CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
10 January 2019
MINUTES
I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees Meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. in the Creston School Library with the following members present: Joanna Massie, Shawn McDonough, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen and Julie Tikka. Also, in attendance were: Tami Ward – Principal, Tammy Bartos – District Clerk, Jennifer Johnson – 2ndgrade teacher.
II. Minutes.Julie Tikka moved and Shawn seconded approval of the minutes of the 13 December 2018 – Regular Meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence– A letter from Jack Eggensperger, Flathead County Superintendent of Schools to Mr. Rogers. The conclusion: “…that the Easement was granted at a properly noticed public meeting …” “… appeal is denied.”
IV. Information Items:
A. Lawsuit William Rogers re. Wi-Fi Tower Installation – Update.Copies of documents provided for information:
a. 11 Dec 2018 Response and Brief in Opposition to Intervening Party’s Motion to Dismiss
b. 17 Dec 2018 MontanaSky Networks Rebuttal, Supporting Rule 12(b)6 Motion to Dismiss
B. Candidates for Trustee Election on May 7, 2019 may file a Declaration of Intent and Oath of Candidacy between Thursday, December 13, 2018 and Thursday, March 28, 2019.There are two trustee position subject to election this year, both for 3 year terms.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. Statement of Expenditure through 10 January 2019 was submitted. General Fund is at 42% committed and Grand Total of all funds is at 34%. Also reported on Fund 115 projects, Reconciliation to County Treasurer, p-Card status and MTSUIP/MTSBA Annual HR Symposium in February.
B. Principal. Student Enrollment is 103. Over Christmas break we had insulation blown in above the library to prevent ice dams; and the scoreboard is working and ready for our first basketball game in nearly twelve years, which will be held February 4that 4:00 p.m. Mrs. Ward and Mr. Hagen have completed a facility inspection. Teachers are continuing a study of the book Engaging Children. This month all students will take the mid-year benchmark assessment in math called EasyCBM. Additionally, all K-2 students are assessed in reading using the Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark assessment. Twenty-one pairs of mittens/gloves were donated in December to Intermountain Services. Mrs. Shanks will be our representative at the Education Cooperative to view new textbook recommendations for Social Studies. The management board, of the Special Education Cooperative, has signed papers for the purchase of a building in Kalispell for the offices, special education preschool and communication disorders School. The Safety Committee is looking into recommendations for the sidewalk in front of the annex – a cover or roof/gutter heaters. Following up on the School Growth Survey from November, the following Middle School Considerations were explored: 1) Funding for an accredited Middle School Program would be approximately $1562 more per 7thand 8thgrade student than the Elementary K-6 rate; also it’s recommended to do an application for an anticipated enrollment increase prior to the regular budget approval period; 2) Basic Education Program for Middle Grades was reviewed – the Middle School Philosophy program is the recommended program by Mrs. Ward; further discussion and information will be provided at next months meeting including minimum enrollment, funding projections and building possibilities.
C. Staff. Jennifer Johnson brought in I-pads and QR codes and the staff report was shared via a Google slides presentation.Each teacher provided a slide for the board to see the learning that is happening in the classrooms.
VI. Policies: nil.
VII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Coaching Stipend – E. Russell, Girls Basketball. We have a 5th/6thcombined Girls Basketball team this year! Emily Russell, 6thgrade teacher, has agreed to coach the team. The rate is $650 (salary and mileage allowance). Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Joanna Massie seconded approving the coaching contract as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Public Employees Retirement System – Agency Motion to Adopt Contract. A vote by secret ballot was held on Tuesday, January 8that which 100% of eligible employees voted to accept PERS. Julie Tikka moved, and Shawn McDonough seconded to adopt the PERS Contract as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Rogers vs. Creston School Lawsuit – Motion to execute a mutual release. William Rogers has offered to dismiss his lawsuit, release all claims and allow the District to proceed with the construction of a tower by MontanaSky Networks in exchange for a mutual release of any and all claims. Our Counsel has recommended acceptance of the offer. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Joanna Massie seconded to agree to execute a mutual release with William Scott Rogers. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Transportation Contract(s). nil.
E. Before School Care Contract(s). nil.
F. Out of District request(s). Julie Tikka moved, and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded to acknowledge receipt of the attendance agreements for students residing in the Creston School District and attending another district. Motion passed unanimously.
G. Gym & School Grounds Use Request(s). Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming have requested the use of the gym on Friday, February 1, 2019 for the purpose of an Informational Meeting with Students Grades K-1 and their parents/guardians. Joanna Massie moved, and Shawn McDonough seconded to approve the request as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Claims.Board approved all Claims for January 2019.
IX. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 14 February 2019 7:00am, Regular Meeting
B. Policy Review with MTSBA Staff – Tentative: Tuesday, February 19, 2019, 4:00 – 8:00pm
X. Meeting adjourned at 8:08 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk Matt Hartle, Chairman