Board Minutes

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
10 OCTOBER 2024, 7:00 AM

MINUTES

I. Call to Order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:01 a.m. The meeting was held in the gym. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Megan Derrington, Barry Farrell and Nevada Hafer. Also in attendance were Rachel Stevens, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, Cindi Conley, Special Education Teacher, Jen Johnson, CEA President and 2nd Grade Teacher and Melissa Potts, Title Teacher.
II. Minutes of 12 September 2024. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the minutes as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence
IV. Information
A. Speed Signs Highway 35 Project Update. An email from Rebecca Anderson, District Traffic Engineer, Kalispell, MT DOT, was received; and the information she provided is: the project is waiting for the electrician, but is definitely on the schedule, and Flathead Electric also has the project on its schedule for the hookup as soon as the electrical work is complete.
B. Aide Hiring Update – The job is currently posted for a full-time position; however, we have a current substitute interested in a part-time position (that will be addressed in the action item portion of the meeting). If the part-time hire is approved the position will be reposted as a part-time opening.
C. Audit Report – nil.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. The Statement of Expenditure was provided through the end of September 2024. The General Fund is 11% committed and the Total of all funds is 9% committed. Accounts are reconciled to the County Treasurer through August 2024.
B. Principal. Student enrollment is 83. Teachers participated in a professional development session led by Mrs. Conley about dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia as well as the special education process and procedures required by the Flathead Special Education Cooperative. Several of our teachers applied for and received math and reading grants through the Montana OPI using the Donors Choose platform. Mrs. Stevens participated in training provided by OPI for school testing coordinators earlier this month; there will be additional trainings offered. Benchmark assessments for the 2024/2025 school year are completed for math and reading with the MAP growth assessments; students needing Title I services or other interventions were identified and are receiving services. The majority of staff surveyed are in favor of exploring the idea of a four-day school week; at the same time there is a UM study recommending returning to a mandated 180 school day year and it is a possibility this issue will be addressed in the coming legislative session. Our Safety/Threat Assessment team meets monthly; the members of this committee are doing double duty on this combined team; in the future this will be split into two teams to meet the requirements for the content of the meetings. Three safety drills have been held to date: two fire drills (one with the Creston Fire Department) and one bus evacuation drill. Teacher evaluations using the Teacher EPAS are scheduled and have begun. The monthly inspection has been completed with no new recommendations and the school facilities condition report was provided.
C. Staff. Jen Johnson, Cindi Conley and Melissa Potts were present to share the report via a Google Slide presentation.
VI. Policies – Consideration of Action:
A. First Reading of Policy Updates: Delete or Update: 3410F. A recommendation to change language regarding how screening results are provided; also, a recommendation to delete this form from the policy manual. First Read – no action.
VII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Hire P/T Aide – SM – Employment Agreement & Stipend. The original job posting is for a full-time opening; there have been no applicants to interview, and a current substitute is interested in a part-time position. Megan Derrington moved to approve hiring Sarah Motley as a Classroom, Playground, Lunchroom and Office Aide on a probationary status and approve the stipend as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. MTSBA to Review CBA and Associated Documents. We have consulted with MTSBA on specific changes when they arise; however, these documents in their entirety were last reviewed in 2019 with the Policy Maintenance review. While there are currently no specific issues to address, there has been interest in general for a review like this. MTSBA would require the trustees to sign a Labor Maintenance Agreement to do the review – a copy of their fee schedule was provided. There was discussion about the process and the consensus was to hold off on this for now. Discussion only. No action taken.
C. MTSUIP Annual Meeting. The annual meeting is October 18 in Missoula, no trustees will be attending. Information only. No action.
D. Transportation Contracts – nil.
E. Before School Care Contracts – nil.
F. Out-of-District Requests. Attendance agreements for six (6) students that reside in our district, attending another district. Nevada Hafer moved to acknowledge receipt of the attendance agreements. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
G. Gym & School Grounds Use Requests – nil.
VIII. Claims Approval – Consideration of Action. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the claims approval list as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
IX. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 14 November 2024, 7:00am, Regular Meeting
B. 12 December 2024, 7:00am, Regular Meeting
X. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 7:46 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

/s/Tammy Bartos, District Clerk
/s/Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
12 SEPTEMBER 2024

MINUTES

I. Call to Order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:03 a.m. The meeting was held in the gym. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Megan Derrington, Barry Farrell and Nevada Hafer. Also in attendance were Rachel Stevens, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, Cindi Conley, Special Education Teacher, Jen Johnson, CEA President and 2nd Grade Teacher and Shanta Milne, Kindergarten Teacher.
II. Minutes of 8 August & 23 August 2024. Barry Farrell moved to approve the minutes as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
IV. Information
A. Speed Signs Highway 35 Project Update. There is one sign left to place: the flashing “school” speed limit sign west of the school. According to our local Flathead County MDT personnel, they are waiting on a third-party electric company to put power in at the new location. They are unable to provide an installation date.
B. Aide Hiring Update. We are still looking for applicants to apply; in the meantime, we are thankful to have substitutes filling the position.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. The Statement of Expenditure was provided through the end of August 2024. The General Fund is 11% committed and the Total of all funds is 8% committed. Accounts are reconciled to the County Treasurer through July 2024. The FY2022 & 2023 Audit report is expected to be available at the October board meeting.
B. Principal. Student enrollment is 83. All teachers and staff completed the First Aid refresher training in August. Teachers also participated in math professional development. There was a turnout of 84% for the Open House. The newly organized Friends of Creston School parent organization welcomed parents and students back to school on the first day of school with donuts and the staff received donuts and coffee; they will be hosting a costume swap and cookie decorating on October 7. Clearwater Solutions is scheduled to complete the sewer line repair the end of October. The district Smarter Balanced state testing data was provided with an update to include the state data. Benchmark assessments with the new MAP assessment system for the 2024/2025 school year are in progress for math and reading. The new Montana Aligned to Standards through-Year (MAST) for grades 3-6 will begin in October. Creston School earned Regular Accreditation Status for the 2023/2024 school year; this year we will work on the year 2 requirements. The Montana School Insurance Alliance (MTSIA) is the newly established health and wellness benefits trust; they are currently gathering data through a benchmark survey. Mrs. Stevens fills the role of the Homeless Liaison and will be completing the required training. Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Davidson are filling the role of the Indian Education for All (IEFA) Program Director for the 2024/2025 school year; Mrs. Visnovske will also serve as part of the committee. Mrs. Stevens fills the role of the Gifted and Talented Program Director. The Flathead Special Education Cooperative is staffed and providing support to our school. Mrs. Stevens serves on the FSEC Board and attends monthly meetings; she also participates in meetings with the Northwest Montana Association of School Superintendents (NWMASS) and the Rural Schools Administrators two times a month; and serves on the Crossroads Management Board which meets every other month. The monthly building inspection has been completed with no recommendation for repairs. The school facilities condition report was provided. We received wood chips from the Weyerhaeuser Giving Committee to replenish the wood chips on the playground.
C. Staff. Jen Johnson and Shanta Milne were present to share the report via a Google Slide presentation.
VI. Consideration of Action Items:
A. District Goals for 2024/2025. A review of the goals of the District that reflect the District’s Strategic Plan of Education. Twila Brenneman moved to adopt the Creston School District Goals for 2024/2025 as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Emergency Operation Plan Update. The safety committee submitted updates to the Plan. Megan Derrington moved to adopt the Emergency Operations Plan as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Extra-Duty Contract – Substitute 2024/2025 – BV. An extra-duty contract to substitute for various school needs, i.e. Before School Program, Teacher, Aide. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the extra-duty contract for Barbara Visnovske as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
D. MSGIA Annual Meeting. Nevada Hafer moved to elect the four candidates to the MSGIA Board of Directors as presented on the ballot and to appoint the Chairperson of the MSGIA as proxy at the upcoming Annual Meeting of the MSGIA. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Transportation Contracts. Fourteen (14) contracts were presented. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the transportation contracts as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
F. Before School Care Contracts. Twelve (12) contracts were presented. Megan Derrington moved to approve the Before School Care Contracts as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
G. Out-of-District Requests. Attendance agreements for three (3) students that reside in our district, attending another district. Barry Farrell moved to acknowledge receipt of the attendance agreements. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
H. Gym & School Grounds Use Requests. A request by A. Lasater to use the gym Monday’s 5:00 – 6:00p.m. from September 16 thru November 25, 2024, for individual basketball practice with a trainer. Megan Derrington moved to approve the gym use request as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Principal Evaluation (Goals) – Executive Session. Jessica Sandven-Sorenson closed the meeting at 7:40 a.m. for an executive session to conduct a personnel evaluation for Rachel Stevens. The meeting was re-opened at 8:12 a.m. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the principal evaluation of goals and to approve the executive session minutes. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VII. Claims Approval – Consideration of Action. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the claims approval list as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 10 October 2024, 7:00am, Regular Meeting
B. 14 November 2024, 7:00am, Regular Meeting
IX. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:13 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

/s/Tammy Bartos, District Clerk
/s/Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
23 AUGUST 2024

MINUTES

I. Call to Order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 4:32 p.m. The meeting was held remotely via a Zoom meeting platform. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Barry Farrell, and Nevada Hafer. Absent: Twila Brenneman and Megan Derrington. Also in attendance were Rachel Stevens, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk and Cindi Conley, Special Education Teacher.
II. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
III. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Hiring Process for a 1.0 Aide Position for 2024/2025. H. Milleson has withdrawn her acceptance of the Aide position. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the hiring process for a 1.0 FTE Aide Position for the 2024/2025 school year, and trustee volunteers for the hiring committee as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Extra-Duty Contract – Before School Program – CC. Barry Farrell moved to approve the extra-duty Before School Program contract for Cindi Conley as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
IV. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 12 September 2024, 7:00am, Regular Meeting
V. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 4:37 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
/s/Tammy Bartos, District Clerk
/s/Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
BUDGET & REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
8 AUGUST 2024

MINUTES

I. Call to Order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:02 a.m. The meeting was held in the gym. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, and Megan Derrington. Absent: Barry Farrell and Nevada Hafer. Also in attendance were Rachel Stevens, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, Cindi Conley, Special Education Teacher and one community member.
II. Minutes of 13 June 2024 & 24 June 2024. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the minutes as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
IV. Information
A. List of P-Card Users. A list of current P-Card users was provided.
B. Speed Signs Highway 35 Project Update. There are two remaining signs to be placed – these are the flashing “school” speed limit signs. According to our local Flathead County MDT personnel, the sign to our east is scheduled to be completed in the next week; the sign to our west is in process and might be installed prior to the start of school, but that is unlikely and hopefully it will be done before the snow falls.
C. MSPLIP Safety Inspection Report. MSPLIP Loss Control Specialist, Kevin Smith, did a walk-through of our facilities on June 18th. The purpose is to provide us with an updated loss control assessment. There were two recommendations: 1) moving stored items away from the heating system; 2) place a marking strip across the outdoor step of the 1st grade classroom. A copy of the Inspection Report was provided.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk – nil.
B. Principal. Student Enrollment is predicted at 89. The Montana Office of Public Instruction has released the 2023/2024 accreditation status on their website; Creston School achieved Regular Accreditation Status. Most teachers attended the Missoula August Institute virtually. Teachers also have the opportunity to attend the NW Reading Council Literacy Conference prior to the start of the school. Teachers will also receive math professional development with Dr. Eliza Sorte Thomas on August 27. All teachers and staff will receive CPR/First Aid refresher on August 22. Mrs. Conley and Ms. Potts will be attending professional development on August 12 for the SIPPS (Systemic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words) program. Mr. Hagen attended the Montana DRIVE workshop in June which included classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. All teachers and staff will complete online annual safety training prior to September 14. Principal Stevens participated in the Egrants and MAPS assessment trainings earlier this month and will attend the library and counselor training next week. The crack seal and seal coat of the parking lot, seal coat of the bus lot and striping of both lots was completed in July. The annual Open House is scheduled for August 26; families will have the opportunity to meet the teacher, bring school supplies, sign up to volunteer or bring class treats, and socialize with other families on the playground. Summer building and maintenance projects are nearing completion; and the school facilities report was provided.
C. Staff – nil.
VI. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Trustees Financial Statement (TFS) 2023/2024. This is the district’s official submission of annual financial information to the County and State Superintendents. The report was provided in full. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the TFS for fiscal year 2023/2024 as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Budget 2024/2025. The report was reviewed, including expenditure budgets, operating reserves, reappropriation and levy amounts. Megan Derrington moved to approve the 2024/2025 Budget and the Apportionment of Ending Cash Balances Form as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Audit Contract 2023/2024 – nil.
D. Combining 5th/6th Grade for 2023/2024. Projected enrollment for our 5th grade is 12 and for 6th grade is 9, which puts us at 88% capacity for a combined class which is below the 90% maximum for nonresident capacity per policy. Megan Derrington moved to approve combining 5th and 6th grade for the 2024/2025 school year as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Stipend for Combined 5/6 – Amended 2024-2025 Employment Contract – JH. Megan Derrington moved to approve the stipend and amended employment contract for a multi-grade assignment for Janessa Williams in the amount of $3,000 for the 2024/2025 school year as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
F. Amend 2024/2025 Employment Contracts for MP & BV from 0.8FTE to 1.0FTE. The recommendation for a combined 5th/6th class being approved creates additional financial resources. Two teachers’ contracts were reduced at the June 2024 meeting from 1.0 FTE to 0.8 FTE; only one of them is interested in amending the contract back to 1.0 FTE. Twila Brenneman moved to approve amending the employment contract of Melissa Potts for the 2024/2025 school year as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
G. Employment Contract & Stipend for New Aide 2024/2025 – HM. Twila Brenneman moved to approve hiring Heather Milleson as a Classroom, Playground, Lunchroom & Office Aide on a probationary status as presented and to approve the stipend as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
H. Extra-Duty Contract – Athletic Director 2024/2025 – TM. Megan Derrington moved to approve the extra-duty Athletic Director contract and pay rate for Teresa Mumm for the 2024/2025 school year as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Extra-Duty Contracts – Coaching 2024/2025 – TM, MP. M. Potts to coach 5th/6th grade Boys Basketball as well as 5th/6th grade Girls Basketball; T. Mumm to coach K-6th grade Cross Country. Megan Derrington moved to approve the extra-duty coaching contracts for the 2024/2025 school year as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
J. Extra-Duty Contract – Manage Google Classroom & IT – JS. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the extra-duty contract and pay rate for Jamie Shanks to manage Google Classroom and assist with Information Technology for the 2024/2025 school year as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
K. Renewal of KPS Interlocal Agreement for 7th & 8th Graders at KMS. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the Interlocal Agreement with Kalispell School District No. 5 to provide educational services to our students grade 7 and 8 at Kalispell Middle School beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2027, as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
L. Designation of Representative to the FSEC Management Board. Twila Brenneman moved to appoint Rachel Stevens, Principal, to represent Creston School District on the Flathead Special Education Cooperative Management Board for the 2024/2025 school year. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
M. Hold Harmless Agreements with Creston Fire Dept, Eastside Grange & Mountain View Mennonite Church. Megan Derrington moved to approve the Hold Harmless Agreements for 2024/2025 with the Creston Fire Department, Eastside Grange and Mountain View Mennonite Church. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
N. Formation of New Parent Group “Friends of Creston” to replace Creston Boosters. The new leadership team of Creston Boosters undertook the task of setting up the parent organization with bylaws and nonprofit corporation status and with that, the Creston Boosters was dissolved, and a new organization was created with the name “Friends of Creston School”. Twila Brenneman moved to recognize Friends of Creston School as the parent organization of Creston School as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
O. Staff Handbook 2024/2025. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the Staff Handbook for 2024/2025 as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
P. Substitute Pay Rates for 2024/2025. Megan Derrington moved to approve the pay rate of $14.25 per hour for a substitute teacher/aide and $17.25 per hour for a substitute custodian for fiscal year 2024/2025 as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously
Q. Substitute List 2024/2025 & Employment Contracts. Megan Derrington moved to approve the re-hire and new hire personnel lists and associated employment contracts for school year 2024/2025 as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
R. Sewage Line Repair. A local company completed an inspection of our sewer pipes in May. The inspection revealed three areas of damage and also some deformation of pipe – a complete report was provided. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the repair of the damaged sewage line by Clearwater Contracting, LLC for an estimated cost of $13,942.50 as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
S. Transportation Contracts – nil.
T. Before School Care Contracts – nil.
U. Out-of-District Requests. One attendance agreement request for a student that resides in our district, to attend KMS under a district-to-district placement in school year 2024/2025. Megan Derrington moved to approve the attendance agreement. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Attendance agreements for 35 students that reside in our district, to attend other districts in 2024/2025. Megan Derrington moved to acknowledge receipt of the attendance agreements. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Three agreements for students that reside in other districts requesting placement at Creston School for 2024/2025. Twila Brenneman moved to approve these attendance agreements. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
V. Gym & School Grounds Use Requests – nil.
VII. Claims Approval – Consideration of Action. Megan Derrington moved to approve the claims list as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 12 September 2024, 7:00am, Regular Meeting
B. 10 October 2024, 7:00am, Regular Meeting
IX. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:27 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
/s/Tammy Bartos, District Clerk
/s/Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
24 JUNE 2024

MINUTES

I. Call to Order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 8:03 a.m. The meeting was held remotely via a Zoom meeting platform. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Megan Derrington, Barry Farrell, and Nevada Hafer. Also in attendance were Rachel Stevens, Principal, and Tammy Bartos, District Clerk.
II. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
III. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Hiring Process for a 1.0 Teacher Position for 2024/2025 and Combining Classes Options. M. Moore has withdrawn her acceptance of the teaching position. In addition to opening the position for hire there was discussion regarding possible combination classes. Barry Farrell volunteered to be on the hiring committee with all other trustees to serve as backup as needed. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the hiring process for a 1.0 FTE Teacher Position for the 2024/2025 school year, and trustee volunteers for the hiring committee as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Nevada Hafer moved to approve that if prior to hiring a 1.0 FTE Teacher the combined class size of any two classes falls within district policy and state limits to move forward with pursuing combining classes for the 2024/2025 school year. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
IV. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 8 August 2024, 7:00am, Budget & Regular Meeting
V. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
/s/Tammy Bartos, District Clerk
/s/Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
13 JUNE 2024

I. Call to Order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:03 a.m. The meeting was held in the gym. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Megan Derrington and Nevada Hafer. Absent: Barry Farrell. Also in attendance were Rachel Stevens, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, Cindi Conley, Special Education Teacher and one community member.
II. Minutes of 9 May & 29 May 2024. Megan Derrington moved to approve the minutes as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence. A thank you note which was received from B. Toelke and her gym use group was shared– a donation was also received.
IV. Information
A. Speed Signs Highway 35 Project Update. The installation of the school speed limit lighted signs is to be completed prior to the start of school in August; this is according to the Flathead County MDT office.
B. Hiring Committee Update – the committee met to hold an interview for an aide on June 12 and pre-employment steps are in process prior to presenting any recommendations to the Board.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. The monthly budget expenditure report was provided through 31 May 2024. The General Fund is 96% committed and the Total of all funds is 76% committed. Miscellaneous Funds and Eastside Interlocal accounts were also reported. Accounts are reconciled to the County Treasurer through March 2024 – unchanged from the May report. Information about the MTSBA June 2024 Ballot was provided – the ballot itself will not be voted on as the notice was received after the 6/13/24 agenda was set. The audit is scheduled to be completed by June 30th.
B. Principal. Student Enrollment is 102. The work on the parking & bus lots is scheduled to be completed mid-July. Overhead lighting was installed in the container – Thank you Mr. Hagen! The red playground spinner will be adjusted to make it a stationary piece of equipment prior to the return of students for the 2024/2025 school year. Clearwater Contracting LLC recently conducted a free inspection of our sewer pipes, as more information becomes available it will be provided. The last week of school included student and staff participating in spirit days as follows: crazy hat day, crazy sock day, crazy hair day, Creston pride day, and color day. The Creston Boosters provided an end of the year lunch for the staff and students. Monthly building inspections have been completed with one recommendation to tighten the handle bolts on the monkey bars which has been done. The School Facilities Inventory Report was provided. Third through sixth grade students have completed Smarter Balanced Assessments – data was provided. Reading and math benchmark assessments have been completed and data was provided. A report on Creston School Goals 2023/2024 was also provided.
C. Staff. Cindi Conley was present to provide a verbal report on the end of the year happenings.
VI. Policies – Consideration of Action:
A. Second Reading of MTSBA Policy Services Updates: 1420, 3410F, 2132, 3110, 5325, 8110, 8121, 8132, 3416F3; Delete: 2113, 7008. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the policy updates as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Employment Contract for Custodian June 2024 – CS. The probationary period of C. Sydnor is coming to a close and a specific term contract is recommended. Nevada Hafer moved to approve hiring Cassandra Sydnor as Custodian for June 18 thru June 30, 2024, as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Classified Contract Renewal or Non-Renewal 2024/2025 & Compensation. A list of employees with proposed wages was provided. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the employment agreements and compensation for the 2024/2025 school year as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Hourly Paid Classified Employees Stipend 2024/2025. A stipend of up to $3,060 per annum for a 1.0 FTE hourly paid classified employee was proposed – prorated by FTE. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the stipend to the listed classified employees for 2024/2025 school year as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Extra-Duty Contract for Vehicle Maintenance 2024/2025 – JH. Megan Derrington moved to approve the extra-duty contract and pay rate for Jeff Hagen to provide vehicle repair maintenance for the 2024/2025 school year as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Principal Salary Negotiation & Contract 2024/2025. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the compensation and employment agreement for the 2024/2025 school year as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
F. Business/Office Manager & District Clerk Salary Negotiation & Contract 2024/2025. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the compensation and employment contract for the 2024/2025 school year as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
G. District Clerk Authority to Process Claims Summer Months. Megan Derrington moved to authorize the District Clerk to process claims June through the end of August 2024 without convening a board meeting. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
H. Bus Route 2024/2025. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the bus route and stops with student crossings for 2024/2025 as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Cayuse Prairie – Creston Transportation Interlocal 2024/2025. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the transportation interlocal agreement with Cayuse Prairie for 2024/2025 as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
J. Property & Liability Insurance Renewal with MSPLIP 2024/2025. Our current policy expires June 30. The premium for 2024/2025 is $15,302. The preliminary 2024/2025 General Fund Budget included an estimated premium of $15,000. Megan Derrington moved to approve the property & liability insurance renewal with MSPLIP for 2024/2025 as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
K. Transfer to East Side Flathead Valley Multidistrict Interlocal. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the resolution to transfer up to a maximum of $40,000 from the 2023/2024 General Fund to the East Side Flathead Valley Multidistrict Interlocal Fund as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
L. Records Destruction RM88. A form FM88 was presented to dispose of personnel records. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the records destruction request as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
M. Flathead County Planning & Zoning Preliminary Plat Request. A preliminary plat request for FSR-24-09 Many Lakes subdivision was received from Flathead County Planning & Zoning. Information only – no action taken.
N. Letter of Reasonable Assurance for Substitutes. A letter to current substitute employees giving them reasonable assurance of employment for the 2024/2025 school year on the same basis that existed during the past school year. Twila Brenneman moved to approve issuing the Letter of Reasonable Assurance for substitute employees as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
O. Flathead Special Education – Preschool Interlocal Agreement 2024/2025. The FSEC Preschool provides a comprehensive developmental approach to meeting the needs of children with disabilities ages 3 through 5 that meet eligibility criteria. Megan Derrington moved to approve the FSEC Preschool Program Interlocal Agreement for fiscal year 2024/2025 as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
P. Flathead Special Education – STAR (Communication) Program Agreement 2024/2025. The FSEC STAR (Communication) Program meets the needs of students who have Autism or related characteristics and behaviors that impede their ability to communicate and be successful within their neighborhood school. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the FSEC STAR Program Interlocal Agreement for fiscal year 2024/2025 as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Q. Renewal of KPS Interlocal Agreement for 7th & 8th Graders at KMS. The agreement is still being worked on by Kalispell School District Administration. Information only.
R. Property Disposal Resolution. A list of abandoned, obsolete and undesirable property was provided. Megan Derrington moved to approve the property disposal resolution as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
S. Early Entry Kindergarten Enrollment for 2024/2025. A request for early entry into kindergarten for next school year. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the enrollment of an early entry into kindergarten for the 2024/2025 school year as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
T. Transportation Contracts – nil.
U. Before School Care Contracts – nil.
V. Out-of-District Requests. Attendance agreement requests for nineteen (19) students that reside in our district, to attend another district in 2024/2025. Nevada Hafer moved to acknowledge receipt of these attendance agreements. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Eleven (11) requests for students residing in other districts to attend Creston School District for the 2024/2025 school year. Megan Derrington moved to approve these attendance agreements. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
W. Gym & School Grounds Use Requests – nil.
VIII. Claims Approval – Consideration of Action. Megan Derrington moved to approve the claims approval list as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
IX. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 8 August 2024, 7:00am, Budget & Regular Meeting
X. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:09 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
/s/Tammy Bartos, District Clerk
/s/Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair