Board Minutes

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
11 June 2020
MINUTES
I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:09 a.m. in the Creston Gym. The meeting was also conducted via a Zoom Meeting platform to allow remote access. Members present were Arnold Bjork, Barry Farrell, Nevada Hafer, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen. Also, in attendance: Tammy Bartos – District Clerk and Tami Ward – Principal. In attendance via Zoom: Jen Johnson – Teacher
II. Minutes of 14 May 2020 and 26 May 2020. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Barry Farrell seconded approval of the minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
IV. Information Items:
A. COVID-19 / ESSER (CARES). The grant application has been completed. The award amount is $20,772. Timelines associated with the grant were shared as well as estimated/possible costs.
B. Video Surveillance/Door Access. Information and minutes from the 10 June 2020 and 21 May 2020 committee meetings were shared. Recommendations for action will be brought before the school board at a future meeting.
C. Summer Program Safe Practices & Student Contract Information. The summer program contract with students/families and staff safe practice procedures were shared.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. The Statement of Expenditure includes payroll and claims through 10 June 2020. The General Fund at 92% committed and the Grand Total of all Funds at 85%. The Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Audit is still on-going.
B. Principal. Predicting student enrollment for 2020/2021 at or above 115. Our kindergarten and first grade classrooms are near the enrollment limits. Area administrators will continue to meet throughout the summer to brainstorm ideas for opening schools in the fall should COVID-19 still be a concern. The following two books have been selected for our teaching staff next year: Embarrassment: And the Emotional Underlife of Learning, by Tom Newkirk and Dare to Lead, by Brene’ Brown. To be in compliance with new legislation all kindergarten, first grade, and new students will be screened for Dyslexia using a universal screener starting this fall. Updates on Cooperatives were also given.
C. Staff. Jen Johnson shared the staff report via a Google Slides presentation which highlighted student work and projects.
VI. Policies:
A. MTSBA Policy Recommendations. Policy 1909 which was adopted by the Creston Board 4/30/2020 was reviewed with an update in anticipation of the policy remaining in effect beyond the conclusion of the 2019-2020 school year. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Arnold Bjork seconded to approve the changes to Policy 1909 as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
VII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Creston School Calendar Change for 2020-2021. Arnold Bjork moved to approve changing the 2020-2021 Creston School Year Calendar to correctly reflect the Creston Auction Prep Days as April 8th and 9th. Barry Farrell seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Septic System. A memo from Jackola Engineering & Architecture, PC was shared to give a general description of the potential septic system and associated project costs. Information only was shared and discussed. No motion made.
C. NWMESA Agreement. The Northwest Montana Educational Service Agency founded in 1996 is an umbrella inter-local agreement which allows mingling of funds for educational purposes. Enrollment and fees occur every three years. Five divisions (branches) are currently in operation: Northwest Montana Educational Cooperative, Joint Purchasing, PIR Net, Health & Benefits Cooperative, Crossroads. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Nevada Hafer seconded approving the agreement as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Classified Staff Contracts renewal or non-renewal 2020-2021 & Compensation. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Barry Farrell seconded approving the 2020-2021 Non-Renewal as well as the Contract Renewals and compensations as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Principal with Superintendent Duties Salary Negotiation & Contract 2020-2021. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Nevada Hafer seconded approving the Principal contract and compensation for 2020-2021 as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
F. Teacher Contract JW 2020-2021. Still waiting on documents. No action at this time.
G. Clerk Salary Negotiation & Contract 2020-2021. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Barry Farrell seconded approving the Clerk contract and compensation for 2020-2021 as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
H. Summer Program Considerations: Teacher Contracts. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Arnold Bjork seconded approving the teaching contracts for the June 15, 2020 – July 2, 2020 summer program as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Flathead Crossroads Interlocal Agreement 2020-21. The Flathead Crossroads Programs is an extension of special education services at Evergreen Schools and allows participating districts to provide educational services to meet the unique educational needs of students who have chronic emotional and behavioral needs with the specific intent of building skills necessary to facilitate reentry into the regular public school setting. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Arnold Bjork seconded approving the agreement as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
J. Hire Aide for 2020/2021. No applications have been received. No action taken.
K. Bus Route(s) 2020-2021 & Interlocal Transportation Agreements. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Arnold Bjork seconded approving the routes and interlocal agreements with the morning route as presented, the afternoon route option 1 (with Sweet Pea Stop), and the Intermountain route as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
L. Bus Route to Intermountain for Summer 2020. Information only regarding a possible need for transportation to the Intermountain Summer Program. No action.
M. Individual Transportation Contract Approval (OPI Form TR-4). A contract for the 2020-2021 was presented. Arnold Bjork moved, and Barry Farrell seconded approving the contract as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
N. Authority to process claims June through August without convening a board meeting. Arnold Bjork moved, and Barry Farrell seconded authorizing the District Clerk to process claims from June through August without convening a board meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
O. American Red Cross Hold Harmless & Shelter Agreement – nil.
P. Gym & School Grounds Use request(s) – nil.
Q. Out of District Request(s) – Arnold Bjork moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded acknowledgement of receipt of the attendance agreement as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Claims – June 2020. The trustees approved all claims as presented.
IX. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 25 June 2020, 10:00 am Special Board Meeting
B. 13 August 2020, 7:00 am Regular & Final Budget Meeting
X. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:54 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

_____________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

_____________________________
Matt Hartle, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
26 May 2020

MINUTES

I. Call to order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 8:04 a.m. The meeting was held via a Zoom video conferencing platform. The following members were present: Arnold Bjork, Barry Farrell, and Nevada Hafer. Absent: Matt Hartle. Also, in attendance: Tammy Bartos – District Clerk, and Tami Ward – Principal.
II. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
III. Consideration of Action Items:
A. 6th Grade Day Trip June 2020 & Permission Form. Every year we plan a special day for our 6th graders to celebrate their time at Creston School. We originally had a day planned at Flathead Lake Bible Camp, but due to COVID19 the facility cancelled the reservation. The Amazing Fun Center in Coram has contacted area schools offering their outdoor facility for use once we are in Phase 2 – which we will be June 1st. A Permission Slip has been developed using form 2151F from our policy series and modified for COVID-19. The sixth-grade teachers will chaperone and plan for a June 8th date. Arnold Bjork motioned and Barry Farrell seconded approval of the 6th Grade Day Trip to the Amazing Fun Center with parent provided transportation and of the permission slip as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Obsolete Property Resolution. Barry Farrell moved and Nevada Hafer seconded approval of the Resolution for disposal of property as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
IV. Next Meeting Date:
A. 11 June 2020, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
V. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:12 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

_____________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

_____________________________
Matt Hartle, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REORGANIZATION & REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
14 May 2020
MINUTES

I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:01 a.m. in the Creston Gym. The meeting was also conducted via a Zoom Meeting platform to allow remote access. Members present: Barry Farrell, Nevada Hafer, Shawn McDonough, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen. Members absent: Arnold Bjork. Also, in attendance: Tammy Bartos – District Clerk, Tami Ward – Principal, and Jack Eggensperger – County Superintendent. In attendance via Zoom: Emily Russell – 5th grade teacher.
II. Minutes of 9 April 2020 and 30 April 2020. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded approval of the minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
IV. Results of Trustee Election / Welcome & Introductions. The Trustee Election was cancelled due to the number of candidates filing a Declaration of Intent and Oath of Candidacy was equal to the number of open positions. Trustees elected by acclamation: Arnold Bjork for a 3-year term, Barry Farrell for a 2-year term and Nevada Hafer for a 3-year term. Shawn McDonough moved to accept the election results as presented. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
V. Oath of Office for Newly Elected Trustees. Arnold Bjork took his oath of office prior to today’s meeting at the County Superintendent’s Office. Jack Eggensperger administered the oath of office to Barry Farrell and Nevada Hafer.
VI. Adjourn Meeting / Recognition to Outgoing Trustee. Matt Hartle, Board Chair, adjourned the meeting at 7:09 a.m. Thanks, and recognition for time served was given to outgoing trustee Shawn McDonough.
VII. Call to Order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees meeting to order with newly appointed trustees at 7:09 a.m. in the Creston Gym. The same people were in attendance.
VIII. Nomination and Election of Board Chair. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen nominated Matt Hartle as Board Chair. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
IX. Nomination and Election of Board Vice-Chair. Matt Hartle nominated Jessica Sandven-Sorensen as Vice-Chair. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
X. Appointment and Oath of Office of District Clerk. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved to appoint Tammy Bartos as District Clerk. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Jack Eggensperger administered the oath of office to Tammy Bartos.
XI. Information Items:
A. Bus Transactions Updates. Sheyenne Transport has accepted the offer approved by the Board on April 9th and they plan to pick up the 2011 IC CE bus from us today or tomorrow. Our new Blue Bird Propane Bus was delivered to the school on Friday May 8th.
B. Procedures COVID-19 Staff and Student Health Guidelines. Two documents were shared: 1) Creston Safe Practices for Staff and Students and 2) Targeted Student Check-In May 11 – Remainder of the 2019-2020 School Year.
XII. Reports:
A. Clerk. Statement of Expenditure and Fund 115 Projects report includes payroll and claims through 13 May 2020. The General Fund is at 74% committed and the Grand Total of all funds is at 71% committed. Reconciliation to the County Treasurer has been completed for March 2020. The Audit for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 is still in progress.
B. Principal. Student Enrollment is at 115. Close contact with area administration, the Office of Public Instruction, and the CDC regarding the coronavirus continues. A plan for a festive End of Year Celebration while being mindful of Covid-19 issues is underway – all staff will be onsite June 5th and will be in the field as families drive through drop-off and pick-up stations; each family will be given a treat bag and fun summer activities as they pick up report cards and say goodbye. Regular monthly maintenance continues, and the summer project list is underway. Jackola Engineering has been contacted for a preliminary bid on the septic system. Teachers continue to assess students remotely and are beginning to schedule students for in person, one-to-one assessments/instruction on grade level objectives as per the guidelines. Summary reports on teacher professional development, safety committee, Education Cooperative, Special Education Cooperative and Crossroads were also given. School Facilities Inventory Status Report was included. Next month there will be an agenda item regarding a needed change on the 2020-2021 School Year Calendar to reflect the correct Creston Auction Prep Days as April 8th and 9th (not the 1st and 2nd).
C. Staff. Emily Russell shared the staff report via a Google Slides presentation which highlighted student work and projects.
XIII. Policies:
A. MTSBA Policy Update Recommendations to #1900 and #1906. The updates were recommended by MTSBA in anticipation of the policies needing to remain in effect beyond the conclusion of the 2019-2020 school year. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Barry Farrell seconded approval of the policies as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
XIV. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Board Meeting Time for FY21. Discussion regarding a possible change to the regular board meetings. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Barry Farrell seconded regular meetings to continue to meet at 7:00 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Video Surveillance Committee Formation. Matt Hartle and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen volunteered to serve on this committee. Shawn McDonough volunteered to serve as a community member.
C. Flathead Special Education Cooperative FY21 Interlocal Agreement Severe Communication Disorders Program. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Barry Farrell seconded approval of the Interlocal Agreement as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Flathead Special Education Cooperative FY21 Interlocal Agreement Preschool Program. Nevada Hafer moved, and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded approval of the Interlocal Agreement as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Sick Bank Committee Formation. Barry Farrell volunteered to serve on this committee.
F. MTSBA Annual Meeting Delegate(s) and Registration. At this time no one volunteered to be a representative.
G. Teacher Contracts 2020-2021 Renewal or Non-renewal of non-tenured teachers. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Barry Farrell seconded to approve the contract renewals for the list of tenured teachers and approve the contract renewals for the list of non-tenured teachers as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
H. Hiring for a 1.0 Teacher for 2020/2021 (a one-year contract for Hess-Headlee leave). Barry Farrell moved, and Nevada Hafer seconded approval to hire Janessa Williams for the 2020/2021 school year, contingent upon receiving a current and valid Montana teacher certificate with the required endorsements. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Budget Considerations COVID-19 Related Costs. No information available at this time.
J. Post Opening to Hire Aide for 2020/2021. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Nevada Hafer seconded approval to post a job opening for an Aide position for 2020/2021 and to begin the hiring process. Motion passed unanimously.
K. Student Handbook change regarding OPT-IN for State Missing Child Photo Repository. Barry Farrell moved, and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded to approve changing the Student Handbook section and any related forms regarding Missing Child Electronic Photograph Repository to reflect the State required opt-in procedure. Motion passed unanimously.
L. Out of District Request(s) – nil.
XV. Claims – May 2020. The trustees approved all claims as presented.
XVI. Next Meeting Date:
A. 11 June 2020, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
XVII. Executive Session for Principal Personnel Evaluation and consideration of closed session minutes. At 8:20 a.m. Board Chair, Matt Hartle, closed the meeting in order to protect the individual rights of Tami Ward, Principal. Upon re-opening the meeting at 8:39 a.m. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Barry Farrell seconded approval of the evaluation and of the executive session minutes. Motion passed unanimously.
XVIII. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

_____________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

_____________________________
Matt Hartle, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
30 April 2020

MINUTES

I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 4:31 p.m. in the Creston Gym. The meeting was also conducted via a Zoom Meeting platform to allow remote access. Members present: Arnold Bjork, Barry Farrell (remotely), Shawn McDonough, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen. Also, in attendance: Tammy Bartos – District Clerk, Tami Ward – Principal. In attendance via Zoom: Jennifer Johnson – 2nd grade teacher, Shanta Milne – Kindergarten teacher, Melissa Potts – 1st grade teacher and Nevada Hafer.
II. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
III. Information Items: The below listed items were presented to the Board to inform and aide in making needed decisions.
A. Governor’s Directive to Re-Open Phase One
B. Flathead, Lake & Lincoln County Health Department Letter to School Boards
C. Flathead City-County Health Department 4.27 Guidance to Schools
D. MT PEC Re-Open Guidelines
E. MT PEC School Year-End Recommendations
F. MNA Statement on Relaxing Stay-at-Home Restrictions
G. Staff Survey
H. School Families Survey
IV. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Declaration of Emergency. Governor Bullock recently announced a phased reopening in Montana. During his briefing, the Governor announced the waiver of student instruction time will expire on May 7 and local school boards will have the option to open school buildings should they so choose. The partners at the Montana Public Education Center recommended that local Board of Trustees adopt a motion to declare their own emergency to ensure the school district will continue to receive all state funding, including transportation funding, regardless of the district’s decision to open schools, continue off-site learning or pursue a blended model. Shawn McDonough moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded 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, to become immediately effective and to continue through June 30, 2020. This motion is based on COVID-19 risks; in recognition that the Governor’s waiver of student instruction time will expire on May 7; and in recognition that the Governor’s April 22, 2020 Directive implicating Executive Orders 2- 2020 and 3-2020 specify that elected school boards and their districts that adopt their own declaration of emergency will continue to receive all state funding, including transportation funding. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Instructional Plan for Remainder of Year and Summer 2020. A plan to continue with remote/online learning until the end of the 2019-2020 school calendar year was presented. Also, students who have not demonstrated proficiency in one or more area(s) will be extended an offer to attend a summer program; students in the summer program will receive support from a certified staff member; funding for the summer program will be from the COVID19 CARES issued money. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded that the Board of Trustees approve continuing online remote learning, as described in our previously submitted Action Plan, for all students, with the possibility, on a very limited and targeted basis, the ability of our building administrators to work collaboratively with staff and determine if a student should be invited for a check for academic and/or social/emotional support, consistent with Governor Bullock’s April 22, 2020 Directive implementing Executive Orders 2-2020 and 3-2020 and guidance for the phased reopening of Montana. Motion passed unanimously.
A. COVID-19 Policies 1900 Series. Trustees reviewed MTSBA developed Model Emergency Covid-19 Policies with recommended options and personalization for Creston School. The policies are intended to provide methods to complete the 2019-2020 school fiscal year and include updates to the previously distributed Emergency Policies 1900, 1901 and 1902. These new versions should be adopted in their entirety to replace the previous versions to reflect and govern new circumstances and to appropriately interpret the applicable statutes. Previously distributed Emergency Policy 1901 is now renumbered as Emergency Policy 1904 so the model policy on emergency policies can appear at the beginning of the sequence as Emergency. Arnold Bjork moved and Shawn McDonough seconded approving the adoption of the 1900 Series polices with recommendations by Administrator as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
1900 SERIES
COVID-19 EMERGENCY POLICIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1900 Introduction
1901 School District Policy and Procedures
1902 Alternative Grading
1903 School District Meetings and Gatherings
1904 Use of Transportation Funds
1905 Student, Staff, and Community Health and Safety
1906 Student Instruction and Services
1906P Student Instruction Resources and Best Practices
1907 School District Declaration of Emergency
1909 Human Resources and Personnel
1910 Personnel Use of Leave
1910F1 Emergency Paid Sick Leave Employee Request Form
1910F2 EFMLA Employee Request Form
1911 School District Budget Adoption and Amendment and Audit
V. Next Meeting Dates:
14 May 2020, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
VI. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 4:56 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

__________________________________ __________________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk Matt Hartle, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
9 April 2020
MINUTES

I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:04 a.m. in the Creston Gym. The meeting was also conducted via a Zoom Meeting platform to allow remote access. Members present: Barry Farrell (remotely), Shawn McDonough, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen (remotely). Members absent: Arnold Bjork. Also, in attendance: Tammy Bartos – District Clerk, Tami Ward – Principal. In attendance via Zoom: Jennifer Johnson – 2nd grade teacher, Shanta Milne – Kindergarten teacher, Melissa Potts – 1st grade teacher and Nevada Hafer.
II. Minutes of 12 March 2020, 18 March 2020, 27 March 2020. Shawn McDonough moved and Barry Farrell seconded approval of the minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence. A letter from Governor Bullock to school superintendents regarding the school closure was submitted.
IV. Information Item:
A. CARES Act. A Guidance Document from OPI regarding the recently passed federal CARES Act and how it applies to Montana school districts was shared. The preliminary estimate for emergency funding for Creston School is $20,772.91.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. Statement of Expenditure and Fund 115 Projects report includes payroll and claims through April 8, 2020. The General Fund is at 64% committed and the Grand Total of all funds is also at 64% committed. The claim for the new bus is included in this month’s report as delivery of the bus is expected soon. Reconciliation to the County Treasurer has been completed for February 2020. The on-site Audit for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 has been changed to a remote audit. The Policy Manual that Kris Goss of MTSBA has been working on is nearing completion.
B. Principal. Student Enrollment is at 115. Mrs. Ward is in close contact with area administration, and other regulatory offices regarding the coronavirus outbreak. Regular monthly maintenance continues. During school closure Mrs. Ward is hosting a weekly teacher check-in via Zoom. The state of Montana has petitioned the Department of Education to be exempt from completing Smarter Balanced Assessment. The Education Cooperative and Crossroads did not hold meetings this month. A meeting was held via Zoom to discuss accommodations for special needs learners by the Special Education Cooperative. We did not receive any scholarship applications this year.
C. Staff. Mrs. Johnson gave a verbal report. Teachers are adapting to remote teaching and continue to improve their plans as each day/week pass.
VI. Policies:
A. 3235 – Video Surveillance – 2nd reading. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Shawn McDonough seconded approval of the policy as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
B. 4301 – Visitors to School – 2nd reading. Shawn McDonough moved, and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded approval of the policy as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
VII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Teacher Negotiations/Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Jennifer Johnson, CEA President, presented the proposed Creston Education Association (CEA) negotiation items. These items are being asked for based on the preliminary budget information provided to the board at the March 2020 meeting. Items to consider include a 3% increase to the base salary for the 2020/21 school year; an increase to the Cafeteria Stipend Plan from $600 per month to $630 per month; adjust necessary dates to reflect the updated year and revise the renewal period from two years to one year. Shawn McDonough moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded approval of the requested negotiation items as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
B. MSSA Letter of Agreement for MSSA Programs 2020-21. The agreement to participate in the Standards Library and Guidance Programs was reviewed. Shawn McDonough moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded approval of the agreement as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Hiring for a 1.0 Teacher for 2020/2021 (a one-year contract for Hess-Headlee leave). Applications are still being fielded. No motion needed.
D. Trustee Election Cancellation by Acclamation. There were three openings and three candidate filings – Arnold Bjork 3-year term, Barry Farrell 2-year term, Nevada Hafer 3-year term. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded approval of the Election Cancellation Notice as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Classified Hourly Staff Temporary Working Arrangements. The plan for our contracted, classified hourly paid staff was presented and includes wages to be paid according to regular schedules or average hours depending on the employment situation, employees are “on call” and to be available during regular work hours, advance approval of vacation or other leave, and overtime work to be approved in advance. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Shawn McDonough seconded approval of the Arrangements as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
F. Student Handbook for 2020-2021. The handbook was reviewed, and a few changes were recommended to the handbook presented today. Shawn McDonough moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded approval of the Handbook as presented with the changes discussed today. Motion passed unanimously.
G. MSGIA WC Program membership Plan – One- or Two-Year Plan. New this year, MSGIA is asking for a commitment to either a one- or two-year plan. The two-year plan has additional benefits we will utilize. Shawn McDonough moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded approval of the two-year plan. Motion passed unanimously.
H. Bus Purchase Offers. An offer from Sheyenne Transport LLC for $8,500 has been received. Shawn McDonough moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded acceptance of the offer with the condition that it be picked-up after we receive our new bus. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Substitute Teachers List – nil.
J. Transportation Contract(s) – nil.
K. Before School Care Contract(s) – nil.
L. Out of District Request(s) – nil.
M. Gym & School Grounds Use Request(s) – nil.
VIII. Claims – April 2020. The trustees approved all claims as presented.
IX. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 14 May 2020, 7:00 am Reorganization and Regular Meeting
B. 11 June 2020, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
X. Executive Session for Principal Personnel Evaluation and consideration of closed session minutes. This was postponed.
XI. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,

__________________________________ __________________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk Matt Hartle, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
27 March 2020
MINUTES

I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. in the Creston School Gym. The following members were present: Arnold Bjork, Barry Farrell, Shawn McDonough and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen. Also, in attendance: Tammy Bartos – District Clerk, Tami Ward – Principal, Jen Johnson – 2nd grade Teacher and Jeff Hagen – Bus/Maintenance.
II. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
III. Policies:
A. 3650 – Pupil Online Personal Information Protection. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded the motion to approve policy 3650 as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
B. 1900 – Temporary COVID-19 Policies. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded the motion to approve policy 1900 as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
C. 1901 – Use of Transportation Funds. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded the motion to approve policy 1901 as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
IV. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Board consideration of current circumstances related to COVID-19 to include an extension of school closure and a Plan of Action. Several items were discussed including an extension to the unforeseen emergency declaration made on 18 March; the Shelter-in-Place order by the Governor issued yesterday which declares K-12 education as an essential function; the Plan of Action document from the Governor’s office; since our funding is remaining in place our hourly paid staff are being paid at their regular/averaged time, also because some staff have no duties and others do (our custodian and maintenance staff have modified duties) those who are on a modified duty schedule are being compensated for that additional time above their average. Board members expressed their admiration to the teachers/staff for an exceptional job done on going to remote learning and handling this situation we are all in.
Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded the motion to declare an unforeseen emergency in accordance with Sections 20-9-801 through 20-9-806, MCA, due to the community and school health concerns related to COVID-19 and authorize the administration to take necessary steps to execute this declaration and inform the public and government agencies of this declaration and that this declaration is to run concurrent with any declaration of emergency by the President, Congress, Montana Legislature, Governor or County Health Department. Motion passed unanimously.
Arnold Bjork moved and Shawn McDonough seconded the motion to approve the Creston School District Plan of Action as required by the Governor as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Memorandum of Agreement with Creston Education Association (CEA) Regarding Working Conditions. This item was combined with item C. Please see item C below.
C. Memorandum of Agreement with Creston Education Association (CEA) Regarding The Families First Coronavirus Response Act. A Memorandum of Agreement between Creston School District and the Creston Education Association (CEA) which included working conditions and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act in one document was presented. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded approval of the Agreement as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Sale of Bus – Offer to Purchase. No written offers were available. No motion needed.
V. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 9 April 2020, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
B. 14 May 2020, 7:00 am Reorganization and Regular Meeting
VI. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 1:33p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

_____________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

_____________________________
Matt Hartle, Board Chair