Board Minutes

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
FINAL BUDGET & REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
12 August 2021

MINUTES

I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:03 a.m. The meeting was held in the school gym. Present were Board Trustees Matt Hartle, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Barry Farrell and Nevada Hafer. Also in attendance were Tami Ward, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, and Cindi Conley, Teacher.
II. Minutes of 21 July 2021. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the minutes as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously
III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
IV. Information Items:
A. List of P-Card Users. A list of current card users was presented.
B. Remodel Project Update. Tami Ward conducted a tour of the school highlighting the remodeled areas.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. Hard copies of the 2019-2020 Financial Audit were distributed. The Trustees Financial Summary will replace the regular financial reports given.
B. Principal. Predicted Student Enrollment for 2021/2022 is 111. Summer learning support was offered to students this summer. Interventions for Learning Loss – Additional staff have been hired for the 2021/2022 school year to provide interventions in the areas of reading and math; Title I support is also offered for reading and math; classroom interventions will continue; we also lowered our teacher/student ratio in 5th grade by creating two 5th/6th grade homeroom classrooms. An ESSER III Stakeholder Survey was sent to staff and families; a link was posted to our webpage, and responses are due by August 23rd. Several teachers attended the August Institute (technology); teachers will also attend the NW Reading Council Literacy Conference. Staff and teachers will participate in various training sessions this month and throughout the year to include CPR/First Aid certification, bullying prevention, mediation, and policies, safety training, six full days of PD for teachers for phonics, reading and incorporating social studies standards into English language arts. Our annual open house is scheduled for August 30th. Summer building and maintenance projects are nearing completion; a routine inspection of one of our furnaces indicates replacement is needed.
C. Staff. Cindi Conley, Teacher, was present and shared a slideshow that included teacher summer learning and things they are looking forward to this school year.
VI. Policies
A. Policy Updates: 2332, 3233, 3510, 3550, 3550F, 4211, 4331 – 2nd Read. Updates to policies due to recent State legislation in regard to student athletics and activities and updates to policies governing student clubs and groups in a manner consistent with the federal Equal Access Act. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve policies 2332, 3233, 3510, 3550, 3550F, 4211, 4331 as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Barry Farrell arrived at the meeting at 7:26.
B. Policy Updates: 3310, 4315, 5223 – 1st Read. Updates to policies due to HB102 legislation. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve policies 3310, 4315, 5223 as presented. Barry Farrell seconded Motion passed unanimously.
VII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. TFS. The Trustees Financial Summary (TFS) was not ready for presentation and this portion of the meeting was continued to 13 August 2021at 10:00 a.m. via a Zoom platform. 13 August 2021 Jessica Sandven-Sorensen continued the meeting at 10:01 am with Tami Ward, Principal and Tammy Bartos, District Clerk present. Mrs. Bartos gave an update and at 10:02 a.m. the meeting was again continued to 14 August 2021 at 10:00 a.m. 14 August 2021 Matt Hartle continued the meeting at 10:05 a.m. via a Zoom platform with Tami Ward and Tammy Bartos present. The reports were still in progress and at 10:06 the meeting was again continued to 15 August 2021 at 10:00 a.m. 15 August 2021 Twila Brenneman continued the meeting at 10:01 a.m. via a Zoom platform with Tami Ward and Tammy Bartos present. The reports were still in progress and at 10:02 a.m. the meeting was again continued to 16 August 2021 at 7:00 p.m. 16 August 2021, Matt Hartle continued the meeting at 7:02 p.m. in the school gym. Present were trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen and Twila Brenneman. Also in attendance were Tami Ward and Tammy Bartos. The TFS is the school district official submission of annual financial information to the County Superintendent and State Superintendent. The 2020-2021 TFS was presented in its entirety. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the TFS for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously
B. Budget. The Budget was not ready for presentation and this portion of the meeting was continued. See Item A for information on the continuation of this portion of the meeting from 12 August through to 16 August 2021. On 16 August 2021 at the 7:00 p.m. continuation meeting the 2021-2022 Budget report was presented in its entirety. A comparison to FY2020-21 was also provided. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the 2021-2022 Budget as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:08 p.m.
C. Safe Return to School and Continuity of Services Plan. 1) a letter from Governor Gianforte and Superintendent Arntzen was provided. 2) Revisions to policies 1903 and 1905 to align with the Creston School Reopening Plan regarding face coverings and physical distancing were presented. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the revisions to policies 1905 and 1903 as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Cayuse Prairie – Creston Transportation Interlocal 2021-22. Barry Farrell moved to approve the transportation interlocal agreement with Cayuse Prairie as presented. Jessica Sandven-Sorenson seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Extra-Duty Mentoring Contract 21-22 (DC mentor BJ). D. Christiansen has agreed to mentor our new teacher B. Johnson. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the extra-duty mentoring contract and pay rate as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
F. Substitute Teacher Pay Rate. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the 2021-2022 substitute teacher pay rate of $13.00 per hour. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
G. Substitute List. Nevada Hafer refrained from participating in this action item. Barry Farrell moved to approve the substitute re-hire list, approve hiring substitutes from the County Superintendent of Schools list, and approved the substitute custodian re-hire of Sheila Hafer and hourly wage as presented. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded. Motion passed unanimously (minus Nevada Hafer who refrained).
H. Classified Staff Contracts Renewal or Non-Renewal & Wages for 2021-2022. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the contract renewals and hourly wages as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Hire Aide for 2021/2022. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to hire P. Choco as a classroom, playground and lunchroom aide for the 2021-2022 school year and approve the hourly wage as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
J. Hold Harmless Agreements with Creston Fire Dept & Eastside Grange. These are annual agreements in consideration of the use of their respective buildings for a temporary shelter during a school emergency. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the hold harmless agreements for 2021-2022 as presented. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
K. Transportation Contracts – nil.
L. Before School Care Contracts – nil.
M. Out of District Requests – nil.
N. Gym & School Grounds Use Requests. Many Lakes HOA requested use of the gym on September 25th from 8:30 am to 1:30 p.m. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the request as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

VIII. Claims – August 2021. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the claims approval list as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
IX. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 9 September 2021, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
B. 14 October 2021, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
X. Adjourn. At 8:14 a.m. Matt Hartle continued the budget portion of this meeting to 13 August 2021 at 10:00 a.m. via a Zoom platform. Please see items VII. A and B.

Respectfully Submitted,

__________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

__________________________
Matt Hartle, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
21 July 2021

MINUTES

I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. The meeting was held remotely via a Zoom meeting platform. Present were Board Trustees Matt Hartle, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Barry Farrell and Nevada Hafer. Also in attendance were Tami Ward, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, and Nicole Noonan, CPA.
II. Minutes of 23 June 2021. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the minutes as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
IV. Information Items:
A. Asbestos Report. A certified Asbestos Inspector performed this required inspection. The reinspection did not reveal any newly friable homogenous areas. There were no significant changes/issues on the report.
B. 2019-2020 Audit Report. Nicole Noonan, CPA presented the Audit Report.
C. Safe Return to School and Continuity of Services Plan. There was no new information to present.
D. MTSBA Call for Resolutions: 2023 Legislative Session. Information was provided regarding this call for resolutions from MTSBA-member school districts.
V. Policies
A. Policy Updates: 2170, 2170P, 3121, 3150, 3311, 3413 – 1st Read. Updates to policies due to recent State legislation and changes with the Montana Digital Academy. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve policies 2170, 2170P, 3121, 3150, 3311, 3413 as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Policy Updates: 2332, 3233, 3510, 3550, 3550F, 4211, 4331 – 1st Read. Updates to policies due to recent State legislation and updates to policies governing student clubs and groups in a manner consistent with the federal Equal Access Act. These require a second reading. No action at this time.
VI. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Declaration of Unforeseen Emergency in accordance with Title 20, chapter 9, part 8, MCA. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved that the Board of Trustees declare an unforeseen emergency within the meaning of that term as set forth in Title 20, Chapter 9, Part 8, MCA, to become immediately effective and to continue through June 30, 2022, or until terminated by a vote of the Board of Trustees. The declaration is necessary due to community and school health concerns related to COVID-19. The Board of Trustees authorizes the Administrator to take necessary steps to execute this declaration and inform the public and government agencies of this declaration. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Workspace/Cubicle for Special Education Specialists in the Library – Quotes. Not available at this time. No action.
C. Montana Schools Property & Liability Insurance Plan Insurance Proposal 7/1/21 – 7/1/22. Barry Farrell moved to approve the MSPLIP proposal for property and liability insurance for 7/1/21 – 7/1/22 as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Intermountain Agreement. This is a renewal agreement with Intermountain to provide Educational and Therapeutic services to students enrolled in the school district authorized to receive Day Treatment services. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the agreement with Intermountain for Educational and Therapeutic Day Treatment services for the period of 7/1/21 – 6/30/22 as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Summer Transportation Agreements. We did not have anyone available to drive our e-bus for summer services to Intermountain. The reimbursement rate is the same as schools receive from the State during the regular school year for driving an e-bus. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve reimbursement to Intermountain Day Treatment and associated parents to transport student to the summer day treatment program at a rate of 50 cents per mile for up to 22.5 miles per trip for a maximum of two times per day. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
F. MTSBA 2021 Membership Election Ballot. Twila Brenneman moved to approve acceptance of the MTSBA membership issues including 1) Principles and Guidelines, 2) FY23 Dues Revenue Estimate, 3) Nomination of Scott Walter as MTSBA President-Elect, and 4) Nomination of Tom Billteen as MTSBA Vice-President, as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
G. Auditor Proposals. Three proposals were included for review. Barry Farrell moved to approve the proposal of Nicole Noonan, CPA, PC for the 2020-2021 Audit. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
H. New Teacher Hire & Contract 2021-2022. The hiring committee interviewed applicants on May 11th and made a recommendation; all pre-employment requirements have been met. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to hire Bailey Johnson as a teacher for the 2021-2022 school year and approve her teaching contract as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Hire Part-Time Aide for 2021/2022 – New Position – nil.
J. Classified Staff Contracts renewal or non-renewal 2021-2022 & Compensation – nil.
VII. Claims – July 2021. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the claims approval list as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 12 August 2021, 7:00 am Budget & Regular Meeting
IX. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 10:09 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

_____________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

_____________________________
Matt Hartle, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
23 June 2021

MINUTES
I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 8:47 a.m. The meeting was held remotely via a Zoom meeting platform. Present were Board Trustees Matt Hartle, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Barry Farrell and Nevada Hafer. Also in attendance were Tami Ward, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, Jennifer Johnson, 2nd Grade Teacher and CEA President.
II. Minutes of 10 June 2021. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the minutes as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
IV. Information Items:
1. ESSER Basics Presentation. Tammy Bartos, District Clerk presented on the various COVID-19 Funds we have and expect to receive.
V. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Flathead Crossroads Interlocal Agreement 2021-22. This is a standard contract that is being renewed for fiscal year 2022. Educational services are provided to students of participating districts who have been identified with chronic emotional and behavioral needs under IDEA, with the specific intent of building skills necessary to facilitate reentry into the regular public school setting. Barry Farrell moved to approve the Flathead Crossroads Interlocal Agreement for fiscal year 2021-2022 as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Classified Staff Contracts renewal or non-renewal 2021-2022 & Compensation. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the contract renewal and hourly wage of J. Hagen and M. Bilodeau as presented and to approve the intent to rehire agreements for R. Leighty and K. Miller as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. New Teacher Hire & Contract 2021-2022. Waiting on documents – no action at this time.
D. Advertise and Interview for a Part-Time Aide for 2021/2022. This is for a position in addition to the other aide positions. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the advertising and interviewing of a part-time aide for the 2021/2022 school year. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Nevada Hafer volunteered to serve on the hiring committee. Twila Brenneman moved to approve Nevada Hafer as the Board representative on the hiring committee. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Auditor Proposals. Additional information is needed from those giving proposals, no proposals were provided, and no action at this time.
F. Principal with Superintendent Duties Salary Negotiation & Contract 2021-2022. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the salary increase of 1.5% and renew the contract for the 2021-2022 school year. Barry Farrell seconded; upon further discussion Barry Farrell moved to renew the contract for the 2021-2022 school year with a 3% increase to the salary. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
G. Clerk Salary Negotiation & Contract 2021-2022. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the salary increase of 3% and renew the contract for the 2021-2022 school year as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
H. Extra-Duty Contract for Principal and Clerk June 2021 & July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022. These contracts are to cover the additional duties over the summer months required to respond to and implement Covid-19 related tasks. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the extra-duty contracts with a maximum of 40 allowable hours for June 2021 and 80 allowable hours for July1 – August 31, 2021, and to approve T. Bartos compensation as presented and adjust the hourly compensation for T. Ward to reflect the 3% salary increase to the July 1 – August 31, 2021, contract as approved in her 2021-2022 contract. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Revision of Reopening Plan. The plan initially created in July of 2020 in response to the global pandemic of Covid-19 has recommended revisions based on recent board action and to reflect current knowledge and recommendations of local health officials to limit the effect and spread of Covid-19 in schools. Barry Farrell moved to approve the revised Reopening Plan as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
J. Move to Phase III of Creston School Reopening Plan. As Covid-19 vaccinations increase and community case numbers are in a decline, resuming more typical operations in our schools is possible. Barry Farrell moved to approve moving to Phase III of the Creston School Reopening Guidelines for All Phases effective June 24, 2021. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
K. Safe Return to School and Continuity of Services Plan. Each school district that receives ARP ESSER funds must develop and make publicly available on their website a plan as per ARP guidelines. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the Safe Return to School and Continuity of Services Plan as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Nevada Hafer left the meeting at this time to meet other scheduled obligations.
L. Bus Route(s) 2021-2022 & Interlocal Transportation Agreements. Two routes with no changes, stops where students cross the road, and Interlocal agreements with Cayuse Prairie and Bigfork School Districts were presented. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the bus routes, stops with student crossings, and transportation interlocal agreements as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
M. Safety Transfer – sidewalks, telephone system, bus parking lot. To address expenditures for improvements to school safety such as those listed, but not limited to such. The complete Resolution will be noticed. Barry Farrell moved to authorize the administration to transfer up to a maximum of $45,000 from the 2020-2021 General and/or Transportation Funds to the Building Reserve Fund. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
N. Letter of Reasonable Assurance for Substitute Employees. Twila Brenneman moved to approve issuing letters of reasonable assurance to substitute employees. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
O. Staff Handbook 2021-2022. Revisions to the handbook were presented. Barry Farrell moved to approve the Staff Handbook for 2021-2022 as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VI. Claims – June 2021 – claim run #2. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the claims as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VII. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 12 August 2021, 7:00 am Budget & Regular Meeting
VIII. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

_____________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

_____________________________
Matt Hartle, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
10 June 2021

MINUTES

I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:01 a.m. The meeting was held remotely via a Zoom meeting platform. Present were Board Trustees Matt Hartle, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Barry Farrell and Nevada Hafer; Absent was Twila Brenneman – planned absence. Also in attendance were Tami Ward, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, Jennifer Johnson, 2nd Grade Teacher and CEA President, Shanta Milne, Kindergarten Teacher, Janessa Williams, 6th Grade Teacher, Emily Russell, 5th Grade Teacher, Robyn Hall, Parent of Student.
II. Minutes of 13 May 2021. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the minutes as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
IV. Information Items:
1. 5th and 6th grade Classroom Configuration. To provide equitable educational and social experiences, we will offer two 5th/6th grade homeroom classes of 14-17 students, with instruction provided by both Ms. Russell and Ms. Williams for 2021/2022.
2. Audit Engagement Letter FY 2020– Nicole M. Noonan, CPA, P.C. Letter confirming services to be provided; a copy was given to each trustee prior to today’s meeting.
3. Montana Digital Academy Course Offerings. The Academy estimates they will have a course list available later this summer. The course list will be presented at a future meeting when it is available.
4. OPI Preliminary Budget Data Sheet FY2021-2022 Post-Session. A copy of the data sheet was provided. Changes in the Legislature this year did impact our numbers and increased our estimated Highest Budget Without a Vote by less than $1,000.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. Statement of Expenditure includes payroll and claims through 10 June. General Fund is at 84% committed and Total of all funds is at 79%. Audit for 2019/2020 is in process. A bus fuel comparison of 2019/2020 with the diesel bus vs. 2020/2021 with the new propane bus showed a 25% fuel savings.
B. Principal. Predicted Student Enrollment for 2021/2022 is 114. Spring benchmark results for reading show all students made progress with the help of classroom interventions and Title I support. Currently 92% of students are at or near benchmark in reading. Spring benchmark results for math show 79% of K-6th grade students are at benchmark, 13% approaching grade level, and 8% in need of further intervention. SBAC Assessment results show 67% of our students are advanced or proficient in math and 62% of our students are advanced or proficient in English Language Arts. Our results are slightly lower that two years ago which is to be expected due to remote learning the final trimester of 2020 and ongoing remote learning throughout the 2020/2021 school year. We will continue providing interventions where needed in the classroom and through our Title I program. At the time of the report there were no new cases of COVID in our learning environment. Monthly building inspections have been completed with no recommendations. Summer building and maintenance projects are in progress and summer cleaning projects will begin in late June. Our asbestos inspection is scheduled for tomorrow. Teachers will attend the Western Montana Technology Conference and the NW Reading Council Literacy Conference in August. First aid and safety training is scheduled for all staff in August. Virtual Events – Ms. Russell hosted a virtual Authors’ Party, Ms. Mumm provided a virtual art fair, and Mrs. Davidson hosted virtual fieldtrips with National Parks. The Special Education Cooperative hired a new business manager and two speech and language pathologists for the 2021/2022 school year. Crossroads is planning for the summer program which provides experiences for students to practice social skills. They had one resignation this year, so they are in the process of hiring for that position.
C. Staff. Jen Johnson shared a verbal end of year recap using the word “rollercoaster” to describe the year, which overall went well considering the pandemic, the remote learning, isolating from other classes, etc.

VI. Policies:
A. MTSBA Policy Maintenance Program from 5/21/2021 Notice – 1st Read: 3416, 3417, 5230, 5325, 8130, 8301, 8410, 8421, 8411. Updates to ensure compliance with the new expectations from recent regulatory changes affecting school districts from the Department of Public Health and Human Services and Department of Environmental Quality. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the required changes to policies 3416, 5230, 5325, 8130, 8301, 8410 & 8421 and adopt new required policies 3417 & 8411 as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Flathead Special Education Cooperative Agreement – Revised 5/15/2021. This is a standard agreement renewal for special education services to students, between the ages of three and twenty-one, attending and residing in the local school district. The FSEC will assist in the development and maintenance of special education programs in participating school districts. One significant change in this agreement is that FSEC will now serve as the fiscal host (previously Kila School District). The agreement begins July 1st, 2021 and the duration of the membership is for three years. A representative to serve on the Management Board is also required. Barry Farrell moved to approve the Flathead Special Education Cooperative Agreement as presented and to designate Tami Ward, Principal, to serve as the representative to the FSEC Management Board. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Flathead Special Education Cooperative FY22 Interlocal Agreement Preschool Program. A renewal agreement, the FSEC Preschool Program is a center-based program that provides preschool services to children ages 3 through 5 who are residents of the participating school districts and meet eligibility criteria. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the Flathead Special Education Cooperative Preschool Program Interlocal Agreement for fiscal year 2021-2022 as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Flathead Special Education Cooperative FY22 Interlocal Agreement Severe Communication Disorders Program. A renewal agreement, the FSEC Severe Communication Disorders Program is a collaborative effort by the member school districts to provide and implement a program to meet the needs of students who have severe communication disabilities with accompanying behavior and learning difficulties. Barry Farrell moved to approve the 2021-2022 school year Interlocal Agreement with the Flathead Special Education Cooperative Program for Students with Severe Communication Disorders as presented. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Classified Contracts Renewal or Non-Renewal 2021-2022 & Compensation – nil.
E. Extra-Duty Contract Summer Program Teaching Contract. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the Extra-Duty Contract for Deborah Christiansen to teach the summer program as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
F. New Teacher Hire & Contract 2021-2022 – nil.
G. Revision of 2021-2022 Teaching Contract for T. Mumm. Mrs. Mumm will be the 1st grade teacher next school year which will change her FTE from .8 to 1.0; her contract will need to change accordingly to revise her wage and benefits. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the revision of the 2021-2022 teaching contract for Mrs. Mumm as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
H. Principal with Superintendent Duties Salary Negotiation & Contract 2021-2022 – nil.
I. Clerk Salary Negotiation & Contract 2021-2022 – nil.
J. Extra-Duty Contract for Principal and Clerk June 2021 & July – Aug 2021 – nil.
K. Appointment of a Representative to the County Transportation Committee. Recent Legislation passed in SB74 requires that every school district is given the opportunity to appoint a representative to sit on and be a voting member of the County Transportation Committee. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to appoint Tami Ward, Principal, as the representative to the County Transportation Committee. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
L. Property Disposal Resolution. A list of property was provided. Barry Farrell moved to approve the Property Disposal Resolution as presented and to approve the sale of the MacBook Air Laptop to M. Potts following the required two-week notice. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
M. Bus Route(s) 2021-2022 & Interlocal Transportation Agreements – nil.
N. Individual Transportation Contract Approval (OPI Form TR-4). Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the Individual Transportation Contract #49961. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
O. Remote Learning 2021/2022. During the 2020/2021 school year synchronous remote learning was offered to families selecting remote learning for the school year, students who had extended absences or quarantined, and students who were absent due to extended travel. While teachers were able to provide this type of learning experience, the staff and administration agree this type of instruction is not best practice for elementary students, both those attending school in-person or remotely. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the plan to provide in-person learning for all students, remote learning for whole class quarantines, and independent remote learning with Principal approval for extended absences during the 2021-2022 school year. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
P. Safety Transfer – nil.
Q. Letter of Reasonable Assurance for Substitutes and Classroom/SPED Aides – nil.
R. District Clerk Authority to Process Claims Summer Months. Barry Farrell moved to authorize the District Clerk to process claims from June through August without convening a board meeting. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
S. Substitute List 2021-2022. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the substitute list and hourly wage as presented for the 2021-2022 school year. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Claims – June 2021. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the claims list as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
IX. Next Meeting Dates:
A. Special Meeting possibly needed later in June. Date and time to be determined.
B. 12 August 2021, 7:00 am Regular Meeting. This will be a Budget & Regular meeting.
X. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:26 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

__________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

__________________________
Matt Hartle, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REORGANIZATION & REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
13 May 2021

MINUTES
I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:01 a.m. The meeting was held in the Creston School Library. Present were Board Trustees Matt Hartle, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Barry Farrell, and Nevada Hafer. Also in attendance were Jack Eggensperger, Flathead County Superintendent of Schools, Tami Ward, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, Jennifer Johnson, 2nd Grade Teacher and CEA President, Melissa Potts, 1st Grade Teacher, and Shanta Milne, Kindergarten Teacher.
II. Minutes of 8 April 2021 & 6 May 2021. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the minutes as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Oath of Office for Trustees Elected by Acclamation. At the 8 April 2021 meeting the Board approved the election by acclamation. Jack Eggensperger, Flathead County Superintendent of Schools administered the oath of office to Twila Brenneman (2-year term) and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen (3-year term).
IV. Reorganization of the Board of Trustees
1. Nomination and Election of Board Chair. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen nominated, and Nevada Hafer motioned to elect Matt Hartle as Board Chair. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Nomination and Election of Board Vice-Chair. Matt Hartle nominated, and Barry Farrell motioned to elect Jessica Sandven-Sorensen as Board Vice-Chair. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
3. Appointment and Oath of Office of District Clerk. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen motioned to appoint Tammy Bartos as District Clerk. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
V. Board Meeting Time / Policy 1400 – Board Meetings. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen motioned to continue to meet on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 a.m. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VI. Public Participation / Correspondence. Ms. Potts presented the Board with her resignation letter. Thanks were given for her years of service.
VII. Information Items:
1. FY2021 Accreditation Status Report. Final Accreditation Status for 2020-2021 is Regular. A copy of the report was provided.
2. MTSBA Annual Meeting – June 10, 2021 – Virtual Meeting. A copy of the notice was provided.
VIII. Reports:
A. Clerk. Statement of Expenditure includes payroll and claims through 12 May. General Fund is at 64% committed and the Total of all Funds is at 64% committed. Accounts are reconciled to County Treasurer for March 2021. The 2019-2020 Audit is in process.
B. Principal. Student Enrollment is at 108. Kindergarten Roundup was successful with 16 students completing registration, 4 more students are on the list, and 2 students are on a waiting list. Our annual school performance survey and a separate Title 1 survey were completed by parents/guardians – results were provided. At the time of the report there were no new cases of COVID in our learning environment; our goal is to keep our school open for in-person learning throughout the remainder of the school year. Several teachers plan to attend the Western Montana Technology Conference this summer; also, there are plans to attend the NW Reading Council Literacy Conference. Mrs. Davidson, 3rd grade, hosted a virtual field trip with a park ranger from Glacier National Park; Smarter Balanced Assessments for 3rd – 6th graders in ELA and Math began May 3rd. Students in 5th grade will also take a science assessment. The Safety Committee met May 12th; no major concerns were noted. Updates on the Educational and Special Education Cooperatives were given.
C. Staff. Jen Johnson shared the staff report via a Google Slides presentation.

IX. Policies:
A. 3310F – Discipline Citation – Repeal – 2nd Read. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to repeal Policy 3310F. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. 5140 – Personnel – Classified Employment and Assignment – 2nd Read. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the revision to Policy 5140 as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. MTSBA Policy Maintenance Program from 3/19/21 Notice – 2nd Read: 1700, 3225P, 5012P, 3310, 3130, 5120P, 5120F- Notice, 5120F – Determination, 5120F – Privacy, 5120F – Dissemination, 5122F, 5232, 5228P, 5228F, 5228F2, 5328P, 7220, 7220P. Updates from the MTSBA Policy Services to ensure compliance with the law and best practices including Title IX compliance, background checks and fingerprinting, Federal Motor Carrier Clearing House Rules, and the use of Title 1 Funds. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the policies as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
D. MTSBA Policy Maintenance Program from 4/20/21 Notice – 1st Read: 3110, 1310, 2100, 2050, 2221. Over the past months the Montana Legislature passed, and the Governor has approved several pieces of legislation; some of those bills were effective immediately upon passage and approval. These policies were adjusted or created to ensure full compliance with the new laws implemented in HB 68, HB 246, SB 18, and SB 75. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the revisions and new policies as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
X. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Flathead Special Education Cooperative FY22 Interlocal Agreement Severe Communication Disorders Program – nil.
B. Flathead Special Education Cooperative FY22 Interlocal Agreement Preschool Program – nil.
C. Extra-Duty Substitute Contract 2021-2022 – AH. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the extra-duty substitute contract for Ariann Hess-Headlee for the 2021-2022 school year. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
D. East Side Flathead Valley Multidistrict Agreement 7/1/2021 – 6/30/2023. This is an interlocal agreement which allows for increased flexibility and efficiency of school districts to transfer funds into a sub fund and then use them when needed – without an increase in local taxes. A fund transfer would require board approval. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the agreement as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Substitute List. Barry Farrell moved to approve the substitute list and hourly wage as presented for the 2020-2021 school year. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
F. Transportation Contract(s) – nil.
G. Before School Care Contract(s) – nil.
H. Out of District Request(s) – nil.
I. Gym & School Grounds Use request(s) – nil.
XI. Claims – May 2021. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the claims list as presented. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
XII. Executive Session for Principal Personnel Evaluation and Consideration of Closed Session Minutes. At 7:35 am Board Chair Matt Hartle closed the meeting to protect the individual rights of Tami Ward, Principal, during a personnel evaluation. The meeting was reopened at 8:08 a.m. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the Principal evaluation and the executive session minutes. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
XIII. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 10 June 2021, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
XIV. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:09 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

__________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

__________________________
Matt Hartle, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
6 May 2021

MINUTES

I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:31 a.m. The meeting was held remotely via Zoom. Present were Board Trustees Matt Hartle, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Barry Farrell, and Nevada Hafer. Also in attendance were Tami Ward, Principal, and Tammy Bartos, District Clerk.
II. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
III. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Hiring a 1.0 FTE Teacher for the 2021/2022 School Year. Mrs. Ward has received and accepted the resignation of Ms. Potts at the end of this school year. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve beginning the hiring process for a 1.0 FTE teacher for the 2021-2022 school year as presented. Barry Farrell seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Barry Farrell and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen volunteered to be on the Hiring Committee.
B. Claim Approval for Jackola Engineering & Architecture. An initial payment is needed for the architectural and structural design work by JEA for the state approval of our remodel project. The claim is for $688.00. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the claim as presented. Barry Farrell seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
IV. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 13 May 2021, 7:00 am Reorganization and Regular Meeting
V. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 7:35 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

__________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

__________________________
Matt Hartle, Board Chair