Board Minutes

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
8 October 2020

MINUTES

I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:01a.m. The meeting was conducted via a Zoom meeting platform. Present were Board Trustees Matt Hartle, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Arnold Bjork, Barry Farrell and Nevada Hafer. Also, in attendance were Tami Ward, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk and Jennifer Johnson, 2nd Grade Teacher and CEA President, Janessa Williams, 6th grade teacher.
II. Minutes of 10 September 2020. Barry Farrell moved to approve the minutes as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
Note: Jessica Sandven-Sorensen joined the meeting at 7:05 a.m.
IV. Reports:
A. Clerk. Statement of Expenditures includes payroll and claims through 7 October 2020. General Fund is at 16% committed. Grand Total of all funds is at 19% committed. Fund 115 Project Report was also provided.
B. Principal. Student Enrollment is at 103. Mrs. Ward continues to be in contact with area administration and health officials. To be in alignment with our Reopening Plan during Phase 1 and 2, preparations are underway to hold virtual Parent/Teacher Conferences, Scholastic Book Fair and a recorded Christmas Program. Monthly Building inspections have been completed and the building is being prepared for winter; later this month the utility sink in the custodian closet is to be replaced as well as discolored toilet seats. There was a lab error regarding our bacterium water sample, the company that performs our testing is handling this; the lead and copper samples reveal no concern. We continue to be in desperate need of substitute teachers, custodians, bus and maintenance for the 2020/2021 school year. Teachers are scheduled for half day peer observations this month; also, the first round of formal observations for all certified staff are being done; also, round table discussion regarding what is and isn’t working with remote learning continue. Our school has been identified for Targeted support by the Federal government in compliance with Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This identification was given due to the attendance data of a subset of students. We are tasked with raising attendance for this subset for 2020/2021 school year. Our beginning of the year assessment data for math shows our students are starting the school year close to where they were last year at this time despite a trimester of remote teaching and learning. A review of the Educational, Special Education and Crossroads Cooperatives and Programs was reported on. All staff completed safety training prior to the start of the school year. The safety committee has met and discussed concerns and needs which are being addressed, i.e. snow shovels, ice melt, leaf removal from gutters, emergency exit signage.
Note: Arnold Bjork joined the meeting at 7:11 a.m., during the Principal Report.
C. Staff. Jen Johnson shared the staff report via a Google Slides presentation. Sixth grade was the focus class this month and Janessa Williams also presented for her class.
V. Policies:
A. School District Policies 2000 Series – Informational Review. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen noted that many of these policies mention parent and community involvement and that although these are unique times with the current pandemic it’s important to the Board members to encourage involvement by alternative means; in our Reopening Plan we addressed the need to continue to involve parents and the community via virtual means when possible. These policies were presented as a review only. No motion needed.
VI. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Copy Machine Purchase. The current copy machine has been maintained very well and has lasted longer than expected. Barry Farrell moved to approve the purchase of a new copy machine as presented. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
B. MTSUIP Annual Meeting. This is our Unemployment Insurance Program. An RSVP to the meeting was presented. No action taken.
C. MSGIA Annual Meeting. This is our Worker’s Compensation Program. An RSVP to the meeting or the option to be represented by proxy to MSGIA’s Annual Meeting was presented. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved 1) to approve the update to MSGIA Bylaws; 2) to accept the nominees as presented and 3) to approve Creston School be represented by proxy. Arnold Bjork seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Stipend for additional days worked outside of contract due to COVID-19 for the Principal. Compensation for two weeks of additional time worked due to COVID-19. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the stipend as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Stipend for additional days worked outside of contract due to COVID-19 for the Clerk. Compensation for two weeks of additional time worked due to COVID-19. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the stipend as presented. Arnold Bjork seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
F. Substitute List – nil.
G. Transportation Contract(s). Twenty-four (24) contracts were presented (rider eligibility: 5 – eligible, 14 – ineligible, 4 – out-of-district, 1 – out-of-district/occasional use). Barry Farrell moved to approve the transportation contracts as presented. Arnold Bjork seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
H. Before School Care Contract(s). Ten (10) contracts were included in the request. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the contracts as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Out of District Request(s). Three separate items were presented: 1) Twelve (12) students residing in our district and parent(s)/guardian(s) choosing to have the students attend another district. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to acknowledge receipt of these attendance agreements. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously; 2) Student resides in Creston School District, attending another District, this is a District placement. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve this attendance agreement. Arnold Bjork seconded. Motion passed unanimously; 3) Thirty-two (32) students living in another district and parent(s)/guardian(s) requesting Creston School as their school of choice/placement. Arnold Bjork moved to approve these attendance agreements as presented. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
J. Gym & School Grounds Use request(s) – nil.
K. Principal Goals – Executive Session. This Item was moved to the end of the meeting. At 8:08 a.m. Matt Hartle closed the meeting in order to conduct a personnel evaluation. At 8:16 a.m. the meeting reconvened in open session. Arnold Bjork moved to approve the Principal evaluation and to approve the executive session minutes. Barry Farrell seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
VII. Claims – September & October 2020. Nevada Hafer moved to approve all claims as presented. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 12 November 2020, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
IX. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:17 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

_____________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

_____________________________
Matt Hartle, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
10 September 2020

MINUTES

I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:02 a.m. The meeting was conducted in the school library as well as via a Zoom meeting platform to allow remote access. Present were Board Trustees Matt Hartle, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Arnold Bjork, Barry Farrell and Nevada Hafer. Also, in attendance were Tami Ward, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk and Jennifer Johnson, 2nd Grade Teacher and CEA President.
II. Minutes of 13 August 2020, 24 August 2020 and 31 August 2020. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the minutes as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
IV. Information Items:
A. District Policies 1000 Series Review. These policies were presented as a review only.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. The 2018-2019 Audit is still in process.
Principal. Enrollment is at 103. Mrs. Ward continues to be in close contact with area administration and other government entities regarding the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Monthly building inspections have been completed. A new bottle filling station and sink water heaters have been installed. The School Facility Conditions Inventory Report was provided. There is still a need of substitute teachers, custodians, bus and maintenance. Substitute Teacher training will be held next week. Teachers have completed transition meetings. Various student assessments have been conducted for Dyslexia, math and reading; classroom interventions as well as Title 1 support is being offered to those in need. Cooperatives and Crossroads board meetings will resume later this month. All staff completed safety training prior to the start of the school year.
B. Staff. Jen Johnson shared the Staff report via a Google Slides presentation, which highlighted what teachers are working on at the beginning of the school year. New this year, via Google Slides, each class will have a month where they are the “focus class”.
VI. Policies:
A. 1904 – Use of Transportation Funds – 1st Read of MTSBA Revision. The revisions are to replace references to fiscal year 2020 with fiscal year 2021 and capitalize Board of Trustees. Arnold Bjork moved to approve the revisions to policy 1904 as presented. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
VII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Hold Harmless Agreements with Creston Fire & Eastside Grange. These are annual agreements in consideration of the use of their respective buildings for a temporary shelter during a school emergency. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the agreements as presented. Barry Farrell seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
B. District Goals for 2020/2021- Strategic Plan of Education (as per policy 1610). The District Goals that reflect the strategic plan of education for Creston School were presented for review. No motion needed.
C. Coaching Contracts for Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, and Cross Country. Janessa Williams has agreed to coach all three sports. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the contracts as presented. Barry Farrell seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Principal Goals – executive session. This Item was moved to the end of the meeting. At 7:48 a.m. Matt Hartle closed the meeting in order to conduct a personnel evaluation. At 8:18 a.m. the meeting reconvened in open session. Arnold Bjork moved to approve the Principal evaluation and to approve the executive session minutes. Nevada Hafer seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
E. 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 the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
F. Substitute List(s). Nevada Hafer moved to approve the substitute new hire list as presented. Arnold Bjork seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
G. Transportation Contract(s) – nil.
H. Before School Care Contract(s) – nil.
I. Gym & School Grounds Use request(s) – nil.
J. Out of District Request(s) – nil.
VIII. Claims – September 2020. The claim approval list for September claims will be presented at a future board meeting.
IX. Next Meeting Date(s):
A. 8 October 2020, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
X. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:19 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

Matt Hartle, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
31 August 2020
MINUTES

I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 12:46 p.m. The meeting was conducted in the school library as well as via a Zoom Meeting platform to allow remote access. Members present were Arnold Bjork, Nevada Hafer, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen. Members absent: Barry Farrell. Also, in attendance: Tammy Bartos – District Clerk and Tami Ward – Principal.
II. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
III. Policies:
A. 1906 – Student Instruction. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the revision of Policy 1906 as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
IV. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Substitute Custodian Pay Rate. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the substitute custodian pay rate of $16.50 per hour as presented. Arnold Bjork seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Substitute List for 2020/2021. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the substitute new hire list as presented for 2020-2021. Arnold Bjork seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Extra Duty Contracts for Custodial Duties. Arnold Bjork moved to approve the extra-duty contract for custodial duties as presented for the 2020-2021 school year. Nevada Hafer seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
V. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 10 September 2020, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
B. 8 October 2020, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
VI. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 12:52 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

___________________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

___________________________________
Matt Hartle, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
24 August 2020

MINUTES

I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 10:01 a.m. The meeting was conducted at the school as well as via a Zoom Meeting platform to allow remote access. Present were Board Trustees, Matt Hartle, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Arnold Bjork, Barry Farrell and Nevada Hafer. Also, in attendance were Tami Ward, Principal and Tammy Bartos, District Clerk.
II. Public Participation / Correspondence – None.
III. Policies:
A. Review MTSBA Policy Series 1900 – Revised for Instructional Year 2020-2021. Policies 1905 and 1906 were presented with revisions; Policy 1908 and 1908F were presented as additions. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the changes and additions as presented. Barry Farrell seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
IV. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Offsite Instruction for Instruction Year 2020-2021 – Nil.
B. Memorandum of Agreement with Creston Education Association. MTSBA collaborated with MFPE on the agreement (MOA); that document was amended to fit our specific school situation. The Creston Education Association (CEA) has reviewed the MOA as written. Arnold Bjork moved to approve the MOA with the CEA as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Afternoon Bus Route and Interlocal Agreement with Cayuse Prairie. There was a requested change to the afternoon bus route as Sweet Pea Outdoor School will not be offering an afterschool program. This change also affects our Agreement with Cayuse Prairie. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the change to Route 1 as presented and to approve the change to the Interlocal Agreement with Cayuse Prairie for Transportation as presented. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Note: Nevada Hafer left the meeting at 10:40am and did not participate in any further items.
D. Substitute Teacher Pay Rate. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to increase our Substitute Teacher Pay to $92 per day and to offer a COVID-19 incentive to Substitute Teachers of an additional $12 per day to be offered while Flathead County is in Phase 1 or 2 of the current public health emergency. Barry Farrell seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Substitute List for 2020/2021. Arnold Bjork moved to approve the Substitute re-hire and new hire lists, the extra-duty contract for Mrs. Mumm as a substitute, and to approve hiring substitutes from the County Superintendent of Schools list for the 2020-2021 school year. Barry Farrell seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
F. Extra Duty Contracts for Custodial Duties. Arnold Bjork moved to approve the extra-duty contracts for custodial duties as presented for the school year 2020-2021. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
V. Claims – 24 August 2020 – None
VI. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 10 September 2020, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
B. 8 October 2020, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
VII. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 11:20 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

________________________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

________________________________________
Matt Hartle, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
FINAL BUDGET & REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
13 August 2020

MINUTES

I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:07 a.m. The meeting was conducted at the school as well as via a Zoom Meeting platform to allow remote access. Present were Board Trustees, Matt Hartle, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen and Barry Farrell. Absent: Arnold Bjork and Nevada Hafer. Also, in attendance were Tami Ward, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk and Jennifer Johnson, Teacher and CEA President. Public in Attendance: Jill Bauerle.
II. Minutes of 11 June 2020, 22 June 2020, 25 June 2020, 17 July 2020 and 31 July 2020. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the minutes as presented. Barry Farrell seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence – None
IV. Information Items:
A. Governor’s Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF). The document from the Office of the Governor regarding funding for schools through the CRF, as well as a copy of the Certification Form for the funding request was provided.
B. E-Bus Purchase – 2019 GMC Acadia. On 12 July 2020 the purchase of a 2019 GMC Acadia was finalized. A Cost Analysis was provided.
C. Video Surveillance/Door Access. Both of these systems are in process of installation. Installation is expected to be completed prior to the first day of school.
D. Septic System. Until such time that funds are available, or another plan is arrived at, we will proceed with pumping the system more frequently.
E. List of P-Card Users – required as per policy 7405. A list of P-Card Users was presented.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. Financial Reports for fiscal year 2020 are part of the TFS and Budget Action Items.
B. Principal. Predicting student enrollment for 2020/2021 at or above 109. This year we will host individual class Open Houses instead of the usual Back-to-School Open House and dinner. Mrs. Ward continues to be in close contact with area administration, the OPI and health officials regarding the ongoing coronavirus outbreak – area administrators will continue to meet throughout the school year to brainstorm ideas and share resources. Monthly building maintenance checklists have been completed. We are in desperate need of substitute teachers; notices have been posted and emailed. At the recent August Technology Institute, staff were able to discuss, plan and agree on how we will assist students who are remaining remote, as well as other topics. Many of the teachers are also attending the STEAM conference and the NW Reading Conference this month. The full report was provided to the Board in writing.
C. Staff. Jen Johnson reported positive feedback from last week’s collaboration after the August Institute meetings.
VI. Policies:
A. Review MTSBA Policy Series 1900 – Revised for Instructional Year 2020-2021. None at this time.
B. Policy 3141 – Discretionary Nonresident Student Attendance – 2nd Read. Wording change to “may accept nonresident students in a class until class size reaches 90% or 80% of a small square footage classroom …” Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the changes as presented. Barry Farrell seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
VII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. TFS. The Trustees Financial Summary (TFS) and the Budget Report for 2020-2021 were not ready to be presented. These two budgeting agenda items were continued to 14 August 2020 at 1:00 p.m. 14 August 2020, Matt Hartle continued the meeting at 1:00 pm. Present were trustees Matt Hartle, Arnold Bjork, Barry Farrell and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen. Absent was trustee Nevada Hafer. Also, in attendance were Tami Ward, Principal and Tammy Bartos, District Clerk. Mrs. Bartos gave an update of the progress of both the Trustees Financial Summary for 2019-2020 and also for the 2020-2021 Budget. The reports are incomplete, and at 1:12 p.m. the meeting was again continued to 14 August 2020 at 5:00 p.m. 14 August 2020, Matt Hartle continued the meeting at 5:00 p.m. Present were trustees Matt Hartle, Arnold Bjork, Barry Farrell and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen. Absent was trustee Nevada Hafer. Also, in attendance were Tami Ward, Principal and Tammy Bartos, District Clerk. The TFS is the school districts official submission of annual financial information to the County Superintendent and State Superintendent. The 2019-2020 TFS was presented in its entirety. Arnold Bjork moved to approve the TFS for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 as presented. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Budget. See item A for information on the continuation of this item from 13 August 2020 to 14 August 2020. On 14 August 2020 at the 5:00 p.m. continuation meeting the 2020-2021 Budget report was presented in its entirety. A comparison to FY2019-20 was also provided. Arnold Bjork moved to approve the 2020-2021 Budget as presented. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 6:03 p.m.
C. Declare Emergency for Instructional Year 2020-2021. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved that “the Board of Trustees declare an unforeseen emergency with the meaning of that term as set forth in Title 20, Chapter 9, Part 8, to become immediately effective and to continue through June 30, 2021, 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.” Barry Farrell seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Offsite Instruction for Instruction Year 2020-2021 – nil.
E. Records Destruction Document – Form RM88 – nil.
F. MOA with CEA. The Memorandum of Agreement with Creston Education Association is in process of being reviewed. No action at this time.
G. Face Coverings. On the afternoon of August 12th, Governor Bullock issued a directive regarding the wearing of masks in public and private schools. Mrs. Ward presented the Reopening document with the needed changes and added an appendix explaining the requirement. After a review and suggested adjustments Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to amend the Creston School Reopening document to reflect the requirement of face masks for staff, students and visitors in the school. Barry Farrell seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
H. Bus Route Change – Sweet Pea. Sweet Pea Outdoor School is in the process of making a decision about their after-school program, which may impact our afternoon bus route. Waiting for further information. No action at this time.
I. Staff Handbook. Kris Goss at MTSBA provided school administration with a draft staff handbook which was revised and then reviewed again by him. Some minor changes were discussed as well as some typographical corrections. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the Staff Handbook as presented with the discussed changes. Barry Farrell seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
J. Gym & School Grounds Use request(s) – None
K. Out of District Request(s) – None
VIII. Claims – June 2020 – August 2020. The trustees approved all claims as presented.
IX. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 10 September 2020, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
B. 8 October 2020, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
X. Adjourn. At 8:39 the budget portion of the meeting was continued to August 14, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Please refer to items VII.A. and VII.B. for the minutes to that portion of the meeting.

Respectfully Submitted,

_____________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

_____________________________
Matt Hartle, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
31 July 2020
MINUTES

I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 10:01a.m. The meeting was conducted via a Zoom Meeting platform to allow remote access. Members present were Arnold Bjork, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen. Members absent: Barry Farrell, Nevada Hafer. Also, in attendance: Tammy Bartos – District Clerk and Tami Ward – Principal, and Janessa Williams.
II. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
III. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Teacher Contract JW 2020-2021. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to approve the 2020-2021 teaching contract for Janessa Williams as presented. Arnold Bjork seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Hire Aide and Employment Contract 2020-2021. Arnold Bjork moved to approve the hiring of Katherine Miller for an Aide position and also approve her 2020-2021 employment contract as presented. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
IV. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 13 August 2020, 7:00 am Final Budget & Regular Meeting
V. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 10:09 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

_____________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

_____________________________
Matt Hartle, Board Chair