following personnel as list below. Tim Bertling seconded. Motion carried.

1. Approval of the following for extracurricular contracts as per negotiated salary salary schedule:

Mt. Hall:

Lead teacher - Dave Gause.

Evergreen:

Lead teacher - Tim Cady.

High School:

Lead teacher - Conrad Garner/Paul Bonnell

Student Council Advisor - Jan Bayer

Instrumental Music - Garry LaPlante

Choral/High School - Vicki Blake

High School Annual - Leo Naiman

Business Club Advisor - Leo Naiman

Carl Perkins - 5 extra days - Leo Naiman

High School Dance Team - Melanie Schreiner

National Honor Society - Lori Reynolds

Senior Class Advisors - Janis Tucker, Laura Anderson and Linda Hall

Junior Class Advisors - Craig Anderson and Rod Barcklay

Sophomore Class Advisors - Robert Neely and Nicole Austin

Freshman Class Advisors - Tracy Iverson and Deb Six-Wahlstrom

2. Approval of Jaak Sanders as 6th Grade Teacher at BCMS FY 05-06; BA+50.66 w/5 yrs.exp., $33,783 with benefits.

3. Approval of Edwina Owen’s transfer to BCMS from HS - 8 hrs/day/$10.45 per hour with benefits.

4. Approval of Marie Sumpter’s transfer to HS Kitchen Manager from Naples; 32 hr/wk, $10.25/hr, with benefits.

5. Approval of Jan Carpenter as Kitchen Manager at Naples Elementary effective 9/6/05. $7.85/hr. w/benefits.

6. Approval of Barb Hittle as Food Service Van Driver; $7.85/hr., no benefits, effective 9/6/05.

7. Approval of Andrew Tuttle’s transfer to Mt. Hall Custodian/Maintenance effective 9/1/05; $9.55/hr. 10 hrs/day w/benefits.

8. Approval for Angela Armstrong to receive $4,000 in stipends: $2,000 from Migrant Grant Funds and $2000 from LEP Funds.

VIII. Trustee Input/Future Agenda Items

A. November 9-12, 2005 ISBA Convention

IX. Executive Session: Idaho Code 67-2345(a)(c) Personnel/Legal Report/Negotiations or Adjournment

Executive Session: Idaho Code 67-2345(a)©) Personnel/Legal Report

Chairman Lindberg 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 Tina Wilson 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.

The trustees entered an executive session at 8:55 p.m. Monday, September 12, 2005 and returned at 9:35 p.m. Monday, September 12, 2005.

9:36 p.m. Chairman Lindberg called the regular meeting back to order.

Tina moved to approve the personnel as listed below. Gil Hagen seconded. Motion carried.

1. Approval to apply to the State Department of Education for Consultant Specialist status for David Carpenter, Susan Stagliano, Nicole Austin, Greg Springett and Vicki Downing. Cost to the district is $100.00 each.

2. Accept the resignation of Jennifer Brown as WIA/Riverside secretary effective 9/19/05.

3. Approval of Jill Edmundson’s reduction from .57 fte to .23 fte (9 hours/week) through May 1, 2006.

 

 

X. Adjournment following Executive Session, if held.

9:37 Tim Bertling moved to adjourn. Craig Wheatley seconded. Motion carried.

 

 

 

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