Board Minutes

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

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
EMERGENCY SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
18 March 2020
MINUTES

I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 5:31 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 and Deborah Christiansen – Title Teacher.
II. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
III. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Board consideration of current circumstances related to COVID-19 for possible declaration of unforeseen emergency pursuant to 20-9-801 through 20-9-806, MCA. Also, possible declaration determining proficiency of students and providing offsite instruction.

Following the Montana School Board Association recommendation that all school boards declare an unforeseen emergency and also give their administrators authority regarding Proficiency and Offsite Instruction the Creston School Board convened to address these issues.

1) Unforeseen Emergency: Arnold Bjork moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen 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. Motion passed unanimously.

2) Proficiency: Arnold Bjork moved and seconded the motion to authorize the Administrator to work with district staff in making determinations regarding pupils who are proficient in courses in which the pupils are enrolled without regard to the aggregate hours of instruction provided. The Administrator is directed to make a final determination of proficiency for each pupil for each enrolled course, using district assessments, including class grades at a minimum, and reporting a full-time equivalent conversion of ANB for such pupils, based on the scheduled time ordinarily provided through the aggregate hours of instruction for such courses. Motion passed unanimously.

3) Offsite Instruction: Jessica Sandven moved and Shawn McDonough seconded the motion to authorize the Administrator to work with district staff in providing instruction for pupils of the district. Such instruction may include any method or methods identified as appropriate by the Administrator, including but not limited to offsite instruction as defined and referenced in sections 20-1-101(5); 20-1-101(14); 20-7-118; and 20-9-311(11), MCA. Motion passed unanimously.
IV. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 14 May 2020, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
B. 11 June 2020, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
V. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Tammy Bartos, District Clerk
Matt Hartle, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
12 March 2020
MINUTES

I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. in the Creston School Library. The following members were present: Arnold Bjork, Barry Farrell and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen. Absent: Shawn McDonough. Also, in attendance: Tammy Bartos – District Clerk, Tami Ward – Principal, Cindi Conley – Special Ed Teacher and Melissa Potts – 1st grade teacher.
II. Minutes of 13 February 2020. Arnold Bjork motioned and Barry Farrell seconded approval of the minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
IV. Information Item:
A. Candidates for Trustee Election may file a Declaration of Intent and Oath of Candidacy between Thursday, December 12, 2019 and Thursday, March 26, 2020.
B. Status of Bus Sale. Advertisements have been posted.
C. Budget Amendment Resolution – Letter from OPI. The confirmation letter from OPI was shared. Most notable item was the revised approved amount of $32,552.06.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. Statement of Expenditure and Fund 115 Projects report includes payroll and claims through March 12, 2020. The General Fund is at 57% committed and the Grand Total of all funds is at 47% committed. Reconciliation to the County Treasurer has been completed for January 2020.
B. Principal. Student Enrollment is 116. Tami Ward is in close contact with area administration regarding the coronavirus outbreak and an action plan is being created as more information becomes available. Building Maintenance – summer maintenance plans are underway. School Facilities Report includes a broad estimate on the needed septic system/drainfield upgrade. Teacher Professional Development – teachers shared a math game and the math objective/standard it is supporting and plans for the Salish Kootenai College pre-service teachers for an Indian Education For All day are underway. Smarter Balanced Assessments will begin in April. Education Cooperative – Teacher Appreciation night will be April 29th. Special Education Cooperative – Mrs. Ward recently toured the building and the improvements that have been made, outside improvements will begin now that the former building and property have been sold; also toured the Communication Disorder Program and Special Education Preschool. Scholarship Committee – Matt Hartle volunteered to represent the Board as part of the committee. Community Service – 5th and 6th graders will serve as runners at the upcoming Creston Auction.
C. Staff. Cindi Conley shared the staff report via a Google Slides presentation which highlights student work and projects.
VI. Policies:
A. 1000SG (Strategic Planning Series) – information only. This series was provided for information only.
B. 3235 – Video Surveillance. The MTSBA model policy was reviewed and discussed. 1st read. No motion needed.
C. 4301 – Visitors to School. The MTSBA model policy was reviewed and discussed. 1st read. No motion needed.
VII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Preliminary Budget Fiscal Year 2020-2021. The Preliminary Budget for next fiscal year was provided to assist trustees and administration in decision making for upcoming needs and requests. The Budget Data Sheet from OPI was also provided. No motion needed.
B. Trustee Resolution SB 307 – Estimating changes in revenues/mills from tuition, building reserve, transportation and bus depreciation levies for 2020-2021. The full Levy Resolution and supporting documentation was presented. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Barry Farrell seconded to approve the Levy Resolution as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Teacher Negotiations/CBA. A fiscal year 2019-2020 Teacher Base Salary Comparison, (including Insurance/Flex Plans) of schools in the Flathead Valley was provided. The teachers plan to meet next week after reviewing the Preliminary FY2020-21 Budget and returning to the next board meeting with a possible proposal. No motion needed.
D. Hiring for Long-Term Substitute for 6th Grade – Employment Contract(s). A recommendation to hire T. Mumm for .5 FTE of the position and T. Ward for the other .5 FTE of the position was presented. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Arnold Bjork seconded to approve the hiring of T. Mumm and T. Ward as presented and to approve the employment contracts as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Hiring for a 1.0 Teacher for 2020/2021 (a one-year contract for Hess-Headlee leave). On March 3rd the Hiring Committee met to review applications. At that time, it was decided to postpone interviews until more applications are received. No motion needed.
F. Substitute Bus Driver Services. Harlow’s has agreed to provide a substitute bus driver as needed. Arnold Bjork moved and Barry Farrell seconded to approve the substitute bus driver services by Harlow’s as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
G. Student Handbook for 2020-2021. A draft of the Student Handbook for next year was provided for review. Trustees and administration will continue to review and will look at this again at the next board meeting. No motion needed.
H. Equipment/Property Disposal Resolution. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Barry Farrell seconded approval of the Resolution for disposal of property as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Substitute Teachers List – nil.
J. Transportation Contract(s). Arnold Bjork moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded approval of the transportation contracts as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
K. Before School Care Contract(s) – nil.
L. Out of District Request(s). Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Barry Farrell seconded approval of the attendance agreements as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
M. Gym & School Grounds Use Request(s). Many Lakes HOA requesting the gym on Saturday, April 18, 2020 from 9:00a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for a Living with Wildfire community meeting. Arnold Bjork moved and Barry Farrell seconded approval of the gym use request as presented at no charge. Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Claims – February 20, 2020 & March 2020. The trustees approved all claims as presented.
IX. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 9 April 2020, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
B. 14 May 2020, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
X. Executive Session for Clerk Personnel Evaluation and consideration of closed session minutes. At 8:21 a.m. Board Chair, Matt Hartle, closed the meeting in order to protect the individual rights of Tammy Bartos, District Clerk. Upon re-opening the meeting at 8:50 a.m. Arnold Bjork moved and Barry Farrell seconded approval of the evaluation and of the executive session minutes. Motion passed unanimously.
XI. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:51 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

_____________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

_____________________________
Matt Hartle, Board Chair

=================================================================================

This series being provided for informational purposes only.

1000SG SERIES
STRATEGIC GOVERNANCE

1000SG Overview of Strategic Governance Model
1000SG -P 12 Month Board Meeting Alignment Chart
1001SG Vision of High Expectations
1001SG -P Vision of High Expectations
1002SG Beliefs and Values
1002SG -P Beliefs and Values
1003SG Accountability
1003SG -P Accountability
1004SG Collaborative Relationships
1004SG -P Collaborative Relationships
1005SG Data to Drive Continuous Improvement
1005SG -P Data to Drive Continuous Improvement
1006SG Aligning and Sustaining Resources
1006SG -P Aligning and Sustaining Resources
1007SG United Governance Team
1007SG -P United Governance Team
1008SG Team Development and Training
1008SG -P Team Development and Training
1009SG Innovation
1010SG Board Self-Assessment
1010SG -F1 Board Meeting Assessment Form
1010SG -F2 School Board Annual Self-Assessment Form
1010SG -F3 SMaC Recipe Board of Trustees Exercise

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
13 February 2020
MINUTES
I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:02 a.m. in the Creston School Library. The following members were present: Arnold Bjork, Shawn McDonough, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen and Barry Farrell. Also, in attendance: Tammy Bartos – District Clerk, Tami Ward – Principal, Deb Christiansen – Title teacher, Jen Johnson – 2nd grade teacher, Jack Eggensperger – County Superintendent and Gloria Graves – Creston Fire.
II. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Declare a Vacant Trustee Position. Joanna Massie has resigned her trustee position. Her term expires May 2022. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen motioned and Shawn McDonough seconded declaration of a vacant trustee position and approval to fill the vacancy by appointment. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Appoint a New Trustee. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen motioned and Shawn McDonough seconded approval to appoint Barry Farrell to the vacant trustee position. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Swear in New Trustee. Jack Eggensperger swore in Barry Farrell as a trustee.
III. Minutes of 9 January 2020. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen motioned and Shawn McDonough seconded approval of the minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
IV. Public Participation / Correspondence.
A. Gloria Graves, representing Creston Fire presented information regarding the upcoming Creston Auction and Country Fair.
B. A letter from Tom and Cindy Countryman and Larry and Pat Duncan regarding R4Brothers, LLC Property on Hwy 35 (Robinson’s Brothers fourteen 4-plexes) was shared.
V. Information Item:
A. Candidates for Trustee Election may file a Declaration of Intent and Oath of Candidacy between Thursday, December 12, 2019 and Thursday, March 26, 2020. Trustee Positions Subject to Election in May 2020: Arnold Bjork – 3-year term, Massie/Farrell – 2-year term remaining, Shawn McDonough – 3-year term.
B. Video Surveillance Equipment/Door Access Control. Bids from Anytime Lock & Safe for video surveillance equipment and door access control were presented. Board policy will need to be in place prior to moving forward with consideration/installation of this type of equipment.
C. Additional Classroom Committee Findings. Tami Ward summarized the meeting held by the committee on January 30, 2020. The consensus of the committee was that enrollment numbers and class sizes support no immediate need to add space for 2020/2021. If the need arises in the future using a portable classroom was considered as the best option. For the foreseeable future grades with smaller class sizes will probably need to move to the smaller classrooms. The committee will meet occasionally to review enrollment numbers, class sizes and any notices of subdivisions that would affect our future enrollment. Next meeting will be in the Fall of 2020.
VI. Reports:
A. Clerk. Statement of Expenditure and Fund 115 Projects report includes payroll and claims through 12 February 2020. The General Fund is at 48% committed and the Grand Total of all funds is at 41% committed. Reconciliation to the County Treasurer has been completed for December 2019. Spring Student Enrollment Count Report was submitted – reported enrollment for ANB was 116. The Clerk Evaluation Tool was provided in advance for the March Board Meeting.
B. Principal. Student Enrollment is 115. Building Maintenance – the gutter heaters are working well and helping to prevent slippery sidewalks. School Facility Conditions Inventory Report was provided. Teachers are completing the final two chapters of Super Spellers. Mrs. Mumm attended the Music Teachers Curriculum meeting – the committee is looking to align and adjust the local music standards. The Mid-year math and reading benchmark showed growth in both areas across the grade levels (data was provided). The safety committee is in agreement and recommends an entry camera/card system and exterior and interior cameras. Education Cooperative – Gates testing for 8th graders have been completed and the Director is available to attend member district Board meetings. Special Education Cooperative – Remodeling is continuing on schedule. Crossroads – The program is starting to make plans for grade configuration for 2020/2021 school year; Students in this program continue to make progress in math and reading based on most recent assessment.
C. Staff. Jen Johnson shared the staff report via a Google Slides presentation which highlighted student work and projects.
VII. Policies:
A. 6000 Series – 2nd reading. (A list is attached.) Trustees reviewed policies in this series, taking into consideration MTSBA recommendations of which current policies to keep, modify or replace with MTSBA model policies as well as policies to add or repeal. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen motioned and Shawn McDonough seconded approval of the 6000 series as presented to replace our existing policies in this series. Motion passed unanimously.
B. 9000 Series – Repeal. (A list is attached.) Trustees took into consideration MTSBA recommendation to repeal this policy series as the needed policies have been reworked into other policies and policy series. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen motioned and Shawn McDonough seconded approval to repeal all 9000 series as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Budget Amendment Resolution Due to An Unanticipated Enrollment Increase. The Resolution was presented in the amount of $9,049.25 with the source of financing to be Direct State Aid. The required notices have been posted and approvals received. Arnold Bjork motioned, and Shawn McDonough seconded approval of the budget amendment resolution as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Adopt Materials for Reading, Phonics & Social Studies. A list of materials that assist teachers in meeting the literacy and Social Studies needs of all students was presented. Shawn McDonough moved and Arnold Bjork seconded approval to adopt the materials for reading, phonics and social studies as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Trustee Resolution Calling for an Election. The Resolution in its entirety was presented to the Board. Summary of the Resolution: A regular school election for the purpose to elect three trustees – two, three-year terms and one, two-year term will be conducted by Poll Election on Tuesday, the 5th day of May 2020. Approval of additional levies to operate and maintain Creston School for FY 20201 will also be requested. If it is later determined that any portion of the election is not required, the election administrator is authorized to cancel that portion of the election. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Shawn McDonough seconded approval of the Resolution as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Calendar 2020-2021. A calendar which has been reviewed by the teachers was presented. The calendar is similar to that of Kalispell Public Schools. Shawn McDonough moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded approval of the 2020-2021 calendar as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Teacher Negotiations/CBA. Jen Johnson, CEA President, presented two changes to the CBA regarding sick leave: 1) change roll over of sick leave from 70 to 80 days (section 10.2.1) and 2) increase sick leave from 10 to 12 days (section 10.2.1); also to revisit monetary related negotiations after receiving and reviewing the preliminary budget. Shawn McDonough moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded approval of the sick leave changes to the CBA as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
F. Hiring for Long-Term Substitute for 6th Grade – Spring 2020. Shawn McDonough moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded approval to begin the hiring process for a long-term substitute teacher for the 6th grade as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
G. Modified Contract for A. Hess for Remainder of 2019-20 School Year. Not needed – no action taken.
H. Hiring for a 1.0 Teacher for 2020/2021 (a one-year contract for Hess-Headlee leave). A. Hess-Headlee will be on maternity leave the 2020/2021 school year – leave approved at the January 2020 Board Meeting. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded approval to begin the hiring process for a one-year, 1.0 FTE teacher for the 2020-2021 school year as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Sale or Trade-In of Bus. At the 14 November 2019 Board Meeting the trustees approved the selling of our current bus. Shawn McDonough moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded approval of the Equipment Disposition Resolution for the 2011 International School Bus as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
J. Revised Bus Route Addition – Creston/Intermountain. At the 14 November 2019 Board Meeting the trustees approved an additional bus route from Creston School to the Intermountain Day program. A correction to the description was presented to clarify the route is needed to and from Intermountain for a maximum daily total of 51.2 miles. Shawn McDonough moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded approval of the revised additional route to and from the Intermountain Day program as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
K. Cross Country Coaching Contract. An employment contract for Emily Russell as the coach for the K-6th grade Cross Country season April – May 2020. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Arnold Bjork seconded approval of the coaching contract as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
L. Substitute Teachers List – nil.
M. Transportation Contract(s). Shawn McDonough moved, and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded approval of the transportation contracts as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
N. Before School Care Contract(s) – nil.
O. Out of District Request(s) – nil.
P. Gym & School Grounds Use Request(s) – nil.
IX. Claims – February 2020. Board approved all claims as presented.
X. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 12 March 2020, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
B. 9 April 2020, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
XI. Executive Session for Principal Evaluation. Board Chair Matt Hartle closed the meeting in order to protect the individual rights of Tami Ward, Principal. Upon re-opening the meeting, Shawn McDonough moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded approval of Tami Ward’s mid-year evaluation and of the executive session minutes. Motion passed unanimously.
XII. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:47 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

Matt Hartle, Board Chair
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CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
R = required
6000 SERIES
ADMINISTRATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

6000 Goals
R 6110 Administrator Duties and Authority
R 6110P Administrator Board Job Responsibilities
6122 Delegation of Authority
R 6410 Evaluation of Administrative Staff
6420 Professional Growth and Development

Repeal all 9000 series policies – those needed have been reworked into other policies/policy series:

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
9000 SERIES
ADMINISTRATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS
9001 Bus rental
9002 School home communications
9003 Playground inspection
9004 Commemorative Days
9005 Extracurricular – sport activity contract
9006 Students – health and safety – incident report
9007 Multi-disciplinary teams
9009 Technology mission statement
9010 Traverse wall