Board Minutes

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
11 November 2021

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, Barry Farrell and Nevada Hafer. Matt Hartle had a planned absence. Also in attendance were Tami Ward, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, Jennifer Johnson, Teacher and CEA President, Deb Christiansen, Teacher, Julie Horton, and Susan Horner-Till.
II. Minutes of 14 October 2021. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the minutes as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously,
III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil
IV. Information Items
A. Boardsmanship Leadership Academy. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen attended a board member leadership class at FVCC, she suggested having an agenda item for future board meetings regarding board professional development and will draw from the leadership class to develop an outline/topic list. There was discussion and the trustees in general thought this would be a good idea to try out and that it should be kept to a short time limit per meeting.
B. Notice of Subdivision No. 295. A notice from the Flathead County Planning and Zoning office was provided to the trustees regarding a subdivision proposal off Splendid View Drive.
C. Classified Employment Contract for Aide. Information regarding employee probationary period ending and being placed on a written contract for P. Choco.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. The monthly budget expenditure report was provided through 31 October 2021. General Fund is 20% committed and the Total of all Funds is at 17% committed. Fund 115 Project Report was also provided. Accounts are reconciled to the County Treasurer through August 2021. Fall Student Enrollment Count Day was October 4, 2021; total student count for Average Number Belonging (ANB) was submitted to the state and reported enrollment was 113. Also, the Out-of-District Attendance Report was submitted to the County; reported total on count day (10/4/2021) was 40.
B. Principal. Current student enrollment is 107. A student assembly was held October 29th. Monthly building inspections have been completed with no recommended repairs. We had six positive Covid-19 cases in our learning environment during the month of October. Crossroads program is fully staffed. Parents/guardians were given a second notice of the potential cancellation of transportation services and classroom instruction due to a lack of substitutes; cancellation and remote learning will be our last resort after all other solutions have been exhausted; we’ve had several multi-day absences recently with no available substitutes. The Safety Committee met in October; the next meeting will be in February. School Facility Conditions Inventory Report was provided with no updates. This month staff and students are participating in a food drive; all donations will be given to the Bigfork Food Bank. A report regarding the Special Education Cooperative was provided. The first round of teacher evaluations using the Teacher EPAS will be wrapping up later this month. Tami will be attending a Title IX training this month and will assume the role of Coordinator and Investigator; Jack Eggensperger, County Superintendent of Schools, will assume the role of Decision Maker.
C. Staff. Jen Johnson shared the staff report via a Google Slide presentation.
VI. Policies
A. Policy Updates 2050, 2168, 3222, 3231, 3235, 4330F, 5223, 5314, 7251 – 2nd Read. Barry Farrell motioned to approve the changes to the policies as presented with one addition to policy 4330F, item #1 under Premises and Conditions, to include a reference that policies are found on our website at crestonschool.com. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Policy Updates 1420, 2140, 5140, 2312P – 1st Read. In the September 2021 edition of MTSBA Policy Notes, updates to the MTSBA Model Policy Manual needed to ensure compliance with the law and best practice were provided. Twenty-four polices were forwarded, some policies do not apply to our school, some of the changes have already been addressed, of those remaining updates we are only reviewing a portion of them this month. These policies require a second read. No action required at this time.
C. New Policy 2221P – 1st Read. A new recommended MTSBA Model Policy. This policy requires a second read. No action at this time.
VII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Trustee Resignation & Declare Vacant Trustee Position. Barry Farrell motioned to declare a vacant trustee position due to the resignation of Matt Hartle and to fill the vacancy by appointment. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Selection of Board Chair & Vice Chair. Barry Farrell motioned to elect Jessica Sandven-Sorensen as Board Chair. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen motioned to elect Twila Brenneman as Board Vice Chair. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Appointment of Trustees as Document Signers. Nevada Hafer motioned to appoint Jessica Sandven-Sorensen and Twila Brenneman as approved to sign documents and warrants on behalf of Creston School District #9. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Safe Return to School and Continuity of Services Plan. The plan was provided for review – updates to add/revise dates proposed. Twila Brenneman motioned to approve the plan as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Property Disposal. A list of abandoned, obsolete, and undesirable property was presented as well as the required resolution. The resolution will be posted in the newspaper for the required two-week period. Barry Farrell motioned to approve the Property Disposal Resolution as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
F. MSPLIP Annual Membership Meeting. Barry Farrell motioned to approve a proxy representation for the MSPLIP Annual Membership Meeting and to accept Pamela Clary for the Board Seat. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
G. Substitute List. Barry Farrell motioned to approve the addition to the substitute list as presented for the 2021/2022 school year. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
H. Transportation Contracts. One contract was presented with the fee waived for days that the parent is providing bus driving/training duties. Barry Farrell motioned to approve the transportation contract as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Before School Care Contracts – nil.
J. Out of District Requests. Barry Farrell motioned to acknowledge receipt of the attendance agreements. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
K. Gym & School Grounds Use Requests – nil.
VIII. Claims Approval. Nevada Hafer motioned to approve the claims list as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
IX. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 9 December 2021, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
B. 13 January 2022, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
X. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 7:43 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

_________________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

_________________________________
Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
14 October 2021

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, Barry Farrell and Nevada Hafer. Matt Hartle had a planned absence. Also in attendance were Tami Ward, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, and Jennifer Johnson, Teacher and CEA President.
II. Minutes of 9 September 2021. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the minutes as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence
IV. Reports:
A. Clerk. The monthly budget expenditure report was provided through 30 September 2021. General Fund is 12% committed and the Total of all Funds is at 12% committed. Fund 115 Project Report was provided through 30 September 2021. Accounts are reconciled to the County Treasurer through July 2021.
B. Principal. Enrollment is at 109. Building maintenance – an air quality inspection is being added to the monthly checklist. We had two positive cases in our learning environment during the month of September. Mrs. Ward completed several trainings for various roles she fills for our school – Gifted and Talented Program Director, Homeless Liaison, Indian Education for All Program Director. We were given notice that Intermountain is no longer able to serve students in the Flathead Valley due to staffing shortages. Interventions for Learning Loss: Title I Reading and Math services are underway for the 2021/2022 school year. These intervention sessions provide support to students experiencing learning loss. Additionally, teachers are implementing classroom interventions to support all students. Parents/guardians were given first notice of the potential cancellation of transportation services and classroom instruction due to a lack of substitute bus drivers and substitute teachers. Cancellation and remote learning will be our last resort after all other solutions have been exhausted. The safety committee met on October 13th and will meet a total of three times this school year. Teacher evaluations are scheduled and in process. Kelly Boswell worked with students and staff October 4th – 6th on Literacy Instruction Training with demonstration lessons. The TEAMS report has been submitted for the 2021/2022 school year; the successful completion of this report and requirements provide state accreditation for our school.
C. Staff. Jen Johnson shared the staff report via a Google Slides presentation.
V. Policies
A. Policy Updates – 2050, 2168, 3222, 3231, 3235, 4330F, 5223, 5314, 7251. In the September 2021 edition of MTSBA Policy Notes, updates to the MTSBA Model Policy Manual needed to ensure compliance with the law and best practice were provided. Twenty-four polices were forwarded, some policies do not apply to our school, some of the changes have already been addressed, of those remaining updates we are only reviewing a portion of them this month. These policies require a second read. No action required at this time.
VI. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Substitute Bus Driver Training. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the paid substitute bus driver training for K. Miller at a rate of $15.00 per hour. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Safe Return to School and Continuity of Services Plan. No updates presented. Information only. No motion needed at this time.
C. Kelly Boswell Personal Services Contract Amendment. An amendment for needed lodging accommodations. Barry Farrell moved to approve the amendment to the contract as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Property Disposal. A list of abandoned, obsolete, and undesirable property was presented as well as the required resolution. The resolution will be posted in the newspaper for the required two-week period. Barry Farrell moved to approve the Property Disposal Resolution as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
E. MTSUIP Annual Meeting. Information regarding the annual meeting was presented. No action taken.
F. MSGIA Annual Meeting. Information regarding the annual meeting was presented. No action taken.
G. Principal & Clerk 2021/2022 Extra Duty Contract – COVID hours. Extra-duty contracts for time spent beyond the regular workday to prevent, prepare and respond to the COVID-19 virus for the term of 1 September 2021 – 30 June 2022. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the 2021/2022 COVID Extra Duty Contracts and compensation for T. Ward and T. Bartos as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
H. 2021/2022 Extra Duty Contracts – Custodian. A list of current employees willing to fill in as substitute custodian should the need arise was presented. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the 2021/2022 Custodian Extra Duty Contracts as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Substitute List – nil.
J. Transportation Contracts. Eighteen (18) contracts were presented. Barry Farrell moved to approve the transportation contracts as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
K. Before School Care Contracts. Nine (9) contracts were presented. Barry Farrell moved to approve the contracts as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
L. Out of District Requests. Attendance agreement requests for 8 students that reside in our district, attending another district. Twila Brenneman moved to acknowledge the receipt of these attendance agreements. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Attendance agreement requests for forty-one (41) students requesting Creston School District as their school of choice. Barry Farrell moved to approve these attendance agreements. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
M. Gym & School Grounds Use Requests – nil.
VII. Claims – October 2021. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the claim lists as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 11 November 2021, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
B. 9 December 2021, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
IX. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 7:32 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

__________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

____________________________________
Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
9 September 2021

MINUTES

I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:04 a.m. The meeting was held in the 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, Deb Christiansen, Teacher and Jennifer Johnson, Teacher and CEA President.
II. Minutes of 12 August 2021 and 24 August 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. Special Education LEA Determinations – School Year 2019-2020. Based on a review of our 2019-2020 data, the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) has determined that our district meets the federal requirements of those established by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA). The full report was shared.
B. Crosswalk Creston Road. The Flathead County Transportation Department is pursuing putting in a permanent crosswalk on Creston Road just north of our parking lot entrance across to the Grange. A copy of the proposed project was provided.
C. MSPLIP Inspection Report. Our building insurer conducted their annual inspection. Each recommendation has either been completed or is process of being completed. The full report was provided.
D. ESSER III Plan. A survey was sent out and made available to families, staff and the community. The responses were used when Mrs. Ward wrote the plan. A full copy of the plan was provided.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk – The monthly budget expenditure report was provided through 31 August 2021. General Fund is 4% committed and the Total of all Funds is at 2% committed. Accounts are reconciled to the County Treasurer through June 2021.
B. Principal – Enrollment is at 109. Benchmark assessments for the 2021/2022 school year are underway. Classroom teachers attended a math training session offered by consultant, Eliza Sorte-Thomas. All teachers and staff completed annual safety training through Safe Schools. A new gaga ball mat has been installed. We have continually advertised for a substitute bus driver for the last 18 months with no response. Unfortunately, we will have to cancel bus services in the event our driver is not available to transport students. New social studies standards have been released by MT OPI and a link to them was provided; these standards remain relatively close to the previous standards for grades K-5 and we are working with District 5 to determine the scope and sequence for grades 6-8. Close contact with area administration, OPI and FCCHD regarding the ongoing coronavirus policies and procedures continues. Special Education Cooperative update given. The full principal report was provided.
C. Staff. Jen Johnson shared the staff report via a Google Slides presentation.
VI. Policies
A. Policy Updates – nil.
VII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. District Goals for 2021/2022 – Strategic Plan of Education (policy 1610). The goals included the school philosophy, mission statement, motto, educational goals and continuous school improvement goals. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to adopt the Creston School Goals 2021/2022 as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Coaching Contracts Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Cross Country. Janessa Williams has agreed to coach boys and girls basketball and Teresa Mumm has agreed to coach cross country. Barry Farrell moved to approve the coaching contracts for boys basketball, girls basketball and cross country as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Stipend J. Shanks – Managing Google Classroom. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the extra-duty contract for Jamie Shanks to manage Google classroom as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Safe Return to School and Continuity of Services Plan. The ARP ESSER Plan was posted to our website on 8/24/2021. The stakeholder survey results were used when writing the plan. Information only. No motion needed.
E. Furnace Replacement Bids. The furnace in the second-grade room is malfunctioning. Bids were provided. Barry Farrell moved to approve the purchase of a furnace from Great Northern Heating to replace the unit in the second-grade room. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
F. Extra-Duty Teacher Contracts 2021/2022 for Independent Study Students. Teachers are and will be providing support for students attending school through guided remote learning situations. This is time spent beyond the regular teaching contract. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the extra-duty contracts for teachers providing guided remote learning support to students 2021/2022 as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
G. Add Bus Stop to Existing Route. A request to add a stop along our existing route that may have students cross the street. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the bus stop at 70 Ranchetts Lane for the 2021/2022 school year. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
H. Substitute List – nil.
I. Transportation Contracts – nil.
J. Before School Care Contracts – nil.
K. Out of District Requests – nil.
L. Gym & School Grounds Use Requests. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the request from the Stan Uskoski family to use the gym on Monday evenings as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
M. Principal Goals – Executive Session. Matt Hartle closed the meeting at 7:41 a.m. for an executive session to conduct a personnel evaluation. The meeting was re-opened at 8:12 a.m. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the principal evaluation of Mrs. Ward and to approve the executive session minutes. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Claims – September 2021. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the claims list as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
IX. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 14 October 2021, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
B. 11 November 2021, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
X. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:14 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

__________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

____________________________________
Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Vice-Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
24 August 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 via a Zoom meeting platform. Present were Board Trustees Matt Hartle, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman and Nevada Hafer. Absent: Barry Farrell due to prior commitments. Also in attendance were Tami Ward, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, and Jennifer Johnson, Teacher and CEA President.
II. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
III. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Classified Employee Notice of Hire – Aide for 2021-2022. A correction for the aide position approved on August 12th: there has been at least a one-year break in service and a Notice of Hire is required instead of an employment contract. Jessica Sandven-Sorenson moved to approve the Classified Employee Notice of Hire for Pamela Choco with a probationary period as per Policy 5140. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Hourly Paid Classified Employees Stipend for 2021-2022. To maintain the operation of and continuity of services at our school and in light of statewide and national employee shortages, up to a $2,025 per annum stipend for a 1.0 FTE hourly paid classified employee was proposed. The stipend will be paid for each month of employment during which job duties have been performed and an approved timecard submitted. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the proposed one-time stipend to the listed classified employees as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Safe Return to School and Continuity of Services Plan. No new information shared. No action taken.
IV. Claims – August 2021 – nil.
V. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 9 September 2021, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
B. 14 October 2021, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
VI. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 7:24 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

__________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

__________________________
Matt Hartle, Board Chair

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,

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Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

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Matt Hartle, Board Chair