CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
EMERGENCY SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
18 March 2020
MINUTES

I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. in the Creston School Gym. The following members were present: Arnold Bjork, Barry Farrell, Shawn McDonough and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen. Also, in attendance: Tammy Bartos – District Clerk, Tami Ward – Principal and Deborah Christiansen – Title Teacher.
II. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
III. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Board consideration of current circumstances related to COVID-19 for possible declaration of unforeseen emergency pursuant to 20-9-801 through 20-9-806, MCA. Also, possible declaration determining proficiency of students and providing offsite instruction.

Following the Montana School Board Association recommendation that all school boards declare an unforeseen emergency and also give their administrators authority regarding Proficiency and Offsite Instruction the Creston School Board convened to address these issues.

1) Unforeseen Emergency: Arnold Bjork moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded the motion to declare an unforeseen emergency in accordance with Sections 20-9-801 through 20-9-806, MCA, due to the community and school health concerns related to COVID-19 and authorize the administration to take necessary steps to execute this declaration and inform the public and government agencies of this declaration. Motion passed unanimously.

2) Proficiency: Arnold Bjork moved and seconded the motion to authorize the Administrator to work with district staff in making determinations regarding pupils who are proficient in courses in which the pupils are enrolled without regard to the aggregate hours of instruction provided. The Administrator is directed to make a final determination of proficiency for each pupil for each enrolled course, using district assessments, including class grades at a minimum, and reporting a full-time equivalent conversion of ANB for such pupils, based on the scheduled time ordinarily provided through the aggregate hours of instruction for such courses. Motion passed unanimously.

3) Offsite Instruction: Jessica Sandven moved and Shawn McDonough seconded the motion to authorize the Administrator to work with district staff in providing instruction for pupils of the district. Such instruction may include any method or methods identified as appropriate by the Administrator, including but not limited to offsite instruction as defined and referenced in sections 20-1-101(5); 20-1-101(14); 20-7-118; and 20-9-311(11), MCA. Motion passed unanimously.
IV. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 14 May 2020, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
B. 11 June 2020, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
V. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Tammy Bartos, District Clerk
Matt Hartle, Board Chair